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☆ ‘Different Than Anybody Who’s Ever Played’: The Victor Wembanyama Era Arrives
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Robert O Connell | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

As the NBA career of French phenom Victor Wembanyama has gotten underway, Gregg Popovich, his coach with the San Antonio Spurs, has preached patience. Through the 19-year-old’s first four games this season, reserving judgment seemed wise. Wembanyama was scintillating at times—launching his 7-foot-4-inch frame to swallow up opponents’ shots or reach to the rim for long-distance slams—and aimless at others, fumbling passes and drifting around the floor. But his fifth game, Thursday night, brought a breakout to test even the most measured fan’s restraint. According to Stats Perform, two other teenagers in NBA history have matched the line since 1973-74: Kevin Durant, who scored 28 for the Suns on Thursday, and LeBron James.

Persons: Victor Wembanyama, Gregg Popovich, old’s, Wembanyama, —, aimless, — Wembanyama, Kevin Durant, LeBron James Organizations: NBA, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Spurs, Suns

☆ NBA In-Season Tournament: What is it, how will it work and how to watch
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The 2023-24 NBA season may only have gotten underway last week, but this year, teams won’t need to wait until the NBA Finals in June to have the chance of lifting some silverware. How to watchIn the US, 14 group games and all seven knockout-round games will be nationally televised on ESPN or TNT, while international viewers will be able to watch on NBA League Pass. FormatThe inaugural In-Season Tournament begins on November 3 and ends with the championship game on December 7 – and every game except the title game will count towards regular season standings. Will LeBron James add an In-Season Tournament trophy to his four NBA titles? The NBA will, of course, be hoping for similar success for the In-Season tournament.

Persons: LeBron James, Mark J, Terrill Organizations: CNN, NBA, ESPN, TNT, Western, Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, LA Lakers, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs Eastern Conference, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons Group, Milwaukee, Milwaukee Bucks , New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic Every, Mobile, Disney Locations: Las Vegas, Sacramento, Milwaukee Bucks ,, Florida

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James had 35 points and 11 rebounds, Austin Reaves scored seven of his 15 points in overtime and the Los Angeles Lakers snapped an 11-game losing streak against the Los Angeles Clippers with a 130-125 victory Wednesday night. D'Angelo Russell scored 27 points and Anthony Davis had 27 points and 10 rebounds for the short-handed Lakers, who beat their local rivals for the first time since July 2020 in the Florida bubble. The 17-time NBA champion Lakers hadn’t beaten the Clippers on the Lakers' home court at their shared arena since Christmas 2016, also losing 11 in a row. “It’s just been a process this year of us figuring each other out as a group,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said." Leonard scored a career-high 18 points in the first quarter, hitting seven of his eight shots with four 3-pointers.

Persons: LeBron James, Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell, Anthony Davis, Lakers hadn’t, ” Reaves, ”, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, “, Tyronn Lue, George, Russell, Reaves, Leonard, James, Russell Westbrook, Christian Wood, Westbrook, “ It’s, Darvin Ham, P.J, Tucker, Harden, ” Lue, They’re, Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood, Prince, Hachimura, ” Leonard, “ They’re, ” George, ___ Organizations: ANGELES, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Lakers, NBA, Clippers, ” Clippers, Sacramento, ” Lakers, Philadelphia, Los, Southern, NEXT Clippers, New York, Monday, Orlando Locations: Florida, Los Angeles, Southern California, warmups, New

☆ LeBron James’ big night carries Lakers past Clippers in overtime as James Harden trade is made official
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

For the shorthanded Lakers – missing five key contributors through injury – James filled out the box score as his squad ended its 11-game losing streak against the Clippers. The exclamation point of the impressive performance came in overtime when James emphatically converted an alley-oop from Austin Reeves to effectively seal the victory. In an encounter in which the Clippers had led for the majority of play, James took over late in the day. But in the additional five minutes, Reaves scored seven of his 15 on the night as the Lakers were able to grab an important victory. New Clipper James Harden looks on from the bench during the first quarter against the Lakers.

