NBA
How a journeyman’s battle against an NBA superstar Lebron James went viral
How a journeyman’s battle against an NBA superstar Lebron James went viral
Dion Wright had never run from an opponent on the basketball court. But now his friends were firing text after text accusing him of doing just that.
It was mid-July, and the former St Bonaventure University player was on a team competing in the Drew, the famed summertime league that regularly draws NBA stars trying to keep their skills sharp during the offseason. Wright was supposed to miss some time at the Drew, which as usual was taking place in his home town of Los Angeles, because he had flown to Buffalo for another tournament offering a $1m cash prize.
But the timing was terrible. LeBron James had surprisingly signed up to play one game for the Drew League’s MMV Cheaters, who also featured another NBA All-Star, DeMar DeRozan. And they were due to play Wright’s Black Pearl Elite the next night.
Wright’s friends offered him no mercy for being out of town when there was a chance to face a four-time NBA champion.
“Heard you’d play Bron and got out of Cali so fast,” one texted him. Another added that Wright would “never be back at Drew after this”.
Wright couldn’t let the taunts pass. And he knew he may never again have the chance to measure himself against one of the greatest basketball players in history. He immediately scrapped his plans to play in Buffalo and bought a ticket to fly back home to LA at 6am the next day.
How a journeyman’s battle against an NBA superstar Lebron James went viral
“The competitor in me came out,” he tells the Guardian.
What happened next was a dream-like blur that saw him go toe-to-toe with a legend. Wright went viral because of social media users who teased him for the wide-eyed expression he wore defending James, with some joking that he was afraid for his basketball life.
But Wright and his team played James as close as anyone – even the NBA’s finest – could have hoped. And now, it’s opened up a professional opportunity for Wright that he otherwise may have missed out on, giving the sports world the kind of underdog saga that it thrives on
“All my life I’ve been trying to make my way up,” says Wright, 29. “All this feels really good.”
Wright stopped at home briefly after his return from Buffalo before heading straight to the high school gym that hosts the Drew.
The first thing that stood out to Wright was the 2,500 spectators who had packed into a gym designed to hold less than half that number – just to catch a glimpse of James. They were perhaps the most energetic crowd he had ever played in front of.
READ MORE: How Stephen Curry, Who Has Spent Around $700,000 on His Car Collection, Once Met With a Horrific Life-Threatening Accident Which Shattered His $180,000 Porsche
Yet the 6ft 8in Wright knew he had the experience to deal with the challenge. He doesn’t have James’s NBA pedigree, but he played a few seasons of professional basketball in Japan and Ukraine before the latter country was invaded by Russia earlier this year.
So as their game against the MMV Cheaters approached tip-off, Wright made it clear to his teammates on the Black Pearl Elite squad who would defend James. He hadn’t flown across the country to just be another spectator. He told them: “I got ‘Bron’.”
The goal was to keep the 6ft 9in James from scoring 60 points or – failing that – 70. And it went better than Wright could have, in his wildest dreams, expected.
James netted 42 points, with the crowd greeting each of his one-handed dunks, fadeaways and pull-up three-point shots with deafening cheers.
But James didn’t make all of his shots. And Wright – who spent much of the matchup on the defensive end of the court with his eyes wide and in a focused crouch – would like to think that his guarding coaxed some of The King’s misses.
Meanwhile, on the offensive end, Wright was throwing haymakers of his own. In one surreal sequence, he collected a pass from a teammate, lowered his shoulder into James to create space and netted a right-handed hook shot.
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Stephen A. Smith has established himself as the most influential sports media personalities in the history of American television. As an analyst and executive producer for ESPN’s ‘First Take,’ Smith has dominated his battle against Fox Sports as his show has been number one in ratings from 2016 to 2023.
Recently Smith had the NBA community in a frenzy after he came to the defense of Lakers’ superstar LeBron James after the future hall of famer received backlash for the potential nepotism that took place regarding his son, Bronny James, being drafted to the storied franchise.
“When we think about the NBA and what it has become in the $76 billion, 11-year deal they recently signed with various television networks and streaming operations, I got news for you: Is that possible if it were not for LeBron James?” Smith asked on an episode of his Youtube show.
“You have any idea what LeBron James has done for the game of basketball?… And for him to have his son on the team with him, I got no issues with it whatsoever… LeBron James has earned that.”
Smith sharing this sentiment with his viewers shows that he acknowledges the impact that James has had on the NBA over the last 22 seasons. It’s clear that the celebrity sports personality knows that Bronny is still a rookie and has things left to prove.
However, Smith feels there should be a level of patience that the basketball community should give him.
“He’s done a lot. He deserves this. Bronny is Bronny, but it ain’t about Bronny, it’s about Bron, as in Lebron… Stand back, fall back, chill the hell out, and let the man do his thing with his son, and let’s see what and how Bronny develops in the years to come.”
LeBron James has defied father time as he enters year 22 of his illustrious career and even now he continues to make history. This upcoming season will be the first time in professional basketball history that an active father and son duo will share the court together on the same team.
The backlash the James’ family has received for making history together stems from haters who have a disdain for LeBron, not his son, and it will be something that they will continue to overcome.
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LeBron James’ wife Savannah divides opinion as her latest report exposed
In the realm of NBA royalty, LeBron James and his wife, Savannah James, have carved a niche for themselves, with their enduring relationship often under the spotlight. A recent TikTok video, however, has ignited discussions about Savannah’s preferences when it comes to taking fan photos, particularly the apparent divide between male and female admirers.
