Showing posts with label LA Clippers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LA Clippers. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Despite place among the front-runners, Clippers remain meh on standings – Redlands Daily Facts

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PLAYA VISTA — Clippers fans in L.A. might be crowing about the fact that their team is in first place, but the Clippers themselves say they aren’t paying any attention to the Western Conference standings, nor to any of the “noise” stirred by their surprise ascension.

They’re not even tempted to, said forward Tobias Harris, surmising that even if they did, “we could be about three losses away from 10th place, so …”


At 13-6, the Clippers were, as of practice Tuesday morning, technically .002 of a percentage point ahead of the Golden State Warriors (15-7). They also were one of seven teams within 2-1/2 games of first place.

“We showed after the last 15-20 games that we can be a very good team,” veteran center Marcin Gortat said. “But we can’t forget there’s 60 more to go. Let’s not get excited.

“I’ve been on the teams that played well, and 15-20 games in we were thinking about which team we’re going to play in the playoffs, from what position we’re going to play. The next thing you know, you barely make the playoffs from an eighth spot. So you’ve got to slow down and calm down.”

“I don’t even count record,” said Clippers Coach Doc Rivers, repeating what’s become something of a mantra. “I just thought we were gonna be good, and I think we are. And I think we’re gonna get a lot better.”

EXACTLY HOW OPEN?


Rivers could be right, with chemistry continuing to build between his players, including Gortat and Harris – who said he received messages congratulating him from just about every teammate when it was announced Monday he’d been named Western Conference Player of the Week.

Harris said the player of the week honor was a testament to the Clippers’ 3-1 record between Nov. 19 and Sunday. It’s also a reflection of his improved production on pick-and-roll plays – and that is a testament, Harris said, of being able to wield the Polish Hammer.

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“Part of that is a lot of those good looks have come from Gortat setting those screens,” said Harris, who is averaging a team-best 1.15 points per play post-pick, according to ESPN.com’s Kirk Goldsberry. “I mean, I watch the film and guys are way off just because of how hard he sets screens, so that helps me out a whole lot.”


“I’m very confident about setting screens for people,” the 6-foot-11, 245-pound Gortat said. “These guys know that if I’m gonna set a screen, they’re going to be open and it’s up to them to use that screen. Particularly, Tobias Harris was really good the last week. He knows that every time I set a screen, he’s going to be pretty much butt-naked open.”

Rivers said he couldn’t comment on the center’s colorful description: “I don’t know what that is,” but that he agreed with his assessment: “Yeah, Marc is a great screen-setter.”


CRAWFORD HOMECOMING


Veteran guard Jamal Crawford will lead the last-place Phoenix Suns into Staples Center on Wednesday for a meeting with his former team.

Crawford was a fan favorite among Clippers fans for five seasons, a span in which he twice was named Sixth Man of the Year.

Montrezl Harrell is they key to LA Clippers bench success

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He may not put up the same stats as other guys, but Montrezl Harrell seems to be the key to the LA Clippers bench success.

Montrezl Harrell may not be the team’s scoring leader nor the guy that fans first think of when they imagine the LA Clippers. But none of that matters. What matters is that Trezz is the key to the LA Clippers’ bench success.

This summer, the Clippers eagerly brought Harrell back on a 2 year, $12 million deal. This was very favorable for LA as Harrell and already proved his worth. Still, the 24-year-old may be already searching for his next big pay day.

Only 10 games into the season, Harrell is putting up 12.1 points, grabbing 6.0 rebounds, blocking 1.7 shots and grabbing 1.0 steals. Not one, not two, not three, but all of these are career highs. The sample size isn’t much, but Harrell has made positive strides in each of his seasons. He also seemingly doesn’t miss, converting on 64.3% of his field goals, which currently ranks 20th in the league.

Trezz has managed to stay humble through the process. He seemingly relishes his role energizing the team from the bench. When asked at a meet and greet after last night’s victory, Harrell said all he wants to do is bring energy.

That’s the right mindset. After Boban Marjanovic was given the starting role against Orlando on Friday night, Harrell didn’t make a peep. Sure, he’s more mobile and younger than Marjanovic, but perhaps he realized he is still best used as a ying to Boban’s yang.

Harrell and Marjanovic give opposing teams completely different looks on both ends of the court. Although each has their own shortcoming, the two can cause opposing coaches to adjust on the fly.

The best part? Boban can use his size and strength to wear down opposing centers. Then, enter Trezz. His sparkplug attitude off the bench will either completely tire out starting centers or force them to hit the pine in favor of their backup. Whichever the case, it has proved effective in the two games that the Clippers have employed this tactic.

Next: Intensity by Clippers has led to early success

The team may even go as Montrezl does. Yes, Lou Williams can come in any night and drop 20 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can wow us with thoughts of the future, but Harrell does something special when he enters the game. His fire and passion ignites the team and helps keep them focused. There’s hardly a statistic for that. It doesn’t matter. Clipper Nation knows.

LA Clippers put together full performance against Timberwolves

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The Los Angeles Clippers put together a full performance against the Timberwolves on Monday night, resulting in a 120-109 victory.

The LA Clippers put together a full performance on Monday night, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-109. Here are three takeaways from the victory.

Forward Combo Shines

Tobias Harris once again proved that he is the Clippers’ premiere player. He is often an unsung hero, but is currently a top-25 scorer in the league at 21.3 points per game.

His fellow front court running mate, Danilo Gallinari, actually sits at 27th in the league at 20.0 points per contest.

Last night, the two proved dangerous yet again with each tallying 22 points. The duo’s ability to score makes them potent and their versatility allows Doc Rivers to stagger lineups. According to advanced stats, the two on the court together produce an offensive rating of 111.7. Their true shooting percentage is a very solid 57.4%

If the two can keep this effort up, their scoring (combined with Lou Williams off the bench) could propel the Clippers right into the playoffs.

Bench Boost

Surprise, surprise! Lou Williams scored 20 points off of the bench. His contribution was much needed, but let’s pay a little attention to the often unsung hero of the bench unit: Mike Scott.

Scott has been sneaky good for the Clippers, doing everything he can to help win in his 12 minutes per game. Although he’s only putting up 4.1 points in his 10 appearances, you can tell that he makes the team better when he’s on the court.