Persons: LeBron James ’, James, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, – James, Austin Reeves, James ’, Bronny, he’s, Reeves, ” James, Johnson, Kareem, Abdul, Jabbar, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Leonard, George, James wowed, Reaves, New Clipper James Harden, Katelyn Mulcahy, James Harden, Russell Westbrook – Organizations: CNN, NBA, Lakers, Clippers, Lakers –, Showtime, New Clipper, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets Locations: Angeles

☆ Awaiting James Harden, Clippers square off with Lakers
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

November 1 - While the Los Angeles Lakers are, without question, the most popular NBA team in Southern California, the Los Angeles Clippers continue to develop into the homegrown squad. With the Lakers set to play host, the team's 12 championship banners from their Los Angeles tenure will hang over the proceedings -- the titles earning fans from multiple generations. The Clippers, though, are an assemblage of local talent, with the pending trade for 10-time All-Star James Harden only adding to that collection. Harden, a product of Artesia High School in nearby Lakewood, Calif., joins three other All-Stars from the Los Angeles area: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook. Despite the Lakers' pedigree, the Clippers have gotten the most from the teams' recent matchups.

Persons: Star James Harden, Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Russell Westbrook, Norman Powell, Harden's, Tyronn Lue, Lue, that's, Westbrook, D'Angelo Russell, Russell's, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, he's, Darvin Ham, Russell, He's, Davis, Christian Wood, James, Rui Hachimura Organizations: Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, Los Angeles Clippers, Lakers, Los, The Clippers, Star, Artesia High School, Clippers, Orlando Magic, Thomson Locations: Southern California, Los Angeles, Artesia, Lakewood, Calif, San Diego

☆ Lakers escape with tight win, hand Magic first loss
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/94] Oct 30, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) before playing against the against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Anthony Davis scored 26 points and grabbed 19 rebounds for the Lakers. However, two empty possessions for Los Angeles gave Orlando the ball with 20.6 seconds remaining. The Lakers closed the third quarter on a 9-0 run for an 81-80 advantage after the Magic held their largest lead at 80-72. Los Angeles played without forward Rui Hachimura, who came out of the Sunday game against the Kings with a left eye contusion.

Persons: Paolo Banchero, Gary A, Vasquez, D'Angelo Russell, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Gary Harris, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Markelle Fultz, Russell, Suggs, Davis, Wagner, James, Kevin Willis, Angeles, Rui Hachimura Organizations: Orlando, Los Angeles Lakers, Crypto.com, Orlando Magic, Lakers, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Magic, Thomson Locations: Los Angeles , California, USA, Orlando

☆ NBA roundup: Stephen Curry (42) guides Warriors past Pelicans
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

Mandatory Credit: Matthew Dobbins-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOctober 31 - Stephen Curry scored 42 points and the visiting Golden State Warriors routed the New Orleans Pelicans 130-102 on Monday night. Curry made 3 of 5 shots from beyond the arc and scored 16 points in the first quarter. Murray shot 17-for-24 from the field and made his first 11 field-goal attempts of the second half. Atlanta's Trae Young added a season-high 24 points with eight assists, De'Andre Hunter scored 16 points and Clint Capela blocked five shots. Minnesota also got 16 points and 10 rebounds from Karl-Anthony Towns, plus 14 points and 13 rebounds from Rudy Gobert.

