Reflecting on the statements of the 4x MVP, Williams unhesitantly agreed with the Akron-born. While sharing his perspective, the 37-year-old put the Black Mamba’s 2016 retirement tour under the limelight, pointing out how occasions of such gravity often impact the team and the NBA.

“You never know when it’s gonna end and I learned that from Kobe Bryant, right? ..We went from a team that was developing young talent in Julius Randle, D’Angelo Russell, and those guys to, ‘Hey, this year is about Kobe. This is a farewell tour. Let’s just go out and play as best we can,'” the sports analyst mentioned.

Following this, the Tennessee-born discussed the frame of mind of the 20x All-Star, stating,

“So Bron, I think he is still in the mindset of thinking, ‘I don’t know when it’s gonna be over. I’m gonna compete at a high level as long as I can and once that day comes, I’ll cross that bridge, when I get there'”.

Is it impossible to predict when LeBron James will retire when he’s still playing at such a high level? pic.twitter.com/q1EfqAwJDf

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 20, 2024

Despite the retirement remaining inevitable, the Lakers star seemingly has plenty left in the tank. Therefore, his adopted stoic approach of living in the present and controlling the controllable stays a justified one. Upon viewing the entire scenario through that lens, the parallels between his and Bryant’s twilight days paint a nearly similar picture.

Should LeBron James retire soon?

Despite nearing the age of 40, the 2003 draft pick continues to operate at a high level. Last season, he averaged 28.9 points per game while registering 8.3 rebounds per game, and 6.8 assists per game. His endeavours resulted in the franchise qualifying for the Western Conference playoffs.

This season has been a repeat of it as James regained his status as a facilitator. Averaging a remarkable 34.9 minutes per game, he is recording a stat line of 24.8 points per game, 7.2 rebounds per game, and 7.8 assists per game. On top of it, even in his 21st season in the league, the 2008 scoring champion remains one of the fastest players while covering the court in a straight line.

All these put into perspective the athletic qualities of the 2020 assists leader. His prowess as a competitor has maintained his status as a leading figure in the NBA. Simultaneously, his on and off-court actions serve as benchmarks for the aspirants to this day. Thus, all aspects considered, his departure from the league seems far away.

The post “I Learned That From Kobe Bryant”: Former Clippers Star Predicts When LeBron James Will Retire appeared first on The SportsRush.

Only a handful of players have had the luxury of getting a farewell tour. In November 2015, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant announced 15 games into the season that he’d retire at the end of the 2015-16 campaign. The Lakers’ roster was equipped to earn a playoff spot, making the rest of the season all about celebrating the five-time NBA champion’s career. Bryant was felicitated with gifts and tribute videos at every arena in the NBA, including the Lakers’ arch-nemesis Boston Celtics‘ TD Garden.

While Bryant received adulation at every arena, not every icon’s final season was met with the same fanfare. In September 2016, Paul Pierce announced that the 2016-17 season would be his last in the NBA. His farewell tour paled in comparison to Bryant’s, and Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green even used it to mock the former Finals MVP.

In February 2017, Pierce’s Los Angeles Clippers visited the Warriors’ Oracle Arena. Less than a minute into the game, Green got into a verbal spat with the forward, who was on the bench, and said,

“Chasing that farewell tour, they don’t love you like that. You can’t get no farewell tour, they don’t love you like that. You ain’t got that type of love. You thought you was Kobe.”

A farewell tour is a distinction only a few players in NBA history have earned. Bryant is the most recent recipient, and it’ll be a while before we see another player get showered with love like he was in his final season.

LeBron James contemplating a farewell tour

The next player to retire from the NBA with a resume comparable to Kobe Bryant’s will likely be LeBron James. The four-time NBA champion turned 39 in December 2023 and recently was asked about his potential retirement date during the All-Star weekend in Indiana. He revealed he doesn’t know when he’ll leave the sport but knows he doesn’t have too many years left.

