Did NBA select Bronny James as cover athlete for 2026 edition? Debunking viral post
A recent post on X went viral which stated that Bronny James, the son of four-time champion
, will be the cover athlete for NBA 2026. The post went viral with many Bronny fans speculating whether the news was legit or a rumor.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Besides, James Junior had just entered the world of the NBA, being the 55th pick of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA draft, which brings to the question of why the league would have a new player as the cover athlete.
Is Bronny James the new cover athlete of NBA 2K26?
The viral post stating that Bronny James will be the cover player for NBA 2026 season was made by a parody account. It means that the news is fake and the MVP's son won't grace the cover page of NBA 2026 edition.
The account that posted the news was NBA Centel which sounds similar to NBA Central, the latter being a legit account known for sharing real-time news to fans. Till now, the fake news has got more than 3 million views, which raises questions as to how a fan can verify whether the news is true or not.
The said parody account has posted various such news on the social media platform, due to which many rumors spread in the past. Though NBA Centel does post some real news, it's hard to differentiate the real ones from the fake posts.
On the other hand, Bronny was picked by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024 which is the same team that his father, the great LeBron James, is a part of. Soon after being drafted, Bronny got the chance of being on the same court as his father, which was one of the most historical moments in the NBA. Seeing the father-duo playing together officially is something that no basketball fan had ever dreamt off.
After Lakers were eliminated from the 2025 season, questions regarding whether the MVP will continue playing were raised. Though James has not confirmed his return to the team, there are speculations regarding the matter. On the other hand, Bronny is trying his best to improve his game and get more opportunities on the court.
Also Read:
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
44 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Pacers, Thunder stick with same approaches for Game 4
The Oklahoma City Thunder aren't panicking. The Indiana Pacers aren't taking anything for granted. Heading into Friday's Game 4 of the NBA Finals in Indianapolis, the teams say they're not changing much about the approaches that have worked for them. The Pacers lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 an edge they've held in each of their four series this postseason. "That's the challenge before us right now, is to maintain," Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said. "It's got to be a killer edge to beat these guys. We're going to be an underdog in every game in this series. ... It's a daunting challenge. Anything less than a total grit mindset, we just don't have a chance." The Pacers have thrived in that underdog role, something that guard Tyrese Haliburton said after their Game 1 win has driven him and the rest of the team since last season. For the Thunder, it's the second time they've faced such a deficit. They were down after three games in the Western Conference second-round series against Denver before eventually winning in seven. Oklahoma City lost back-to-back games just twice during the regular season and has yet to drop consecutive games in the playoffs. "Being down 2-1 in a series, it can have emotions associated with it, but dragging those into the next experience isn't going to help anybody," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said Thursday. "Them being up 2-1, dragging that in isn't going to help them, either. You have to compete when the ball goes up in the air. We've made a habit of that. We have to double down again on that tomorrow." Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league's MVP, said that while it was difficult to compare the situations directly from the series against the Nuggets, there were lessons to be learned in how the team responded there. "We have to be who we are and who we've been all season," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "I think we got back to that in that series. If we want to give ourselves a chance in this series, it has to be the same thing." Haliburton said he has struggled to sleep much during the Finals, thanks to a mixture of excitement and stress. The fifth-year guard is coming off his best game in the series, with 22 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds in Indiana's 116-107 home win in Game 3. "I think the biggest thing with right now is this is like a really exciting time. To play against these guys is an honor," Haliburton said. "It's a lot of fun. This is a 68-win team, historically one of the best defenses ever. This is a really good