Persons: Stephen Curry, Herbert Jones, Matthew Dobbins, Chris Paul, State reserve.Trayce Jackson, Davis, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, CJ McCollum, Zion Williamson, Jordan Hawkins, Matt Ryan, Jonas Valanciunas, Kira Lewis Jr, Curry, Dejounte Murray, Murray, Atlanta's Trae Young, De'Andre Hunter, Clint Capela, Anthony Edwards, Karl, Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, D'Angelo Russell, Angeles, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Gary Harris, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Wagner, Suggs, Luka Doncic, Doncic, Derrick Jones Jr, Tim Hardaway Jr, Jaren Jackson Jr, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, Nikola Vucevic, Zach LaVine, Myles Turner, Tyrese, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Kyle Kuzma, Cam Thomas, Thomas, Mikal Bridges, Lonnie Walker IV, Dorian Finney, Smith, Terry Rozier, Brandon Miller, Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon, Deandre Ayton, Scottie Barnes, Brogdon, Grant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Bobby Portis, Cameron Payne, Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, Shai Gilgeous, Alexander, Josh Giddey, Jaden Ivey, Nikola Jokic, Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler Organizations: Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Pelicans, Smoothie King Center, USA, State, Warriors, Pelicans, Timberwolves, Atlanta, Minnesota, Hawks, Lakers, Orlando, Sacramento, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Dallas, Memphis, Bulls, Pacers, Chicago, Indiana, Celtics, Washington, Wizards, Boston, Nets, Charlotte, Brooklyn, Hornets, Trail Blazers, Raptors, Portland, Toronto, Bucks, Milwaukee, Miami's, Heat, Pistons, Oklahoma City, Denver Nuggets, Thunder, Nuggets, Jazz, Denver, Utah, Thomson Locations: New Orleans , Louisiana, USA, Smoothie, Memphis, Indianapolis, Boston, Brooklyn, Miami, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Detroit, Utah

☆ NBA roundup: Malik Monk delivers in OT as Kings edge Lakers
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Nuggets 128, Thunder 95Nikola Jokic scored 28 points with 14 rebounds and five assists as Denver coasted past host Oklahoma City. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was just 2-of-16 from the floor, finishing with seven points, his lowest scoring total since December 2019. Alperen Sengun added 19 points and seven assists while Jabari Smith Jr. chipped in 14 points and eight boards. Onyeka Okongwu added 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds, and Saddiq Bey scored 13 points with nine rebounds. Malik Beasley scored 18 points, Brook Lopez had 13 points and Bobby Portis scored 12 points off the bench for the Bucks.

Persons: Malik Monk, LeBron James, Cary Edmondson, Kevin Huerter, De'Aaron Fox, Sabonis, Monk, James, Anthony Davis, Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr, Jamal Murray, Peyton Watson, Chet Holmgren, Shai Gilgeous, Alexander, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Green, Curry, Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, Embiid, Shaedon Sharpe, Malcolm Brogdon, Bogdan Bogdanovic's, Bogdanovic, Onyeka Okongwu, Saddiq Bey, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Malik Beasley, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Victor Wembanyama, Paul George, Russell Westbrook, Bones Hyland, Ivica Zubac, Devin Vassell, Cedi Osman Organizations: Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Lakers, Nuggets, Thunder, Denver, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Warriors, Rockets, Golden State, Houston, 76ers, Blazers, Philadelphia, Toronto, Hawks, Bucks, Atlanta, Milwaukee, Clippers, Spurs, Utah Jazz, Thomson Locations: Sacramento , California, USA, Sacramento, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Portland, Angeles, Antonio

☆ Magic Johnson is now a billionaire, decades after turning down a Nike deal that could have netted him $5B
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Tom Porter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Basketball icon Magic Johnson has been declared a billionaire by Forbes. Johnson recently revealed he passed on an early chance to buy Nike shares that could've netted him billions. AdvertisementAdvertisementForbes magazine has declared basketball star Magic Johnson a billionaire, decades after he lost out on a Nike deal that could have netted him $5 billion. The Nike deal would've seen Johnson paid $1 for every pair of trainers sold and 100,000 shares in company stock. Back then, Nike shares were worth around 18 cents each, while today they are valued at around $100, so a shares deal would've been hugely more profitable long term.

Persons: Magic Johnson, He's, Johnson, could've, —, Earvin Johnson, would've, Forbes, Johson, MLB's, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tiger Woods Organizations: Forbes, Nike, Service, LA Lakers, Converse, Sparks, MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers, MLS, PepsiCo, NBA Locations: Iowa

HOUSTON (AP) — Chris Paul came off the bench for the first time in his NBA career Sunday. Paul entered Golden State's game at Houston as a substitute, checking in with 6:58 left in the first quarter. Including playoffs, Paul started the first 1,365 games of his NBA career. “But at the end of the day it's basketball.”Political Cartoons View All 1223 ImagesThe question — would Paul start or not? Paul started the last 25 games of his college career, and then every game of his 19 NBA seasons until Sunday.

