AirJordanChronicles https://www.airjordanchronicles.com Stay up to date with all things Air Jordan! Sun, 15 Mar 2026 01:40:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 Here’s What Michael Jordan Told Bam Adebayo After Historic 83-Point Night https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/news/heres-what-michael-jordan-told-bam-adebayo-after-historic-83-point-night/ Sun, 15 Mar 2026 01:40:38 +0000 https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/?p=47682 Bam Adebayo lit up the Washington Wizards for a staggering 83 points, leading the Heat to a 150–129 win. The performance shattered a two-decade-old Kobe Bryant record and even earned him a personal appreciation from Michael Jordan.

While having a conversation on NBA Countdown, Adebayo revealed the Chicago Bulls star’s appreciative remark for him. He disclosed that the worldwide NBA icon lauded his performance with a single word.

Adebayo quoted Jordan saying, “He just said, ‘Congratulations.’ Very short and direct. If you know Mike, you know he doesn’t talk much.”

Even though the message was short, it meant everything for Bam as recognition from Jordan is so rare that only a handful of individuals of the NBA stars ever get the experience.

Well, Bam certainly deserved every bit of appreciation; his 83 points against the Wizards stand as the second most in a single game throughout NBA history, only surpassed by Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 points in 1962.

Speaking about his record, Adebayo expressed, “I didn’t think it was going to be 83. But to have this moment is surreal, because like I said, man, to be able to do it at home, in front of my mom, in front of my people, in front of the home fans, this is a mark in history that will forever be remembered.”

Adebayo also broke the late Bryant’s record after two decades, which is another reason for this feat being special, but even in celebration, he remained humble and paid respect to the deceased Lakers legend.

Bam Adebayo Predicts How Kobe Bryant Would Have Reacted

While having a conversation on the Dan Patrick show, Bam Adebayo expressed that Kobe would have been thrilled to witness him break his record, “If it was the other way around, Kobe would’ve been like ‘I’m shooting for whatever I can get!’”

“If the dead could talk, I firmly believe he’d be like, ‘Congratulations, young fella. You did something I thought nobody could even reach for the next 40-50 years!”, the 28-year-old added.

Kobe Bryant set the record for the second-highest single-game scoring performance in 2006 against the Toronto Raptors with a stunning 81 points. The mark stood untouched for nearly two decades until Bam Adebayo finally surpassed it on March 10.

But do you think he will manage to break Chamberlain’s record in his career?

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Trending slideshow: 8 Times Michael Jordan Clashed With Kobe Bryant in the NBA: Find Who Won More

Najeeb Wani 8 Times Michael Jordan Clashed With Kobe Bryant in the NBA: Find Who Won More
From 1996 to 2003, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant faced each other 11 times, eight in the regular season and three in All-Star games. Though they never met in the playoffs, each clash was memorable. Jordan often called Bryant “that little Lakers boy,” while Bryant credited Jordan as his inspiration, saying he learned everything from him. Their battles left a mark on both careers, with fans debating who came out on top in these legendary matchups. Via Imagn Images
Jordan’s Bulls hosted rookie Bryant’s Lakers. Jordan scored 30 as Chicago fought back from an early Lakers lead to win 129-123 in overtime. Bryant played 10 minutes, scored 5, and watched the master at work. The defining moment: Jordan’s baseline spin move, teaching Bryant the physical gap between TV and reality. Jordan quietly studied the rookie, while Bryant absorbed the lesson, realizing scoring was only half the game. MPS-Imagn Images
The Bulls, road-weary on their third game in four nights, fell 106-90. Jordan scored 27 but struggled with efficiency. Bryant had 7 points in 13 minutes, learning by observing Jordan’s fadeaways and footwork. The Lakers, without Shaq, relied on Elden Campbell and energetic young guards. Chicago’s fatigue showed; the Lakers proved their budding roster could compete with the league’s best. USA Today Network-Imagn Images
Jordan scored 36 and Bryant 33 in Chicago, with the Bulls winning 104-83. Bryant, now a confident second-year player, challenged Jordan directly and asked mid-game for advice on his turnaround jumper. Jordan respected the curiosity and competitiveness. The duel showcased Bryant’s growth and Jordan’s recognition that a new heir was emerging, blending mentorship with fierce competition. Porter Binks-USA TODAY via Imagn
The Bulls were overwhelmed 112-87 at the Forum. Jordan scored 31, Bryant 20 off the bench. Shaq, Fox, and Horry ran the floor, outpacing Chicago. Bryant’s highlight layups and transition plays earned fan admiration, showing his arrival. Jordan felt the younger, faster league pressing him. The Lakers’ dominance hinted that the Bulls’ supremacy was ending, while Bryant began taking over the spotlight. RVR Photos-Imagn Images
Jordan, with the Wizards, scored 22 in a 103-94 loss. Bryant recorded 23 points, 15 assists, and 11 rebounds, dominating without needing to outscore Jordan. The game highlighted Bryant’s mastery of the Triangle Offense and the transition from pupil to leader. Jordan respected Bryant’s growth, while Bryant proved he could control the game with balance, not just scoring. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jordan played 12 minutes, scoring just 2 points, while the Lakers won 113-93. Bryant added 14 points and 6 assists. Recovering from knee surgery, Jordan’s impact was minimal. The game emphasized Bryant’s command of the league and the mutual respect between elder and successor. The matchup lacked intensity but showed the changing of eras. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jordan scored 25 on 64% shooting, leading the Wizards to a 100-99 buzzer-beater over the Lakers. Bryant scored 27 but struggled with 8-of-21 shooting. Jordan’s efficiency and veteran control stunned the defending champs. The finishing play underscored Jordan’s IQ, while Bryant’s frustration showed he still respected the old master. Washington celebrated a rare comeback-era victory over the Lakers. Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Bryant scored 55 points, hitting 9 threes, while Jordan added 23 in a 107-98 Lakers win. Bryant dominated from start to finish, even joking with Jordan on a charging foul. Fans held signs reading, “Goodbye Michael, Hello Kobe.” Jordan acknowledged Bryant’s unstoppable streak. The game marked the final professional handover of NBA supremacy, cementing Bryant as the new king. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Looking at the head-to-head record, Kobe Bryant comes out ahead of Michael Jordan, winning 7 of their 11 matchups, including 5 regular-season games and 2 All-Star contests. Early on, Jordan dominated as the mentor and superstar, but as Bryant matured, he began claiming victories, especially during Jordan’s Wizards comeback. USA Today Network-Imagn Images
]]> Bam Adebayo Drops Truth Bomb About Girlfriend A’ja Wilson’s Basketball Skills https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/news/bam-adebayo-drops-truth-bomb-about-girlfriend-aja-wilsons-basketball-skills/ Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:57:43 +0000 https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/?p=47668 After torching the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo grabbed headlines again, this time, though, it was for his heartfelt response when asked about his girlfriend, A’ja Wilson’s on-court prowess.

On March 13, Heat Central posted an X update featuring a section of Adebayo’s appearance on a recent episode of the Dan Patrick Show. It displayed Patrick questioning Adebayo, “What does your girlfriend do better than you on the basketball floor?” Well, his answer only highlighted just how big a star Wilson is when it comes to ball.

“Everything. She can literally do anything. Also, having her in the building was special because she was mad I got 10K while she was on her tour. To do that while she is courtside was a special moment for us,” said the Aces star’s boyfriend.

It’s just natural for Adebayo to talk highly of his girlfriend, and he is also being accurate. In the realm of WNBA, there’s hardly any star who can stand close to Wilson, especially after she claimed her fourth MVP last year and created a record of winning the award the most times.

However, this is not the first time that Adebayo praised Wilson. After his record-breaking performance this week, the first thing the Heat player did was to attribute his win to Wilson.

Bam Adebayo Praised A’Ja Wilson After Scoring 83 Points

Speaking to the press after the Wizards match, Adebayo praised Wilson for the support she gave him during the season. “To have 83, the first game she’s here, is special,” said the 28-year-old.

He explained that the occasion meant more to him, especially since Wilson couldn’t witness his 10,000th career point against Detroit, “The behind-the-scenes, workouts, convos, they’re very motivating. You see what she does. You get inspired every day by that. Thankful to have her in my life.”

Wilson, who was sitting beside Bam during the press conference, started to tear up a little, to which Bam added, “She’s gonna cry, by the way.”

Addressing the media, Wilson expressed how proud she is of Adebayo, “I see the countless hours that he puts in. I see the early morning workouts, the questioning, the self-doubt. I see all that.“So to see him thriving so well in that space during that time, I didn’t want to mess up any mojo.”