The Lakers superstar was asked if he would announce his retirement a year in advance and embark on a farewell tour. He claimed he’s 50/50 on announcing it beforehand and retiring out of the blue like San Antonio Spurs icon Tim Duncan. He said,

“There’s times when I feel like I guess I owe it to my fans that have been along this journey with me for two decades plus, to be able to give them that moment where it’s every city and whatever the case may be and they give you your flowers or whatever the case may be… But the other side of I’ve never been that great with accepting like praise. It’s a weird feeling for me. I never really talked about it much, but it’s just a weird feeling for me.” 

Given his accomplishments, it’s a no-brainer that James should embark on a farewell tour. However, unlike Bryant in his final few seasons, he’s still playing at an All-NBA level. Announcing his retirement beforehand while still producing at an elite level might not be wise. It’s unclear what the best path for James is, but he deserves to be celebrated in every arena like Bryant was in his final year.

The post What Is a Farewell Tour in the NBA? Looking Back at Draymond Green’s Diss on Paul Pierce About Kobe Bryant’s Farewell Tour appeared first on The SportsRush.

Mac McClung on his NBA Mount Rushmore of dunkers :

Zach LaVine
Vince Carter
Michael Jordan
Dominique Wilkins

Do you agree with this list?

(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/pLenByDS3s

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 16, 2024

Jordan and Wilkins acknowledged that the Slam Dunk contest isn’t what it used to be, with NBA superstars refusing to take part. However, Jordan was quick to point out that it has become more difficult now as the players need to be more creative. For them, there weren’t any varieties of dunks that the fans had seen, whereas, over the years, they have witnessed everything. This leads to the participants having to either repeat or be extra creative.

In an article by ‘AP News‘, the six-time NBA champion talks about his Slam Dunk Contest experience and battles with Wilkins before choosing his best dunk over the years. He says, “The most amazing dunk I have ever seen is probably Vince Carter when he hung his elbow in the rim. To me, that was, without question, just unbelievable.” Michael Jordan, like most of us, believed that the Vince Carter dunks were the best in the history of the contest.

Despite having some of the best sky-walkers in his era, he still gave Carter the nod. In fact, most of Jordan’s dunks still remain iconic. No one can ever forget the dunk from the free-throw line that left the whole arena gobsmacked. That being said, no one would debate Jordan picking Carter. Arguably, one of the greatest dunkers in the NBA, Vince Carter was ‘half man-half amazing’. His dunks have become the barometer for any young player wanting to prove himself in the contest.

Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins talk about LeBron James

The All-Star Dunk Contest lineups have taken a 180-degree flip over the years. Earlier, it had All-Star caliber players participating, whereas now, most names are unknown to the casual NBA fan. The last two editions of the contest have been won by a G-League player. Wilkins and Jordan realized the shift and talked about wanting to see NBA superstars like LeBron James participating in the contest. Here is an excerpt from the ‘AP News’ article:

“‘I’d have loved to have seen LeBron,’ Wilkins said.

Jordan agreed, saying he knows fans are clamoring to have seen James try it at least once.

‘What we did in the game and excitement that we created when we did dunk,’ Jordan said. ‘People wanted to see that. Is it the same today? Maybe not.'”

Michael Jordan agreed with his fellow competitor and talked about the excitement slowly dying out from the contest. And, they are not wrong. Over the past few years, the Slam Dunk Contest has lost its charm as NBA stars refuse to participate. There is no dearth of talent in the league at present. NBA stars like Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant, and Zion Williamson can still revive the contest if they are willing to do so. The NBA should take a hard look at the future of the competition.

The post “Most Amazing Dunk I’ve Ever Seen”: When Michael Jordan Discussed Dunk Contests With Dominique Wilkins, Brought Up LeBron James appeared first on The SportsRush.