Persons: — Chris Paul, Paul, Green —, —, “, ” Paul, Steve Kerr, Paul —, LeBron James, Philadelphia's P.J, Tucker, Golden, Chris, ” Kerr, ‘, ’, ” Green, Stephen Curry, Steph Curry, Chris Paul, Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard —, Irving, James, Phoenix's Kevin Durant, Tim Duncan, Karl Malone didn’t, Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan didn’t, Paul didn’t, Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant, Temple, ” Organizations: HOUSTON, NBA, Golden, Houston, Warriors, Golden State, Los Angeles Lakers, 833rd, Dallas, of Fame Locations: Golden, .

But the action that will have longer-term ramifications for the league, and the media and entertainment landscape, is happening off the court. The companies holding the rights to show N.B.A. Discovery, the parent company of TNT — are collectively paying the league $24 billion over nine years for that privilege. Interest rates are high, Wall Street is demanding profitability over growth, and streaming has reconfigured the entertainment industry. The result of the N.B.A.’s negotiations will say a lot about the future of broadcast networks, the cable bundle, streaming services and the sports media ambitions of technology companies.

Persons: LeBron James, Nikola Jokic Organizations: Basketball, Disney, ESPN, ABC, Warner Bros, TNT

☆ Look of the Week: LeBron James flies the flag for the man bag
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Leah Dolan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Four-time NBA champion LeBron James is the latest male celebrity to be spotted out and about wearing a high-fashion bag. James arrived in Denver wearing a green Louis Vuitton Speedy bag. Jacob Elordi was seen this summer in an array of it bags, including this burgundy Valentino Loco bag. Indeed, men wearing bags are consistently the butt of jokes in internet memes, comic strips, and even stand-up comedy sets. Doubtless it’s a dedication appreciated by the likes of James, Elordi, A$AP and Tyler, whose street style looks contribute further proof — were any needed — that man purses are enjoying a newfound socio-cultural appreciation.

Persons: LeBron James, James, Louis Vuitton, Garrett Ellwood, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Jacob Elordi, Sofia Coppola’s, “ Priscilla ”, Burberry Sanford, Valentino, James ’, “, ”, Tyler, — Tyler, Alessandro Levati, Joey, Chandler, Ross, Andrew Schulz, Rocky, Jackson Lee, Pharrell, Elordi Organizations: CNN, Ball, LA Lakers, Denver’s Nuggets, Burberry, tote, GQ Magazine, Louis Vuitton Locations: Denver , Colorado, Denver, bro

☆ Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover, the platform and its cultural impact have fundamentally changed
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Brian Fung | Clare Duffy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +16 min

Here’s a (non-exhaustive) account of how Musk has fundamentally changed Twitter since he made one of the most consequential acquisitions of the social media age. Many of Musk’s content and product decisions have also led to what civil society groups have reported as a troubling spread of hateful speech on the platform. He recommended that X users monitor the Israel-Hamas conflict by following an account known for spreading disinformation, before later deleting his post. And, in an attempt to prove that former Twitter executives deliberately discriminated against conservatives on the platform, Musk provided a handpicked group of journalists with selective access to company records. It is perhaps Musk’s all-consuming presence that has most undermined what users used to love about Twitter.

Persons: New York CNN — It’s, Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino —, Yaccarino, ” Yaccarino, —, it’s, Here’s, Musk, he’s, Donald Trump, LeBron James, James, ”, X, General Mills, ” Weeks, “ Elon, what’s, “, Paul Pelosi, Dilbert, Scott Adams, George Soros, Joe Biden’s, Ron DeSantis ’, Robert F, Kennedy, Jr, Tucker Carlson, Vivek Ramaswamy, Benjamin Netanyahu, Hunter Biden Organizations: New, New York CNN, Elon, Twitter, US Federal Trade Commission, Securities, Exchange Commission, EU, Premium, Nintendo, NPR, PBS, Volkswagen, —, Center, Defamation League, Wall Street, Florida Republican Gov, Fox, New York, Trump Locations: New York, Israel, United States, breakeven, New

☆ Soccer’s LeBron James Has Arrived
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Joshua Robinson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

When Birmingham City said goodbye to its best player in recent memory, the club took a page straight out of the American sports playbook. Midfielder Jude Bellingham had been more than a star for the Blues. They viewed him as an era-defining, homegrown talent, who represented the very best that the team and English soccer had to offer. So Birmingham City decided to retire his jersey. “Jude has become an iconic figure,” the club said.

