LeBron Takes a Stand – “VOTE KAMALA HARRIS!”

LeBron James just dropped an endorsement that’s fueling conversations. On Thursday, the King posted a video on X (formerly Twitter), urging his followers to make Kamala Harris their pick for the 2024 presidential election.

If you know LeBron, you know he’s never been just about the stats. Back in 2008, he was already pushing for change, hosting a concert for Barack Obama. Then came 2016, Hillary Clinton had his backing. 2020? He endorsed Joe Biden. And now, he’s firmly in Team Harris for 2024.

During the 2020 election season, he founded More Than A Vote, a nonprofit with a mission to defend the voting rights of Black Americans. The name says it all, this is bigger than basketball. And with More Than A Vote, LeBron rallied a squad of NBA and WNBA players to make sure everyone’s voice counts.

Paolo Banchero Sidelined Indefinitely with Torn Oblique

Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero experienced the thrill of his first 50-point game on Monday, but just days later, he's been hit with a significant setback. Diagnosed with a torn right oblique, Banchero is out indefinitely and will be re-evaluated in four-to-six weeks.

Banchero had been off to an incredible start, averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. His shooting was also up, with a 49.5% field-goal percentage and a 34.4% clip from three, all career highs. This progress culminated in his 50-point performance against the Indiana Pacers on Monday, where he scored a staggering 37 points in the first half alone to secure a 119-115 win for the Magic.

If Banchero’s recovery lands on the shorter end of the timetable, he’ll miss at least 15 games. For the 3-2 Magic, this injury marks a critical moment as they look to navigate the season without their young star. Banchero had played at least 72 games in each of his first two seasons, but that streak will likely end this year.

Wembanyama’s Rare 5x5, Bouncing Back in Style

Just one day after what might’ve been the roughest game of his career, Victor Wembanyama served up a reminder of why he’s basketball’s next big thing. In his showdown against Chet Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder, Wemby struggled, putting up a career-low six points with just one field goal, along with eight rebounds, two assists, and four turnovers.

But he bounced back with a bang.

Facing the Utah Jazz the very next night, Wemby made history, posting his second career 5x5 game with 25 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, five steals, and five blocks. For those counting, a 5x5 game is even rarer than a triple-double, with only two other players in NBA history, Hakeem Olajuwon and Andrei Kirilenko, having recorded more than one such game.

With his blend of length, agility, and ball skills, Wembanyama has the defensive tools to make 5x5 games a regular achievement, given his ability to rack up the harder-to-get steals and blocks. His defensive impact makes him a unique weapon, and if he stays active, he could become the league’s 5x5 king.

Ja Morant’s Triple-Double Powers Grizzlies Past Bucks

Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies bounced back after a sluggish game against the Nets, dominating the Milwaukee Bucks in a 122-99 victory on Thursday night. Morant recorded a monster triple-double with 26 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds, helping the Grizzlies build a 31-point lead in the second half.

Memphis shot 52% as a team, with seven players finishing in double figures. The win snapped a two-game losing streak for the Grizzlies, while the Bucks’ struggles continue, dropping their fourth straight game.

Giannis Antetokounmpo did his best to keep Milwaukee in the game, putting up 37 points and 11 rebounds on an impressive 17 of 22 shooting. Unfortunately, Damian Lillard’s shooting woes continued, as he managed just 1 for 12 from the floor, missing all six of his 3-point attempts. Lillard has been in a slump, shooting 6 for 27 from deep in his last three games.

Booker’s 40 Points Overcome Clippers’ Big Lead

The Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns faced off for the second time in nine days, and while the Clippers jumped out to an early 19-point lead, they couldn’t hold off a blazing Devin Booker. Booker erupted for 40 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds, leading the Suns to a 125-119 comeback win.

Despite the loss, James Harden had a night to remember. He recorded his 78th career triple-double with 25 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds, tying Wilt Chamberlain for the seventh-most triple-doubles in NBA history. Harden also reached a career milestone, surpassing 26,000 points to become one of just 20 players in NBA history to hit that mark.

The Clippers, however, couldn’t keep up their momentum. Their 70-52 halftime lead dwindled to just two points entering the fourth quarter, and they ultimately fell short. It didn’t help that Norman Powell had to leave for the locker room briefly after being hit in the face, though he returned for the final quarter.

Jalen Green & Rockets Hold Off Late Dallas Rally

The Houston Rockets managed to hold their ground in a thrilling finish against the Dallas Mavericks, taking home a 108-102 victory on Thursday night. Jalen Green led the charge with a double-double, putting up 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun chipped in his own double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. The Rockets built a commanding 23-point lead late in the third quarter, only to see Dallas chip away until it was a one-possession game with just a minute left.

For the Mavericks, Luka Doncic was on a mission, scoring 29 points, 15 of which came in a desperate fourth-quarter rally. Kyrie Irving also came up big with 28 points, but only Klay Thompson joined them in double figures, adding 12 points. The Mavs’ late push wasn’t quite enough to overcome the Rockets’ balanced attack.

Caitlin Clark’s Million-Dollar Decision

The Unrivaled basketball league is expanding fast, with six more roster spots open after increasing its pool to 36 players. But here’s the big question: Will Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark join her WNBA peers in this elite 3-on-3 league?

The league’s offer is hard to ignore, Clark could reportedly earn over $1 million, plus an equity stake, if she signs on.

For perspective, Clark’s four-year WNBA contract is worth $338,056. She earned $76,535 during her rookie season and could max out at $97,582 by her final year. Clark also has a lucrative endorsement deal with Nike, rumored to be around $28 million over eight years. Despite her WNBA salary, a move to Unrivaled could significantly boost her earnings and broaden her exposure.

Unrivaled is already pulling big names from the WNBA, with stars like Lexie Hull, Aliyah Boston, and Clark’s former Iowa teammate Kate Martin signed on. Unrivaled co-founder Napheesa Collier announced that due to strong financial performance, the league is expanding from 30 to 36 players. That expansion makes room for more marquee talent, with six teams of six players each.

The six teams, Laces, Mist, Rose, Lunar Owls, Phantom, and Vinyl, will each play 14 games in Miami, culminating in a single-elimination Final Four. Games will feature a 70-foot court, 18-second shot clock, and three 7-minute periods, with a unique twist: the last quarter ends in a 15-point runoff.

That’s all for today, thanks for reading.

We’ll see you on Monday!

— The Players Unlimited Team