Both of them are at the top of their game right now, like a true power couple. But will they be able to carry the same tempo? Time will tell.

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Trending slideshow: Bam Adebayo Passes Kobe Bryant’s 81-Point Mark: Find What LeBron James, Kevin Durant & 8 Other NBA Stars Said

Fatima Roshni Bam Adebayo Passes Kobe Bryant’s 81-Point Mark: Find What LeBron James, Kevin Durant & 8 Other NBA Stars Said
​Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo etched his name into the record books on Tuesday, leading a dominant 150-129 victory over the Washington Wizards. In a performance for the ages, the 28-year-old center dropped a staggering 83 points, surpassing Kobe Bryant’s legendary 81-point mark to claim the second-highest scoring game in NBA history. The feat, trailed only by Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point night, sent shockwaves through the league, with NBA icons and teammates alike flooding social media to witness the dawn of a new scoring era. X/NBA
​During a live telecast of “The Association” on NBA TV, insider Chris Haynes reached out to Damian Lillard for his take on Bam Adebayo’s historic explosion. Lillard didn’t miss a beat, jokingly claiming the credit for the 83-point masterclass. “I taught Bam everything he knows. Everything he knows, I taught him,” Lillard quipped with a laugh. He even joked that he had to call Adebayo’s girlfriend, A’ja Wilson, to see if her offseason training was the real secret behind the center’s sudden scoring surge. Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
​Appearing on “NBA Showtime,” Houston Rockets legend and current analyst Tracy McGrady shared his candid take on Adebayo’s historic night. McGrady suggested that the sheer exhaustion of such a massive performance would likely take its toll, hilariously referencing Adebayo’s girlfriend, WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson, as the solution. “A lot of shots and a lot of buckets, shout out to Bam for it,” McGrady said. “Bam, I know you’re tired, go get that rub down from the ole lady, ’cause you’re gonna need it.” John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
​Watching the history unfold in real-time on his “Gil’s Arena” livestream, Gilbert Arenas was among the first to realize the magnitude of the moment. As Bam Adebayo reached 74 points in under 38 minutes, Arenas confidently predicted that the Heat center would easily eclipse the 81-point mark. Once his prediction became reality, Arenas shifted from awe to comedy, jokingly warning Adebayo about the impending backlash from the “Mamba” faithful. “I don’t think the Kobe community is going to appreciate this,” Arenas quipped with a laugh. “Bam, I’m sorry, brother, you’re about to be the most hated man in Los Angeles.” Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Images
​New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson was left in visible disbelief following Bam Adebayo’s 83-point explosion. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) moments after the final buzzer, Brunson summed up the league’s collective shock with a simple, two-word post: “Bro what.” Brunson is no stranger to historic scoring nights himself; he holds the Knicks’ modern-day record with a 61-point masterpiece against the San Antonio Spurs in 2024. However, even for a player who has touched the 60-point ceiling, Adebayo’s leap into the 80s felt like uncharted territory. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
​The historic nature of Bam Adebayo’s scoring outburst prompted Kelly Oubre Jr. to provide some perspective from the Philadelphia locker room. While Adebayo eclipsed the 80-point mark, Oubre highlighted the surgical precision of Joel Embiid’s 70-point performance against San Antonio. By noting that Embiid accomplished his feat in only three quarters of action, Oubre underscored the difference between high-volume shooting and raw efficiency. “Joel Embiid did it efficiently,” Oubre asserted, ensuring his teammate’s name remains in the conversation of all-time scoring masterclasses. X/Underdog
​Miami Heat icon Dwyane Wade was among the first to celebrate Bam Adebayo’s historic achievement, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to salute the new franchise scoring leader. “83 for CAP 🫡 🤯,” Wade wrote, acknowledging Adebayo’s current role as the Heat’s captain. To drive the point home, the Hall of Famer punctuated his post with a legendary GIF of former President Barack Obama’s “mic drop,” signaling that after an 83-point night, there was simply nothing left to be said. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
​The NBA’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron James, was among the first to acknowledge the magnitude of Bam Adebayo’s 83-point masterclass. James, who previously held the Heat franchise record with his own 61-point performance in 2014, watched as his former team’s newest “Captain” shattered that mark. Taking to X, LeBron celebrated the explosion with a simple but loud tribute: “BAM BAM BAM 💥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.” On a Tuesday night that started as just another game on the calendar, Adebayo’s performance turned the basketball world upside down, earning the ultimate respect from the “King” himself. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
​Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo offered a seasoned perspective on the longevity of such a feat, noting that iconic performances are defined by the final tally, not the box score details. Now that Adebayo sits as the second-highest single-game scorer in history, Giannis believes the “how” will eventually fade into the background. “It doesn’t matter how you get there; all that matters is that you got it,” Giannis said. “In 30 years, nobody’s going to remember the free throws. All you remember is 81 for Kobe, 100 for Wilt. At the end of the day, he got 83.” Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
​Following a dominant 29-point performance in the Rockets’ 113-99 victory over the Toronto Raptors, Kevin Durant used his post-game press conference to address the history made in Miami. The 14-time All-Star expressed genuine awe at Bam Adebayo’s 83-point explosion, acknowledging the incredible discipline required to surpass Kobe Bryant’s 81-point mark. “I couldn’t believe it when I was hearing it in real time,” Durant admitted. “To pass Kobe as the second-highest scorer in the history of the game… it’s a huge accomplishment and something we’ll talk about forever.” X/Heat Central
​During his post-match media address, Bam Adebayo was quick to share the spotlight with WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson. While celebrating his leap past Kobe Bryant in the record books, the Heat center credited much of his 83-point explosion to Wilson’s presence and influence. It was the first time the Las Vegas Aces star had seen him play in person this season, and Adebayo clearly rose to the occasion. “To have 83 the first game she’s here is very special,” Adebayo said, with Wilson by his side. “The behind-the-scenes workouts and the conversations we have are so motivating. You see what she does on the court and you get inspired by that. I’m just thankful to have her in my life.” X/NBA
]]> Steve Kerr Addresses Warriors’ Crisis of Losing Three Players in One Game https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/news/steve-kerr-addresses-warriors-crisis-of-losing-three-players-in-one-game/ Sat, 14 Mar 2026 16:04:59 +0000 https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/?p=47822 As the Golden State Warriors fall into one of their worst times, Steve Kerr’s recent update confirmed the severity of the situation.

The Warriors’ win-lose column doesn’t look good, with March 14 marking the 4th consecutive loss. If a 127-117 defeat from the Minnesota Timberwolves wasn’t bad enough, a massive injury surge followed. And the coach could barely find words.

“You saw how hard the guys played and stayed in it”, said Kerr during the postgame press meet. “We can’t ask anything more from our players right now. What they’re giving effort-wise, playing together. We’re about as beaten up as any team that I can remember, really.”

30 minutes before tip-off, Draymond Green opted out due to back soreness. And later on, Al Horford, Quinten Post, and Seth Curry followed, and despite coaching the Warriors for 11 years, Kerr found this heavy injury situation indescribable.

The team “got the fans into it” despite playing their last 16 games without Stephen Curry. While Kerr mentioned that the franchise cannot ask “more from the players”, he has given a bit of an update, but it isn’t anything that fans would like to hear.

Steve Kerr Gave a Minute Not-So-Positive Update

Horford, who has been averaging 8.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists this season, left the paint with calf tightness in the first quarter, after scoring 3 points and 1 rebound. And Kerr has updated what’s in for the Warriors Center.

“With a calf, we’re not going to rush him back,” the coach said. However, no update followed on Quinten Post, who is averaging 7.6 points and 4.1 rebounds, and exited the game with a sprained ankle. He was able to score 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist before exiting.

Similarly, Kerr had no update on Seth, either, who limped out of the paint. And most importantly, there’s no insight on when the Warriors’ cornerstone Steph or Jimmy Butler will be coming back. All Kerr mentioned was that Curry would hit the paint whenever he’s good to go.

Such an injury-ridden roster does not help the 32-34 standing. As the Warriors play the NY Knicks on March 16, which new scenario do you think is waiting to catch Kerr off guard?

Let us know in the comments.