Last night he was particularly effective, scoring 8 points, grabbing four rebounds and dishing out a couple of assists. In fact, he was the team high plus/minus with a +11. Scott may not always get consistent minutes, especially when Luc Mbah a Moute returns from injury, but he has proven he is an asset for this group as they fight for a playoff spot.

Montrezl

Montrezl Harrell gets his own section dedicated to him. He managed to drop 13 points off the bench, but more importantly had three steals and a charge that won’t show up in the box score. Coupled with that is his hustle, which is also hard to document (although NBA Stats is doing a great job of getting there).

Trezz apparently isn’t worried about starting (more on that later), so he deserves his own section here just so fans can appreciate the work and energy he comes in with every single night.

Next: The Significance of Rex Kalamian

The Clippers head to Portland on Wednesday night to take on the Trailblazers.

Wilder vs Fury was made for Las Vegas... so why is it at LA's Staples Center?

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It turned out Tyson Fury had jumped the gun. 

'One thing I promise,' he told Deontay Wilder as they squared off in August. 'Is that when I go to Las Vegas is I'm knocking you the f*** out!'

The proclamation prompted cheers from the crowd at Belfast's Windsor Park and seemingly let slip the sport's worst kept secret: that the biggest heavyweight fight this decade was headed for the home of boxing.


Tyson Fury vowed to knock Deontay Wilder out in Las Vegas when they met in ring in August



Tyson Fury vowed to knock Deontay Wilder out in Las Vegas when they met in ring in August


Now boxing's biggest puncher and its biggest personality collide in Los Angeles on Saturday



Now boxing's biggest puncher and its biggest personality collide in Los Angeles on Saturday

A gifted, loose-lipped British boxer against a flashy, big-punching American hope - Fury vs Wilder was a fight made for the gaudy extravagance of the Strip.

But on Saturday night, fans at the state-of-the-art T-Mobile Arena will be treated to a rendition of SexyBack rather than 12 rounds of the noble art.

For it's Justin Timberlake who headlines in Sin City this weekend, while Fury and Wilder face off 270 miles away from the glare of the bright lights - in Los Angeles.

The heavyweight showdown was confirmed on August 18, after Fury cruised to his second comeback win with victory over Francesco Pianeta in Belfast.


The 21,000-seater Staples Center in Los Angeles is the home of both the Lakers and Clippers



The 21,000-seater Staples Center in Los Angeles is the home of both the Lakers and Clippers


The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas was the other front-runner to host the heavyweight showdown



The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas was the other front-runner to host the heavyweight showdown

But more than a month later, the biggest fight of the year was still without a venue. Then, eventually, after weeks of contrasting reports and ridicule, the fight finally landed on the West Coast.

The Staples Center, home of both the LA Lakers and Clippers, had overcome Vegas' Mandalay Bay to secure the money-spinning showdown.

For the two fighters, it provided a date with destiny to work towards and also put an end to fears that the fight could be pushed back further. 

They had originally been scheduled to meet in November and the clash risked being delayed until the new year as talks over a Vegas rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao resurfaced.

Those negotiations failed but the Staples Center still won out over Sin City and New York, which boasts both Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center. 


The last big heavyweight fight at the venue was Lennox Lewis's 2003 win over Vitali Klitschko



The last big heavyweight fight at the venue was Lennox Lewis's 2003 win over Vitali Klitschko

Fury and Wilder have fought on the East Coast before but this time they went west, with the world famous MSG instead playing host to Rocky Fielding's clash with Canelo Alvarez on December 15.

WILDER V FURY ODDS 

Deontay Wilder - 4/7

Draw - 25/1

Tyson Fury - 6/4 (out from 7/5)

Source: Betway 

Since its boxing debut at the turn of the century, the 21,000-seater Staples Center has played host to some of the sport's most iconic names - Roy Jones Jnr, Oscar De La Hoya and Pacquiao among them.

It is no stranger to heavyweight showdowns, either. The Staples Center was where Lennox Lewis signed off on his incredible career with victory over the great Vitali Klitschko in 2003.

But since the 'Battle of the Titans,' the sport's blue-riband division has stayed away, with WIadimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua ensuring the home of heavyweight prizefighting has been on this side of the Atlantic in recent times.


Fury beat Steve Cunningham on the East Coast in his only previous fight in the United States



Fury beat Steve Cunningham on the East Coast in his only previous fight in the United States


Wilder, meanwhile, has fought three times at the Barclays Center in New York in recent years



Wilder, meanwhile, has fought three times at the Barclays Center in New York in recent years

Now it returns to LA with a bang as the sport's biggest puncher and one of its biggest personalities collide for the WBC title, with a shot at AJ for the undisputed crown peering over the horizon.

Not that those responsible for putting on the fight will have much time to prepare.

Timberlake continues his tour with a show at the Staples Center on Tuesday evening before basketball takes over. 

The LA Clippers face the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, after which the Lakers enjoy back-to-back home games against the Indiana Pacers and the Dallas Mavericks. 

That leaves organisers less than 24 hours to clear the court and ensure it's a home fit for the giants.

 

 

  

Lakers news: Magic Johnson must trade these TWO players to help get Kevin Durant | Other | Sport

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That’s the opinion of ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who suggests the Lakers should look at getting someone like Bradley Beal.

The Lakers have enjoyed a positive first quarter to the new season, currently sitting at 11-8 for the campaign.

They’re still not expected to challenge for a championship this year as they hope to land a top free agent such as Durant or Leonard in 2019.

But there has been some suggestion that the Lakers could look to make a move before the trade deadline in order to bolster their current roster.

The Lakers will have to compete with a host of other teams, including rivals LA Clippers to make a big move next summer.

And Smith suggests trading Ball and Ingram for a player like Beal would put them at the front of the queue for any prospective free agents.

“I really, really believe that ultimately Magic Johnson is going to move somebody,” Smith said on First Take.

“I personally believe it should be Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball.

“I think they should be traded. I think you’ve got to get a bonafide shooter up in there.

“I think the only three players that should be safe are LeBron, Kozma and Josh Hart.

“You might want to give up Josh Hart if you had to get a Bradley Beal but I don’t think you should.

“Ingram to me is not the right fit and I think if Magic makes that move then I think that makes L.A more exciting.

“Right now, it’s about ‘how much am I going to enjoy playing with these Lakers?’

“The brand of basketball matters. It’s not just the sizzle, it’s not just the paparazzi kind of atmosphere or those bright lights at Staples Center.