team. They have the MVP. They have a bunch of dudes who are going to be in this league for a long time having a lot of success. ... "As competitors, you want to compete against the best and these guys are the best." For the Thunder, getting back to their defensive identity is at the forefront after the Pacers shot 51.8 percent from the field in Game 3. "We've kind of strayed away from it a little bit," forward Jalen Williams said. "I think when you're scoring at a good rate, sometimes it can drop off a little bit. That's something that we've looked at. "There will be some game-plan adjustments, for sure," he continued. "A lot of that is just competing. I don't want to say 'competing' because that sounds like you're out there not trying. Defensively locking in on a lot of the little things, not let them get comfortable and make those bigger runs late in the game." The Pacers have outscored the Thunder 67-43 in the fourth quarter in their two wins in the series. Indiana's Myles Turner continues to battle an illness, though he had a critical block and rebound late in Wednesday's win. Carlisle said Turner was with the team during their film session Thursday before heading home to recuperate. "Hopefully, he'll feel better tomorrow," Carlisle said. "We'll see." Field Level Media
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
NHL MVP Showdown: Nikita Kucherov, Leon Draisaitl, and Connor Hellebuyck clash for 2025 Hart Trophy ahead of Game 4
Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images Just before Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final gets underway on Thursday night, the NHL will hand out one of its biggest individual honors—the Hart Trophy for league MVP. And this year's shortlist tells the story of a season packed with dominance, consistency, and standout performances from three very different players: Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl, and Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck. All three have a case. Only one gets the trophy. Nikita Kucherov, Leon Draisaitl, and Connor Hellebuyck headline 2025 NHL Hart Trophy race as MVP winner to be revealed before Game 4 This year's Hart Trophy finalists don't fit a single mold—and that's what makes the race so compelling. You've got a scoring machine, a two-way force, and a goalie who flat-out stole games all season long. Let's start with Connor Hellebuyck . The Jets goaltender didn't just have a good year—he had one for the history books. He was the backbone of a Winnipeg team that won the Presidents' Trophy for the best regular season record and also locked up the William Jennings Trophy for the fewest goals allowed. Hellebuyck is already a near-lock to win his third Vezina Trophy as the league's top goaltender, and now he's got a shot at something far rarer. Only five goaltenders have managed to win the Vezina and Hart in the same season. The last to do it was Carey Price back in 2015. Before him? Jose Theodore in 2002. Dominik Hasek pulled it off twice in the late '90s. Jacques Plante did it in '62. That's the kind of company Hellebuyck would be joining if his name is called Thursday night. Then there's Nikita Kucherov . Tampa Bay's winger led the entire league in points with 122, earning him the Art Ross Trophy for the second time in his career. His peers also voted him the most outstanding player, handing him the Ted Lindsay Award. Kucherov's already got a Hart Trophy on his shelf from 2019. Another one would only add to his legacy. Leon Draisaitl rounds out the list, and he's been nothing short of vital for the Edmonton Oilers. While Connor McDavid tends to get the headlines, Draisaitl is the guy who keeps the machine running. He racks up points, wins battles, and never lets off the gas. Year after year, he's right in the middle of the MVP conversation—and this year is no different. Final Verdict: Who will claim the 2025 NHL Hart Trophy? So when the lights go up at center ice on Thursday night, and before the puck drops on Game 4, one of these three will step into the spotlight. Whether it's Hellebuyck's season-defining dominance in goal, Kucherov's offensive wizardry, or Draisaitl's all-around excellence, the NHL's 2025 MVP will be someone who left a lasting imprint on this season. Each took a different path, but they all ended up in the same place—front and center in the race for the Hart. Also Read: Why Danielle Smith and PM Mark Carney are skipping the Edmonton Oilers' biggest game yet
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
NBA finals 2025: Highest-paid players by season, from Kobe Bryant to LeBron James
