Happy New Year 2025

Tag: James

LeBron James takes heat for late decision to skip NBA All-Star Game

LeBron James drew some blowback on Sunday night as he announced 90 minutes before the NBA All-Star Game was set for tip-off that he would forgo playing in it over a foot issue.

The Los Angeles Lakers star said he would miss the mini tournament with foot and ankle discomfort. It ended his streak of 20 consecutive All-Star Game appearances. TNT hosts appeared to be appalled by the late decision from James.

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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, #23, prepares to shoot as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, #45, watches during the skills challenge at the NBA basketball All-Star Saturday night festivities on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

“I think ‘Bron coulda helped somebody else out and said this earlier,” Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green said, via Awful Announcing.

Former NBA star Jalen Rose added that James “took a roster spot from somebody.”

It was the first time James had missed an All-Star Game since 2004. He was set to play for Team Shaquille O’Neal in the All-Star Game’s new competition format. The team was then down to seven players – Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and James Harden.

MAC MCCLUNG, WHO HAS PLAYED IN 1 NBA GAME THIS SEASON, WINS 3RD STRAIGHT DUNK CONTEST

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James speaks during a press conference before the NBA basketball All-Star game on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

“I was hoping that it would feel a lot better this morning, but it’s not where I want it to be,” James said. “And with 30 games left and with us trying to make a playoff push in the wild, wild, West, I feel like it’s very important for me to kind of take care of myself and understand what’s coming on.

“So, I won’t say it’s maintenance, but it is maintenance,” he said. “At the same time, I have to look out for myself when it comes to this to this injury I’ve been dealing with for years.”

James said he will resume rehabbing the injury on Monday and hoped to play on Wednesday as the Lakers return from the break to compete against the Charlotte Hornets.

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Shaq’s OGs player LeBron James, #23, sits courtside in street clothes during Game 2 of the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group via AP)

He is averaging 24.3 points, 9 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game this season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 17, 2025
Mickie James reveals the ‘last thing’ a pro wrestler should want to be as she gears up for ‘WWE LFG’

Mickie James is a legend when it comes to women’s professional wrestling.

She performed in the National Wrestling Alliance, Ring of Honor, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling and Ohio Valley Wrestling before breaking out with WWE in 2005.

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James had a lasting and memorable career with WWE, with her first stint ending in 2010 and her second stint ending in 2021. She was a five-time WWE women’s champion and one-time WWE Divas champion. She was in TNA, Global Force Wrestling and a few other indie promotions in between runs with WWE.

James’ vast experience in professional wrestling made her the perfect choice as a coach in the upcoming television show “WWE Legends and Future Greats,” also known as “WWE LFG.”

Mickie James arrives prior to the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 15, 2018. (Larry McCormack/The Tennessean via USA TODAY NETWORK)

The reality show, which premieres on Sunday, will see James, The Undertaker, Booker T and Bubba Ray Dudley mentor the next generation of wrestling superstars. Viewers will get an inside look at what it takes to make it in the business.

James told Fox News Digital in a recent interview it was quite difficult to determine what type of characteristics she looked for in a pro wrestler given a competitor’s background and experience.

“Each person you have to coach so differently depending on where they are in their wrestling journey,” she explained. “I always say that I think what makes a superstar is the ability to tap into the thing that makes you unique, that stands out from the crowd, whether it be physically or emotionally or whatever, and making that larger than life.

“In my opinion, as a talent, a lot of the times those things that, just through culture and our desire to fit in and be like everyone else and normal – that’s the last thing you want in wrestling is to be like everyone else and normal. You want to be larger than life. Those things that make us and set us apart and make us so different are the things that we’ve pushed down and tapped down and kind of hidden and are insecure about.

Ruby Riott, right points to Mickie James standing on the corner ropes before the start of a women’s match during Saturday’s WWE Live wrestling event Jan. 19, 2019. (Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News)

JEY USO CHOOSES GUNTHER AS WRESTLEMANIA 41 OPPONENT WITH WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE LINE

“And, I could just be speaking for myself, but I often find those are the things that you want to make larger, even bigger and go bigger with because those are the things that are going to set you apart from everybody else. The last thing you want is to be like anyone else in the arena.”

James said she was excited to be a coach on the show and to pull the curtain back on some of the WWE greats she will be working with.

