The unprecedented pairing of the James family members will etch a new chapter in the history of the National Basketball Association, sparking intrigue and appreciation among LeBron and Lakers fans.

Bronny James left USC after one season. He didn’t light up the scoreboard and highlight reels, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and .7 steals in 20 minutes of game action. James’ best performance was against Oregon State when he posted 15 points.

Though execs and scouts were shy about selecting Bronny James during the draft, he’ll have no better instructor for being a professional basketball player than his father and new head coach, J.J. Redick. Drafting James will also secure re-signing LeBron James Sr., who can agree to the option for another season by Jun. 29. If he re-ups with the Lakers for this season, he’s projected to earn $51.4 million.

Bronny James must first make the Los Angeles Lakers. However, father and son will grace the basketball courts together this preseason, which will tip off in October. The first will be against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 7. They will play the Warriors again on Oct. 13 at Crypto.com Arena, giving the Lakers fans their first glimpse of the James Duo on their home floor.

Jaylen Brown, who added 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists, was named the NBA Finals MVP. While averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and five assists per game, Brown was a key factor in the Celtics’ success in winning in front of the Celtics home crowd.

After accepting the Bill Russell Trophy, Brown graciously attributed part of his success to his teammate Jayson Tatum, who could have been named the MVP for his Finals performance.

“It was a full team effort,” Brown stated. “I share this with my brothers. My partner-in-crime, Jayson Tatum. He was with me the whole way. We share this s— together.”

The Celtics star Tatum was a pivotal player in the game. He scored a game-high 31 points, and was instrumental with 11 assists and eight rebounds. He averaged 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the NBA Finals.

Boston Celtics forward-guard Jaylen Brown received seven of the 11 votes for #NBAFinals MVP from a media panel covering the series. Celtics forward Jayson Tatum received the other four votes.

Complete voting results pic.twitter.com/i9g51gD10S

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 18, 2024

Also, Tatum became the sixth player in NBA history to win the championship while leading the team in points, rebounds, and assists throughout the playoffs. He joins Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, Hakeem Olajuwon, Larry Bird, and Tim Duncan as the only men to accomplish the feat.   

Jayson Tatum becomes the 6th player in NBA history to win the championship while leading their team in PTS • REB • AST in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/9YGtPemINr

— StatMamba (@StatMamba) June 18, 2024

“Jayson, I can’t talk enough about his selflessness,” Brown said. “I can’t talk enough about his attitude. It’s just how he approached not just this series or the Finals but just the playoffs in general.”

Tatum surpassed Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant for scoring 2,695 points, the most points in the NBA Playoffs by any player before the age of 27. After all the legendary Celtics to play in the other 17 NBA championship teams, Tatum is the first to score 30+ points and 10+ assists in a Finals game.

Jason Kidd (Dallas) and Joe Mazzulla (Boston) are about to add their names to a select list. They will follow in the footsteps of the 1975 NBA Finals clash between KC Jones (Washington) and Al Attles (Golden State), and the 2017 NBA Finals where Mike Brown (interim-Golden State) and Tyronn Lue (Cleveland) met. This is a rare occurrence that underscores the historical significance of the moment.

BLACK HEAD COACHES IN THE NBA FINALS

• 2024: Jason Kidd (Dallas) vs. Joe Mazzulla (Boston)
• 2017: Mike Brown (Golden State) vs. Tyronn Lue (Cleveland)
• 1975: Al Attles (Golden State) vs. K.C. Jones (Washington)

Golden State has won two NBA titles under black head coaches.

2024 NBA FINALS BLACK HEAD COACHES: JASON KIDD vs. JOE MAZZULLA

The Mavericks are on the verge of their second championship, needing just four wins. In 2011, they triumphed over the Miami Heat in the Finals. Jason Kidd, currently the head coach, served as Dallas’ point guard back then, while Dirk Nowitzki, playing as power forward, was crucial in their championship quest.

The Celtics are pursuing their 18th NBA title in the storied club’s history since their last championship in 2008. Another NBA Finals victory will eclipse the Los Angeles Lakers for the most NBA world championships.

On Thursday in Boston, Mazzulla will be on the bench for his second game. Last year, he helped head coach Ime Udoka in the NBA Finals. However, they lost the series 4-2 to the Golden State Warriors.

1975 NBA FINALS BLACK HEAD COACHES: K.C JONES vs. AL ATTLES

Jones versus Attles was the “first championship game or series in any of the major U.S. professional sports leagues to feature two black head coaches or managers.”  Also, if my memory recalls correctly, Attles – North Carolina A&T – is the first head coach from an HBCU to win an NBA title.

Attles bested Jones as the Warriors defeated the Bullets, 4-0, as Rick Barry won the 1975 NBA Finals MVP Trophy.   The future Hall of Famers a part of the series were Jamaal Wilkes, Rick Barry, Elvin Hayes, Wes Unseld, K.C. Jones (player and coach), and Al Attles (coach).

