In the wake of the Jacob Blake shooting, the NBA postponed all of their games on Wednesday night. Four MLB games were postponed. Several NFL teams called off practice. On the homepage of all of […]
Tag: NBA
Kobe Bryant dies at 41: the life lessons we remember in tragedy
NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13 year old daughter Giana, and seven others died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California today.
I’ve been struck by the widespread response online.
Undoubtedly, it’s a tragedy that nine people died. But Bryant’s death has seemed to strike a cord with our society, even from people who aren’t basketball fans (or sports fans).
The cost of becoming famous
In an international incident, three UCLA basketball players were detained in China for stealing sunglasses. One of them was LiAngelo Ball, younger brother of Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball. The Ball family has come to prominence in the world of sporting news in large part due to the outspoken patriarch of the family: LaVar.
This week, the family announced that LaVar has pulled LiAngelo out of school (which is still confusing how a grown man gets pulled out of school, but it fits the overbearing m.o. of LaVar). As with everything, LaVar has made a spectacle out of the situation. He tried to justify the players, arguing that they weren’t punished further in China, so why should they face consequences now that they’re back here n the United States?
The Ball family has their own reality show called Ball in the Family, which is clearly their attempt to be like the Kardashians (and the two shows are produced by the same group). LaVar is also often times trying to hock products from their Big Baller Brand apparel line.
LeBron’s historic finals: greatest player of all time
No one thought Cleveland would win this series. Golden State had had the winningest season of all time. They had won last year. Cleveland was overmatched, didn’t have the depth. It was the best player in the game (Steph Curry) vs LeBron, who’s past his prime, a shadow of his former greatness.
And the series began as many expected. Golden State up 2-0. Cleveland responded well at home but lost a hard fought game four. The series was effectively over. Many expected the team to roll over. In game 5, without Draymond Green, the Cavs dominated. In game six, with Green back, Cleveland wouldn’t be able to keep up. But the won again.
Josh Benner 