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Trending slideshow: Ranking The 20 Greatest Point Guards In NBA History: Settling Magic Johnson Vs Stephen Curry Debate

Dev Thangjam Ranking The 20 Greatest Point Guards In NBA History: Settling Magic Johnson Vs Stephen Curry Debate
Who is the greatest point guard of all time? Some will say it is Stephen Curry. Others will say Magic Johnson or John Stockton. The opinions and lists go on. No doubt Steph Curry is the greatest 3-point shooter of all time, but is he the greatest point guard ever? Or is it Magic Johnson, the player who brought showtime to the Lakers? Let’s dive right in to rank the top 20 players in the NBA. Image via NBA
Mark Price’s underratedness is attributed to his IQ, quick ball release, and court vision, which was a nightmare for defenders. He is the one who started splitting double-teams off ball screens. With 4 NBA All-Star appearances, 2x 3-Point Contest Championships, he averaged 15.2 points and 6.7 assists per game over 12 seasons. Image via NBA
Kyrie Irving can break down players with crafty handles and elegant footwork. The 2016 NBA Finals three-pointer will always be remembered by NBA fans. He has one NBA championship and averaged 23.4 points and 5.6 assists per game in 14 seasons. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The youngest MVP in the history of the NBA. Derrick Rose is an athletic player with immense speed and body control, capable of easily dominating defenders. His explosive style, leadership qualities, and clutch play make him an elite point guard. He put up 25.0 points and 7.7 assists in his MVP season. David Banks-Imagn Images
A powerful point guard who revolutionized the position in the 90s. His signature “UTEP Two-Step” crossover, with its fast movement, enthralled fans. Scoring 3-pointers is one of his deadly attributes while playing as a traditional distributor. He had 5 NBA All-Star appearances and averaged 17.7 points and 8.2 assists per game in 13 seasons. Golden State Warriors via X
Billups is nicknamed “Mr. Big Shot” for his shooting in clutch moments. He was the MVP in the finals of the Detroit Pistons’ 2004 championship win. His composure and ability to control tempo made him an influential floor general of the 2000s. He has 5 NBA All-Star appearances, an average of 15.2 points and 5.4 assists per game in 17 seasons. Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Lillard is a dynamic point guard who comes up big in clutch. He has a reputation for “Dame Time” because of ridiculous buzzer-beaters in the NBA playoffs. With 7 NBA All-Star selections and one Rookie of the Year award, he averages 25.1 points and 6.7 assists per game in 12+ seasons. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Westbrook’s intensity in matches and aggressive offensive plays is an ordeal for many defenders. He is the only player to average a triple-double in four different seasons. He won the NBA MVP in 2017, averaging 31.6 points, 10.4 assists, and 10.7 rebounds in a stunning season. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
A legendary floor general who was calm and methodical in every game. Wilkens was also a celebrated coach, inducted into the Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach. He had remarkable vision and was the most impactful playmaker of his time. He has 9 NBA All-Star appearances and averaged 16.5 points and 6.7 assists per game in 15 seasons. Joe Nicholson/Imagn
Payton plays lockdown defense, and fans dubbed him “The Glove” for choking out opponents in possession. He had an excellent mid-range shot and quick hands, which made him average 18.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 2.1 steals during his time in Seattle. An NBA champion in 2006, Payton brought grit to the court. Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Frazier helped the New York Knicks win 2 championships in the 70’s. In a memorable performance in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA finals, he had 36 points, 19 assists, and 7 rebounds. He is a complete guard with calmness and personality on the court. He averaged 18.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game in 13 seasons. Eric Hartline via Imagn
Nicknamed the “Point God”, his pick-and-roll game and precise passing make him one of the most effective players in the game. He’s ranked second among all-time players in assists and steals. With 12 NBA All-Star selections and 9 NBA All-Defensive Team selections, he dished out 11.6 assists and had 2.7 steals in the 2007-08 season. Jim Dedmon via Imagn Images
Kidd’s creativity with a basketball and a strong understanding of the game made him an icon. A team player who elevated everybody’s game, he won the NBA championship with the Mavericks. With 10 NBA All-Star appearances, his 10.8 assists in the 1998-99 season set him apart as an elite playmaker. Kirby Lee via Imagn
An iconic NBA star who can control games at will. He was an offensive player with incisive passing, spatial awareness, and unparalleled vision. He was also a member of the elite 50–40–90 club four times and topped the NBA in assists 5 times. In 2005-06, he shot 51.2%/43.9%/92.1 % to lead the Suns. Jennifer Stewart via Imagn
The early-2000s floor general of the Spurs has 4 NBA championships and 1 NBA Finals MVP award. His speed and finishing ability were a constant threat with a quick first step that blinded opponents. During the 2007 NBA Finals, he averaged 20.8 points and 5.8 assists, becoming an icon of the San Antonio Spurs. Craig Mitchelldyer via Imagn
Bob Cousy was known as “The Houdini of the Hardwood” because of his behind-the-back passes in the ’50s and ’60s. His ball-handling and point guard play were way ahead of their time. He has 6 NBA championships, 13 NBA All-Star and one NBA MVP. In 14 seasons, Cousy had an average of 18.4 points and 7.5 assists per game. Via NBA
Another legend of the game, who was a clutch performer in big games. Thomas was an acrobatic player with accurate passing and smooth ball handling. He won back-to-back NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons. He has one NBA Finals MVP, 12 NBA All-Star selections, and averages 19.2 points and 9.3 assists per game over 13 seasons. Kyle Terada/Imagn
Stockton holds the record of most assists (15,806) and steals (3,265) in the NBA. He was a defensive power house with precision passing and an expert in positioning. His pick-and-roll game and execution were second to none. From 1987-96, he averaged 13.1 assists and 2.6 steals to dissect opponents. Russ Isabella / Imagn
One of the GOATs, Oscar Robertson, was the first player to average a triple-double for an entire season in NBA history. He was a quality playmaker who paved the way for many point guards to do it all. The NBA Hall of Famer has one NBA championship, and in the 1961-62 season, he averaged 30.8 points, 11.4 assists, and 12.5 rebounds. Via NBA
He is the greatest 3-point shooter of all time. Curry has revolutionized the role of point guard in ways we have never seen before. Curry is a master dribbler, and his shooting range is beyond incomprehensible. He has 4 championships, 2 MVPs (one unanimous), and during the 2016 season, he made 402 three-pointers. Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
He is the greatest point guard of all time. A visionary, leader, and showman, he changed basketball. He made the no-look pass iconic, and Johnson is a complete player who orchestrated games. With 5 championships, 3 finals MVPs, and 12 All-Star appearances, he averaged 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds over 13 seasons. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
]]> DeAndre Ayton Sheds Light on LeBron James Tuning His Game for the Lakers https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/news/deandre-ayton-sheds-light-on-lebron-james-tuning-his-game-for-the-lakers/ Sat, 14 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/?p=47550 LeBron James is back after a three-game absence. As the Lakers thrived without him, James returned with a different approach. Teammate DeAndre Ayton noticed immediately how the four-time champion adjusted his game to blend in.

James returned to the Lakers’ 3-0 run and scored 18 points against Doncic and Reaves for a total of 51. While Bron struggled, he never looked like he was forcing. Among thousands of witnesses, including his teammate DeAndre Ayton, James, as he always does, was adjusting.

“I mean, that’s LeBron, I think no great man fits him with anything, man. That’s LeBron James,” Ayton said. “He did a great job of just blending in,” added the Lakers center.

“He had some big plays down the stretch where he was protecting the rim on multiple efforts, and I was just big cuz I was on the bench, and I was seeing how he played so well being a big as well, playing in that small lineup. That was pretty cool,” he said.

Here is a better perspective. LeBron didn’t attempt a single field goal until the second period. He constantly deferred to Reaves and Doncic and put more effort into the defensive end.

LeBron James reveals why he adjusted his return

In Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, LeBron gave the ball to Kyrie Irving in the last seconds. Not because he was afraid of the big stage, but because he trusted Uncle Drew to be a better-suited piece on the team to take that shot. LeBron has always prized winning, and it has never changed, not even now when he has nothing to prove.

Throughout the Lakers vs. Bulls game, James used a large chunk of his time on the floor playing off-ball and screening for his primary offensive teammates. His strategy of playing off-ball and screening for teammates was key to the Lakers’ victory.

“If it benefits others, it benefits the team,” James said. “Yeah, it is a sacrifice. I know what I’m capable of still doing as an individual, but what’s important for this team, I’m able to adapt to. And the win is the only thing that matters.”

Los Angeles faces Houston in their next contest on Monday. It’s a far superior team compared to the Bulls. Will he adjust again?

Read more at the Air Jordan Chronicles!