2017 NBA FINALS BLACK HEAD COACHES: MIKE BROWN vs. TYRONN LUE

During the NBA Finals, a pivotal moment in the Warriors’ journey, Mike Brown stepped up as the interim head coach. With Steve Kerr sidelined due to severe back pain, Brown took charge and led the team to a perfect 12-0 record in the 2016-17 NBA playoffs. His strategic decisions and ability to rally the team were instrumental in their ultimate victory, winning the NBA championship in five games against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

A LOOK AT THE NBA’S BLACK HEAD COACHES

In 2022, there were some unexpected dismissals of black head coaches. For example, Milwaukee let go of their first-year head coach Adrian Griffin mid-season. Despite a strong performance with a 30-13 win-loss record, which placed them second in the Eastern Conference, Griffin was released after just 43 games.

Subsequently, the Buck hired Doc Rivers but failed to reach the conference finals. Cleveland terminated J.B. Bickerstaff after he won 99 regular-season games in his final two seasons. More puzzling is that Bickerstaff had 170 wins in five seasons and guided the Cavaliers to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The 2023 Racial and Gender Report Card (RGRC), gave the NBA an A+ rating for its racial hiring practices with a score of 96.5. In the 2022-23 season, NBA officials recorded that 70.4% of the players were black and 82.5% were people of color. White players were 17.5% of the league that season. Also, only five black chief executive officers and presidents for NBA teams existed in 2022-23: Cynthia Marshall (Dallas), Fred Whitfield (Charlotte)), James Jones (Phoenix), Masai Ujiri (Toronto), and Koby Altman (Cleveland).

Hopefully, the trend of black coaches competing one-on-one for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy will continue. The two occurrences since the 1975 K.C. Jones-Al Attles meeting slightly suggest the NBA has a positive outlook for black head coaches and most men who look like them in the league.

According to a statement from Norvant Health, the facility will have 12 patient rooms where a primary care team and community health worker will be stationed to assist local patients.

“This is what this clinic is about,” Jordan said in his emotional opening remarks. “When families are not about to support, we’re there to support. If you don’t have any money, it doesn’t matter. We’re going to do whatever we can to support you. Because that’s what happened to me.” He continued, “We did it in Charlotte, and now we’re going to do it here in Wilmington. Which makes it even more special because this is home. This is where I came from. And, no matter how you see Michael Jordan, this is where I started. This is what I’m always going to be a part of.”

NBA All-Star Kevin Durant read the news report and called Michael and Deloris Jordan “two GOATS.”

2 goats who impacted the world. Much Love to the Jordans and everything they do! https://t.co/ZKVRBlcXdy

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) May 10, 2024

“We are tremendously grateful to Michael Jordan for his philanthropic support of our efforts to close health equity gaps. The Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medicine Clinics in Charlotte provided more than 9,000 patient visits last year and are delivering profound benefits in the community. We’re excited to expand this model in Wilmington, where the clinic team will provide life-changing care,” senior vice president of Novant Health Ann Caulkins said.

“As the president of the Big Man Alliance, you’re the vice president of the Big Man Alliance.  You know I love you. [As] the best player in the league, I want to congratulate you,” Shaq told Jokic.  He began the interview with a congratulatory message but then dropped this bombshell:  “I want you to hear it from me first. I thought SGA [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] should have been the MVP.  There’s no disrespect to you. But, congratulations.”

Sharpe and Gilbert Arenas called O’Neal “Apex Predator” and insinuated that “Shaq hates every big man…because that’s his position.”

Shaq caught Shannon Sharpe in his crosshairs first on social media then dropped this: “You’re way beneath me. Your whole demeanor faker than the rapper beef be.”

Listen to the track here…

Ryan Garcia “Number One” (Shaq Remix) – Official Diss Track

@SHAQ

OUT NOW: https://t.co/lLIn840D0B pic.twitter.com/vZVLyz5Ktv

— Playmaker (@playmaker) May 10, 2024

It’s time these 50+year old great sports legends call a truce and let the youngin’s beef!

Well, Denny [Hamlin, co-owner] keeps saying I was bad luck when I come to the track,” a thrilled Michael Jordan told Fox Sports’ Jamie Little. “And today, we proved them wrong. I mean, black, actually, he did a good job by wrecking so we can get up front. That was actually pretty good. But, you know, I think Tyler [Reddick] did a good job. Unfortunately, Bubba couldn’t finish, but, you know, the team whole team did a good job. And, look, I’m very I’m very happy to be here to see it. I always, you know, everybody tells me when we win, we can have a good celebration, but this is the first time I’ve been here.”

It’s the first time he’s been at the track for a @23XIRacing win.

Michael Jordan talks with @JamieLittleTV from Victory Lane at Talladega!@Jumpman23 | @TylerReddick pic.twitter.com/P0skwWY0bp

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 21, 2024

After winning the race, Jordan lifted Reddick’s son in the air and high-fived him as he exclaimed, “How about that!”