“You’ve got to want to play a certain style of basketball and I think Magic is going to have to make that move.”

L.A.'s new City Edition jerseys appear to leak

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The L.A. Clippers new City Edition jerseys appear to have leaked just days before their expected release.

Per Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints, a player was seen wearing the jersey the other day at practice, which may be a sign that the team is about to announce them soon. The first day teams are able to play in them are November 9th.

Several teams have unveiled their City Edition jerseys over the last couple of weeks. The new uniforms are an effort to add some more flavor to the games. After all, it can be pretty boring to see your favorite teams wear the same type of jerseys over and over again for 82 games.

But more importantly, the City Edition jerseys aim to pay tribute to the state or region represented by the team. For example, the Phoenix Suns are paying tribute to the Hispanic community in Arizona:

The Philadelphia 76ers, for their part, unveiled a Rocky-inspired design:

As for the Clippers’ jerseys, several fans have chimed in their reactions, noting that the City Edition uniforms have a retro and classic feel to it if confirmed to be the jerseys.

This black, white, and red jersey is a different design than what we’re used to seeing from the Clippers over the last few years, and if you look at the bottom-right, there is the signature of Ralph Lawler’s — the Clippers’ longtime television and radio voice.

Lawler, who has commentated over 3,000 games for the Clippers, announced that this 40th season will be his final one as the team’s voice. The City Edition jersey is a simple act of gratitude for the service that Lawler has given to the Clippers franchise.

dwyane wade

LA Clippers push women's empowerment with dating app deal

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(CNN) -
In the era of #MeToo a dating app has teamed up with a high-profile sports team to "shake up" a predominantly male-driven industry.

In March, the Los Angeles Clippers broke ground by signing a reported three-year $20 million sponsorship deal with "female empowerment" dating app Bumble, where women initiate contact with men.


The partnership launched with a #strongerwithher campaign at a Clippers game -- encouraging fans to honor women who impact their lives.

"There is a lot of fear that women are having in a time that women should have a voice, and having men who support that is incredibly important for us as women," Alex Williamson, Bumble's chief brand officer, told CNN Sport.

"That's what we're trying to do. I think the ripple effects of that are very powerful. It's really important to showcase the good guys," according to Williamson.

The Clippers -- who hired Gillian Zucker as president of business operations in 2014, one of a small but growing number of women in the top ranks of US sports -- are keen to promote their equality-driven message through the deal.

"This is a female empowerment brand and you are putting that brand on a men's sport's league jersey," Clippers' chief global partnerships officer Scott Sonnenberg told CNN sport. "That in itself is a story."

The deal places the dating app's logo as a patch on the Clippers' uniform, but extends beyond just that, according to Sonnenberg,

"With Bumble we have core values that are alike," he says, noting that the companies have worked on mentorship programs and creative programs for women in Los Angeles.

Although Bumble is best known for its dating app, it also features platforms for forming business contacts and friendships.

"We just thought it was a natural fit to open a partnership together for a common goal," added Sonnenberg.

READ: What goes on inside an NFL locker room?

READ: Why are these NFL fans watching from the parking lot?

'We don't focus on the Lakers'


Sonnenberg, who is responsible for building relationships with corporate sponsors, recently moved to the Clippers after 14 years with the Chicago Bulls, a team that consistently led the NBA in home attendance.

He was attracted by the chance to work for Clippers owner and Microsoft CEO Steve Balmer.

"Steve Balmer wants to be the first at everything," he says. "(He is) constantly pushing the envelope and challenging his executive team to do more and be better, and that is the kind of leader I was interested to learn from."

Sonnenberg will have his work cut out.

The Clippers' fan base has ebbed and flowed in its fourth decade in Los Angeles -- save for superfan Clipper Darrell -- and trading away Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan along with Blake Griffin over the past two seasons leaves the team without a single marquee player.

Meanwhile, their arena-mates at the Staples Center, the Los Angeles Lakers, acquired megastar LeBron James. How can the Clippers compete with that?

"Having a superstar in Los Angeles is not foreign," Sonnenberg says. "We don't focus at all on what the Lakers are doing, they are a great brand and a great organization.

"It's certainly challenging, there are a lot of professional teams in LA and that makes it difficult to stand out for us."

To help strengthen their identity the Clippers plan to build their own arena in the Inglewood section of Los Angeles.

"Steve (Balmer) has been very vocal about that," adds Sonnenberg. "Part of building our fan base is having our own home."

So far, the Clippers are still "exploring the possibility" of building the arena, which would open after its lease at the Staples Center expires in six years.

In the meantime, the Clippers, who missed the playoffs last season, need to put together a competitive team, Sonnenberg admits.

"With (experienced NBA executive) Jerry West and (coach) Doc Rivers and (basketball operations head) Lawrence Frank at the helm, we feel like we have the right people in place to help bring a championship team to LA," he says.

READ: Ex-NFLers and college players revived at Gay Bowl

READ: NFL stars in London confused about Meghan

He cites the team's salary cap flexibility to sign free agents who come available after this season as something for Clippers fans to look forward to.

"We're more focused on what we're trying to do, and what we're trying to do is build a championship caliber team," he says.

Copyright 2018 by CNN NewSource. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.



Clippers' Sindarius Thornwell: Back in Los Angeles

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Thornwell was recalled from the G League on Tuesday, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Thornwell was assigned to the G League to appear in the A.C. Clippers' game on Monday night. He scored 11 points in 30 minutes in a win over Santa Cruz and will now rejoin Los Angeles for practice Tuesday and will likely be active for Wednesday's home game against the Suns.






More News

Fellow Clippers appreciate preternaturally talented rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Orange County Register

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LOS ANGELES — At this time last year, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a college freshman coming off the bench for Kentucky.

The Wildcats had just lost a nationally televised game (as all of the Wildcats’ games were) to Kansas (and future Lakers draft pick Svi Mykhailiuk, who scored a team-high 17 points in the win).

Gilgeous-Alexander was, back then, a dreadlock-rocking 19-year-old averaging 7.7 points, 3.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals in 28 minutes per game, but he wasn’t a headliner yet for the seventh-ranked Wildcats.


Fast forward 365 days, and Gilgeous-Alexander, sans dreads, is a regular starter – for the Clippers.

The 11th overall pick is starting in the NBA, contributing and somehow making it look easy.