She added that she believed she had a unique experience because of her career trajectory.

“I do think I relate most to these ‘Future Greats’ because I did go through the developmental system and then came up to television,” she told Fox News Digital. “I can understand. I can relate a little bit more with them of what it feels like to be in their shoes.

“It’s been a lot of run to do. I feel like I’m constantly learning even still and it’s cool to get to know these talent on a different level, on a real personal level and have fallen in love with all of them. But also to get to know all of my fellow coaches on a different level and hopefully earn a newfound respect from all of them. They certainly, I feel like, are my brothers now and I adore each and every one of them. So, yeah, it’s been a lot of fun.”

“WWE Legends and Future Greats” features four coaches trying to develop the next great superstar. (A&E)

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“WWE Legends and Future Greats” is on A&E at 8 p.m. ET.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 13, 2025
Trump removes Antony Blinken, Letitia James, Alvin Bragg’s security clearances among others

President Donald Trump has decided to remove security clearances for several Democrats, including former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both of whom are vocal Trump critics.

Former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Biden’s Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and attorneys Andrew Weissmann, Mark Zaid and Norm Eisen.

The move comes a day after Trump stripped his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, of his security clearance and his access to presidential daily briefs, which ex-presidents generally

Security clearances have been revoked for Antony Blinken, Letitia James and Alvin Bragg. (Getty)

“There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social Friday night.

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He added the precedent was set by Biden himself.

“He set this precedent in 2021, when he instructed the Intelligence Community (IC) to stop the 45th President of the United States (ME!) from accessing details on National Security, a courtesy provided to former Presidents,” Trump wrote.

February 8, 2025
Trump executive order about sex-change procedures for kids violates NY law: Letitia James

New York Attorney General Letitia James warned hospitals on Monday not to follow President Donald Trump’s directive to prohibit sex-change procedures for minors, arguing that doing so would violate state law.

Trump’s executive order (EO), which was signed last week, was titled “Protecting Children From Chemical And Surgical Mutilation.” Its aim is to restrict “chemical and surgical” sex-change procedures for minors.

“Across the country today, medical professionals are maiming and sterilizing a growing number of impressionable children under the radical and false claim that adults can change a child’s sex through a series of irreversible medical interventions,” the EO states. “This dangerous trend will be a stain on our Nation’s history, and it must end.”

The declaration goes on to state that the U.S. “will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another.”

DETRANSITIONER SLAMS TRANS ‘PSEUDOSCIENCE’ THAT DOCTORS SAID WOULD SOLVE HER MENTAL DISTRESS: ‘IT’S QUACKERY’

New York Attorney General Letitia James is warning hospitals not to follow Trump’s EO about “gender-affirming care” for minors. (Reuters)

In the letter, James argued that refusing to provide gender-affirming treatment would violate anti-discrimination laws in the Empire State.

“Regardless of the availability of federal funding, we write to further remind you of your obligations to comply with New York State laws,” she said.

In an email obtained by the Associated Press, the spokesperson for the Greater New York Hospital Association said that his organization was consulting with hospitals about the EO.

“We are collaboratively working through every aspect of the EO to determine its legal and clinical implications,” spokesperson Brian Conway wrote. “That work is ongoing.”

SIX SERVICEMEMBERS CHALLENGE TRUMP’S TRANSGENDER MILITARY EXECUTIVE ORDER

Attorney General Letitia James speaks during a press conference in 2024. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

In a recent interview, Fox News Channel senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel explained that the main treatments that will be discouraged under the EO include puberty blockers and sex reassignment surgery for minors.

“Puberty blockers, the main one is Lupron, which we use for prostate cancer, enough said,” Siegel said. “I mean, it interferes with bone growth, it can potentially interfere with fertility if it’s combined with hormones and it can interfere with thinking and cognition. I don’t believe that we can say the puberty blockers with hormones don’t have long-term side effects, they do.”

“Surgery, we’re talking about mastectomies, we’re talking about upper and lower surgeries. I think that that’s something that’s not reversible and it should never be done on children,” the doctor added. “Proponents of this will say, ‘Well the longer you wait, the more the child suffers.’ I think that there’s conflicting research on that. I’m not convinced of that.”

Siegel also stressed the importance of mental health treatment for teens and warned about the gravity of the decision to undergo sex-change procedures, which could be irreversible.

