🏀Nba news

Kobe Bryant: "I Would Take LeBron James" Over Shaq

Kobe Bryant sat down with ESPN’s Jemele Hill in an exclusive interview touching on a range of topics, but, of course, one comment has the internet buzzing.

When discussing the new All-Star🌟 Game format, the Black Mamba, with no hesitation, said if he was a captain in an All-Star Draft back in 2005 he would not have drafted Shaq, because he wants LeBron James.

“Are you kidding me?”, exclaimed  the Black Mamba when asked if he would pick Shaq over LBJ.

Channing Frye Says Goodbye to Cavs Fans

Moments after reportedly being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, Channing Frye shared a final farewell with Cleveland Cavaliers fans, as only he can.

Taking to his Instagram page, Frye thanked Cavs fans and the city of Cleveland. He then proceeded to warn his now-former teammates not to shoot 0⃣ of 6⃣ from 3⃣-point range, as he did in the Cavs' overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, or they too may find themselves trade.

Cavs Trade IT & Channing Frye to Lakers for Larry Nance Jr. & Jordan Clarkson

The Lakers said goodbye to two of their most productive role players on Thursday, agreeing to trade Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. to Cleveland in exchange for 2⃣-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye and a first-round pick.

The trade gets the Lakers out from under the final two years and $26 million owed on the contract Clarkson signed in 2016.

Thomas and Frye both have expiring contracts, allowing the Lakers to gear up for a big-spending summer in 2018 if they can lure Paul George or LeBron James in free agency or, if not, for the following summer.

Isaiah Thomas automatically becomes the Lakers most dynamic player, but given his pending free agency and the Lakers commitment to Lonzo Ball as the point guard of the future, it’s unclear whether the Lakers would have interest in keeping him beyond this season.

The prize of this trade for Cleveland is Larry Nance Jr. The 25-year-old still on his rookie-scale contract through next season is an athletic hustle player who finds ways to score near the basket. The Cavaliers surely hope he’ll bring some of what Jae Crowder was supposed to provide at forward, though Nance’s non-existent outside shooting is an issue.

Clarkson plays far better on the ball than off, but when will the ball go through him in Cleveland? Not if he starts with LeBron (and Kevin Love once Love gets healthy for the playoffs). Probably not even on reserve-heavy units helmed by Dwyane Wade. Clarkson certainly won’t help the Cavs’ awful defence, either.

The Bulls will Trade Jameer Nelson to The Detroit Pistons

The first move of NBA trade deadline day wasn’t exactly a blockbuster, as it was a minimum contract swap in the Central division.

The Pistons, still looking for backcourt depth around their star frontcourt, looked to the Bulls for help and found some in the form of Jameer Nelson.

Nelson was acquired in the Bulls’ trade with the Pelicans, in which Chicago sent Nikola Mirotic to New Orleans. No one expected Nelson to stay in Chicago beyond the deadline, but he was expected to be kept around in case a trade opportunity such as this arose.

Willie Reed did not spend much time in Detroit, as he was part of the Blake Griffin trade and is currently serving a six-game suspension handed down by the NBA for a domestic violence incident with his wife prior to the season. Reed is a younger piece than Nelson that the Bulls may take a look at on a trial run for the end of the season before he hits free agency.

Nelson, meanwhile, reunites with Stan Van Gundy and will provide a veteran presence off the bench at the point guard spot, which is a desperate position of need in Detroit.

LeBron James is Now Cavs’ All-Time Leading Rebounder

Not only did Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James hit the game-winning shot in a thrilling 140-138 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he also had a tremendous overall game.

In 48 minutes played, James shot a wildly-efficient 16-for-22 from the field for 37 points and added 15 rebounds and 10 assists for his ninth triple-double of the year.

On the season, James is putting up MVP-type numbers once again, averaging 26.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 8.6 assists in 36.8 minutes per contest.

When he pulled down his eighth rebound in the game against Minnesota, James became Cleveland’s all-time leader. Now, he’s the third player in NBA history to lead a franchise in points, rebounds and assists, joining Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls and Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

James passed Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ mark of 5,904 rebounds to earn the franchise’s top spot. Considering the fact that he doesn’t seem to be slowing down with age at all, James’ all-time marks in these categories could be astounding when he decides to retire.

 Phoenix Suns’ Legend Steve Nash turns 44

The great Phoenix Suns’ point guard, Steve Nash, is turning 44 years old today.

Nashty was drafted by the Suns in 1996 with the 15th overall pick in the NBA Draft. After two seasons in the Valley, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks where he proved himself to be a star alongside Dirk Nowitzki. In 2003, the Mavs rolled to the Western Conference Finals but fell to the San Antonio Spurs in six games.

The next season, a contract year for Nash, the team took a first-round exit in the playoffs. Dallas’ front office was reluctant to sign the then 30-year-old to a long-term deal, and in the end, was outbid by the Suns.

Nash signed a six-year, $63 million dollar deal to return to the team that he was drafted to, and the rest is history. It was here that the Floor General’s career took flight.

As far as NBA credentials, the list is quite lengthy:

 2x MVP, both as a member of the Suns.

 8x All-Star.

 3x All-NBA First Team, all as a member of the Suns.

 2x All-NBA Second Team.

 2x All-NBA Third Team.

 5x NBA Assist Leader, all as a member of the Suns.