Persons: Jude Bellingham, “ Jude Organizations: Birmingham City, Blues, Bellingham Locations: Birmingham

☆ Victor Wembanyama struggles with foul trouble in NBA debut as San Antonio Spurs lose to Dallas Mavericks
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —After months of anticipation, Victor Wembanyama finally made his official NBA debut on Wednesday night in the San Antonio Spurs’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The top pick in this year’s draft, Wembanyama only played 23 minutes after struggling with foul trouble throughout. “One of the toughest things for a player is to get into foul trouble,” Popovich said, per ESPN. I thought he had a wonderful outing considering that.”ReturningAs Wembanyama made his full NBA debut, another generational talent also made headlines on Wednesday. “No matter how much I train, workout, play pickup, it’s nothing like a real NBA game.”

Persons: Victor Wembanyama, Frenchman, Wembanyama, ” Wembanyama, ”, Luka Dončić, Dončić, Jeremy Sochan, Andrew D, Bernstein, Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr, Grant Williams, Dereck Lively, Devin Vassell, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Yao Ming, Yao, he’s, “, Irving, Gregg Popovich, ” Popovich, didn’t, Zion Williamson, Williamson, ” Williamson Organizations: CNN, NBA, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Spurs, ESPN, Mavericks, Texas, Houston Rockets, Reuters, “, New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, Grizzlies Locations: Slovenian, Antonio, Wembanyama

☆ Nikola Jokic, Nuggets begin title defense by downing Lakers
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/50] Oct 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Christian Wood (35) before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports Acquire Licensing RightsOctober 25 - Nikola Jokic had 29 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, Jamal Murray scored 21 points and the host Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 119-107 to begin defense of their title on Tuesday night. Los Angeles got back within 11 but a 3-pointer from Porter and a layup by Jokic closed it out. Los Angeles got within five to start the second half, but the Nuggets recovered and took a 16-point lead late in the third quarter. The Lakers scored the final nine points of the quarter, and a 3-pointer from Russell made it 87-80 heading into the fourth.

Persons: Christian Wood, Isaiah J, Downing, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr, Kentavious Caldwell, Pope, Aaron Gordon, LeBron James, Taurean Prince, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell, Jokic, Murray, Caldwell, Gordon, Angeles, Porter, Reggie Jackson, Jackson, Russell Organizations: Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Ball, USA, Nuggets, Los, The Lakers, Denver, ., Jokic, Lakers, Thomson Locations: Denver , Colorado, USA, Los Angeles, Caldwell, Angeles

☆ Victor Wembanyama: How to watch French star make highly anticipated NBA debut for San Antonio Spurs
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —It’s the moment basketball fans – in particular San Antonio Spurs supporters – have been waiting for. On Wednesday night, French sensation Victor Wembanyama will play in his first NBA game when the Spurs welcome the Dallas Mavericks. Widely regarded as the most exciting NBA prospect since LeBron James, the No. One moment during the Spurs’ preseason game against the Golden State Warriors showcased this movement perfectly. 'Wemby' is the hottest NBA prospect since LeBron James.

Persons: CNN —, –, Victor Wembanyama, LeBron James, Frenchman, Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Wembanyama, Wiggins, Kyle Terada, Oscar –, Michel De Fautereau, he’d, Michaël Allard, Timothy A, Clary, Allard Organizations: CNN, San Antonio Spurs, NBA, Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Warriors, Reuters, Paris University Club, Nanterre, Getty, Mavericks, ESPN Locations: France, AFP

☆ Wembanyama is a talent beyond compare, says Yao
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

