Horned Frogs

It is a fair question, and at this point in his career, it is one that deserves a serious conversation.
Here are LeBron&rsquo;s accomplishments with the Los Angeles Lakers so far:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">8 seasons in Los Angeles</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">8&times; All-Star</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">7&times; All-NBA</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">2020 NBA Champion</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">2020 Finals MVP</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">10th in franchise history in points</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">8th in franchise history in assists</li>
</ul>
On paper, that is already a Hall of Fame resume in purple and gold alone.
When LeBron signed with the Lakers in 2018, the franchise was in a transitional phase. The organization had missed the playoffs for five straight seasons and was searching for direction after the Kobe Bryant era. There were questions about whether LeBron came to Los Angeles for basketball reasons or lifestyle reasons. There were doubts about whether he could restore the franchise to championship level in the loaded Western Conference.
Two years later, he delivered a title.
The 2020 championship was not just another ring: it tied the franchise with Boston for the most championships in NBA history at the time. LeBron was the driving force behind that run, earning Finals MVP and leading a Lakers team that dominated both ends of the floor inside the Orlando bubble. In a season filled with uncertainty, tragedy, and unprecedented circumstances, he provided stability and leadership.
That alone carries weight. Statues represent eras, symbolize impact, and they honor moments that define a franchise&rsquo;s history.
LeBron&rsquo;s time in Los Angeles has included historic individual milestones as well. He broke the NBA&rsquo;s all-time scoring record while wearing a Lakers uniform, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in front of a home crowd. Even though the record encompasses his entire career, the moment itself is forever tied to Los Angeles. That image is already frozen in NBA history.
Beyond accolades, there is also the broader impact. LeBron helped restore relevance to the Lakers after years of instability. He attracted star talent, most notably Anthony Davis, and immediately shifted the franchise back into championship conversations. The Lakers returned to national prominence. They returned to deep playoff runs. They returned to the standard their fanbase expects.
But, the counterargument is obvious. The Lakers are the Lakers. This is a franchise with statues of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O&rsquo;Neal, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and Kobe Bryant. The bar in Los Angeles is different. It is not just about winning once. It is about sustained dominance and multiple championships.
LeBron has won one title in eight seasons in LA. There have been injuries. There have been early playoff exits. There have been roster changes and inconsistencies. Compared to some of the legends immortalized outside Crypto.com Arena, his Lakers tenure is shorter and less decorated in terms of championships.
But context matters. He arrived in his 16th season, he did not join in his early twenties. He extended his prime into his late thirties while still performing at an All-NBA level. He carried heavy minutes, led deep playoff runs, and continued to produce at a historic level for his age. Longevity at that level is rare. Doing it under the Lakers spotlight is even rarer.
The question then becomes this: Is a statue reserved strictly for multiple-title legends in Los Angeles, or can it represent transformative impact as well?
LeBron delivered a championship. He brought the franchise back to the top of the league. He broke the all-time scoring record in a Lakers jersey. He made eight All-Star teams and seven All-NBA teams in LA. He placed himself in the top ten in franchise history in both points and assists despite joining late in his career.
Whether the organization ultimately decides to build a statue may depend on how the rest of his Lakers chapter unfolds. Another championship would likely remove all doubt. But even as it stands, the case is strong.
LeBron James has added to the Lakers' illustrious history, and the only question left is whether that addition deserves to be cast in bronze.

LeBron James has won a championship, and broken the scoring record with the Lakers. Does he deserve a statue in Los Angeles?

Does LeBron James deserve a statue in Los Angeles?

NBA point-guard icon Chris Paul has announced his retirement from professional basketball, bringing an end to a 21-season NBA career that saw him cement his place among the greatest floor generals in league history.
Paul confirmed his decision Friday in a heartfelt social-media post, stepping away from the game after spanning three decades on the hardwood.&nbsp;
A 12-time NBA All-Star and nine-time All-Defensive Team selection, Paul &ndash; also known as the &ldquo;Point God&rdquo; &ndash; wrote, &ldquo;This is it! After over 21 years I&rsquo;m stepping away from basketball,&rdquo; reflecting on a career defined by leadership, competitiveness and consistency.&nbsp;
Drafted fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005, Paul quickly emerged as one of the league&rsquo;s premier guards, earning Rookie of the Year honors and establishing himself as a perennial All-Star early in his career. Over 1,370 games, he averaged 16.8 points, 9.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game, ranking second all-time in both assists (12,552) and steals (2,728) behind only John Stockton.&nbsp;
Paul&rsquo;s impressive resume includes:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">12 NBA All-Star selections</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">11 All-NBA team honors</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nine All-Defensive team honors</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Two Olympic gold medals</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">NBA 75th Anniversary Team</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">First to reach 20,000 points and 10,000 assists &ndash; a milestone since matched only by LeBron James and Russell Westbrook.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Despite never capturing an NBA title &ndash; coming closest with the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 Finals &ndash; Paul&rsquo;s influence spanned far beyond championship hardware, earning admiration for his craft, basketball IQ and leadership.&nbsp;
Paul&rsquo;s final campaign was marked by unexpected twists. After signing with the Los Angeles Clippers for his 21st season, his time with the team ended abruptly as the franchise moved on in December amid struggles and reported disagreements. He was subsequently traded to the Toronto Raptors near the deadline but never suited up before being waived &ndash; prompting his retirement announcement shortly after.&nbsp;
In his retirement announcement, Paul touched on the emotional weight of the decision, saying he felt grateful for the journey and excited for what comes next off the court, particularly spending more time with his family.&nbsp;
Paul exits the game as one of the most influential and respected point guards in NBA history. His ability to control games, elevate teammates and consistently impact winning basketball across multiple franchises &ndash; from New Orleans and Los Angeles to Phoenix, Houston, Oklahoma City, Golden State and San Antonio &ndash; has left an indelible mark on the league&rsquo;s modern era.&nbsp;
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hailed Paul as &ldquo;one of the greatest point guards in league history and a true steward of our sport,&rdquo; praising not only his on-court brilliance but also his leadership, including his tenure as NBA Players Association President.&nbsp;
As Chris Paul transitions away from playing, conversations already swirl about his imminent Hall of Fame induction &ndash; a fitting tribute to a career spent redefining what excellence and longevity look like at the point guard position.