On Monday against the Golden State Warriors – winners of three of the past four NBA titles – he coolly had the best statistical game of any rookie in team history. Gilgeous-Alexander became the first Clippers rookie to log 18-plus points, 5-plus rebounds, 3-plus assists, 2-plus steals and at least one blocked shot while shooting more than 70 percent in a game.

In the three games leading into Thursday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 17.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and three assists while shooting 50 percent from the field and from 3-point range.

“He’s playing great for us and we need him, we need him to continue to play like that,” said reserve forward Mike Scott, who joked about doing his part to make sure Gilgeous-Alexander stays on track.

“I’m making sure he’s staying humble, still smacking him every chance I get,” Scott added. “Just smacking the back of his neck … if I have to smack him every day to get him to play like that, I’ll do it.”


Fellow rookie Jerome Robinson is there to lend an assist when he can, too.

“He’s chill,” Robinson said. “It’s just fun ’cause I’m talking to him during the game. I’m telling things I see on the bench, and he’ll go out there and he’s so effective when he’s doing those things. He’s been great since the start of the season.”

GETTING ROBINSON ROLLING


Robinson, the Clippers’ other lottery pick, has been splitting his time between the Clippers and the team’s G League affiliate, the Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario – where the 6-foot-5 shooting guard is on assignment to score.

Robinson scored 35 points on 13-of-22 shooting in a 109-103 loss to the Iowa Wolves on Wednesday.

LA Clippers moving Jerome Robinson & co. to G-League is a good call

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ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 06: Jerome Robinson #10 of the LA Clippers dribbles upcourt as Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends during the first half of a NBA preseason game at Honda Center on October 6, 2018 in Anaheim, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 06: Jerome Robinson #10 of the LA Clippers dribbles upcourt as Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends during the first half of a NBA preseason game at Honda Center on October 6, 2018 in Anaheim, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

The LA Clippers are moving guards Jerome Robinson, Tyrone Wallace and Sindarius Thornwell back and forth from their G-League affiliate. It’s in their best interest.

According to Andrew Greif of the LA Times, the LA Clippers assigned Jerome Robinson, Sindarius Thornwell and Tyrone Wallace to their G League affiliate, the Agua Caliente Clippers. Both Robinson and Thornwell were pulled back shortly after.

This move was a result of the LA Clippers’ overstock of guards. The three are receiving (by far) the least amount of minutes among other guards on the roster. Here are the other guards currently on the roster in order of most to fewest minutes played per game: Avery Bradley, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, and Milos Teodosic. After those players comes the trio of Robinson, Thornwell and Wallace.

Robinson played one game with the Agua Caliente Clippers, scoring 28 points on 9/21 shooting in 40 minutes. Robinson was then pulled back to the Clippers’ NBA team and played the very next night; He scored 6 points in just under 7 minutes in the Clippers victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Thornwell did not play in the game.

The LA Clippers currently hold a 6-4 record in the West. While the Agua Caliente Clippers may not be important to you, other notable players on the G League team’s roster include former #1 NBA draft pick Anthony Bennet.

These minutes could be huge for Robinson’s growth. The victory over the Wolves gave him his most meaningful NBA minutes and if Avery Bradley misses more time, he could become a temporary part of the rotation. Once Bradley comes back though, the team may be best served moving Robinson back and forth between the active roster and the G-League. The young guard can get more exposure and playing time while still staying with the Clippers on game nights.

Next: Montrezl Harrell is key to Clippers bench success

Clippers fans can expect more alternating between playing with our G League team and our NBA team throughout the rest of the season.

Clippers hosted blood drive before taking on Warriors

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The Los Angeles Clippers aren’t done honoring the 12 victims of last week’s Thousand Oaks shooting.

They were one of four teams along with the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks to wear “Enough” shirts with the names of the victims on the back after the shooting.

On Monday before taking on the Golden State Warriors, they started selling those shirts with all the proceeds going to the Ventura County Community foundation. In addition, the team joined up with Cedars-Sinai to host a blood drive in Staples Center from 6 p.m. through halftime.

The Clippers gave out tickets to future games against either the Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns to those who donated.

Coaches react

Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who has been a vocal advocate for gun control, and Clippers coach Doc Rivers both praised the organization’s efforts. Kerr said that while he was happy that the NBA and commissioner Adam Silver supported the teams’ efforts to raise awareness, the government also needed to step up in the discussion. The Warriors coach also had harsh words for those using the Second Amendment as a shield.

Steve Kerr criticized the response to mass shootings and said the Warriors have moments of silence every week. (AP)

”We can’t just keep spewing out the same garbage about, ‘Well, it’s the Second Amendment; it’s the price of freedom.’ Give me a break,” Kerr said. “We don’t have freedom if we can’t walk into a bar, a movie theater, a concert without being worried of getting murdered. So I’m glad that the NBA has backed up the players, I’m glad that Adam Silver came out and supported the players for wearing the shirts and I support the players. We’re all in this together, we just want people to be safe and so I’m all in.”

Rivers echoed Kerr’s sentiment about speaking up. The Clippers coach said it was one of his proudest moments as part of the organization.

“Instead of doing a moment of silence and saying nothing, we said something,” Rivers said before the game. “We wore something, and more importantly, we spoke about it.”

The public address announcer reiterated the Rivers’ statement on behalf of the team.

“The Clippers are using their collective voice right now to tell the world that gun violence is never OK,” the team’s public address announcer, Eric Smith, said.

More from Yahoo Sports:
• ‘Hold up’: QB’s play call catches Halle Berry’s attention
• NFL star’s girlfriend suffers family tragedy at stadium
• Musburger sorry if anyone was ‘offended’ by tweet
• Report: Rockets break bad news to ‘Melo

TV SCHEDULE, STANDINGS & MORE - NOV. 27

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TV, RADIO



TODAY



6:05 p.m. - Talk Show: Sports Talk (WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240).



6:30 p.m. - College Basketball: Maryland-Eastern Shore at St. John's (FOX SPORTS 1).



7 p.m. - College Basketball: ACC/Big Ten Challenge - Virginia Tech at Penn State (ESPN2).











7 p.m. - College Basketball: ACC/Big Ten Challenge -- Illinois at Notre Dame (ESPNU).



7 p.m. - College Basketball: North Florida at Florida (SEC NETWORK).



7:30 p.m. - College Basketball: ACC/Big Ten Challenge - Michigan State at Louisville (ESPN).