“You have a child, they’re having gender confusion. Did they get enough mental health counseling?” Siegel said. “Did they get a chance to develop? Are they being pressured politically by somebody in society, their parents? And then, most importantly, is the intervention leading to something that’s not reversible?”

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U.S. President Donald Trump talks to reporters from the Resolute Desk after signing an executive order to appoint the deputy administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration in the Oval Office at the White House on January 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)

Fox News Digital reached out to James’ office and the White House for additional comment.

The Associated Press and Fox News Digital’s Kendall Tietz contributed to this report.

Andrea Margolis is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Readers can send story tips to [email protected].

February 3, 2025
LeBron James breaks silence on blockbuster trade by refuting report he was ‘frustrated’ with now ex-teammate

While most were sleeping, the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning blockbuster that led to Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis swapping teams.

The deal is perhaps one of the most star-studded ever, as it’s the first time in NBA history two reigning All-NBA players were traded midseason.

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There are lots of questions that need to be answered, primarily on the Dallas side of things, as it’s shocking a team would trade a 25-year-old MVP candidate with global starpower fresh off an NBA Finals appearance.

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Lakers forwards LeBron James and Anthony Davis during the Atlanta Hawks game at Crypto.com Arena on March 18, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

However, one report from CBS Sports said LeBron James “had grown frustrated” with Davis, who is averaging over 25 points and a dozen rebounds while playing elite defense.

James’ Lakers defeated the Knicks shortly before the trade broke, but James has not spoken to reporters about the move yet (Davis was inactive), but James did see the report on X, and broke his silence matter of factly.

“You a [f—ing] lie,” James wrote on X, adding Pinocchio and clown emojis.

Luka Dončić of the Mavericks handles the ball against Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center on Feb. 26, 2023, in Dallas. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

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James is said to have found out about the trade shortly before the news broke on X while he was out to dinner with his family following L.A.’s victory. It’s being reported that the Mavs only reached out to the Lakers, and would only acquire Davis if it meant moving Dončić. Other than the organizations facilitating the trade, it’s said that no one else knew what was going on behind the scenes.

The Lakers received Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks took on Davis, Max Christie and Los Angeles’ 2029 first-round pick. To settle it all out, the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.

LeBron James gestures to fans as he sits on the bench with forward Anthony Davis during the game against the Golden State Warriors, Oct. 13, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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The Slovenian led the NBA with 33.4 points per game last season and won’t turn 26 until later this month. In his career, he averages 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, putting himself in the MVP conversation every year of his young career.

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February 2, 2025
Bronny James receives sarcastic ‘MVP’ chants in road blowout during garbage time

LeBron James is used to hearing MVP chants no matter where he plays, but most of the time, they’re for him.

However, on Thursday night, they were for a different James: his son Bronny.

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The 20-year-old got some playing time late in Los Angeles’ 134-96 win over the Wizards in Washington. The game was practically over from the jump, as the Lakers led 78-45 at halftime.

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Oct. 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona: Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

This prompted Bronny, the 55th pick of last year’s NBA Draft, to get some minutes in garbage time. Perhaps it was better than the “tough spot” JJ Redick had put Bronny in the night before, when he went 0-for-5 from the floor while getting time at a crucial part of the game.

In his 12 minutes played, Bronny impressed with five points, including a tough and-one bucket that even got his father out of his seat.

But when James went to the line, some fans had some fun with the rookie by hitting him with “MVP” chants.

Of course, they were sarcastic, but they were loud, and it’s more MVP chants than most people out there have gotten.

LeBron James, #23, and Bronny James, #9, of the Los Angeles Lakers on defense during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on October 22, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. (Harry How/Getty Images)

Bronny had not seen the floor for more than six minutes entering Wednesday, but he’s now seen 27 minutes of time in the Lakers’ last two games.

It’s been a struggle for Bronny, who entered Thursday’s contest just 1-for-16 from the floor. He averaged fewer than five points per game during his lone season at USC.

James has spent a decent portion of the season developing in the G League, which has been much kinder to him. In those games, he’s putting up 16.3 points per game.

The tongue-in-cheeck chants came after ESPN mogul Stephen A. Smith ripped LeBron for stunting his son’s growth in the pros.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) catches his breath against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the NBA 2K25 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 18, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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“I am pleading with LeBron James, as a father. Stop this. Stop this. We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad,” Smith said on Wednesday’s edition of “First Take.”