Chris Paul announces his retirement from the NBA after 21 seasons, concluding a Hall-of-Fame career.

Chris Paul officially retires after 21 NBA seasons

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James added another remarkable milestone to his Hall-of-Fame resume on Thursday night, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double at 41 years and 44 days old during a 124-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. James finished with 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds, surpassing the previous record held by Karl Malone (40 years, 127 days).&nbsp;
James&rsquo; triple-double &ndash; his first of the 2025-26 season &ndash; came in the Lakers&rsquo; final game before the All-Star break, pushing their record to 33-21 and snapping a brief two-game skid. The 23-year NBA veteran scored or assisted on Los Angeles&rsquo; first 23 points of the night, a franchise milestone for his career longevity and impact.&nbsp;
James&rsquo; performance stood out as a statement of his sustained excellence deep into his 20th+ season. His 28-10-12 box score marked the 123rd career triple-double, placing him among the top five all-time in NBA history.&nbsp;
Before Thursday, Karl Malone held the oldest triple-double record since 2003 when he posted a 10-11-10 line at 40 years and 127 days old. James not only eclipsed Malone&rsquo;s mark, but now formally holds the distinction as the only 41-year-old in NBA history to log a triple-double.&nbsp;
LeBron&rsquo;s longevity from entering the league as a No. 1 overall pick in 2003 to still producing historic stat lines in 2026 underscores his unique career arc. Even with intermittent missed games this season due to injuries, he continues to defy age-related expectations and contribute at an All-Star level.&nbsp;
James&rsquo; record encapsulates a career defined by adaptability and sustained excellence. Recording a triple-double at 41 which is a feat most thought impossible at such an advanced basketball age signals that James is rewriting the NBA&rsquo;s longevity narrative even as he approaches what many expect will be the twilight of his playing days.&nbsp;
This milestone also adds context to the Lakers&rsquo; All-Star aspirations, with James&rsquo; name once again at the forefront of league storylines heading into the All-Star festivities this weekend.

LeBron James became the oldest player in NBA history to post a triple-double at age 41.

LeBron James makes NBA history as oldest player to record a triple-double

The NBA has levied a series of suspensions and fines following two mid-season altercations that broke out on the hardwood this week, sending tremors through playoff races in both conferences. In the most significant disciplinary action, four players involved in a Pistons-Hornets brawl have been suspended for a total of 17 games combined, while a separate skirmish between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Atlanta Hawks resulted in fines for both participants.&nbsp;
<h3>Pistons-Hornets brawl results in multi-game bans</h3>
Detroit Pistons forward-center Isaiah Stewart received the longest ban, a seven-game suspension from the league for leaving the bench area and aggressively entering an on-court altercation during the Feb. 9 game at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. The NBA&rsquo;s announcement made clear Stewart&rsquo;s history of disciplinary issues was a factor in determining the length of his suspension.&nbsp;
Stewart&rsquo;s teammate, All-Star center Jalen Duren, was suspended for two games for initiating the altercation and fighting, while Charlotte Hornets forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate each received four-game suspensions for their roles in escalating the melee.&nbsp;
The brawl unfolded midway through the third quarter of Detroit&rsquo;s 110-104 win over Charlotte, beginning with a physical exchange between Duren and Diabate that quickly escalated into a full-blown fight involving multiple players. All four were ultimately ejected and later disciplined by the league office.&nbsp;
Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledged the punishment this week, defending his players while expressing disappointment over the spotlight on the incident. Meanwhile, the Hornets &ndash; currently fighting for a playoff spot &ndash; will be without Bridges and Diabate for four games each.&nbsp;
Stewart&rsquo;s ban sidelines one of Detroit&rsquo;s key frontcourt defenders and enforcers, potentially affecting the team&rsquo;s interior defense as it navigates a difficult stretch of its schedule. Duren, however, remains eligible for Sunday&rsquo;s All-Star festivities despite his two-game suspension.&nbsp;
<h3>Wolves-Hawks incident draws fines</h3>
In a separate escalation during a Feb. 9 matchup, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Naz Reid and Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye were each fined $35,000 by the NBA after an on-court altercation. The clash occurred eight seconds into the fourth quarter of Minnesota&rsquo;s 138-116 victory, highlighted by Gueye making contact with Reid from behind, which led to both players grabbing each other and receiving technical fouls before being ejected.&nbsp;
While the scuffle didn&rsquo;t escalate to the level of the Pistons-Hornets incident, league officials underscored that overly aggressive behavior will continue to draw financial penalties even when suspensions aren&rsquo;t deemed necessary.&nbsp;
For the Pistons and Hornets, the suspensions come at a pivotal moment as both clubs seek to solidify their postseason positioning &ndash; Detroit atop the Eastern Conference standings and Charlotte clawing toward the play-in picture. Losing Stewart for seven games shifts rotation responsibilities and adds pressure to Detroit&rsquo;s frontcourt depth, particularly on the defensive end.&nbsp;
On the Wolves-Hawks front, the fines serve as a warning rather than a structural disruption, but the skirmish highlights rising competitive tensions as the postseason nears.&nbsp;
As the league continues to balance physicality with player safety and sportsmanship, the NBA&rsquo;s disciplinary actions this week underscore its focus on deterring on-court violence while maintaining competitive integrity.