“Stephen A, I think you can answer this better, what about relationship status? Magic and Bird was married. LeBron was in a relationship with Savannah. How do we look at it? Because when we look at the presidential candidates we want them to be secure, we want them to be foundational pieces, you know what I am saying?” inquired Shannon Sharpe

Shannon Sharpe suggests an interesting criteria for which players can become the face of the NBA after LeBron James

“I did not expect this conversation to take this route.” pic.twitter.com/xQ1SE3SYRq

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 20, 2024

To this, an out-of-wits Stephen A. Smith responded, “I’m not gonna lie, I don’t know what the hell you asking?” Redick also expressed his cluelessness about Sharpe’s point. However, co-host Molly Qerim came to the rescue and explained the point regarding the marketability of the face of the league. She gave the example of Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry as the ideal couple building a family and how that helped the league market Steph Curry as its face. Redick quipped that he didn’t expect the discussion to take this strange turn.

Apart from that, he opined, that while LBJ and Steph have been scandal-free, the faces before them have had questionable behavior off-the-court. Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe both agreed with Redick’s point as well. However, this peculiar take by the former NFL athlete does seem to have weight.

Does marriage make for marketability?

LeBron James and Savannah James have been together for more than two decades and have three children now. Their journey together has been celebrated in the NBA for many years now. Apart from that, Kobe Bryant also shared a two-decade-plus relationship with Vanessa Bryant and they raised two kids together. Meanwhile, Magic Johnson has been married to Cookie Johnson since 1991 and she supported him publicly during his HIV advocacy after he was diagnosed with the condition.

While Larry Bird’s first marriage just lasted a year during the mid-1970s, he has been married to Dinah Mattingly since 1989. Therefore, James, Bird, Bryant, and Johnson all maintained long-term marriages while being the face of the league. In addition to these athletes, Michael Jordan’s first marriage to Juanita Vanoy happened in 1989. The couple separated in 2006, three years after Jordan had bid the NBA farewell.

While there have been scandals surrounding Bryant, Bird, Johnson, and Jordan, Sharpe is right about their publicly being with their wives having an impact on their marketability. 

The post “LeBron James was in a Relationship with Savannah”: Shannon Sharpe Considers the Role of Relationship Status in Becoming Face of the League appeared first on The SportsRush.

Answering Josiah Johnson’s question, Norris Cole did reveal the “only scenario” where LeBron James could come out of retirement. According to Cole, if Bronny James ends up returning to USC for his sophomore season, James could end up taking the 2024-2025 season off. The following year, with Bron having a legit chance to share the court with his sons, Bronny and Bryce, the 6ft 9” forward could decide to “rev it up one more time”.

“It’s only one scenario where I can maybe see that – If Bronny not ready and he’s (LeBron) like ‘I take a year off or I want to retire’. But then maybe Bronny might come back the next year (2025) and be ready to go and that next year might be Bronny and Bryce, and he (LeBron) might have a chance and be like ‘you know what, I can rev it up one more time,’” Norris Cole explained.

NFL legend Tom Brady also came out of retirement. But, Brady’s reasoning to do so was nothing close to what Cole believed could potentially be the reason for LeBron. Initially, the quarterback retired after the 2021 season. However, the retirement only lasted for 40 days. More than a month later, he announced his return for the simple reason that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were competitive enough to win another Super Bowl.

LeBron James doesn’t want a farewell tour like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan

As LeBron James approaches the final stages of his career, he’s been receiving numerous questions about the possibility of a retirement. During the 2024 All-Star Weekend, Bron was asked whether or not he’d be interested in wanting a farewell tour for his final campaign.

After revealing how he hadn’t mapped out his retirement plans yet, the four-time MVP was in dilemma when addressing the farewell tour.

“I have not mapped out how many seasons I have left, but I know it’s not many. I’m 50/50 [on having a farewell tour]. There’s times I feel like I owe it to my fans that’s been on this journey with me for 2 decades plus, to give them that moment… I am a Laker and I’ve been very happy to have been a Laker for the last 6 years… I don’t know how it’s gonna end, but it’s coming. It’s coming for sure,” James answered.

LeBron James says the end of his NBA run is coming, and is unsure if he wants a farewell tour:

“I have not mapped out how many seasons I have left, but I know it’s not many. I’m 50/50 [on having a farewell tour]. There’s times I feel like I owe it to my fans that’s been on this… pic.twitter.com/XiOHur8EyO

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 18, 2024

Not being able to accept compliments doesn’t seem like a legit reason. However, Norris Cole admitted that James wasn’t lying. He explained that, during their time sharing the Miami Heat locker room, the King didn’t like too much attention on himself.

