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NBA fans were left puzzled on Wednesday when Karl-Anthony Towns, sidelined from the New York Knicks matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a sprained thumb, switched outfits at halftime.

The star center was initially spotted on the bench wearing a Philadelphia Eagles sweatshirt but returned from the locker room sporting a Knicks jacket.

While some New York sports fans speculated that the outfit change was a nod of respect to the Eagles’ divisional rivals, the New York Giants, Towns quickly clarified the real reason. He took to social media to explain that the change was purely practical.

“Sweat stains ain’t it on ESPN,” Towns wrote. “Had to pull another fit out!”

Despite the wardrobe adjustment, it’s clear Towns isn’t ready to abandon his Eagles fandom, even if it doesn’t sit well with New York fans. Perhaps leading the Knicks to a championship would help smooth things over.

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Lakers fans were stunned when the team waived Quincy Olivari to reportedly sign former Pelicans center Trey Jemison to a two-way contract. Olivari had impressed during the preseason and Summer League, earning admiration from fans and even his idol, Stephen Curry.

Olivari, who appeared in just one game for the Lakers, had been performing well in the G League, averaging 7.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers sought to bolster their frontcourt physicality, prompting the move to bring in Jemison. Over his 41-game NBA career, Jemison has averaged 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds.

Fans React to Quincy Olivari’s Waiver

Fans quickly took to social media to criticize the Lakers’ front office and even LeBron James’ son, Bronny James. Many expressed frustration with the decision to part ways with Olivari, who they believed had star potential, while Bronny, who has had a minimal impact in the NBA so far, remains on the roster.

Bronny, drafted 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, has only played nine games this season, averaging 0.4 points, 0.1 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game. However, in the G League with the South Bay Lakers, he has shown promise, averaging 14.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.

This isn’t the first time Bronny has faced criticism. On the New Heights podcast with NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce, LeBron James addressed the constant scrutiny his son encounters online.

“I didn’t have to deal with social media trolls growing up,” LeBron said. “And I didn’t have to deal with my father being this f***ing guy on a pedestal.”

Despite the challenges, LeBron expressed confidence in Bronny’s resilience. “I think it’s going to make him even greater. Dealing with everything he’s faced and coming back from a life-threatening situation, while still staying motivated—that’s incredible,” the four-time MVP added.

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What happens when sports media combines creativity, controversy, and a hint of rebellion? You get Dan Le Batard’s unforgettable LeBron billboard saga—a story filled with humor, drama, and a surprising twist involving the Miami Heat. Recently, Le Batard revisited this iconic episode, sharing details about his ESPN suspension and an unexpected offer from the Heat organization.

In 2014, LeBron James announced his decision to return to Cleveland after four legendary years with the Miami Heat. For Heat fans, the news was a tough blow. Dan Le Batard, however, chose to cope in his own unique way. He orchestrated a series of billboards in LeBron’s hometown of Akron, Ohio, featuring a cheeky message: “You’re Welcome, LeBron. Love, Miami.” The billboards displayed images of two championship rings, a playful nod to the titles LeBron helped win for the Heat.

Reflecting on the stunt, Le Batard said, “I got suspended because I tried to put up LeBron billboards in Akron saying, ‘You’re welcome, love Miami.’ And I remember talking about it on-air for two weeks, thinking nobody at ESPN was paying attention. Turns out, they were.” He admitted that he never informed his bosses about the plan, fearing corporate interference.

When the billboards went live, they quickly gained national attention. ESPN stepped in, demanded their removal, and suspended Le Batard for two days, citing a violation of the network’s professional standards. The network also clarified that they had no prior knowledge of his plans.

However, the story took an even more unexpected turn when Le Batard revealed a secret he’d kept for years. After ESPN shut down the billboard stunt, a senior official from the Miami Heat reached out with a bold proposition. The official offered to fly a plane over LeBron’s homecoming event in Cleveland with the same playful message.

Le Batard recalled the conversation: “I got a call from a high-ranking Miami Heat official saying, ‘I’ll fly the plane with the message. Let’s do it.’”

Though amused by the offer, Le Batard was also alarmed. “I told them, ‘You can’t do that. If you do, I’ll get fired. It’ll look like insubordination. You shouldn’t have even called me!’”

This revelation highlights the deep emotions surrounding LeBron’s departure—not just among fans but within the Heat organization itself. It seems even team officials felt the sting and briefly entertained the idea of playful retaliation.

Why the Billboard Saga Still Resonates

Le Batard’s billboard stunt wasn’t just a joke—it was a bold, creative statement that came with real consequences. It cost him a suspension but also became one of sports media’s most memorable moments. The saga underscores how creative freedom can clash with corporate boundaries, especially in high-stakes environments.

For Heat fans, the billboards captured their mixed feelings about LeBron’s exit. While grateful for his contributions, his departure was a painful loss. For LeBron, the episode served as another reminder of his unparalleled impact—his choices could reshape fan emotions and organizational dynamics.

Nine years later, Le Batard looks back on the episode with a blend of pride and regret. He remains proud of the creativity behind the stunt but acknowledges it crossed professional boundaries. “I didn’t want corporate intervention,” he said, “but the fallout was a wake-up call about the realities of working in sports media.”

For Miami fans, the billboard saga is a nostalgic nod to a golden era in Heat history. For Le Batard, it’s a testament to his fearless approach to storytelling. And for everyone else? It’s proof that sports are more than just games—they’re about the stories, emotions, and unforgettable moments they create.

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