The NBA has levied a series of suspensions and fines following two mid-season altercations that broke out on the hardwood this week.

NBA hands out suspensions after Pistons-Hornets brawl; Wolves-Hawks scuffle earns fines

Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic added another historic achievement to his resume this week, passing NBA legend Oscar Robertson for the second-most career triple-doubles in league history. The milestone came during Denver&rsquo;s 136-120 road win over the Chicago Bulls, where Jokic logged a 22-point, 17-assist, 14-rebound performance, which was his 182nd career triple-double.&nbsp;
The triple-double not only powered the Nuggets to a win but also officially moved Jokic ahead of Robertson (181) on the NBA&rsquo;s all-time list.&nbsp;
Just recently today, Jokic logged another triple-double, this time against the Memphis Grizzlies. He had 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists for his 183rd triple-double, and 4th straight over the past 4 games.
Now only Russell Westbrook (207) sits ahead of him, meaning the only thing standing between Jokic and the most triple-doubles in league history is the former MVP himself.&nbsp;
Jokic&rsquo;s historic run this season isn&rsquo;t an isolated burst but it&rsquo;s part of a larger career narrative of all-around excellence. The three-time MVP and eight-time All-Star has been a constant triple-double threat, regularly affecting games with elite scoring, rebounding and playmaking from the center position, an uncommon combination in NBA history.&nbsp;
With continued high-level production, Jokic appears on track to make a legitimate push at Russell Westbrook&rsquo;s record of 207 career triple-doubles. Westbrook&rsquo;s record has stood as one of the NBA&rsquo;s most iconic milestones since he first surpassed Robertson&rsquo;s mark years ago.&nbsp;
By passing Oscar Robertson for second all-time in triple-doubles, Nikola Jokic further cements his place among the most versatile players in NBA history &ndash; and with Westbrook&rsquo;s record now clearly in his sights, this season could be another defining chapter in his Hall of Fame career.

Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic passed NBA legend Oscar Robertson for the second-most career triple-doubles in history.

Nikola Jokic passes Oscar Robertson for 2nd All-Time in triple doubles

The NBA has officially unveiled the full rosters for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, marking another milestone in this season&rsquo;s midseason showcase.&nbsp;
With the league&rsquo;s annual celebration of its stars set for Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, fans now know exactly who will take part in the new USA vs. World round-robin format &ndash; featuring two U.S. teams and one international squad competing in 12-minute games before a championship finale.
The roster are set as follows:
<h4>Team USA Stripes</h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stephen Curry &ndash; Golden State Warriors</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">LeBron James &ndash; Los Angeles Lakers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kevin Durant &ndash; Houston Rockets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kawhi Leonard &ndash; Los Angeles Clippers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jaylen Brown &ndash; Boston Celtics</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jalen Brunson &ndash; New York Knicks</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Donovan Mitchell &ndash; Cleveland Cavaliers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Norman Powell &ndash; Miami Heat&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h4>Team USA Stars</h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anthony Edwards &ndash; Minnesota Timberwolves</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Devin Booker &ndash; Phoenix Suns</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cade Cunningham &ndash; Detroit Pistons</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tyrese Maxey &ndash; Philadelphia 76ers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scottie Barnes &ndash; Toronto Raptors</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jalen Duren &ndash; Detroit Pistons</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chet Holmgren &ndash; Oklahoma City Thunder</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jalen Johnson &ndash; Atlanta Hawks&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h4>Team World</h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Luka Doncic &ndash; Los Angeles Lakers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Giannis Antetokounmpo &ndash; Milwaukee Bucks</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander &ndash; Oklahoma City Thunder</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nikola Jokic &ndash; Denver Nuggets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Victor Wembanyama &ndash; San Antonio Spurs</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pascal Siakam &ndash; Indiana Pacers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jamal Murray &ndash; Denver Nuggets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Deni Avdija &ndash; Portland Trail Blazers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Karl-Anthony Towns &ndash; New York Knicks&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
The starters were voted in by a combination of fans (50 %), NBA players (25 %), and media (25 %) while the reserves were selected by NBA head coaches.
Commissioner Adam Silver and the league office added Kawhi Leonard to the U.S. roster pool after strong midseason play and fan-driven support.&nbsp;
This year&rsquo;s format diverges significantly from traditional East vs. West competition by introducing three distinct All-Star teams &ndash; highlighting both U.S. talent and the international flavor of today&rsquo;s NBA.
With rosters now set, All-Star Weekend will also feature the Castrol Rising Stars Game, Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, and a slate of skills competitions and performances leading up to the main event. The round-robin USA vs. World tournament is designed to add competitive intrigue and showcase global NBA stars on the league&rsquo;s biggest midseason stage.

The NBA has officially unveiled the full rosters for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