LeBron James is one of the greatest players in NBA history. Whether he likes it or not, it is safe to assume that the NBA fraternity will go over and beyond to celebrate James’ cherished career during his final season.

The post Believing LeBron James Wouldn’t Return to the NBA À la Tom Brady Upon Retirement, Norris Cole Gives ‘Bronny’ Related Reason to Suggest Otherwise appeared first on The SportsRush.

In February of 2003, an investigation was launched against James and his mother Gloria for ‘receiving gifts’ from a Jersey store owner. It would later be revealed that James had received $800 worth of sports jerseys from the owner of a garments shop in exchange for a picture. For his actions, James was given a two-game suspension, a penalty that hurt James where it mattered the most.

Reacting to the whole situation, James would tell Early Show contributor Deion Sanders that,

” You know, it hurts. But I just got to go out there and keep supporting my teammates…There’s nothing I’m sorry more about, you know, disrespecting my teammates. You know, I love them to death and I can do nothing without my teammates. You know what I mean?”

Even though LeBron seemed remorseful for his little slip-up, the James family didn’t beat themselves up too much. Gloria James would gift LeBron a $50,000 hummer for his birthday right before the investigation transpired.

Addressing concerns about his $50,000 gift, James told Sanders,

” It’s just the hard work I put into it and I just felt like maybe I should get a reward, you know…..Everyone else is getting rewards off of me you know.”

From the looks of it, James was sincerely apologetic for his actions. James and his mother Gloria weren’t aware of the rules, as James even returned the two jerseys to the store owner. However, the situation of student-athletes not being able to make money off their name and likeness has become a debate in recent times.

Many families, similar to James’s family, really need a paycheque and often can’t wait for their children to make it to the NBA. For players struggling against back-breaking poverty, the rules just prevent them from making a fair living as players. But with recent changes to NCAA rules, even high school rules likely see drastic amendments in upcoming years.

James would have the order revoked

LeBron James would be pulled up by the Ohio High School Athletic Commission after he received his $50,000 Hummer. But in a surprising turn of events, Gloria James would furnish proof of the car being financed by her, through a loan.

After furnishing proof for the purchase, Clair Muscaro( then commissioner of the Ohio High School Athletic Association) would clear James’s name, letting everyone know that LeBron’s status as an amateur has not been breached. James would end up getting his two-game suspension revoked as well, as James led St.Vincent to its third state title.

Looking back, it is clear that LeBron James had more ‘hype’ than any other player, coming into the league. Being featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a seventeen-year-old breeds pressure like nothing else. But James would surprisingly outdo and outperform most of the expectations that were set for him.

With James having made his 20th consecutive appearance in the NBA All-Star Game, it’s clear that no one could have predicted the greatness that LeBron James has shown us over the last two decades. As LeBron now enters the twilight years of his career, many wonder if we will ever see a high school prospect like LeBron James.

The post “Everyone Else is Getting Rewards Off of Me”: When LeBron James Defended $50,000 Gift in a Conversation with Deion Sanders appeared first on The SportsRush.

The Michigan-born initially reflected on “guys that’s been in dunk contest” while “judging history” of the event.

“It’s a dunk contest. Vince wasn’t barely throwin’ that b***h in. Jason Richardson wasn’t barely throwing that b***h in. Desmond Mason wasn’t barely, Tracy McGrady wasn’t barely throwing, even though he didn’t win. Like they weren’t barely making dunks,” K-Mart mentioned.

Following that, the 2004 All-Star criticized the efforts of the recent participants, stating, “That’s a fingertip dunk. That’s some s**t that you try in warmups like, ‘Oh s**t, I did it'”. Soon after that, the former power forward praised the two-time winner Mac McClung before displaying further annoyance.

“Some of this other s**t I’m seeing, nah I’m not impressed,” he added.