7:30 p.m. - NHL Hockey: Carolina at Montreal (FOX SPORTSOUTH).



8 p.m. - College Basketball: Nevada at Loyola (Chicago) (ESPNEWS).



8 p.m. - College Basketball: Charleston Southern at Marquette (FOX SPORTS SOUTHEAST).



8 p.m. - NHL Hockey: Vegas at Chicago (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).



8:30 p.m. - College Basketball: Farleigh Dickinson at Providence (FOX SPORTS 1).











8:30 p.m. - Women's College Basketball: Montana State at Wyoming (STADIUM).



9 p.m. - College Basketball: ACC/Big Ten Challenge - North Carolina State at Wisconsin (ESPN2).



9 p.m. - College Basketball: ACC/Big Ten Challenge -- Pittsburgh at Iowa (ESPNU).



9 p.m. - NBA Basketball: Los Angeles Lakers at Denver (NBA TV).



9 p.m. - College Basketball: Temple at Missouri (SEC NETWORK)



9:30 p.m. - College Basketball: ACC/Big Ten Challenge - Indiana at Duke (ESPN).



PREP FOOTBALL



SCHSL STATE PLAYOFFS











Semifinals



Friday



5A



Upper State



Byrnes at T.L. Hanna



Lower State



Dutch Fork at Summerville



4A











Upper State



Daniel at Greer



Lower State



Myrtle Beach at Hartsville



3A



Upper State



Chester at Union County



Lower State



Wade Hampton at Dillon



2A



Upper State



Abbeville at Southside Christian



Lower State



Carvers Bay at Barnwell



1A



Upper State



Lamar at Dixie



Lower State



Hemingway at Green Sea-Floyds



NFL STANDINGS



AMERICAN CONFERENCE



East



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New England830.727307249



Miami560.455223283



Buffalo470.364161272



N.Y. Jets380.273221281



South



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Kansas City920.818404294



L.A. Chargers830.727307219



Denver560.455252252



Oakland290.182187327



NATIONAL CONFERENCE



East



WLTPctPFPA



Dallas650.545234213



Washington650.545220229



Philadelphia560.455230253



N.Y. Giants380.273237288



South



WLTPctPFPA



New Orleans1010.909409256



Carolina650.545287282



Atlanta470.364280307



Tampa Bay470.364294338



North



WLTPctPFPA



Chicago830.727317211



Minnesota641.591265246



Green Bay461.409264267



Detroit470.364238286



West



WLTPctPFPA



L.A. Rams1010.909389282



Seattle650.545276243



Arizona290.182155293



San Francisco290.182239293



Thursday's Games



Chicago 23, Detroit 16



Dallas 31, Washington 23



New Orleans 31, Atlanta 17



Sunday's Games



New England 27, N.Y. Jets 13



Baltimore 34, Oakland 17



Seattle 30, Carolina 27



Philadelphia 25, N.Y. Giants 22



Tampa Bay 27, San Francisco 9



Cleveland 35, Cincinnati 20



Buffalo 24, Jacksonville 21



L.A. Chargers 45, Arizona 10



Indianapolis 27, Miami 24



Denver 24, Pittsburgh 17



Minnesota 24, Green Bay 17



Open: L.A. Rams, Kansas City



Monday's Games



Tennessee at Houston, 8:15 p.m.



Thursday, Nov. 29



New Orleans at Dallas, 8:20 p.m.



Sunday, Dec. 2



L.A. Rams at Detroit, 1 p.m.



Carolina at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.



Arizona at Green Bay, 1 p.m.



Denver at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.



Baltimore at Atlanta, 1 p.m.



Chicago at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.



Cleveland at Houston, 1 p.m.



Indianapolis at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.



Buffalo at Miami, 1 p.m.



N.Y. Jets at Tennessee, 4:05 p.m.



Kansas City at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.



San Francisco at Seattle, 4:25 p.m.



Minnesota at New England, 4:25 p.m.



L.A. Chargers at Pittsburgh, 8:20 p.m.



Monday, Dec. 3



Washington at Philadelphia, 8:15 p.m.



NBA STANDINGS



EASTERN CONFERENCE



Atlantic Division



WLPctGB



Toronto174.810-



Philadelphia148.6363



Boston1010.5006



Brooklyn813.3819



New York714.33310



Southeast Division



WLPctGB



Orlando1010.500-



Charlotte910.474



Washington712.3682



Miami712.3682



Atlanta416.2006



Central Division



WLPctGB



Milwaukee145.737-



Detroit107.5883



Indiana118.5793



Chicago515.2509



Cleveland414.2229



WESTERN CONFERENCE



Southwest Division



WLPctGB



Memphis127.632-



New Orleans1010.5002



Dallas99.5002



Houston99.5002



San Antonio910.4743



Northwest Division



WLPctGB



Denver137.650-



Oklahoma City127.632



Portland128.6001



Minnesota911.4504



Utah911.4504



Pacific Division



WLPctGB



L.A. Clippers136.684-



Golden State147.667-



L.A. Lakers118.5792



Sacramento1010.5003



Phoenix415.2119



Sunday's Games



Orlando 108, L.A. Lakers 104



Detroit 118, Phoenix 107



Atlanta 124, Charlotte 123



New York 103, Memphis 98



Philadelphia 127, Brooklyn 125



Toronto 125, Miami 115



Utah 133, Sacramento 112



L.A. Clippers 104, Portland 100



Monday's Games



Houston at Washington, 7 p.m.



Milwaukee at Charlotte, 7 p.m.



Minnesota at Cleveland, 7 p.m.



Boston at New Orleans, 8 p.m.



San Antonio at Chicago, 8 p.m.



Indiana at Utah, 9 p.m.



Orlando at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.



Tuesday's Games



New York at Detroit, 7 p.m.



Atlanta at Miami, 7:30 p.m.



Toronto at Memphis, 8 p.m.



Indiana at Phoenix, 9 p.m.



L.A. Lakers at Denver, 9 p.m.



Wednesday's Games



Atlanta at Charlotte, 7 p.m.



New York at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.



Utah at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.



Chicago at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.



Cleveland at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.



Dallas at Houston, 8 p.m.



San Antonio at Minnesota, 8 p.m.



Washington at New Orleans, 8 p.m.



Orlando at Portland, 10 p.m.



Phoenix at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.