2026 NBA All-Star Game rosters revealed ahead of USA vs World showcase

For years, optimism around the Charlotte Hornets has felt fragile &ndash; brief flashes of promise followed by long stretches of uncertainty. Injuries stalled momentum, development timelines drifted, and hope was something fans talked themselves into rather than something they could see nightly on the floor.
But that&rsquo;s changing right now.
What&rsquo;s happening in Charlotte this season feels different, not because the Hornets are suddenly title contenders, but because they finally look like a team building toward something real and with growth. At the center of it is an offensive trio that has quietly become one of the most dangerous three-man shooting combinations in the NBA: LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and rookie Kon Knueppel. Together, they are redefining the Hornets&rsquo; identity.
<h3>A trio that fits</h3>
Ball and Miller were always going to be the franchise&rsquo;s cornerstones. Ball, the flamboyant engine, sees passing angles others don&rsquo;t even attempt and remains as a legitimate offensive threat with a little razzle dazzle. Miller, the scorer with size and polish, has steadily evolved into a true three-level threat. The missing piece was someone who could complement their gravity without needing the ball to dominate possessions.
Enter Kon Knueppel &ndash; and not in the limited way many expected.
Knueppel arrived with the label of a shooter, a floor spacer who would benefit from Ball&rsquo;s playmaking and Miller&rsquo;s shot creation. Instead, he&rsquo;s blown past expectations, putting together one of the most efficient rookie seasons the league has seen. He&rsquo;s not just knocking down open threes &ndash; he&rsquo;s attacking closeouts, finishing through contact, and punishing mismatches in the midrange.
Rather than shrinking next to two high-usage stars, Knueppel has expanded Charlotte&rsquo;s offensive ceiling.
That&rsquo;s what makes this trio special: their games amplify each other. Ball&rsquo;s creativity bends defenses, Miller&rsquo;s scoring versatility forces help from every level, and Knueppel punishes hesitation. There&rsquo;s no redundancy between the three, only synergy.
<h3>Brandon Miller&rsquo;s leap is here, and LaMelo Ball is his most impactful</h3>
Miller&rsquo;s recent stretch has been the clearest signal yet that Charlotte has a legitimate star growing in real time.
Over his last nine games, Miller is averaging 24.6 points on an absurd 70.1 true shooting percentage, along with 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. More importantly, he&rsquo;s done it consistently &ndash; nine straight 20-plus-point performances, finally healthy and attacking defenses from everywhere on the floor.
This isn&rsquo;t empty scoring, instead Miller has become decisive. When defenders press up, he drives. When they sag, he shoots. When help arrives early, he makes the simple read. His shot diet is cleaner, his pace more controlled, and his confidence unmistakable.
For a franchise that has long searched for a wing it could build around, Miller is delivering all the goods for the Hornets.
Ball has always been box-office. The flair, the audacity, the no-look passes &ndash; they&rsquo;ve been part of his identity since day one. But this season, particularly during Charlotte&rsquo;s recent surge, Ball has arguably been playing the most impactful basketball of his career.
He recently became just the fifth player in NBA history to record 5,000 points, 1,500 rebounds, and 2,000 assists in his first 300 career games, joining Magic Johnson, Walt Frazier, Oscar Robertson, and Luka Doncic. That company alone tells the story.
What separates this version of Ball is control. He&rsquo;s picking his spots better. He&rsquo;s balancing aggression with orchestration. And with Miller and Knueppel spacing the floor, Ball doesn&rsquo;t have to force brilliance &ndash; it comes naturally.
Defenses can&rsquo;t load up on him anymore, and every rotation comes with consequences.
<h3>The pieces are starting to align, and the results are following</h3>
There&rsquo;s tangible proof that this isn&rsquo;t theoretical optimism.
The Hornets are 11-1 when their starting lineup of Ball, Knueppel, Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabate takes the floor together. That group has developed chemistry quickly, playing with clarity and purpose on both ends.
Charlotte has won six straight games and is 7-1 over its last eight, arguably its best stretch of basketball all season. Since December 1, the Hornets rank:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">2nd in offensive rating</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">4th in true shooting percentage</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">3rd in offensive rebound percentage</li>
</ul>
Those numbers reflect a team that understands its strengths and is leaning into them, and a large part of this growth comes from the bench.
Head coach Charles Lee has quickly earned respect as a teacher, a motivator, and a developer of young talent. Charlotte&rsquo;s offense is structured but free &ndash; players know where their advantages are and are encouraged to exploit them. Mistakes don&rsquo;t result in paralysis, and growth is part of the plan.
That culture matters for a young team &ndash; and so does patience.
With a front office led by Jeff Peterson, Charlotte has committed to clarity in its roster building. They know what they&rsquo;re looking for in the draft. They&rsquo;ve accumulated picks. And rather than rushing timelines, they&rsquo;re allowing their core to grow together &ndash; which might be the most encouraging sign of all.
<h3>The Charlotte Hornets&rsquo; future moving forward</h3>
This version of the Hornets is fun in each and every aspect of the game. They play with joy and build off of emotion, celebrate each other&rsquo;s success, and they compete with belief.
Ball, Miller, and Knueppel are the Hornets&rsquo; hot shooting trio that are a glimpse into what Charlotte can become if development continues on this path. There will still be bumps, as young teams always face them. But for the first time in a long time, the direction is clear for these Hornets.

LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel are powering Charlotte’s offensive surge as the Hornets’ young core finally clicks.

LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, and the birth of Charlotte’s offensive future

After years of injury setbacks and limited availability, Zion Williamson appears to be rediscovering his peak form, delivering powerful performances as one of the most physically dominant players in the NBA when on the floor. Multiple recent games have shown the Pelicans star looking spry, energetic and explosively mobile, fueling optimism that he&rsquo;s finally rounding into the healthiest version of himself.&nbsp;
Williamson has logged his first career streak of three straight games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds according to ESPN Insights &ndash; a milestone that speaks both to his improved conditioning and his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.&nbsp;
Though New Orleans has struggled to a down record this season, Zion&rsquo;s individual revival has been one of the few consistent bright spots. In a recent win over the Spurs, he delivered one of his best performances this season, attacking Spurs star Victor Wembanyama multiple times off the dribble and helping lift the Pelicans in a competitive matchup.&nbsp;
<h3>Zion this season: Healthy, Efficient and Impactful</h3>
Through 2025-26, Williamson is averaging around 22.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game on 57.9% shooting from the field &ndash; elite efficiency that reflects his dominance inside the paint. Zion&rsquo;s role evolution with his ability to hit the glass and score in traffic without relying on free throws underscores how his game is flourishing beyond relying on whistles &mdash; instead flowing naturally from his athleticism, finishing ability and physical presence.&nbsp;
At 25, he has shown glimpses of the blend of strength and bounce that once made him one of the most hyped young stars in the league, capturing attention league-wide when he looks like the healthiest version of himself yet.&nbsp;
<h3>What this means for the Pelicans</h3>
New Orleans hasn&rsquo;t had the record many hoped for, but Zion&rsquo;s play gives true hope for the franchise&rsquo;s future as their cornerstone barring any trades. When healthy and explosively mobile, Zion is capable of anchoring a team as a go-to scorer and elite finisher, the type of centerpiece every contender covets.
Even amid struggles, his sustained production in recent weeks signals that he can be the foundation of a turnaround, and if Williamson can stay on the floor for extended stretches, building chemistry with younger Pelicans and coaching systems, New Orleans&rsquo; long-term hopes suddenly feel more realistic.
Zion Williamson&rsquo;s recent run is the first sustained stretch this season in which he&rsquo;s looked healthy, athletic and dominant. With efficient scoring, rebounding and physicality reminiscent of his peak form, the Pelicans&rsquo; young star is giving fans solid reasons to believe his best seasons may still lie ahead.