“It’s a dunk contest. Vince wasn’t barely throwin’ that b*tch in. Jason Richardson wasn’t barely throwin’ that b*tch in. Desmond Mason…Tracy McGrady wasn’t barely throwin’…even though he didn’t win!”

Kenyon Martin is tryna find out what happened to DUNKERS? pic.twitter.com/7KHaW63vwn

— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) February 19, 2024

Despite carrying a certain volume of truth, his statements mostly portrayed the evolution of the event through the wrong lens. Even during the previous decades, several participants lacked the defining explosiveness to inject excitability into the contest. Undoubtedly, the dunks seemingly used to be more creative than today capturing a steep decline in adopting an innovative approach.

What tops them all is the fact, that no big names from the league are willing to participate in the contest. Earlier, legends of the game like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant regularly used to entertain the fans with their participation in the contest.

All these reasons have become a major source of infuriating for the NBA fans as Martin pointed out through the harsh comments.

Kenyon Martin is not the only critic

In a recent episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith took matters to the extreme as he credited LeBron James “for ruining Slam Dunk contest”.

“Every high jumper, every skywalker, every above-the-rim talent salivated for the opportunity to compete in the Slam Dunk contest. It stopped when LeBron James said, ‘I’m not doing it,'” he mentioned.

The 56-year-old highlighted how it resulted in the future generation deprioritizing the contest altogether. “The tradition that was set by other preceding LeBron James” came to a sudden halt precisely due to this decision.

The remarks from the sports analyst remain a debatable one yet the aspect of frustration remains constant. This grew the disappointment surrounding the occasion even further as several pondered about its relevance going forward. The NBA certainly needs to look into the matter as the seasoned viewers of the league hope for a revival of the competition.

The post “Vince Carter Wasn’t Barely Throwing That B*tch In”: Kenyon Martin Lambasts The Lack Of Ferocity In The Dunk Contest appeared first on The SportsRush.

On the latest episode of the Gil’s Arena podcast, Arenas advocated to outlaw the Skills Challenge.

He said,

“F**k that Skills Challenge. What is the Skills Challenge? ‘Oh, I can dribble around the court! Pass between this little ball! Oo, gotta throw the ball! Missed it! And now I gotta hit the shot, run down the court, and dunk!’ F**k that.”

“F**k that skills challenge…Do a 1-on-1 or a 2-on-2 matchup-up, that sh*t is GRAVY.”

Gilbert Arenas’ tells how to fix NBA All-Star Weekend pic.twitter.com/n32alq0Gx9

— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) February 19, 2024

Arenas suggested that the NBA should introduce 1-on-1 and 2-on-2 games instead of the Skills Challenge. He added that an entry fee of $50,000 and a prize pool of $1 million would prompt players to participate in the event. Arenas explained that players who love playing iso ball and can score buckets, like Cam Thomas, Jimmy Butler, Kyle Kuzma, Anthony Edwards, and Spencer Dinwiddie, would jump at the opportunity to compete in the event. He claimed that it would also showcase which players aren’t afraid of testing themselves 1-on-1 against their peers.

Arenas’ idea is flawed but has some merit. A 1-on-1 contest pitting players against each other would end individual player debates. However, participation would be an issue, as the NBA’s finest players would refrain from exposing themselves to an embarrassing loss.

Stephen A. Smith calls out LeBron James, wants to gut All-Star weekend

Gilbert Arenas wasn’t alone in demanding the NBA do away with the Skills Challenge. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith also joined the retired star in criticizing the event. However, he went one step further and demanded that the entire All-Star weekend should be gutted to a handful of events. He said,

“[The NBA] need to do away with All-Star Weekend. Just get rid of it…. I’m talking about the Skills Competition, I’m talking about the Slam Dunk competition and I’m talking about the All-Star Game… Ladies and gentleman, what transpired last night was an absolute travesty.” 