Trending slideshow: List of Historic Records Broken By LeBron James

Najeeb Wani List of Historic Records Broken By LeBron James
For more than two decades, LeBron James has been part of some of the biggest moments in NBA history. Some of those marks had stood for decades, while others were records no one thought would be reached anytime soon. The achievements below highlight several of the biggest records he has broken during his time in the NBA. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
On March 2, 2024, LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to reach 40,000 career points. The moment happened during a game for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena. He crossed the mark with a simple layup in the second quarter. James needed only nine points entering the game and finished with 26, leading the Lakers. It came a little over a year after he had already become the league’s all-time leading scorer. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
On February 7, 2023, LeBron James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. The record fell during a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. James needed 36 points and broke the mark with a fadeaway jumper late in the third quarter. Abdul-Jabbar’s total of 38,387 points had stood for 38 years. James reached it in fewer games and later became the first player ever to score 39,000 points. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
On March 13, 2022, LeBron James reached a rare milestone. During a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, he recorded his 10,000th assist with a cross-court pass to Carmelo Anthony. That play made him the first player ever with 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists. Many players had reached 10,000 assists before, including Magic Johnson, but none were close to James in scoring average. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
On March 5, 2026, LeBron James added another record to his career. Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena, he became the NBA’s all-time leader in field goals made. James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s mark of 15,837 with a fadeaway jumper late in the first quarter. He needed 11 field goals entering the game. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
On January 4, 2026, LeBron James reached another rare place in league history. During a comeback win by the Los Angeles Lakers over the Memphis Grizzlies, his third assist of the game pushed him past Chris Paul on the combined regular-season and playoff assists list. James reached 13,793 assists, trailing only John Stockton. Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
LeBron James also holds the record for the most All-NBA Team selections in league history. He reached his 16th selection during the 2019-20 season, which broke the previous tie with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and Tim Duncan. Over time he pushed the record to 20 total selections. Thirteen of those were First-Team picks, the most any player has had. David Gonzales-Imagn Images
LeBron James also owns the record for the most playoff wins in NBA history. Across 17 postseason appearances, he built a playoff record of 183 wins and 104 losses. Those runs included 10 trips to the NBA Finals and four championships. In total, James played 287 playoff games while averaging 28.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. His teams kept winning deep into the postseason year after year. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Another long-standing record belongs to LeBron James with the most NBA All-Star Game selections. He appeared in the event 20 times and, for many years, started every game. From 2005 through 2025, he was selected as a starter every season, a streak that lasted more than two decades. In 2026, at age 41, the streak ended when he finished ninth in voting, but he still remained the all-time leader in appearances and total All-Star points. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
On January 24, 2023, LeBron James achieved something no other player had done. During a game against the Los Angeles Clippers, he scored 46 points and became the first player to record a 40-point game against every one of the NBA’s 30 teams. The Clippers were the last team left on that list. James also hit a career-high nine three-pointers in the game, finishing the milestone in the 1,404th game of his career. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
LeBron James is also the only player to win the NBA Finals MVP award with three different franchises. He first won it with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, then with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, and later with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. In the 2020 Finals, he averaged 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists and received every Finals MVP vote. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
]]> “This Is the Dream”: LeBron James Wins Fans Over With Generous UCLA Gesture https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/news/this-is-the-dream-lebron-james-wins-fans-over-with-generous-ucla-gesture/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:52:24 +0000 https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/?p=46828 While the LA Lakers grind through the tough terrain of NBA Western Conference Playoff race, LeBron James is out here delivering heart full performance outside the court.

On Tuesday, the King just did a surprise visit to the UCLA Health Medical Centre catching everyone off guard.

Dressed in his casual team gear, LeBron spent his time hanging out with the patients of the medical center, handing out goodies and blankets. His gesture certainly touched the soul of every individual out there.

“When you do CCU rounds with the @KingJames, who spends time visiting with your cardiology patients! Grateful patients, family, and staff at UCLA Health and the Lakers.” Dr. Ali Nsair wrote in a post on X.

The King even made a future fan. While visiting the maternity ward, LeBron met a couple who has just welcomed their newborn baby and, to their surprise, the four-times-NBA champion gifted the family a ‘Little Laker Onesie’ for this future fan.

That was not all. Emotions certainly soared through the rooftop when LeBron stopped to meet a local firefighter and salute the hero for his service.

“Big firefighter, Big Daniel. I had to come visit you, man, you know? You save a lot of people. Save all of us, and I pay my respect to you,” James told him. The firefighter could hardly believe what he was witnessing as he said, “ Is this really happening?”

The visit certainly took the NBA community by surprise, as they couldn’t stop admiring the four-time NBA champion.

LeBron James’ UCLA Visit Sparked a Sweet Moment for Fans

The Lakers’ official social media page shared the interaction between the people and LeBron James, and the comments were flooded with appreciation for the King. “This is the dream right here,” said one fan.

Indeed, it’s a dream come true for a fan to meet the King, because not everyone gets the chance to meet him.

Following that, another thankful fan expressed his deepest admiration for the Lakers star, “King James thanks.”

Another fan believes James is the best Lakers player out there not only because of his incredible stats but also because of his humbleness: “This is why LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time.”

LeBron James has long been a philanthropist, a commitment reflected in initiatives like the LeBron James Family Foundation and the I PROMISE School, both aimed at uplifting underprivileged children and helping them lead better lives.

So, this was just another kind moment and deed done by James.

]]> Watch: LeBron James and Daughter Zhuri Go Viral in Adorable Courtside Moment https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/news/watch-lebron-james-and-daughter-zhuri-go-viral-in-adorable-courtside-moment/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:15:00 +0000 https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/?p=46761 The hardwood seldom witnesses moments of tenderness. Put in LeBron James, and the odds of a soft moment are even more unlikely. However, in a rare instance, the court saw a heartwarming moment involving the King and his daughter, Zhuri James.

As LeBron James was going about his pre-game routine, Zhuri was seen standing courtside, carefully studying his moves before attempting to imitate them. A clip highlighting the moment was posted on the Los Angeles Lakers’ social media handles.

With a caption that read, “A special moment for LeBron and Zhuri,” the clip ends with the two sharing a hug.

Could this be a sign that we’ll see Zhuri following in LeBron James’ footsteps and venturing into the world of basketball? It would make sense in a familial way, as both her brothers, Bronny and Bryce, have pursued basketball.

But despite recently mirroring her father’s moves and the possibility of becoming the third sibling in basketball, Zhuri’s interests lie in a different sport altogether.

What Interests Zhuri James?

At this moment in her life, LeBron James’ youngest daughter is mostly focused on volleyball. The 11-year-old is said to have already made some developments in the sport after showing interest in it.

And while James has gone on record and acknowledged her natural flair for basketball, he attributed it to Zhuri having grown up in the NBA world rather than her being interested in it.

Trending slideshow: 6 Unrealistic Records by LeBron James That Will Stand Forever in NBA

Fatima Roshni 6 Unrealistic Records by LeBron James That Will Stand Forever in NBA
LeBron James has been exceeding expectations ever since he was drafted in 2003. From playoff records to climbing the all-time scoring list and earning 22 All-Star selections, the numbers speak for themselves. Now, 23 years into his NBA career and still going strong, LeBron’s achievements have cemented his place as one of the most unbreakable figures in league history. Before diving into those records, here’s a look at his growth and evolution in basketball. David Gonzales-Imagn Images
LeBron’s prominence in the NBA traces back to his high school basketball career. At 16, he joined the St. Vincent–St. Mary’s varsity team and, in his first year, averaged 25.2 points and 7.2 rebounds. As a sophomore, he was named Ohio Mr. Basketball and earned his first USA Today All-USA First Team selection. @thejellosjigglin/Instagram
His junior year in high school marked his rise as a legitimate NBA prospect, earning him a feature in SLAM magazine. That same year, he became the first high school basketball player to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He averaged 29 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 3.3 steals per game that season. X/Sports Illustrated
His senior year saw James go up against some of the highest-ranked teams in the country. His performances drew massive national attention and even broke viewership records on ESPN. In his final season, he averaged over 30 points per game. After forgoing his NCAA eligibility, he declared for the 2003 NBA Draft, and the rest is history. @jimmyshighlights/Instagram
LeBron has earned 22 All-Star selections in his 23-year career so far in the NBA. He is now the only player in league history to hold that record. Besides that, he is also the third player to get an All-Star after reaching 40 years of age. Before him, it was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (19) and Kevin Durant (15). Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
LeBron’s brilliance knows no bounds and he made it possible to achieve it against all 30 NBA teams he has ever played in. Throughout his career, the Lakers star has scored 40 points against every team in the league. This was only possible as his career is involved across three team including the Cavs, Heat, and Lakers. Kobe Bryant would have tied had he not spent his entire career with the Lakers. Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Besides dominating the regular season, LeBron has been just as relentless in the playoffs. In 292 playoff appearances, he has recorded 184 wins, showcasing his consistency on the biggest stage. Behind him, former NBA player Derek Fisher ranks second with 161 playoff wins. Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
LeBron holds a record-breaking streak of 1,297 consecutive double-digit scoring games. The run began on January 6, 2007, and ended on December 4, 2025, in the Lakers’ 123–120 win over the Toronto Raptors. For comparison, Kevin Durant’s 226-game streak isn’t close to LeBron’s towering mark. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
With 43,044 points, LeBron takes the No. 1 rank in NBA’s all-time scoring list. His record comes in 1,602 games played in the league. In the majority of his seasons, he averaged over 25 points to reach this mark. Besides him, only seven players have reached the 30,000 points record, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), Karl Malone (36,928), Kobe Bryant (33,643), and Michael Jordan (32,292). Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
LeBron is the first and only player so far to have scored a combined total of 50,000 points in 1,789 games played. This includes 1,485 regular season games and 304 playoffs. The feat was achieved on March 5, 2025, in the Lakers match winning game against New Orleans by 136-115. LeBron scored 34 points in that game. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Lakers star also joked about his wife, Savannah James, having a role to play in Zhuri choosing volleyball, saying, “She’s a volleyball player. Don’t get my wife mad. My wife is done with this basketball s—. She’s done with it.”