The King’s Queen: Savannah’s Photo Strategy Unveiled
LeBron James, often hailed as the ‘King’ on the basketball court, is no stranger to the adoration of fans. Yet, it’s his Queen, Savannah James, who recently took center stage in a TikTok video capturing her interaction with fans. The footage suggests a notable trend – a willingness to pose for photos with female fans while seemingly avoiding snapshots with their male counterparts.
Social Media’s Take on Savannah’s Actions
The TikTok video spurred a wave of reactions across social media platforms, with users expressing diverse opinions on Savannah’s approach. The majority lauded her for maintaining a poised and respectful demeanor, commending her loyalty to LeBron James, her high school sweetheart. The top response on TikTok emphasized the need for respect in the face of potential misconceptions, garnering over 8,000 likes.
LeBron James’ wife Savannah divides opinion as her latest report exposed
Defending the Kingdom: Fan Reactions
Supportive comments flooded the video, praising Savannah for upholding a certain standard in public interactions. One fan noted, “That’s how you keep yall kingdom together salute,” underscoring the importance of unity in the face of external scrutiny. However, not all reactions were positive, with some fans expressing frustration, labeling James as “rude” or suggesting she was “overcompensating.” The authenticity of the video itself was also questioned, with speculation about the specific circumstances of the filmed encounters.
Unraveling the Debate: A Closer Look
While debates raged on, some users pointed out that the manner in which male fans approached Savannah could have influenced her response. Suggestions surfaced that a different approach might have yielded varied results, adding a layer of complexity to the discussion. Whether or not the video accurately portrayed Savannah’s overall photo preferences remains uncertain, but its impact on public discourse highlights a recurring theme in LeBron James’ career – the maintenance of a scandal-free personal life, with his relationship with Savannah playing a pivotal role.
READ: Ayesha Curry posts tender photo of her son Canon
LeBron James’ Legacy: A Career Steered Clear of Scandals
Throughout his illustrious NBA career, LeBron James has skillfully navigated the challenges of fame, avoiding personal scandals that often befall high-profile athletes. The enduring bond with Savannah James has undoubtedly contributed to this narrative, with their relationship serving as a beacon of stability amid the often tumultuous world of professional sports.
Beyond the Lens
In the ever-watchful eyes of fans and critics alike, the dynamics of celebrity relationships, even in seemingly mundane scenarios like fan photos, become subjects of scrutiny. Savannah James’ approach, as captured in the TikTok video, has sparked conversations about respect, loyalty, and the intricacies of navigating public life as an NBA power couple. As the debate unfolds, one thing remains clear – in the world of the King and his Queen, every snapshot tells a story, whether through the lens of a camera or the lens of public perception.
Ayesha Curry posts tender photo of her son Canon. Setting the Mood for 2024: Ayesha Curry Shares a Heartwarming Photo of Son Canon
On the dawn of the New Year, Ayesha Curry, the wife of NBA sensation Steph Curry, took to social media to share a heartwarming snapshot of their youngest son, Canon, enjoying a day on the golf course. The photo radiates joy as the five-year-old sports enthusiast mirrors his father’s passion, flashing a contagious smile that undoubtedly sets a positive tone for the Curry family.
“Great first day of 2024! This is my mood,” Ayesha expressed alongside the delightful image.
The Warriors’ Uphill Battle in the 2023/24 Season
While Ayesha Curry celebrates family moments, her husband, Steph Curry, faces on-court challenges with the Golden State Warriors during the 2023/24 NBA season. Despite Curry’s remarkable individual performance, contributing significantly in points, rebounds, assists, and three-pointers, the Warriors find themselves grappling with a series of setbacks.
Ayesha Curry posts tender photo of her son Canon
As of now, the team holds a record of 15-17, securing the 11th position in the NBA Western Conference standings. The Warriors concluded the past year with a disheartening three-game losing streak, including a recent defeat against the Dallas Mavericks.
“It’s frustrating, for sure,” expressed Curry, reflecting on the team’s struggles.
Chris Paul’s Arrival and the Quest for Consistency
In an effort to fortify the team, the Warriors acquired veteran point guard Chris Paul in the off-season. However, despite this addition, the team continues to face challenges. Curry underscores the urgency of establishing a consistent starting lineup, recognizing it as a pivotal factor in overcoming their current hurdles.
“32 games in and any team that is a seriously competitive contender, a good team can answer that question [on who is the team’s best starting five]. We have to get to that point, for sure, before it’s too late,” emphasized Curry.
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Looking Ahead: The Need for Swift Lineup Decisions
In the quest for redemption, Stephen Curry advocates for swift and decisive measures in determining the team’s starting lineup. The seasoned player recognizes the importance of this aspect for a team aspiring to be a serious contender in the NBA. As the Warriors navigate through the challenges of the season, establishing a reliable starting five emerges as a key focus for the team’s leadership.
In Conclusion
As Ayesha Curry shares a glimpse into the warmth of family life on New Year’s Day, the Golden State Warriors find themselves at a critical juncture in the current NBA season. While Steph Curry continues to shine individually, the team’s struggle highlights the complex dynamics of professional basketball. With the spotlight on consistency in the starting lineup, the Warriors aim to turn the tide and regain their competitive edge in the league. The journey ahead remains uncertain, but the Warriors, led by Curry’s unwavering determination, are poised to face the challenges head-on, seeking victory and redemption in the games to come.
Discover more about the Golden State Warriors and Steph Curry’s journey here.
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