After years of injury setbacks and limited availability, Zion Williamson appears to be rediscovering his peak form.

Zion Williamson is healthy again and ready to dominate for the Pelicans

Giannis Antetokounmpo didn&rsquo;t mince words after another disappointing loss for the Milwaukee Bucks, openly questioning the team&rsquo;s cohesion as their struggles continue to pile up.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re not playing hard. We&rsquo;re not playing to win. We&rsquo;re not playing together. Our chemistry&rsquo;s not there,&rdquo; Giannis said. &ldquo;Guys are being selfish&hellip; guys trying to do it on their own.&rdquo;
The comments came after Milwaukee&rsquo;s latest setback, a loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder &ndash; another reminder of how far the Bucks have drifted from contender status this season.
At the halfway point of the year, Milwaukee sits at 18-25, currently 11th in the Eastern Conference and outside the play-in picture. It&rsquo;s a stark contrast from the expectations entering the season, when the Bucks were still viewed as a team built to compete at the highest level around Giannis.
Instead, the season has been defined by instability and difficult decisions. Milwaukee waived and stretched Damian Lillard following his torn Achilles, then pivoted by signing free agent Myles Turner to replace Brook Lopez as Giannis&rsquo; new stretch big. Kyle Kuzma was also brought in last season to fill the void left by an aging Khris Middleton, while Bobby Portis remains one of the few holdovers from the 2021 championship core.
Around them is a collection of solid, serviceable players. Ryan Rollins has quietly put together a stellar season and has emerged as a legitimate Most Improved Player candidate. Guards like Kevin Porter Jr. and Cole Anthony hold the fort down at the point guard spot for the playmaking duties, and shooters like AJ Green, Gary Trent Jr., and Gary Harris all have defined roles as the designated floor spacers.&nbsp;
Yet despite the depth, it increasingly feels like the sum of the parts isn&rsquo;t enough to compete for a title in an NBA landscape that continues to grow deeper and more talented by the year.
That reality makes Giannis&rsquo; frustration understandable &ndash; and it also raises an uncomfortable question for both sides.
Should the Bucks and Giannis consider parting ways?
From a long-term perspective, it may eventually serve the best interests of both parties. Milwaukee could reset its timeline, commit fully to a rebuild, and begin planning for the future. Giannis, meanwhile, could spend the remainder of his prime competing for championships with a true contender.
It&rsquo;s not a decision that needs to be made immediately, nor one that comes lightly. But as losses mount and the disconnect becomes more visible, the possibility no longer feels unthinkable &ndash; especially when even the franchise cornerstone is openly acknowledging that the Bucks, right now, simply aren&rsquo;t playing together.

Giannis Antetokounmpo voiced frustration after another Bucks loss, raising questions about Milwaukee’s chemistry and direction.

Giannis disappointed following another Bucks loss: “We’re not playing together”

Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant added another historic milestone to his Hall of Fame resume on Sunday night, moving into sixth place on the NBA&rsquo;s all-time scoring list by passing Dirk Nowitzki during Houston&rsquo;s 119-110 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Durant&rsquo;s achievement marks the latest chapter in one of the most prolific scoring careers in league history.
Durant needed 17 points to eclipse Nowitzki&rsquo;s total of 31,560 career points, and he finished the night with 18 points, securing the milestone with a free throw late in the fourth quarter. The 15-time All-Star now has 31,562 career points and trails only five legends on the all-time scoring list: LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan.
Earlier in the season, Durant also passed Wilt Chamberlain to claim seventh place on the scoring list &ndash; another testament to his sustained excellence and longevity in the league.
In a postgame video tribute, Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki &ndash; whom Durant has long called one of his idols &ndash; congratulated KD and spoke about his remarkable scoring ability, describing him as &ldquo;one of the purest, smoothest scorers this game has ever seen.&rdquo;
At 37 years old and in his 18th NBA season, Durant continues to produce at an elite level, averaging over 26 points per game and showing he remains one of the league&rsquo;s most dangerous offensive weapons. With the next milestone up his sights &ndash; passing Michael Jordan for fifth all-time scoring &ndash; Durant&rsquo;s climb up the historic leaderboard isn&rsquo;t done yet.

Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant moved into sixth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list by passing Dirk Nowitzki.