NEW YORK, Oct 25 (Reuters) - France's Victor Wembanyama possesses a talent that defies comparison, retired great Yao Ming told Reuters, as the seven-foot four-inch (2.24-metre) rookie makes his highly anticipated National Basketball Association (NBA) regular-season debut on Wednesday. "I never see a big guy like, you know, (who) can do such a thing like he does," said Yao, an eight-times NBA All-Star who stands two inches (five cms) taller than Wembanyama. Yao spent his entire NBA career with the Houston Rockets and remains an iconic figure of Chinese sport after fuelling the popularity of the NBA in his home country. The Hall of Famer was reluctant to offer advice to Frenchman Wembanyama, who enters the NBA at a time of unprecedented international participation in the league. "He has his own expedition to go (on)," said Yao, who was travelling to New York as part of a some 30-person Chinese delegation this week.

Persons: Victor Wembanyama, Yao Ming, LeBron James, Yao, Frenchman Wembanyama, I'm, Amy Tennery, Echo Wang, Clare Fallon Organizations: Reuters, Basketball Association, San Antonio Spurs, Texan, Dallas Mavericks, NBA, Houston Rockets, Famer, Thomson Locations: New York

☆ Nikola Jokić leads Denver Nuggets to victory over LA Lakers as title defense begins on NBA Opening Night
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Nikola Jokić led the Denver Nuggets to a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on opening night of the 2023-24 season as the NBA champions began their campaign to secure a second successive ring. Two-time NBA MVP Jokić finished with a triple-double – 29 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists – as the Nuggets won 119-107 at Ball Arena in Colorado. But it was the defending NBA champion which got its season off to the perfect start, with clear aspirations of repeat success. Who wants another?” Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said during the team’s ring ceremony. On one side, there are the words “WORLD CHAMPIONS” with the Denver Nuggets retro logo and the team’s regular season record.

Persons: Nikola Jokić, Jokić, –, LeBron James, “, Michael Malone, James dribbles, Justin Tafoya, Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell, Pope, ” Jokić, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant –, Booker, Steph Curry Organizations: CNN, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, Nuggets, Ball Arena, Ball, Miami Heat, Western, Lakers, Denver, Suns, Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors Locations: Colorado, Los Angeles, Serbia

What the Denver Nuggets really relished, though, was opening defense of the franchise's first NBA title with a 119-107 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. “I think we controlled the game the whole time,” said Jokic, who had 29 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. Murray added 21 points, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 20, Aaron Gordon had 15 and Michael Porter Jr. had 12. Taurean Prince scored 18 points his his debut for the Lakers, his fifth team in nine seasons. The slight upset Charles Barkley, the co-host of TNT's “Inside the NBA,” who apologized to the Nuggets and their fans for the omission.

Persons: ” Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic's, LeBron James, Jokic, ”, Murray, Kentavious Caldwell, Pope, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr, James, ” Murray, ” James, I'm, Taurean Prince, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell, Porter, “, Darvin Ham, Gordon, Michael Malone, “ Jason, Let’s, Malone, Brendan Malone, ” Malone, JOKIC, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum —, Charles Barkley, Barkley, Bruce Brown, ” Barkley, ___ Organizations: DENVER, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Nuggets, Lakers, ” Lakers, Beverly, Detroit Pistons, ”, Western, Miami, NBA, TNT, Suns, Warriors, Celtics, Indiana Pacers Locations: Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Sombor, Serbia, Memphis

☆ NBA 2023-24 season: How to watch and everything you need to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

So before tip-off, here is everything you need to know ahead of the new NBA season. How to watchThe 78th NBA regular season will begin on Tuesday, October 24, running until Sunday, April 14, 2024. Games will be broadcast across TNT, ESPN, ABC, NBA TV and ESPN Radio in the US over the season, while NBA TV and NBA League Pass will broadcast games internationally. The dominant talking point of the NBA offseason was what color jersey Damian Lillard would be putting on this season. Holiday dribbles during the second half of the Celtics' preseason game against the New York Knicks.