Having said that, only time will tell whether Zhuri James pivots to basketball.

And as for that clip? It’s nothing more than a wholesome father-daughter moment, at least for the moment.

Do you think Zhuri will follow in LeBron James’ footsteps and pick up the basketball? Let us know!

Read more at Air Jordan Chronicles!

]]> Donovan Mitchell Showers A’Ja Wilson With Compliments https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/news/donovan-mitchell-showers-aja-wilson-with-compliments/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:15:00 +0000 https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/?p=46738 Donovan Mitchell, in a recent clip with teammates, was asked which skill he would take from a WNBA player if he could. Mitchell wasted no time, as he responded with A’ja Wilson’s name.

He then went on to make a joke about how he would take her multiple accolades as well, complimenting the Las Vegas Aces center’s illustrious career in the WNBA.

Donovan Mitchell said, “If I could take one skill from one player, I would probably take A’ja Wilson’s presence on defense. And her Defensive Player of the Year awards, and her MVPs, and her championships, and her college championships, and the statue. So, shout out to A’ja.”

But this isn’t the first time that Mitchell has praised Wilson. In fact, a major reason he has been vocal about her accomplishments is because of his bond with Wilson’s partner, Bam Adebayo.

To those unaware, Donovan Mitchell and Bam Adebayo are draft-day brothers and longtime friends. This camaraderie, apart from his genuine appreciation of Wilson’s craft, is also why he has been an outspoken fan of hers.

That being said, Mitchell’s public recognition of A’ja Wilson’s feats goes as far back as 2024.

When Donovan Mitchell Called A’ja Wilson the GOAT

One of the first times that Mitchell directly praised A’ja Wilson was when she was named the unanimous 2024 WNBA MVP. Mitchell took to Instagram and put out a story with a goat emoji followed by a mention of Wilson’s handle.

The next significant instance was when Wilson made WNBA history by becoming the first player in league history to score 30 points and grab 20 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell once again put out a story on Instagram praising her achievement.

Mitchell Donovan, in recent times, has given a shoutout to Adebayo as well when the latter broke Kobe Bryant’s record and scored 83 points in a game. He publicly acknowledged the feat with a post that read, “Chill out @Bam1of1.”

Trending slideshow: Bam Adebayo Passes Kobe Bryant’s 81-Point Mark: Find What LeBron James, Kevin Durant & 8 Other NBA Stars Said

Fatima Roshni Bam Adebayo Passes Kobe Bryant’s 81-Point Mark: Find What LeBron James, Kevin Durant & 8 Other NBA Stars Said
​Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo etched his name into the record books on Tuesday, leading a dominant 150-129 victory over the Washington Wizards. In a performance for the ages, the 28-year-old center dropped a staggering 83 points, surpassing Kobe Bryant’s legendary 81-point mark to claim the second-highest scoring game in NBA history. The feat, trailed only by Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point night, sent shockwaves through the league, with NBA icons and teammates alike flooding social media to witness the dawn of a new scoring era. X/NBA
​During a live telecast of “The Association” on NBA TV, insider Chris Haynes reached out to Damian Lillard for his take on Bam Adebayo’s historic explosion. Lillard didn’t miss a beat, jokingly claiming the credit for the 83-point masterclass. “I taught Bam everything he knows. Everything he knows, I taught him,” Lillard quipped with a laugh. He even joked that he had to call Adebayo’s girlfriend, A’ja Wilson, to see if her offseason training was the real secret behind the center’s sudden scoring surge. Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
​Appearing on “NBA Showtime,” Houston Rockets legend and current analyst Tracy McGrady shared his candid take on Adebayo’s historic night. McGrady suggested that the sheer exhaustion of such a massive performance would likely take its toll, hilariously referencing Adebayo’s girlfriend, WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson, as the solution. “A lot of shots and a lot of buckets, shout out to Bam for it,” McGrady said. “Bam, I know you’re tired, go get that rub down from the ole lady, ’cause you’re gonna need it.” John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
​Watching the history unfold in real-time on his “Gil’s Arena” livestream, Gilbert Arenas was among the first to realize the magnitude of the moment. As Bam Adebayo reached 74 points in under 38 minutes, Arenas confidently predicted that the Heat center would easily eclipse the 81-point mark. Once his prediction became reality, Arenas shifted from awe to comedy, jokingly warning Adebayo about the impending backlash from the “Mamba” faithful. “I don’t think the Kobe community is going to appreciate this,” Arenas quipped with a laugh. “Bam, I’m sorry, brother, you’re about to be the most hated man in Los Angeles.” Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Images
​New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson was left in visible disbelief following Bam Adebayo’s 83-point explosion. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) moments after the final buzzer, Brunson summed up the league’s collective shock with a simple, two-word post: “Bro what.” Brunson is no stranger to historic scoring nights himself; he holds the Knicks’ modern-day record with a 61-point masterpiece against the San Antonio Spurs in 2024. However, even for a player who has touched the 60-point ceiling, Adebayo’s leap into the 80s felt like uncharted territory. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
​The historic nature of Bam Adebayo’s scoring outburst prompted Kelly Oubre Jr. to provide some perspective from the Philadelphia locker room. While Adebayo eclipsed the 80-point mark, Oubre highlighted the surgical precision of Joel Embiid’s 70-point performance against San Antonio. By noting that Embiid accomplished his feat in only three quarters of action, Oubre underscored the difference between high-volume shooting and raw efficiency. “Joel Embiid did it efficiently,” Oubre asserted, ensuring his teammate’s name remains in the conversation of all-time scoring masterclasses. X/Underdog
​Miami Heat icon Dwyane Wade was among the first to celebrate Bam Adebayo’s historic achievement, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to salute the new franchise scoring leader. “83 for CAP 🫡 🤯,” Wade wrote, acknowledging Adebayo’s current role as the Heat’s captain. To drive the point home, the Hall of Famer punctuated his post with a legendary GIF of former President Barack Obama’s “mic drop,” signaling that after an 83-point night, there was simply nothing left to be said. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
​The NBA’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron James, was among the first to acknowledge the magnitude of Bam Adebayo’s 83-point masterclass. James, who previously held the Heat franchise record with his own 61-point performance in 2014, watched as his former team’s newest “Captain” shattered that mark. Taking to X, LeBron celebrated the explosion with a simple but loud tribute: “BAM BAM BAM 💥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.” On a Tuesday night that started as just another game on the calendar, Adebayo’s performance turned the basketball world upside down, earning the ultimate respect from the “King” himself. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
​Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo offered a seasoned perspective on the longevity of such a feat, noting that iconic performances are defined by the final tally, not the box score details. Now that Adebayo sits as the second-highest single-game scorer in history, Giannis believes the “how” will eventually fade into the background. “It doesn’t matter how you get there; all that matters is that you got it,” Giannis said. “In 30 years, nobody’s going to remember the free throws. All you remember is 81 for Kobe, 100 for Wilt. At the end of the day, he got 83.” Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
​Following a dominant 29-point performance in the Rockets’ 113-99 victory over the Toronto Raptors, Kevin Durant used his post-game press conference to address the history made in Miami. The 14-time All-Star expressed genuine awe at Bam Adebayo’s 83-point explosion, acknowledging the incredible discipline required to surpass Kobe Bryant’s 81-point mark. “I couldn’t believe it when I was hearing it in real time,” Durant admitted. “To pass Kobe as the second-highest scorer in the history of the game… it’s a huge accomplishment and something we’ll talk about forever.” X/Heat Central
​During his post-match media address, Bam Adebayo was quick to share the spotlight with WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson. While celebrating his leap past Kobe Bryant in the record books, the Heat center credited much of his 83-point explosion to Wilson’s presence and influence. It was the first time the Las Vegas Aces star had seen him play in person this season, and Adebayo clearly rose to the occasion. “To have 83 the first game she’s here is very special,” Adebayo said, with Wilson by his side. “The behind-the-scenes workouts and the conversations we have are so motivating. You see what she does on the court and you get inspired by that. I’m just thankful to have her in my life.” X/NBA

And while there have been rumors about the nature of their relationship right from the time Donovan Mitchell started praising A’jaWilson, the two have not let it get in the way of their respective bonds with Adebayo.