Kevin Durant continues to make history, pass Dirk Nowitzki for 6th all-time scoring list

In a landmark moment for his Hall of Fame resume, James Harden climbed past Shaquille O&rsquo;Neal on the NBA&rsquo;s all-time scoring list, earning ninth place in league history with a vintage offensive performance for the Los Angeles Clippers.&nbsp;
The milestone came in Monday night&rsquo;s 117-109 win over the Charlotte Hornets, where Harden poured in 32 points and dished out 10 assists.&nbsp;
Harden&rsquo;s 3-pointer early in the third quarter marked the official point that pushed his career total beyond Shaq&rsquo;s mark of 28,596 points &ndash; with Harden now sitting at 28,614 points and counting through 1,187 regular-season games.
The achievement is another major milestone in a career defined by elite scoring and longevity. Harden first cracked the NBA&rsquo;s top 10 all-time scoring list last season, and now ranks ahead of one of the most dominant centers in league history. Still ahead of him on the all-time list are legends such as Wilt Chamberlain (8th), Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki and the all-time leader LeBron James. Kevin Durant is currently at 7th.
Harden reflected on the moment postgame, calling it a &ldquo;true honor&rdquo; to eclipse the Hall of Famer he grew up watching, underscoring the weight of joining the sport&rsquo;s elite scorers.

James Harden climbed past Shaquille O’Neal on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, becoming the 9th placed player.

James Harden surpasses Shaquille O’Neal to move into No. 9 on all-time scoring list

Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan officially etched his name deeper into NBA scoring lore on Sunday, becoming just the 23rd player in league history to reach 26,000 career points in a regular-season game.&nbsp;
DeRozan reached the milestone during the Kings&rsquo; 111-98 win over the Houston Rockets, finishing with 22 points and crossing the mark in the second quarter.
The milestone places DeRozan among an elite group of all-time scorers &ndash; a remarkable achievement underlining his consistency and longevity across a long NBA career. Since entering the league in 2009, DeRozan has been one of the game&rsquo;s most prolific mid range shooters and a reliable scoring presence wherever he&rsquo;s played, including stops with the Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls and now the Kings.
At age 36, DeRozan&rsquo;s journey to the 26K club reflects more than just volume. He&rsquo;s been remarkably durable and consistent &ndash; attributes that have allowed him to rise up the all-time scoring list season after season. His performance on Sunday gave Sacramento its first victory in 2026 and underscored how even late in his career he can still impact games as a go-to scorer.
DeRozan&rsquo;s achievement also sparked praise from fans and peers alike, with many pointing to his underrated scoring prowess and mid-range mastery as reasons he continues to climb the historic leaderboard. Already a member of the 25,000-point club and a six-time All-Star, DeRozan&rsquo;s presence in the 26K club adds another major milestone to a Hall of Fame-worthy resume.

Kings guard DeMar DeRozan etched his name into NBA scoring lore on Sunday, reaching 26,000 career regular season points.

DeMar DeRozan joins exclusive 26,000-point club in Kings victory

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has won his 1000th NBA game, officially joining an elite company with some of the best coaches in league history, as the Pacers beat the Hornets 114-112.
Carlisle is only the 11th coach ever in NBA history to breach 1000 wins, cementing his milestone as one of the most accomplished tacticians in the NBA.
He joins an exclusive club of legendary head coaches including Gregg Popovich, Don Nelson, Phil Jackson, Lenny Wilkens, and Pat Riley who have made their mark in coaching in the NBA.
Carlisle, who led the Dallas Mavericks to a title in 2011, joined Doc Rivers who achieved the feat in 2021 as the only active head coaches with 1000 wins or more.
The milestone spans 23 seasons across three franchises, and Carlisle&rsquo;s longevity and adaptability through multiple eras of the NBA have defined his legacy.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has won his 1000th NBA game.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle nets 1000th career coaching win

With his basket in the third quarter of their game against the Cavaliers, Anthony Edwards became the 3rd fastest player to score 10,000 points or more in NBA history.
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Anthony Edwards is the 3rd fastest player to 10,000 points <a href="https://t.co/PjAj458gFn">pic.twitter.com/PjAj458gFn</a>
&mdash; BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbllnews/status/2009472490192736689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2026</a></blockquote>

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The Minnesota Timberwolves young superstar joins an elite company with LeBron James and Kevin Durant, two prolific scorers that have made their mark in the game, and the only two scorers who did it faster.
Edwards achieved the feat in 24 years, 156 days, even surpassing the great Kobe Bryant in the all-time list. Edwards also became the 7th player in league history to score 10,000 points before turning 25 years old, joining LeBron, KD, Kobe, Luka, T-Mac, and Carmelo Anthony.
Edwards, who was the 1st pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, adds another milestone in his ever growing NBA career after two straight all-star seasons and back-to-back Western Conference Finals.
The 24-year-old is poised to add another all-star appearance in his career this season with career-high averages of 29.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.

Anthony Edwards became the 3rd fastest player to score 10,000 points or more in NBA history.

Anthony Edwards becomes 3rd fastest player in NBA history to reach 10k points

Sacramento Kings veteran Russell Westbrook added another historic accomplishment to his legendary resume this week, climbing to No. 15 on the NBA&rsquo;s all-time scoring chart. In a game against the Phoenix Suns, Westbrook&rsquo;s layup with 4:23 left in the fourth quarter pushed him past Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson&rsquo;s career total of 26,710 points &ndash; giving Westbrook 26,711 career points and counting.
The milestone also made Westbrook the all-time highest-scoring point guard in league history, a title previously held by Robertson. With the achievement, the 18-year NBA veteran joins a select group of legends in the top 15 scorers ever &ndash; an elite tier that includes the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant and James Harden among active players.
Westbrook&rsquo;s scoring ascent has been years in the making. Earlier this season, he passed another Hall of Famer, Tim Duncan, to move into the top 20 before continuing his climb up the leaderboard. His longevity, versatility and relentless competitiveness have powered a career that stretches back to his MVP season and nine All-Star appearances.
Though the Kings&rsquo; night ended in defeat, the individual milestone stood out as a reminder of Westbrook&rsquo;s enduring impact on the game. As he continues to add to his point total, he may yet climb further up the all-time list &ndash; rounding out a Hall of Fame r&eacute;sum&eacute; that includes the NBA record for most career triple-doubles, another historic scoring record and a place among the most dynamic guards in league history.