Reddick, 28, became a part of the 23XI Racing family on Oct. 15, 2022, stepping in to fill the shoes of Kurt Busch after they bought out his contract with RCR. Last season, he showcased his prowess by clinching victories at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix and the 2023 Hollywood Casino 400 in 36 races.  

What an insane finish. Tyler Reddick avoids the big one and gets his first win of the season and first career win at Talladega. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/CeYyUHwZPR

— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) April 21, 2024

“It replaces a lot of competitiveness that I had in basketball, but this is even worse because I have no control. If I was playing basketball, I have total control, but I have no control. So I live vicariously through the drivers and all the, you know, crew chiefs and everybody,” Jordan concluded.

The game will be on Tuesday, Apr. 23, with a tip-off at 8:30 PM ET on NBA TV. Former NBA stars Jim Jackson and Dennis Scott will lead the announcing, with Jackson as the analyst and Scott as the reporter.

After her impressive rookie coaching campaign, Harding received the 2024 NBA G League Coach of the Year honors voted by her fellow head coaches and league general managers.

The Kings lost 114-107 to the Oklahoma City Blue in the Western Conference Finals on Apr. 7.

If the Charlotte Hornets decide to bring Lindsey Harding on board, she will make history as the first woman and black female head coach in the National Basketball League.

Harding, 39, was recruited to Duke University after a highly successful high school career with Cy-Fair High School in the greater Houston area. After four years with the Blue Devils, the Phoenix Mercury selected her as the first overall draft pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft.

Her professional playing career spanned from 2007 to 2017 in the WNBA and Europe. Harding officially hung up her basketball shoes after nine seasons and six teams in the league. She averaged 9.8 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 270 games during her WNBA career.

The retired veteran accepted the head coach position with the South Sudanese Women’s national basketball team in 2021. Harding was named the head coach for Mexico’s national women’s basketball squad the following year. On June 20, 2023, the Stockton Kings named her the team’s new head coach.

O’Shea Jackson Sr, aka Ice Cube, was a founding member of the legendary rap group N.W.A. with famous artists and producers Eazy-E (Eric Wright) and Dr. Dre (Andre Young). Later, he branched off into acting in John Singleton’s ‘Boyz N The Hood’ and wrote, directed, and acted in the highly successful Friday movies.

The inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award is a groundbreaking collaboration between the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the BIG3 basketball league visionary Ice Cube.

“I have had a deep love for basketball since my early years,” Ice Cube said. “When I embarked on the BIG3 journey, I never anticipated it would culminate to the level of having an award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame named after me. I am genuinely elated and honored.”

The award aims to recognize Ice Cube’s remarkable contributions to basketball, unparalleled passion for the game, steadfast commitment to fostering dialogues on inclusivity, equal opportunity, and racial and social justice, and significant contributions to education and community development initiatives.

“The Hall of Fame honors those whose contributions have had a significant impact on the sport at every level,” John Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, on creating an award on Ice Cube’s behalf. “The creation of the Ice Cube Impact Award further advances our foundational mission to preserve and promote the game of basketball and to be a force for positive change in the world. Ice Cube has created opportunities in basketball, music, and entertainment and continues to inspire millions through his efforts. This new exhibit and the annual trophy will honor both Ice Cube and the community leaders who use James Naismith’s ideals to build better communities.”

EVENT DETAILS

Sunday, January 14

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

1000 Hall of Fame Avenue | Springfield, MA | 01105

• 11:00 AM-12:15 PM – Clinic with local youth organizations at Center Court featuring Ice Cube and Hall of Famer and current BIG3 coach Nancy Lieberman [NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC]
• 1:00-2:00 PM – Hoophall Hangout at Center Court (Q&A with Ice Cube; hosted by Lieberman)
• 2:30-3:00 PM – Ribbon cutting ceremony and unveiling of the Ice Cube Impact Award exhibit in the Tip-Off Pavilion, followed by media availability

Monday, January 15

Springfield College – Blake Arena

263 Alden Street | Springfield, MA | 01109

• 12:30 PM – Media Availability in Room 117 (adjacent to Media Room 119)
• 1:00 PM – Halftime of Hoophall Classic – Ice Cube Award Presentation

About Ice Cube

Ice Cube, a legendary figure in the world of music and entertainment, has proven time and time again that his talents and passions extend far beyond the realm of music and movies. While initially gaining fame as a groundbreaking rap group N.W.A. member, Ice Cube has since carved out a multifaceted career that spans acting, directing, producing, and even sports ownership. Following N.W.A., Ice Cube pursued a successful solo music career. He later established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry through his acting roles and contributions to filmmaking, starring in numerous films such as “Boyz n the Hood,” “Friday,” and “Barbershop.” In 2017, he co-founded the BIG3, which aimed to bring an exciting 3-on-3 basketball league featuring former NBA stars and other professional players to fans. Among Ice Cube’s many awards and honors, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of N.W.A. in 2016 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017.