Thursday's Games



Golden State at Toronto, 8 p.m.



Indiana at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.



L.A. Clippers at Sacramento, 10:30 p.m.



NHL STANDINGS



EASTERN CONFERENCE



Atlantic Division



GPWLOTPtsGFGA



Tampa Bay241761359268



Buffalo241662347666



Toronto241680328462



Boston231364306555



Montreal241185277681



Detroit2310103236373



Ottawa2391132183100



Florida21894206978



Metropolitan Division



GPWLOTPtsGFGA



Washington231373298073



Columbus231382287773



N.Y. Islanders221282267164



N.Y. Rangers2412102267174



Carolina231193256366



Pittsburgh22985237471



Philadelphia2310112226982



New Jersey229103216572



WESTERN CONFERENCE



Central Division



GPWLOTPtsGFGA



Nashville241761358158



Minnesota231472307563



Colorado231364308665



Winnipeg221372287462



Dallas2412102266866



Chicago249105236582



St. Louis228113196773



Pacific Division



GPWLOTPtsGFGA



Calgary241491298169



San Jose241284287574



Vegas2512121256970



Anaheim2510105255674



Vancouver2611132247794



Edmonton2310112226476



Arizona229112205362



Los Angeles238141175174



NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. Top three teams in each division and two wild cards per conference advance to playoffs.



Sunday's Games



Calgary 6, Arizona 1



Tampa Bay 5, New Jersey 2



Nashville 5, Anaheim 2



Los Angeles 5, Edmonton 2



Monday's Games



Washington at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m.



Ottawa at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m.



New Jersey at Florida, 7 p.m.



Boston at Toronto, 7 p.m.



Columbus at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.



Tuesday's Games



San Jose at Buffalo, 7 p.m.



Ottawa at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.



Anaheim at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.



Carolina at Montreal, 7:30 p.m.



Pittsburgh at Winnipeg, 8 p.m.



Vegas at Chicago, 8 p.m.



Colorado at Nashville, 8 p.m.



Arizona at Minnesota, 8 p.m.



Dallas at Edmonton, 9 p.m.



Los Angeles at Vancouver, 10 p.m.



Wednesday's Games



St. Louis at Detroit, 7 p.m.



Anaheim at Florida, 7 p.m.



San Jose at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.



Dallas at Calgary, 9 p.m.



Pittsburgh at Colorado, 9:30 p.m.



Thursday's Games



N.Y. Islanders at Boston, 7 p.m.



Minnesota at Columbus, 7 p.m.



N.Y. Rangers at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m.



Buffalo at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.



Chicago at Winnipeg, 8 p.m.



Arizona at Nashville, 8 p.m.



Los Angeles at Edmonton, 9 p.m.



Vegas at Vancouver, 10 p.m.



COLLEGE FOOTBALL



Amway Coaches Top 25 Poll



The Amway Top 25 football poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Nov. 24, total points based on 25 points for first place through one point for 25th, and previous ranking:



RecordPtsPvs



1. Alabama (63)12-015991



2. Clemson (1)12-015362



3. Notre Dame12-014693



4. Georgia11-113985



5. Oklahoma11-113246



6. Ohio State11-1129210



7. Central Florida11-012009



8. Michigan10-210414



9. Texas9-393911



10. Florida9-393713



11. Washington9-392116



12. Penn State9-388914



13. Washington St.10-28297



14. LSU9-38218



15. Kentucky9-363418



16. West Virginia8-362112



17. Utah9-361017



18. Syracuse9-349919



19. Mississippi St.8-446020



20. Boise State10-237522



21. Northwestern8-436321



22. Texas A&M8-4295NR



23. Fresno State10-215723



24. Utah State10-213015



25. Army9-211924



Others receiving votes: Iowa State 103; Cin



cinnati 82; North Carolina State 55; Missouri 33; Iowa 20; Appalachian State 14; Pittsburgh 13; Memphis 6; Alabama at Birmingham 4; Buffalo 3; Oregon 3; Stanford 3; California 1; Georgia Southern 1; Wisconsin 1.



FCS PLAYOFFS



First Round



Saturday, Nov. 24



Duquesne 31, Towson 10



Wofford 19, Elon 7



SE Missouri St. 28, Stony Brook 14



Montana St. 35, Incarnate Word 14



James Madison 20, Delaware 6



Nicholls St. 49, San Diego 30



N. Iowa 16, Lamar 13



Jacksonville St. 34, ETSU 27



Second Round



Saturday, Dec. 1



Jacksonville St. (9-3) at Maine (8-3), Noon



James Madison (9-3) at Colgate (9-1), 1 p.m.



Wofford (9-3) at Kennesaw St. (10-1), 2 p.m.



Montana St. (8-4) at N. Dakota St. (11-0), 3 p.m.



Duquesne (9-3) at S. Dakota St. (8-2), 3 p.m.



SE Missouri St. (9-3) at Weber St. (9-2), 4 p.m.



Nicholls St. (9-3) at E. Washington (9-2), 5 p.m.



N. Iowa (7-5) at UC Davis (9-2), 7 p.m.



Quarterfinals



Friday, Dec. 7 or Saturday, Dec. 8



Montana St.-N. Dakota St. winner vs. James Madison-Colgate winner



Duquesne-S. Dakota St. winner vs. Wofford-Kennesaw St. winner



Nicholls St.-E. Washington winner vs. N. Iowa-UC Davis winner



Jacksonville St.-Maine winner vs. SE Missouri St.-Weber St. winner



Semifinals



Friday, Dec. 14 or Saturday, Dec. 15



TBD



Championship



Saturday, Jan. 5



At Toyota Stadium



Frisco, Texas



Semifinal winners, Noon



TRANSACTIONS



Monday



BASEBALL



American League



CHICAGO WHITE SOX - Claimed LHP Ian Clarkin off waivers from the Chicago Cubs.



KANSAS CITY ROYALS - Designated RHP Burch Smith for assignment. Claimed RHP Conner Greene off waivers from St. Louis.



MINNESOTA TWINS - Claimed 1B C.J. Cron off waivers from Tampa Bay.



NEW YORK YANKEES - Designated INF Ronald Torreyes for assignment. Claimed RHP Parker Bridwell off waivers from the L.A. Angels.



SEATTLE MARINERS - Named Tim Laker hitting coach.