Sacramento Kings veteran Russell Westbrook climbed to No. 15 on the NBA’s all-time scoring chart.

Russell Westbrook nets another milestone – moves into 15th on all-time scoring list

Veteran star guard Russell Westbrook added another remarkable chapter to his Hall of Fame resume this weekend, accomplishing two major career feats in the same game for the Sacramento Kings.
In Sacramento&rsquo;s 113-107 win over the Dallas Mavericks, Westbrook not only helped lead the Kings to victory with 21 points and nine assists, but he also moved past Magic Johnson on the NBA&rsquo;s all-time assists list and recorded his 2,000th career steal &ndash; two rare statistical accomplishments achieved in one night.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Seventh All-Time in Assists: Westbrook finished the game with his 10,142nd career assist, which moved him past Hall of Famer Magic Johnson for seventh place on the NBA&rsquo;s all-time assists leaderboard.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">2,000 Career Steals: Earlier in the contest, Westbrook recorded a steal that pushed him into an elite club as just the 14th player in league history with 2,000 career steals &ndash; another testament to his all-around impact.</li>
</ul>
At 37 years old, Westbrook continues to defy age and expectations, contributing in multiple facets of the game and climbing historic stat lists few players ever touch. His dual milestone night also underscores his long-standing reputation as one of the most dynamic and versatile guards in NBA history.
Westbrook&rsquo;s assist milestone reflects his longevity and consistent playmaking excellence. Passing Magic Johnson &ndash; widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards ever &ndash; proves how deeply Westbrook&rsquo;s name is now woven into NBA lore. Meanwhile, reaching 2,000 steals highlights his defensive instincts and underscores his ability to impact the game beyond scoring and passing.
While Westbrook&rsquo;s current role may no longer be that of a perennial All-Star, these achievements demonstrate that he remains a difference-maker and statistical force, even in the later stages of his career.

Veteran guard Russell Westbrook accomplished two major career feats in the same game for the Kings in their game vs the Mavs.

Russell Westbrook checks off two historic milestones in one game

This article is from a press release by the NBA
The NBA and the global basketball community are set to mark World Basketball Day on Dec. 21 with a wide-ranging celebration aimed at engaging hundreds of millions of fans and youth across the world, highlighting basketball&rsquo;s roots, reach and enduring social impact.
Now in its third year, World Basketball Day commemorates the date in 1891 when Dr. James Naismith first introduced the game of basketball at a YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts. Established by the United Nations in 2023, the annual celebration recognizes basketball as a unifying force across cultures and continents&mdash;an idea the NBA is embracing through clinics, community programs, digital campaigns and in-arena activations worldwide.
This year&rsquo;s observance carries added significance as it coincides with the 175th anniversary of the YMCA, widely regarded as the birthplace of the sport. In recognition of that milestone, the NBA and YMCA announced a year-long collaboration focused on youth basketball and community development, extending a long-standing partnership that will support millions of young people and families across the United States.
The initiative will include youth-focused programming and renovations of select YMCA facilities nationwide, directly benefiting the more than six million youth the YMCA serves annually. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized the historical importance of the moment, noting that World Basketball Day in 2025 serves as both a celebration of the game&rsquo;s origins and a reflection of its global influence more than a century later.
&ldquo;World Basketball Day takes on a special meaning this year as we commemorate the 175th anniversary of the YMCA, where the sport was first invented 134 years ago,&rdquo; Silver said. &ldquo;We are thrilled to join our many friends in the basketball community to celebrate the game&rsquo;s impact and influence around the world.&rdquo;
The NBA&rsquo;s digital footprint will play a central role in the celebration. Across its global and localized social platforms, the league will feature NBA players sharing what World Basketball Day means to them, alongside highlights from events taking place in different regions. Fans are encouraged to participate by tagging @nba, @nbacares and @jrnba on social media using the hashtag #WorldBasketballDay.
On the grassroots level, the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA programs, along with NBA Basketball School initiatives that reach tens of millions of youth and coaches globally, will gain access to a special playbook containing exclusive training and educational content designed to promote skill development and values such as teamwork and leadership.
World Basketball Day will also intersect with the NBA&rsquo;s competitive calendar. Dec. 21 will serve as a &ldquo;3-for-1 Day&rdquo; in NBA All-Star Voting, allowing fans with an NBA ID to submit one ballot per day via the NBA App or NBA.com, with each vote counting triple toward All-Star selections.
Across the United States, numerous NBA franchises&mdash;including the Lakers, Celtics, Heat, Bucks, Mavericks and Warriors&mdash;will celebrate through localized events and in-arena activities. Several player-led initiatives will headline the festivities, including youth clinics hosted by former and current NBA players such as Taj Gibson and Michael Carter-Williams. In St. Louis, the Gateway Region YMCA recently hosted a youth clinic attended by Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who also announced upcoming YMCA renovations supported by NBA Cares and The Jayson Tatum Foundation.
Internationally, the scope of World Basketball Day underscores the NBA&rsquo;s global reach. FIBA will announce the inductees for its 2026 Hall of Fame class, while NBA Africa and the Basketball Africa League will deploy 19 coaches to conduct clinics across 13 African nations, reaching more than 600 coaches as part of a long-term effort to develop the sport on the continent.
The Philippines, one of the NBA&rsquo;s most passionate international markets, will play a visible role in the celebration. Local basketball players and content creators from the country will be featured across the NBA&rsquo;s localized channels, while NBA Stores in the Philippines will host World Basketball Day scavenger hunts offering fans the chance to win merchandise and exclusive discounts. Beginning on Dec. 21, fans who purchase official NBA merchandise at participating stores will also receive a complimentary World Basketball Day T-shirt while supplies last.
NBA champion Jayson Tatum highlighted the personal significance of the day, pointing to basketball&rsquo;s role in shaping lives beyond the court. &ldquo;World Basketball Day is a chance to celebrate the game and the impact it has on people everywhere,&rdquo; Tatum said. &ldquo;Basketball has had such a positive influence on my life, and I hope I can pass along the joy and skills I&rsquo;ve learned to the next generation.&rdquo;
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the sport&rsquo;s ability to open doors for girls and women worldwide. Leaders from FIBA, USA Basketball, the NCAA, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the NBCA and the NFHS also underscored basketball&rsquo;s educational, cultural and community value, reinforcing the idea that the game&rsquo;s influence stretches far beyond professional leagues.
As basketball continues to grow as the world&rsquo;s fastest-rising sport and the second most popular globally, World Basketball Day stands as both a tribute to its humble beginnings and a celebration of its future. From neighborhood gyms to global arenas, Dec. 21 will once again spotlight how a simple game invented more than a century ago continues to connect communities, inspire youth and bring the world together through a shared love for basketball.