.@stephenasmith thinks the NBA should get rid of the Skills Competition, Slam Dunk Competition and the All-Star Game:

“What transpired last night was an absolute travesty.” pic.twitter.com/TXLUB8RvPm

— First Take (@FirstTake) February 19, 2024

Smith also called out the players for their lack of effort in the All-Star game, which was played at a walking pace and yielded 397 points, as the East won 211-186. The analyst claimed he wasn’t expecting the players to compete hard, but their lack of desire to play any defense was frustrating to watch.

Smith proceeded to attack LeBron James for ruining the NBA’s Dunk Contest. Mac McClung won the event for the second straight year, but the event wasn’t intriguing, and the analyst believes the Los Angeles Lakers superstar is at fault. He said,

“LeBron James is directly responsible for ruining the Slam Dunk Contest… Every high jumper, every skywalker, every above-the-rim talent salivated for the opportunity to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest. It stopped when LeBron James said, ‘I’m not doing it.’ And from that point forward, the stars who followed didn’t feel compelled” to enter the competition.” 

“LeBron James is directly responsible for ruining the slam dunk contest… LeBron James refusing to participate… was the beginning and the spark plug of its demise. Period! There is no one who can dispute that.”

– Stephen A. Smith pic.twitter.com/zrmazKBqO5

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 19, 2024

The Slam Dunk contest used to be the marquee event of the All-Star weekend but has taken a backseat to the 3-Point Shooting Challenge. Overall, the weekend was a dud and the NBA needs to make significant changes to make it more interesting for the fans.

The post “F**k That Skills Challenge”: Gilbert Arenas Ridicules Major NBA All-Star Event, Demands its Removal appeared first on The SportsRush.

Stephen A. Smith believes that since LBJ represents the top of the elite stars and refused to participate in the tournament, it set a precedent for the current generation of high-flying superstars who let a G-Leaguer make the competition consumable. On his ESPN show First Take, Stephen A. Smith pinned the blame on LeBron James for the dwindling standards of the Slam Dunk Contest.

“LeBron James is directly responsible for ruining the slam dunk contest,” declared Stephen A. Smith

“LeBron James is directly responsible for ruining the slam dunk contest… LeBron James refusing to participate… was the beginning and the spark plug of its demise. Period! There is no one who can dispute that.”

– Stephen A. Smith pic.twitter.com/zrmazKBqO5

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 19, 2024

The First Take Host noted how from 1985 to 1997, during five instances, it was the future Hall-of-Famers who won the contest. He added, “Jordan twice, Dominique Wilkins twice, Bryant once.” He argued that during those days, above-the-rim superstars “salivated” over the prospect of showcasing their high-flying during the contest.

However, when James refused to participate, Stephen A. Smith opined

“From that point forward, the stars who followed didn’t feel compelled to prioritize a Slam Dunk contest, the tradition that was set by others preceding LeBron James.”

Then Stephen A. Smith took shots at LeBron James performing high-flying jams during the pre-game layup lines but not for the All-Star Slam Dunk Contest.

He accused James of using the pre-game layup line dunks as a way of rubbing salt on this decision to never participate in the Slam Dunk contest. Apart from Stephen A. Smith, veteran actor Michael Rapaport had also pinned the blame on James for the lack of superstars during the slam dunk contest.

Is LeBron James to blame for the demise of the Slam Dunk Contest?

During the COVID-hit 2020-21 season only three players, Anfernee Simons, Obi Toppin, and Cassius Stanely put up their names for the Slam Dunk contest. Many NBA fans have never heard about any of these players apart from Toppin. For Michael Rapaport, James’ unwillingness to participate in the contest led to this state.  The actor went on an angry rant and even accused James of not participating because there was no monetary compensation for him. 

“Three people? Three players? Obi Toppin and two guys I never heard of. No disrespect to two guys I never heard of, but only three of you guys want to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest? And I blame you LeBron James. I know, I know it sounds like a cliche when all things are bad, blame LeBron. You’re 36-years-old, you never participated in the Slam Dunk Contest. Would the NBA didn’t pay you enough to be in the Slam Dunk Contest? They didn’t pay Dominique Wilkins. They didn’t pay Michael f*cking Jordan,” argued a fuming Rapaport.