National League



ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS - Signed OF Rob Refsnyder and SS Kelby Tomlinson to minor league contracts. Named Darnell Coles hitting coach, Eric Hinske assistant hitting coach and Dan Butler bullpen catcher.



ATLANTA BRAVES - Agreed to terms with C Brian McCann on a one-year contract.



NEW YORK METS - Claimed OF/1B Jordan Patterson off waivers from Colorado. Named Jim Riggleman bench coach.



PITTSBURGH PIRATES - Named Jacob Cruz assistant hitting coach.



Frontier League



FLORENCE FREEDOM - Signed LHP Mike Castellani, OF Cutter McDowell and SS Austin Wobrock to contract extensions. Signed INF Tommy Anderson, OF Rodney Tennie, and C Peter Yorgan.



LAKE ERIE CRUSHERS - Signed RHP Kent Hasler and OF Zach Racusin to contract extensions. Signed RHP Augie Gallardo.



RIVER CITY RASCALS - Signed 3B Braxton Martinez to a contract extension.



WINDY CITY THUNDERBOLTS - Signed RHP Steve Heilenbach to a contract extension. Signed RHP Connor Mayes and C/1B Niko Pacheco.



BASKETBALL



National Basketball Association



NEW ORLEANS PELICANS - Recalled F Kenrich Williams from Westchester (NBAGL).



FOOTBALL



National Football League



ARIZONA CARDINALS - Placed LB Josh Bynes and PK Phil Dawson on injured reserve. Released CB Bene Benwikere and OL Andre Smith. Signed PK Zane Gonzalez from the practice squad. Claimed TE Darrell Daniels off waivers from Seattle.



DETROIT LIONS - Placed WR Marvin Jones on injured reserve. Signed LB Nicholas Grigsby from the practice squad and DE Eric Lee to the practice squad.



INDIANAPOLIS COLTS - Placed TE Jack Doyle on injured reserve.



JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS - Fired offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.



LOS ANGELES RAMS - Activated CB Aqib Talib from injured reserve.



NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - Released OL Matt Tobin. Activated RB Rex Burkhead from injured reserve.



OAKLAND RAIDERS - Waived WR Johnny Holton. Released CB Arrion Springs from the practice squad.



TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS - Waived S Godwin Igwebuike.



HOCKEY



National Hockey League



ANAHEIM DUCKS - Recalled G Angus Redmond from Reading (ECHL) to San Diego (AHL).



ARIZONA COYOTES - Recalled F Mario Kempe from Tucson (AHL).



COLUMBUS CREW - Recalled Fs Sam Vigneault and Kole Sherwood from Jacksonville (ECHL) to Cleveland (AHL).



LOS ANGELES KINGS - Recalled F Sheldon Rempal from Ontario (AHL).



MONTREAL CANADIENS - Waived D Karl Alzner.



PHILADELPHIA FLYERS - Fired general manager Ron Hextall.



American Hockey League



BELLEVILLE SENATORS - Recalled F Boston Leier from Brampton (ECHL).



LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS - Returned G Austin Lotz to Reading (ECHL). Recalled F Alex Krushelnyski from Reading.



MANITOBA MOOSE - Recalled D Jacob Cederholm and Justin Woods from Jacksonville (ECHL).



MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS - Recalled F Garret Ross from Atlanta (ECHL). Assigned F Alex Overhardt to Atlanta.



TORONTO MARLIES - Recalled F Giorgio Estephan from Newfoundland (ECHL).



WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS - Recalled F Troy Josephs from Wheeling (ECHL).



ECHL



ECHL - Suspended Allen C Zach Pochiro one game.



ADIRONDACK THUNDER - D Jordan McNaughton announced his retirement.



ALLEN AMERICANS - Signed D Garrett Clarke. Released G Tom Hodges as emergency backup.



FLORIDA EVERBLADES - Claimed D Tate Olson off waivers from Newfoundland.



FORT WAYNE KOMETS - Traded G Kyle Hayton to Allen.



GREENVILLE SWAMP RABBITS - Released G Devin Buffalo. Signed D Jake Faiella. Traded F Jordan Sims to Fort Wayne.



READING ROYALS - Released G Nick Niedert. Signed G Tanner Creel. Released G Eric Vogel as emergency backup.



SOCCER



Major League Soccer



COLUMBUS CREW - Exercised 2019 options on Gs Jon Kempin and Ben Lungaard, Ms Luis Argudo and Niko Hansen and Ds Alex Crognale, Connor Maloney, Gaston Sauro and Josh Williams. Agreed to terms with D Lalas Abubakar.



FC DALLAS - Exercised 2019 options on Ms Jacori Hayes, Ryan Hollingshead and Victor Ulloa and G Kyle Zobeck.



LA GALAXY - Exercised 2019 options on M Sebastian Lletget, D Daniel Steres, M Bradford Jamieson IV and G Justin Vom Steeg.



SPORTING KANSAS CITY - Signed D Seth Sinovic to a one-year contract.



COLLEGE



SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE - Fined Texas A&M $50,000 after Aggie fans surged onto the field after A&M's 74-72 win in the seventh overtime period over No. 12 LSU on Nov. 24.



ARIZONA STATE - WR N'Keal Harry will enter the NFL draft.



OAKLAND - Junior G Brailen Neely left the men's basketball team.



How LeBron James Changed Stars' Decision-Making

/ by  / in /

On July 8, 2010, ESPN aired The Decision to 13 million salivating viewers, as Lebron James announced he was — you know — taking his talents to South Beach. Backlash ensued, highlighted by owner Dan Gilbert, who penned a letter calling Lebron a “narcissist” and “coward.” Today, the antonyms of such words; altruistic, heroic, better define The Decision. Why? Because this generation of NBA stars has borrowed pages from Lebron’s book of decision making.

In the Summer of 2018, LeBron declined his player option, making him an unrestricted free agency for the third time in 16 years. Each time he declined his player option, he joined a new team, symbolizing the freedom players have and how movement can affect the league. LeBron has zigged while others have zagged, signing for shortened deals so that he could enter unrestricted free agency right as the CBA peaked.

Each time LeBron James enters unrestricted free agency, he captivates the audience with the question: “Where is he headed next?” Single-handedly, LeBron has turned free agency — and specifically, The Decision — into a juicy episode of Jersey Shore.

The Decision was technically one hour. But it was televised for 1/4 of the day — three hours before and for two hours more. It was early morning news long enough to become a late night talk show. All in all, LeBron turned 7 simple words — “I’m taking my talents to South Beach” — into $5 million donated to charity.