Persons: There’s, Damian Lillard, Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Antetokounmpo, Adam Pantozzi, “ I’ve, I’ve, ’, Giannis, “, Sarah Phipps, ”, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Porziņģis, Joe Mazzulla, Maddie Meyer, –, Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Bruce Brown, Jeff Green, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Durant’s, didn’t, Beal, Frank Vogel, who’s, Larry O’Brien, Ja Morant, – Kawhi Leonard, Paul George –, Zion Williamson, Victor Wembanyama, Frenchman, Wembanyama, Gregg Popovich, LeBron James, Garrett Ellwood, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren, Holmgren, Scoot Henderson –, Thompson, Ausar Organizations: CNN, National Basketball Association, NBA, TNT, ESPN, ABC, NBA TV, ESPN Radio, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee, Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics, Lakers, Bucks, Milwaukee’s, Los Angeles Lakers, “, Oklahoma City Thunder, Eastern Conference, Celtics, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Denver, Jokić, Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks, Suns, Grizzlies, Clippers, Pelicans, Warriors, Timberwolves, Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Spurs ’, Heat, Oklahoma City, Thunder, Summer League, Spurs, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons Locations: Las Vegas, Oregon, Boston, East, Sacramento Kings, Alamo City

☆ LeBron James, Peyton Manning and Obamas Plan Basketball Series for Netflix
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Jessica Toonkel | Isabella Simonetti | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Peyton Manning and LeBron James are in talks to create a show that would follow professional basketball players. Photo: Getty Images (2)Two of the biggest legends in sports, LeBron James and Peyton Manning , are looking to join forces in the entertainment world. James’s entertainment company, SpringHill Company, is in talks with Manning’s Omaha Productions to create a show—modeled on the hit Netflix series “Quarterback”—that would follow the lives of professional basketball players, according to people familiar with the situation.

Persons: Peyton Manning, LeBron James, ” — Organizations: SpringHill Company, Manning’s Omaha Productions

☆ In the NBA of 2023, It’s Geezers vs. Gen Z
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( Robert O Connell | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

After his Los Angeles Lakers lost a two-point game to the Denver Nuggets, ending their season in the Western Conference Finals last May, LeBron James considered his place in the sport and his relationship to the passage of time. At a podium in L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena, James ran his fingers over his beard and raised the specter of retirement. “Just for me, personally, going forward with the game of basketball,” he said, “I’ve got a lot to think about.”

Persons: LeBron James, James, “, ”, “ I’ve Organizations: Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Western Locations: L.A

Not when he was so ineffective in his return from back surgery that Simmons couldn't even protest much when he was bounced first from his normal position, then eventually from Nets coach Jacque Vaughn's rotation entirely. “It’s hard for a coach to really trust and believe in you when he’s not seeing it, right?” Simmons said. It gives the Nets hope that, no longer with Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving, at least they now have the old Ben Simmons. “Ben Simmons going downhill is a problem,” said Doc Rivers, who coached Simmons in Philadelphia and is now an ESPN analyst. Simmons, used to his game being scrutinized in both his NBA homes, won't say much beyond that he is finally healthy again.

Persons: Ben Simmons, “, ” Simmons, Simmons, Jacque Vaughn's, he’s, I’m, you’re, Vaughn, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, they’ve, Nick Nurse, LeBron James, “ Ben Simmons, ”, Doc Rivers, ” Rivers, Steve Nash, Durant, Irving, Simmons wasn't, Simmons couldn't, ” Vaughn, Ben, Rivers, Magic Johnson, “ I’m, it’s Organizations: Star, Nets, ” 76ers, Lakers, NBA, ESPN, The Nets Locations: Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Las Vegas, Miami

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bronny James joined his Southern California teammates in a preseason fan event at Galen Center on Thursday night. The freshman went into cardiac arrest during a workout at Galen Center in late July. James is attending classes and spending time around his teammates. Political Cartoons View All 1211 ImagesThe Trojans open the season Nov. 6 against Kansas State in Las Vegas. ___Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 Basketball Polls throughout the season.

Persons: — Bronny James, James, LeBron James, Andy Enfield, Forward Brandon Gardner dunked, Caleb Williams, Gardner, ___ Organizations: ANGELES, Southern, Galen Center, Los Angeles Lakers, USC, Kansas State, AP Locations: Southern California, Las Vegas

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