Therefore, there is a sentiment that LeBron James has ruined the Slam Dunk Contest. However, despite his continuous non-participation, we have seen one of the most bombastic contests when Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon mesmerized the world in 2016. Apart from that, there have been numerous instances where the contest has been a must-watch. But one can argue if LBJ had participated, it’d have certainly brought more attention and reputation to the event.

The post “LeBron James is Directly Responsible”: Stephen A. Smith Accuses Lakers Superstar of Ruining All-Star Dunk Contest appeared first on The SportsRush.

The 73rd NBA All-Star Game had some amusing moments when players were mic’d up on the court. But no mic’d-up moment could top off the hilarious conversation Giannis Antetokounmpo had with his teammate, Damian Lillard.

While addressing someone who was off the court, Antetokounmpo first stated, “I’m the second oldest guy. Dame, me, and then, all young.” Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum was visibly perplexed when he found out that Damian Lillard was the oldest player on the East All-Stars. While talking to Donovan Mitchell, JT said, “Like, I don’t look at Dame as a old heir…He a little older.”

After revealing that the Bucks All-Stars are the oldest members of the East squad, Antetokounmpo walked up to Lillard and said,

“We’re the oldest ones here. We gotta beat some kids to win a chip…C’mon Dame.”

“We’re the oldest ones here. We gotta beat some kids to win a chip!”

This mic’d up moment between Giannis & Dame pic.twitter.com/ecJaN25Z7Q

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 19, 2024

To put things in perspective, here is how old every All-Star on the East’s squad was. Let’s start with the youngest. Paolo Banchero was the youngest All-Star on Team East at 21, while Tyrese Haliburton and Tyrese Maxey are both 23 years old. 

Then comes Jayson Tatum at 25, who is only a year younger than 26-year-old Miami Heat center, Bam Adebayo. Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and Jaylen Brown all come in at 27.

Now, Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are all 29 years of age. But Embiid was born on March 16, 1994, and Randle was born on November 29, 1994. The Greek Freak, on the other hand, was born on December 6, 1994, making him the youngest among the three, technically.

And finally, at 33 years of age comes Damian Lillard. Dame’s age was brought up by LeBron James during last year’s All-Star Weekend as well. 

Damian Lillard: “I heard when you were saying all these youngins, you didn’t name me.”

LeBron James: “I sure didn’t. No I did not.”

Dame: “I ain’t old.”

LeBron: “You ain’t no youngin no more.” pic.twitter.com/1vXZphca9r

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 22, 2023

This 20-second interaction between James and Lillard in the locker room may make fans realize how quickly Lillard will be entering ‘Father Time’ as well. And we might only get to see a few more years of Dame Time dominating the league.

Should Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard be worried about the East?

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s interaction with Damian Lillard may have amused the commentators and the viewers at home but it sure wasn’t funny for the two aging stars in the league. At 29 years of age, Antetokounmpo may still have more than a couple of years left in the tank but the same cannot be said for the 33-year-old Damian Lillard. Dame DOLLA has been shooting with the worst three-point percentage of his career at 34.1% in 51 games so far.

And as the days go by, these two All-Stars are not getting any younger while the competition in the Eastern Conference surely is. So, Giannis may be concerned about the right thing as the Bucks also try to keep up with certain coaching changes mid-season.

Talking about coaching changes, the Milwaukee Bucks made a head-scratching move in the middle of the season. The team fired their former head coach and signed Doc Rivers as his replacement when they already had the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. 

Hoping to improve their season record to first place in the East, things did not go according to plan for Milwaukee. However, there are still plenty of games left for Doc Rivers to get a hang of how things operate in the Bucks franchise.

The next coming months will determine how the Bucks may perform in the playoffs after the regular season. If Milwaukee can stay healthy, the team has somewhat of a shot to make a deep playoff run. But if injuries get the best of the Bucks like they did last year, then fans might get to see their team suffer an early elimination from the playoffs once again.

The post “We Gotta Beat Some Kids to Win a Chip”: Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo Contemplate Over Their Title Chances in the East appeared first on The SportsRush.