What do you think of Donovan Mitchell’s compliments? Let us know!

Read more at Air Jordan Chronicles!

]]> Patients at UCLA Receive a Special LeBron James Surprise  https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/news/patients-at-ucla-receive-a-special-lebron-james-surprise/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:30:00 +0000 https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/?p=46258 LeBron James decided to indulge in some wholesomeness, as the Lakers star paid a visit to those admitted at UCLA Health. The King was seen interacting with new mothers, gifting them blankets while their babies received onesies that said ‘Little Laker.’ James then went on to meet cardiology patients.

Though the visit was moving as a whole, an interaction that stood out the most was when LeBron James spoke to Daniel, an injured local firefighter. Expressing his respect to Daniel, James said, “I had to come visit you, man. You save a lot of people. You save all of us, and I wanted to come here and pay my respect to you.”

LeBron James did rounds and posed for pictures with doctors, who shared the images online, lauding the NBA superstar. Glimpses of the surprise hospital visit were shared on the Lakers’ social media handles as well.

But James wasn’t the only Lakers star in the house, as he was accompanied by Luka Doncic, who went on a side quest to meet a very special person.

Luka Doncic Meets a 7-Year-Old Fan

As King James went about surprising folks at UCLA Health, Luka Doncic was seen having a heartwarming conversation with Malachi, a 7-year-old cancer patient.

Doncic, in a clip once again shared on the Lakers’ social media handles, gave the child a signed jersey. Malachi, in return, drew something on a t-shirt for Doncic, after which the star posed for pictures with the child and his family.

Luka Doncic was later seen wearing a t-shirt signed by UCLA Health patients during warm-up sessions after the visit.

Trending slideshow: NBA MVP Power Rankings: 10 Biggest Contenders Ranked as Luka Doncic Slides Down

Fatima Roshni NBA MVP Power Rankings: 10 Biggest Contenders Ranked as Luka Doncic Slides Down
A valuable player is one who leads a team from nothing to something remembered in history. The NBA has emerging talents who fit perfectly in the MVP role, given the kind of performances they have delivered this season. While LeBron currently holds the most MVPs, Nikola Jokic has three. With that, we bring you the top 10 NBA MVP Power Rankers. Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Clippers forward with two Finals MVPs and one NBA All-Star Most Valuable Player enters his career 14th season while averaging 28.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Leonard made his seventh career All-Star appearance, his fourth as part of the Clippers. Under him, the Clippers went 17-5, their highest-ever league record. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The 2026 All-Star Game MVP finished with eight points, four rebounds, and two assists during Team Stars’ victory over Team Stripes in the championship game by 47-21. Entering his sixth season with the team, Edwards is the third-youngest player in league history to reach 10,000 career points in 412 games. Averaging 30.8 points in the last five games, Ant-Man is climbing up the ladder. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The New York Knicks point guard achieved a historic milestone after reaching 10,000th career points on January 30, 2026. In his fourth season with the franchise, Brunson has earned all three of his All-Star selections, including the NBA Cup championship and NBA Cup MVP honors. One of the team’s best scorers, he is currently averaging 26.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
The seven-time All-Star, currently playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, is entering his ninth season in the NBA, averaging 28.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. In the last three matches played this season, Mitchell averaged 25.0 points and often gets to the free-throw line. But with no MVP titles won, Mitchell will make sure to steal it this time. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Boston Celtics guard-forward, who earned his maiden Finals MVP title in 2024, is a strong contender this year after dropping 32 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Brown’s strong performances got the Celtics the No. 2 spot in the East Division with a 37-19 record. In 51 games, he is averaging 29.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The leading scorer of this season takes the No. 5 spot with an average of 32.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game. His trade to the Los Angeles Lakers shocked the league, but he has found a new home. Despite the change, he remains a beacon of force with his recent 41-run score against the Phoenix Suns. Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Standing 7’4″, the San Antonio Spurs forward in three seasons made it to two All-Star selections, one All-Defensive First Team in 2024, and two-time blocks leader. Last year, he made history as the first player in the NBA to score over 100+ points and 15 blocks in the first three games of the season. His presence in fourth place in the MVP power rankings highlights his young, emerging talents. Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
The Detroit Pistons guard, in his fifth season in the NBA, has two All-Star titles to his name. Cunningham’s entry into the top three of the MVP Power Rankings comes in respect to his stats as the first player in Pistons history to score 41 points, nine rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block. His current scoring average accounts for 25.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The Denver Nuggets center is currently leading the assist and rebounding lists while taking the No. 6 spot in the scoring list with 28.7 points. Jokic was named the Finals MVP in 2023, averaging 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks. In the 11 seasons played so far, the Serbian earned eight All-Star selections and was named MVP three times. The center has a strong chance of adding his fourth this season. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The reigning NBA MVP leads the way to win the MVP award this season after achieving it last season. With Oklahoma City Thunder guard winning MVP, Finals MVP, scoring champion, an All-Star, and All-NBA First Team last year, SGA wants more. He trails Luka Doncic in scoring with 31.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

This visit is the most recent in the Lakers’ culture of outreach programs with local hospitals, especially UCLA Health, as they have been working together since 2016.

UCLA Health, apart from being the team’s official healthcare provider, has committed itself to community outreach, education, and research in injury prevention and sports performance.

Did you find LeBron James’ surprise visit to be wholesome as well?

Read more at Air Jordan Chronicles!

]]> “He Wasn’t Retired?”: Dwight Howard Leaves Fans Stumped With Shocking Announcement https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/news/he-wasnt-retired-dwight-howard-leaves-fans-stumped-with-shocking-announcement/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:30:13 +0000 https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/?p=46567 When Dwight Howard was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame last September, many assumed that the honor came post his retirement. Moreover, the 8-time All-Star had not been active in the NBA since the 2021-22 season, and last made a professional appearance with the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan in 2023.

However, the ace center shocked the NBA world when he took to social media on March 12 to announce that he was officially retiring from the game.

In a lengthy post, Dwight Howard said, “Woke up today on the 12th of this month and I figured it’s time to move on from Superman! Im taking off the cape and retiring from all basketball to pour into my family and give back to communities worldwide. I know some of you might think I thought he already “retired” but I didn’t… the game retired me!”

Howard continued, “Since I didn’t get a chance to ever have a farewell tour I decided to create a tour not for fans to appreciate me but for me to appreciate them for supporting me all these years and giving me a reason to smile doing what I love.”

And while comments under the post appreciated Dwight Howard and his contributions to the game, a good chunk of fans seemed to be surprised by the announcement, as they had been under the assumption that he had long retired.

The Shocked Responses

“He wasn’t retired???,” a comment read, as it had been well over 1400 days since his last league appearance.

Another comment echoed a similar sentiment as it read, “Wait, Dwight Howard wasn’t already retired?”

A fan further mirrored the same thought, writing, “Who is his agent? Cuz I thought this man been retired?”