The NBA and the global basketball community are set to mark World Basketball Day on Dec. 21 with a wide-ranging celebration.

NBA, Global Basketball Community Unite for World Basketball Day Celebration

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama continued to rewrite defensive history on Friday, recording a block in his 100th consecutive regular-season game &ndash; a streak that now stands as one of the longest in NBA history since blocks became a stat in 1973-74. In the Spurs&rsquo; 126-98 rout of the Atlanta Hawks, Wembanyama swatted away shots en route to his latest milestone, highlighting a defensive presence that has defined his young career.
Only two players in league history have ever logged a longer streak of games with at least one block: Patrick Ewing(145) and Dikembe Mutombo (116). Wembanyama&rsquo;s 100-game run currently ranks third all-time, placing him in elite company among the NBA&rsquo;s greatest rim protectors.&nbsp;
Wembanyama&rsquo;s streak dates back to his rookie season, and remarkably, he has recorded a block in all but two games of his NBA career, showcasing durability and consistency rarely seen at the center position. This extraordinary stretch underscores his impact as a generational defender: his height, wingspan and instincts make him a nightmare for opposing scorers around the rim, and his presence elevates the entire Spurs&rsquo; defensive ceiling.&nbsp;
At just 21 years old, Wembanyama&rsquo;s defensive impact is already historic. With his combination of shot-blocking, rebounding and all-around defensive instincts, he has established himself as one of the most disruptive big men in the modern game. Barring injury, he appears on pace to challenge even longer streaks down the line and could be a perennial contender for Defensive Player of the Year honors throughout his career.

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama continued to rewrite defensive history, recording a block in his 100th consecutive game.

Victor Wembanyama records block in 100th straight game

Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic made NBA history on Thursday night, becoming the all-time assists leader among centers in league history. Jokic eclipsed long-standing Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar&rsquo;s mark during Denver&rsquo;s 126-115 win over the Orlando Magic at Ball Arena.
In a yet another triple-double performance, Jokic finished with 23 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds, using a crafty feed to Jalen Pickett late in the first half to surpass Abdul-Jabbar&rsquo;s previous career total of 5,660. The milestone &ndash; now sitting at 5,667 career assists and counting &ndash; places Jokic atop the NBA assists leaderboard for centers, a feat many believed would stand for decades as Jokic continues to write his story.
Jokic passed Abdul-Jabbar&rsquo;s record &ndash; a mark set over a 20-year Hall of Fame career &ndash; in just his 11th season. According to career assists data, Jokic now stands far ahead of any other center in NBA history, leading by sheer efficiency with roughly 7.4 assists per game &ndash; a rate unmatched by predecessors at the position.&nbsp;
Jokic&rsquo;s achievement also ranks him among the top 50 all-time NBA assist leaders overall, underscoring his unique combination of scoring, rebounding and playmaking at the five-man spot.

Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic made NBA history on Thursday night, becoming the all-time assists leader among centers in league history.

Nikola Jokic becomes all-time assists leader among centers in NBA history

Dallas Mavericks phenom Cooper Flagg made history on Monday night, December 15, after becoming the youngest player in league history to score 40 or more points in a game.&nbsp;
In a thrilling overtime battle against the Utah Jazz, the 18-year-old rookie poured in a career-high 42 points, outpacing every player his age ever to take the court, including legends like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, and Tracy McGrady.
Flagg&rsquo;s 42-point outburst &ndash; which also included six assists and seven rebounds &ndash; came despite the Mavericks falling 140-133 in extra time. With the performance, he supplanted all previous 18-year-old single-game scoring efforts in NBA annals, topping longtime milestone marks once held by LeBron James.
The historic night saw Flagg become the first player 18 years old to hit the 40-point mark, a feat that had never been done before in NBA history. His explosion came just days after breaking records as the youngest player to score 35 points and join elite scoring company among teenage standouts.
Flagg&rsquo;s scoring milestone also tied him with franchise lore: his 42 points matched the second-highest single-game scoring performance ever by a Mavericks rookie (joining Mark Aguirre). While Dallas couldn&rsquo;t secure the win, Flagg&rsquo;s night was the highlight of a contest.
At just 18, the No. 1 overall pick continues to rewrite the record books and cement his status as a generational talent for the Mavericks &ndash; already offering hope and excitement for the franchise&rsquo;s future after that shocking trade that sent superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg made history on Monday by becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 40+ points.

Mike