The Decision: How the Impact is still Felt

The idea that the event was seen as selfish and cowardly in 2010 is laughable now. LeBron normalized The Decision as a new marketing tactic. The show spurred new platforms for players to discuss their feelings before the media altered them; the Player’s Tribune and Uninterrupted.

The Decision also set a new precedent for stars. After The Decision, Stars are empowered to proudly flaunt their talents to respective suitors regardless of the inevitable backlash. Look at Paul George’s three-part series last Summer — it was like a tree falling in a forest. It didn’t even make a sound.

LeBron James

Past generations of stars, on the other hand, told us stars were supposed to have a killer instinct on and off the court. Kobe Bryant, like Michael Jordan before him, was an alpha dog, concealing his true identity so his image remained unscathed. For him, and other past stars, success could be quantified in wins and losses. Everything else was a flimsy appetizer to the main course.

Don’t believe me? Here’s proof of the ‘team-first, me-second’ attitude. Bryant shot a free-throw on a torn Achilles. Pierce played a full season after being nearly stabbed to death. Nowitzki played through the Flu in game 4 of the 2011 NBA Playoffs. Health was the sacrificial lamb for team success. Simply put, stars of the past laid their bodies on the line so their teams would have better odds at winning.

Jordan, at the time, came out of his cave to deliver disapproval, “ There’s no way, with hindsight, I would’ve ever called up Larry, called up Magic, and said, ‘Hey, look, let’s get together and play on one team.’ In all honesty, I was trying to beat those guys.”

The Impact on Kyrie Irving and Kawhi Leonard

Kyrie Irving is evidence of the LeBron James mindset.

Rewind to the 2015 Finals, when LeBron and Kyrie Irving took turns inflicting damage into the armor of the 73-win Warriors until finally, they cracked it. Irving buried what would become the game-winning shot. It marked the first championship for the city of Cleveland since 1964. Irving was at the pinnacle of success in sports and was only 25. His future, tethered to Cleveland’s for the next three years, was ostensibly bright.

Until Cleveland went full Cleveland again. (PS: never go full Cleveland.)

Irving was upset. He expressed disdain for his ‘second-star role’ ever since LeBron returned to Cleveland, and that feeling never dissipated. So he demanded a trade and hand-picked three teams; (according to Brian Windhorst); the LA Clippers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves. On those teams, he’d be handling the ball and shooting the ball more.

Stick with me here: Kyrie Irving is the Yoda of the NBA — constantly calibrating for self-balance and self-improvement. The Jedi, Irving would rather be. Not the padawan to LeBron. Simply put, he wanted to be the first-option and LeBron blockaded his path of doing so.

Lakers, LeBron James

In many ways, Kawhi’s situation with the San Antonio Spurs was unique, but still taught us similar lessons of self-exploration. Lebron wasn’t afraid to be himself, which paved the path for Kawhi to revel in his unique attitude and personality, no matter the stubbornness he exuded to the dismay of fans.

Leonard had one-year remaining on his contract but leveraged his introverted personality to control his own destiny. He was willing to sit out a whole year at the Spurs’ expense and management was forced to accommodate to that line of thinking.

Gregg Popovich, known for his problem-solving ability, couldn’t crack the code. And if Popovich wasn’t able to convince him to stay, no one was. After all, the long-time Spurs coach corralled Stephen Jackson, mended the tricky Tony Parker-Brent Barry relationship, and dissuaded LaMarcus Aldridge from being traded.

Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard

Next Summer could ultimately tell us more about Kawhi’s personality. He is an unrestricted free agent and could sign back with Toronto, where depth is aplenty. In Los Angeles, on the other hand, is the possibility of being ‘Pippen to Lebron’s Jordan’ role.

If Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving were the union workers protesting for a better working situation, Kevin Durant was the assistant CEO having a midlife crisis.

Kevin Durant: My Third Chapter

The connection between LeBron and Kevin Durant is obvious. When LeBron joined Miami to play with Wade and Bosh, he made superteams the latest fad. So Kevin Durant chose to team up with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

And now LeBron joining a 26-win Lakers team last Summer could be foreshadowing of Durant’s move to a lowly Knicks team. LeBron could have chosen Philly or Houston, both teams with two stars, but he chose a 26-win Laker team. With that, he chose off the court success over on the court.

To add, Durant is emboldened to join his third team because LeBron transformed ‘team-jumping’ into a prideful maturation process. He likened his four years in Miami to “college,” where he studied under the tutelage of Pat Riley. The Akron Native learned from that devastating 4-2 Finals loss to Dallas, and the backlash which followed, and contrasted him with prior generations: Doesn’t have the killer instinct like Jordan. For Durant, basketball is also an educational experience, and he acknowledged, “nobody wants to be in school that long” and that he was going to be, “ready to graduate.”

LeBron James, Kevin Durant

In LA, LeBron brazenly powered to the twilight of his career to quickly accomplish his goals. He opened his own school in late July. He’s directing his own TV show, “The Shop,” starring Drake. He’s set to be the star of Space Jam 2. Like LeBron after winning the elusive championship, Durant may leave a comfortable situation to search for and accomplish new goals.

Thus, Durant now can choose between on the court and off the court success. Reports indicate Durant could retire as early as 35, as he wants to go out on his own terms. LA and New York are catalysts for a possible movie career. Washington is his hometown and could set him up for a burgeoning political career.

If he goes the basketball route, New York stands as the best option, as Kristaps Porzingis is the most versatile second-option of any suitor. The Clippers is a close second, as Tobias Harris has risen the ranks and is now an acceptable second star. In Washington, turmoil has permeated the premises, but Bradley Beal still oozes potential and John Wall is a top-35 player when he doesn’t force the issue.

lebron james, jimmy butler

Durant has struggled most with being second-fiddle. Being second-best is a bug that bit at him ever since high school. So it’s very possible the Warriors three-peat this year and Durant itches to control his own team — as Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook have kept him from unleashing full reign.

Who knows, Durant could be clad in the Wizards’ blue and red this time next year while Kawhi is a Laker, and Kyrie is starring as Yoda in the next Star Wars.

It’s hard to imagine, but not impossible. After all, Lebron has made anything possible.

Gregg Popovich, Spurs, Khris Middleton, Bucks

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