Trending slideshow: Ranking 25 Greatest NBA Defenders of All Time: Find Where Michael Jordan, Draymond Green Stand

Fatima Roshni Ranking 25 Greatest NBA Defenders of All Time: Find Where Michael Jordan, Draymond Green Stand
The NBA boasts some of the best defensive lineups of all-time. Each player discussed in the lineup has had some exceptional and elite performances that have played a big role in shaping their career in the league. The focus here is specifically on their respective defensive skills and abilities, followed by the milestones and achievements that they earned through them. We bring you the Top 25 Great NBA Defenders of All-Time. Imagn Images
One of the impactful defenders of the NBA, Davis’ skills is wildely ranged when it comes to his role as one of the greatest power forwards in the league. He has the ability to make timely rotations and perform quick closeouts against shooters whenever he is on the court. In 14 seasons that he has played so far, Davis has five All-Defensive Team selections, which include three first-team selections, has been named NBA blocks leader thrice, and has received Defensive Player of the Year votes in six different seasons. Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Was one of the most feared defenders in the league, Artest defensive skills stood out from his ability to draw offensive fouls, anticipate passes, and his understanding of the team’s defensive gameplay. His defensive skills had earned him one Defensive Player of the Year title, four All-Defensive Team selections, and named eight-time in Defensive Player of the Year voting line-up. His defensive decline began after the Lakers’ 2010 championship run, as he remained an elite defender during his first season in Los Angeles. Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The former NBA center in his 15-year career, was a force when it came to his skills of shot-blocks or the protection of rims for the teams that he was part of. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year had led the league in blocks twice, 11th all-time leader in career blocks, and averaged 2.81 blocks per game. In addition, he has earned two All-Defensive 1st Team selections, two times NBA blocks leader, and with five Defensive Player of the Year votes. RVR Photos-Imagn Images
With six All-Defensive Team selections (Three first and three second team) and five Defensive Player of the Year votes, the former guard and forward was one of the notable defenders of his time. Allen’s ability as a defender tested his opponents’ patience when going against him, along with his steals and block performances on-court. Via NBA
One of the best defenders of his time, Bowen had a remarkable period in that role while going against NBA future Hall of Famers. His attention to details to pre-analyzing about his opponent made him stoodout on the defensive side. The three-time NBA champion of the San Antonio Spurs has eight All-Defensive Team selections and has received seven Defensive Player of the Year votes. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Earning the nickname of ‘The Secretary of Defense’, Jones, in his 12-year career in the NBA, played as one of the high-profile defenders who found every opportunity to grab the ball from the offensive side and tried his best to protect the rim. He was a nine-time inductee into the All-Defensive Team selections, including eight straight All-Defensive First Team honor, along with earning two years of Defensive Player of the Year votes. YouTube/OfficialHoopHall
A two-time Defensive Player of the Year awardee, Kawhi Leonard is one of the perimeter defenders with a 7-foot-3 wingspan who can be unstoppable when it comes to providing pressure on the ball and stopping players from driving. His defensive skills accounts for achievements like seven All-Defensive Team selections, NBA steals leader on one occassion, and six years of earning Defensive Player of the Year votes. He also earned the Top 10 finish in the DPOY voting for six time. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
A 7-foot-4 NBA centre with two Defensive Player of the Year honours as part of the Utah Jazz team is another great defender in the league. He was mainly known for blocking shots, including his NBA single-season record of 456. Has earned two Defensive Player of the Year awards, five All-Defensive Team selections, and six years of voting for Defensive Player of the Year. He is also a four-time NBA blocks leader in the league. X/Utah Jazz
The 2020 Defensive Player of the Year and Milwaukee Bucks defender stands at 6-foot-11 inches with a massive wingspan. His size and skills on the defensive side have made him a key ball-handler in the team, finishing at No. 1 in the list of the best defensive players. The power forward has earned five All-Defensive Team selections, along with six years of voting for Defensive Player of the Year. Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The former legend is the only point guard with Defensive Player of the Year award earned in 1996. He has also made it to nine consecutive All-Defensive 1st Team selections, the NBA steals and assists leader once a year, and has received eight years of DPOY votes. His impact as an explosive defender in the league in which he played for 17 seasons was feared by many. RVR Photos-Imagn Images
An elite defender to be part of the league, Jordan could intimidate and break anyone very easily through his defensive gameplay. From frequent ball rotations to disrupting ball-handlers, his impact reflected his defensive skills. In 1988, he earned his first and only Defensive Player of the Year honour. Besides, he has earned nine All-Defensive 1st Team selections, was named three-times on the league’s steals leader, along with receiving Defensive Player of the Year votes for 10 years. Anne Ryan-USA TODAY via Imagn Content Services, LLC
At 6-foot-six, Green has earned nine All-Defensive Team selections and nine years of getting named in the DPOY votes. The 2016-17 NBA season was one of the best of his career, in which he averaged with 2.0 steals per game, his highest-ever and was named the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year. He is currently with a defensive field goal percentage of 43.9%. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The 1992 Defensive Player of the Year, Robinson’s defensive skills made him one of the greatest defenders in the league in the first three seasons since his NBA Draft in 1989. The 7-foot-1 center was known for his shot blocks and rebounds that earned him eight All-Defensive Team selections and nine years of earning Defensive Player of the Year votes. RVR Photos-Imagn Images
The four-time Defensive Player of the Year awardee, Gobert’s wingspan of 7 ft 9 made him one of the best defenders of all-time in the NBA. He is currently tied for the most DPOY awards of all-time with former legends Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace. The Minnesota Timberwolves center has earned eight All-Defensive Team selections, been named NBA blocks leader once, and received 10 years of votes for DPOY. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Standing at 7-foot-1, Chamberlain was another elite defender as part of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. While the NBA did not officially track blocks during his career, unofficial records from his final seasons suggest he averaged over 8 blocks per game. He was explosive against NBA greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which remains impressive, earning him two All-Defensive Team selections in his 14-year NBA career. Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images
A three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Howard is the only player to win it for consecutive seasons from 2009 to 2011 and with five All-Defensive Team selections. His ability in the defensive forefront includes rim protection, rebounding and block shots. He has led the league two-times in blocks and five-times in rebounding. Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
With 11 All-Defensive Team selections, Abdul-Jabbar is currently leading the NBA all-time blocks list at No. 3 with 3189. The Los Angeles Lakers center was a four-time NBA leader in blocks with a wingspan of 7 feet 3 inches. In his 20-year notable period in the league, the legend is No. 2 in all-time points and No. 3 in all-time rebounds, remaining one of the most decorated two-way players in history. Tony Tomsic-Imagn Images
One of the greatest defensive players and shot blockers, Mutombo is a four-time Defensive Player of the Year with six All-Defensive Team selections, and a three-time NBA blocks leader in blocks. The iconic finger wag that he did to taunt players after blocking them was a key aspect of his defensive brilliance. He is currently the second all-time leader in career blocks with 3,289. Brett Davis-Imagn Images
A four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner, Wallace was a prime defender of his era, known for his shot-blocking and rebounding as a 6’9″ center. He was a two-time rebounding leader in the league and one time in blocks to win six All-Defensive Team selections. He also holds the record for most blocks of all-time for the Detroit Pistons with 1,486 and blocks in one season with 278. Raj Mehta-Imagn Images
With a 7-foot-3 wingspan and 10 All-Defensive Team selections, the former Chicago Bulls legend was an elite defender that stoodout in the role from a player like Michael Jordan. His blocks recover, and intense ball pressure were key highlights of his defensive gameplay. He led the league in steals with 232 and steals per game with 2.94 in the 1994-95 season. Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
A two-time Defensive Player of the Year with eight All-Defensive Team selections, Rodman is another Chicago Bulls legend to land on this list. He had the ability to guard the big man, Shaquille O’Neal. The power forward averaged 15 rebounds per game for seven straight seasons since 1991, making him one of the best rebounders of all-time in the NBA. Anne Ryan-Imagn Images
Standing at 7 ft 0, a powerhouse like Kevin Garnett has the ability to guard all five positions, which proves his greatness as a defender. He is the NBA’s leading defensive rebounder with 11,453 rebounds achieved over his 22-year career in the league. The 2008 Defensive Player of the Year has 12 All-Defensive Team selections to his name. David Butler II-Imagn Images
NBA’s defensive elite, Duncan has never been awarded a Defensive Player of the Year title but has received 15-years of votes for the honor. In his 19-year career in the league, he was known for his exclusive gameplay that involved shot-blocking, positioning and rebounding over his opponents. His elite career on the defensive side has earned him 15 All-Defensive Team selections. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Over his 18-year of NBA career, Olajuwon’s versality was never bound to his role as a center but it is a credit to his exceptional defensive gameplay that involves shot-blocking and guarding over the post and the perimeters of the court. His greatness has earned him with two Defensive Player of the Year awards and nine All-Defensive Team selections, while leading the NBA blocks leader for three-times. Via NBA
The No. 1 defender of all time is our Boston Celtics 11-time former NBA Champion, Bill Russell. With a 7-foot-4 wingspan, his defensive gameplay, which included man-to-man coverage and shot-blocking, was a significant factor in his 13-year elite career with the Celtics. His explosiveness in that area earned him one All-Defensive 1st Team selection, and leading the NBA in rebounds four times in his career. Tony Tomsic-Imagn Images

Some felt that his getting into the Hall of Fame prior to an official retirement was epic, as a fan wrote, “Dwight Howard really got to the Basketball HOF before being officially retired?! Legendary stuff.”