The win improved the Lakers to 27-19 with the win, good for fifth in the Western Conference. They’ll face a tough test on Saturday night when they visit Madison Square Garden to face the third-place Knicks.

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January 31, 2025
Stephen A Smith sounds off on LeBron James about son’s playing time amid struggles: ‘Stop this’

It’s becoming quite clear that Bronny James isn’t quite ready for the NBA yet.

The son of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer was called up from the G-League ahead of Tuesday’s game, and he got to play 15 minutes, by far the most of his young career, in his 13th appearance.

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But it was a struggle, as he went 0-for-5 from the floor and committed three turnovers.

LeBron James and Bronny James of the Lakers on the court for the first time during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 22, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

James has made just one shot of 16 from the floor this season, which adds up to just a 6.3 shooting percentage. Sure, it’s unfair to judge on such scarce playing time, but he certainly hasn’t done himself any favors.

The father-son duo have received flak ever since Bronny was selected 55th overall by his father’s team in the summer, with lots of criticism about nepotism.

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Well, after Tuesday’s performance, Stephen A. Smith insinuated that it’s still going on, and it’s not beneficial.

“I’m really, really trying to be as respectful as I possibly can be toward LeBron James, one of the top two or three players in the history of basketball. I am pleading with LeBron James, as a father. Stop this. Stop this. We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad,” Smith said on Wednesday’s edition of “First Take.”

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James against the Suns at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, Oct. 28, 2024. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

Smith added he has “no issues” with the two playing on the same team, as James has “earned that” privilege.

But with his struggles, LeBron is not doing his son any “favors,” said Smith.

“We know that he’s not ready yet! And I’m saying this with compassion! I’m asking the greatest player in the game, one of the greatest we have ever, or will ever see, who is a basketball savant, you know what these numbers mean, to your son, you’re exposing your son like this.”

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James warms up for the Raptors game at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Nov. 1, 2024. (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)

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Bronny, who averaged less than five points per game in his lone season at USC, has fared much better in the G League, averaging 16.3 points per contest.

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January 29, 2025
Bronny James scores career-high during Lakers’ G League affiliate team victory

Bronny James is NBA great LeBron James’ oldest son, which placed a spotlight on the 20-year-old rookie.

In October, Bronny was part of history when he checked into the Los Angeles Lakers season opener and played alongside his father. It marked the first active father-son duo in league history. Shortly after his NBA debut, the Lakers announced the youngest James would split his time between the NBA franchise and their G League affiliate — the South Bay Lakers.

Bronny does not travel with the team for road games, but he was on hand for South Bay’s game against Rip City Remix — the Portland Trail Blazers G League affiliate — in El Segundo, California on Jan. 24. James had a game to remember on Friday, finishing South Bay’s 122-110 win with a career-best 31 points.

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Jan 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) during the game against the Boston Celtics at the Crypto.com Arena. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

His strong performance on the offensive end of the basketball court was highlighted by a monster slam dunk. James also made five of his eleven 3-point attempts.

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A screen from center Christian Koloko allowed James to pick up his dribble and throw down the highlight-reel worthy dunk over Rip City’s Sterling Manely. The dunk also tied the game and sparked a 9-4 South Bay run.

James spoke about his confidence after the game.

“I’m just trying to get my confidence back,” James told a reporter during his on-court interview. “I’m just trying to play my game. Learn from every game. While I’m not playing in the G League, learn from the Lakers, learning from my vets and just keep trying to be myself. That’s been working recently. I’m happy with my results.”

Jan 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) interacts with son Bronny James during the game against the Boston Celtics at the Crypto.com Arena. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

“I am having fun,” James responded when asked about the spotlight that’s been placed on him. “Any time I’m playing basketball, any time I’m out here breathing, any time I’m out here walking … I’m grateful for everything.”

Oct 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

The win improved South Bay’s record to 2-7.

Bronny’s four-time NBA champion took notice of his son’s heroics. “GRATEFUL OF YOU KID!!” the elder James wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, after the game.

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James likely will not get the call to rejoin the NBA team until next month. The Lakers are in the midst of a road trip and return to Southern California for a cross-town game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 4.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025