The shock and sarcasm aside, the NBA community online sent out overwhelmingly positive messages to Dwight Howard, giving the man his flowers as he officially signed off from the game.

Did Dwight Howard’s announcement come as a surprise to you as well? Let us know!

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]]> Kobe Bryant Had This to Say on Players Breaking Previous Records https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/news/kobe-bryant-had-this-to-say-on-players-breaking-previous-records/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 01:42:47 +0000 https://www.airjordanchronicles.com/?p=46269 While there has been back-and-forth about Bam Adebayo outdoing Kobe Bryant’s 2006 record of 81 points, a lot of the backlash or criticism has been coming in from Kobe fans, who seem to feel wronged by Bam’s achievement.

Some even went so far as to say that he would be turning in his grave after looking at the state of play that contributed to Adebayo breaking Bryant’s record. But the irony is that the Black Mamba’s opinion differed significantly.

In his final sit-down interview, Kobe Bryant expressed his bewilderment over the gatekeeping of records, saying, “I don’t understand why. I don’t know if people want to have this kind of contentious thing where you don’t want records to be broken or people there to surpass you. You should be happy for the person that comes after you to be able to surpass things that you’ve done. It’s kind of juvenile to think or to behave any other way.”

But if one were to look at Kobe Bryant’s interactions with the press closely, his take on the subject wouldn’t be ironic, as the late great expressed his awareness about the possibility of someone outdoing him.

What Kobe Bryant Said About His 81-Point Record Being Broken

As far back as 2016, Bryant has publicly acknowledged the likelihood of his record being surpassed. Furthermore, he has also hinted at what it would take to do it.

During the anniversary of his 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors, Kobe Bryant was asked by a journalist whether he believed that someone could match or outdo his record.

Trending slideshow: Bam Adebayo Passes Kobe Bryant’s 81-Point Mark: Find What LeBron James, Kevin Durant & 8 Other NBA Stars Said

Fatima Roshni Bam Adebayo Passes Kobe Bryant’s 81-Point Mark: Find What LeBron James, Kevin Durant & 8 Other NBA Stars Said
​Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo etched his name into the record books on Tuesday, leading a dominant 150-129 victory over the Washington Wizards. In a performance for the ages, the 28-year-old center dropped a staggering 83 points, surpassing Kobe Bryant’s legendary 81-point mark to claim the second-highest scoring game in NBA history. The feat, trailed only by Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point night, sent shockwaves through the league, with NBA icons and teammates alike flooding social media to witness the dawn of a new scoring era. X/NBA
​During a live telecast of “The Association” on NBA TV, insider Chris Haynes reached out to Damian Lillard for his take on Bam Adebayo’s historic explosion. Lillard didn’t miss a beat, jokingly claiming the credit for the 83-point masterclass. “I taught Bam everything he knows. Everything he knows, I taught him,” Lillard quipped with a laugh. He even joked that he had to call Adebayo’s girlfriend, A’ja Wilson, to see if her offseason training was the real secret behind the center’s sudden scoring surge. Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
​Appearing on “NBA Showtime,” Houston Rockets legend and current analyst Tracy McGrady shared his candid take on Adebayo’s historic night. McGrady suggested that the sheer exhaustion of such a massive performance would likely take its toll, hilariously referencing Adebayo’s girlfriend, WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson, as the solution. “A lot of shots and a lot of buckets, shout out to Bam for it,” McGrady said. “Bam, I know you’re tired, go get that rub down from the ole lady, ’cause you’re gonna need it.” John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
​Watching the history unfold in real-time on his “Gil’s Arena” livestream, Gilbert Arenas was among the first to realize the magnitude of the moment. As Bam Adebayo reached 74 points in under 38 minutes, Arenas confidently predicted that the Heat center would easily eclipse the 81-point mark. Once his prediction became reality, Arenas shifted from awe to comedy, jokingly warning Adebayo about the impending backlash from the “Mamba” faithful. “I don’t think the Kobe community is going to appreciate this,” Arenas quipped with a laugh. “Bam, I’m sorry, brother, you’re about to be the most hated man in Los Angeles.” Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Images
​New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson was left in visible disbelief following Bam Adebayo’s 83-point explosion. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) moments after the final buzzer, Brunson summed up the league’s collective shock with a simple, two-word post: “Bro what.” Brunson is no stranger to historic scoring nights himself; he holds the Knicks’ modern-day record with a 61-point masterpiece against the San Antonio Spurs in 2024. However, even for a player who has touched the 60-point ceiling, Adebayo’s leap into the 80s felt like uncharted territory. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
​The historic nature of Bam Adebayo’s scoring outburst prompted Kelly Oubre Jr. to provide some perspective from the Philadelphia locker room. While Adebayo eclipsed the 80-point mark, Oubre highlighted the surgical precision of Joel Embiid’s 70-point performance against San Antonio. By noting that Embiid accomplished his feat in only three quarters of action, Oubre underscored the difference between high-volume shooting and raw efficiency. “Joel Embiid did it efficiently,” Oubre asserted, ensuring his teammate’s name remains in the conversation of all-time scoring masterclasses. X/Underdog
​Miami Heat icon Dwyane Wade was among the first to celebrate Bam Adebayo’s historic achievement, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to salute the new franchise scoring leader. “83 for CAP 🫡 🤯,” Wade wrote, acknowledging Adebayo’s current role as the Heat’s captain. To drive the point home, the Hall of Famer punctuated his post with a legendary GIF of former President Barack Obama’s “mic drop,” signaling that after an 83-point night, there was simply nothing left to be said. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
​The NBA’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron James, was among the first to acknowledge the magnitude of Bam Adebayo’s 83-point masterclass. James, who previously held the Heat franchise record with his own 61-point performance in 2014, watched as his former team’s newest “Captain” shattered that mark. Taking to X, LeBron celebrated the explosion with a simple but loud tribute: “BAM BAM BAM 💥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.” On a Tuesday night that started as just another game on the calendar, Adebayo’s performance turned the basketball world upside down, earning the ultimate respect from the “King” himself. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
​Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo offered a seasoned perspective on the longevity of such a feat, noting that iconic performances are defined by the final tally, not the box score details. Now that Adebayo sits as the second-highest single-game scorer in history, Giannis believes the “how” will eventually fade into the background. “It doesn’t matter how you get there; all that matters is that you got it,” Giannis said. “In 30 years, nobody’s going to remember the free throws. All you remember is 81 for Kobe, 100 for Wilt. At the end of the day, he got 83.” Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
​Following a dominant 29-point performance in the Rockets’ 113-99 victory over the Toronto Raptors, Kevin Durant used his post-game press conference to address the history made in Miami. The 14-time All-Star expressed genuine awe at Bam Adebayo’s 83-point explosion, acknowledging the incredible discipline required to surpass Kobe Bryant’s 81-point mark. “I couldn’t believe it when I was hearing it in real time,” Durant admitted. “To pass Kobe as the second-highest scorer in the history of the game… it’s a huge accomplishment and something we’ll talk about forever.” X/Heat Central
​During his post-match media address, Bam Adebayo was quick to share the spotlight with WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson. While celebrating his leap past Kobe Bryant in the record books, the Heat center credited much of his 83-point explosion to Wilson’s presence and influence. It was the first time the Las Vegas Aces star had seen him play in person this season, and Adebayo clearly rose to the occasion. “To have 83 the first game she’s here is very special,” Adebayo said, with Wilson by his side. “The behind-the-scenes workouts and the conversations we have are so motivating. You see what she does on the court and you get inspired by that. I’m just thankful to have her in my life.” X/NBA

Bryant addressed the question head-on, saying, “I think so. It’s just a matter of… You have to believe that it’s possible. You’ve got to be in tip-top shape to be able to do it, too. It takes a lot of energy to be able to carry that energy for the duration of the game.”

This instance is one of the most noteworthy moments of a basketball great’s acknowledgment of how records are a part of the game’s progression.

Did Kobe Bryant’s take come as a surprise to you? Let us know!

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