The Indiana Pacers have taken a 2-1 lead against Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 Finals of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Amid rising revenue and lucrative TV deals, the league has witnessed a drastic jump in the salaries of NBA stars since the early 1990s. From Michael Jordan being the top earner in 1991 with a whopping $2,500,000, to Indiana stars Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam getting as high as $42,176,400 this season, salaries of basketball players have grown exponentially over the past few decades. Here we take a look at all championships series since the early 1990s, focusing on the Top 5 earners per year, according to HoopsHype - 1991: At $2,500,000, Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) was the top earner. He was followed by Los Angeles Lakers stars Magic Johnson ($2,400,000), Sam Perkins ($1,970,000), AC Green ($1,750,000) and James Worthy ($1,600,000) 1992: Michael Jordan ($3,250,000) again topped the list. Among others were Scottie Pippen of Chicago Bulls ($2,770,000), Kevin Duckworth ($2,013,000), Bill Cartwright ($2,000,000) and Terry Porter ($1,787,000) 1993: Michael Jordan ($4,000,000), Scottie Pippen ($3,425,000), Charles Barkley ($2,420,000), Bill Cartwright ($2,200,000) and Horace Grant ($1,900,000) 1994: Patrick Ewing ($3,825,000), Hakeem Olajuwon ($3,170,000), Otis Thorpe ($2,418,000), Kenny Smith ($2,150,000), Charles Oakley ($1,950,000) 1995: Shaquille O'Neal ($4,800,000), Anfernee Hardaway ($4,305,000), Dennis Scott ($3,240,000), Hakeem Olajuwon ($3,169,900), Nick Anderson ($3,090,000) 1996: Detlef Schrempf ($5,000,000), Sam Perkins ($3,967,000), Michael Jordan ($3,850,000), Toni Kukoc ($3,560,000), Frank Brickowski ($3,250,000) 1997: Michael Jordan ($30,140,000), Dennis Rodman ($9,000,000), John Stockton ($6,000,000), Karl Malone ($4,657,000), Toni Kukoc ($3,960,000) 1998: Michael Jordan ($33,140,000), Karl Malone ($5,118,578), John Stockton ($5,000,000), Ron Harper ($4,560,000), Toni Kukoc ($4,560,000) 1999: David Robinson ($14,841,000), Larry Johnson ($10,186,000), Latrell Sprewell ($8,300,000), Allan Houston ($7,000,000), Sean Elliott ($5,333,000) 2000: Shaquille O'Neal ($17,142,858), Rik Smits ($12,250,000), Reggie Miller ($9,031,850), Kobe Bryant ($9,000,000), Glen Rice ($7,000,000) 2001: Shaquille O'Neal ($19,285,715), Dikembe Mutombo ($14,400,000), Allen Iverson ($10,130,000), Kobe Bryant ($10,130,000), Matt Geiger ($7,515,840) 2002: Shaquille O'Neal ($21,428,572), Kobe Bryant ($11,250,000), Mitch Richmond ($11,000,000), Keith Van Horn ($10,865,250), Jason Kidd ($8,447,500) 2003: Dikembe Mutombo ($16,105,264), Tim Duncan ($12,072,500), David Robinson ($10,500,000), Steve Smith ($9,900,000), Jason Kidd ($9,265,000) 2004: Shaquille O'Neal ($24,749,999), Rasheed Wallace ($17,000,000), Kobe Bryant ($13,500,000), Richard Hamilton ($6,500,000), Ben Wallace ($5,500,000) 2005: Tim Duncan ($14,260,641), Glenn Robinson ($12,071,250), Rasheed Wallace ($9,720,000), Richard Hamilton ($7,812,500), Ben Wallace ($7,000,000) 2006: Shaquille O'Neal ($20,000,000), Keith Van Horn ($15,694,250), Dirk Nowitzki ($13,843,156), Shandon Anderson ($8,935,000), Erick Dampier ($8,662,500) 2007: Michael Finley ($19,030,999), Tim Duncan ($17,429,672), Larry Hughes ($13,363,012), Tony Parker ($9,450,000), Zydrunas Ilgauskas ($9,442,697) 2008: Kevin Garnett ($23,750,000), Kobe Bryant ($19,490,625), Paul Pierce ($16,360,094), Ray Allen ($16,000,000), Pau Gasol ($13,735,000) 2009: Kobe Bryant ($21,262,500), Rashard Lewis ($16,447,871), Pau Gasol ($15,106,000), Lamar Odom ($14,148,596), Dwight Howard ($13,758,000) 2010: Kobe Bryant ($23,034,375), Paul Pierce ($19,795,712), Ray Allen ($18,776,860), Pau Gasol ($16,452,000), Kevin Garnett ($16,400,000) 2011: Dirk Nowitzki ($17,278,618), Predrag Stojakovic ($15,532,320), Chris Bosh ($14,500,000), LeBron James ($14,500,000), Dwyane Wade ($14,200,000) 2012: Chris Bosh ($16,022,500), LeBron James ($16,022,500), Dwyane Wade ($15,691,000), Kevin Durant ($15,506,632), Kendrick Perkins ($7,123,626) 2013: Chris Bosh ($17,545,000), LeBron James ($17,545,000), Dwyane Wade ($17,024,000), Rashard Lewis ($15,052,181), Manu Ginobili ($14,107,492) 2014: Chris Bosh ($19,067,500), LeBron James ($19,067,500), Dwyane Wade ($18,536,000), Tony Parker ($12,500,000), Tim Duncan ($10,361,446) 2015: LeBron James ($20,644,400), David Lee ($15,012,000), Andrew Bogut ($12,972,973), Andre Iguodala ($12,289,544), Stephen Curry ($10,629,213) 2016: LeBron James ($22,970,500), Kevin Love ($19,689,000), Kyrie Irving ($16,407,500), Klay Thompson ($15,501,000), Draymond Green ($14,260,870) 2017: LeBron James ($30,963,450), Kevin Durant ($26,540,100), Kevin Love ($21,165,675), Kyrie Irving ($17,638,063), Klay Thompson ($16,663,575) 2018: Stephen Curry ($34,682,550), LeBron James ($33,285,709), Kevin Durant ($25,000,000), Kevin Love ($22,642,350), George Hill ($20,000,000) 2019: Stephen Curry ($37,457,154), Kyle Lowry ($32,700,000), Kevin Durant ($30,000,000), Marc Gasol ($24,119,025), Kawhi Leonard ($23,114,066) 2020: LeBron James ($37,436,858), Jimmy Butler ($32,742,000), Anthony Davis ($27,093,019), Goran Dragic ($19,217,900), Andre Iguodala ($17,185,185) 2021: Chris Paul ($41,358,814), Khris Middleton ($33,051,724), Devin Booker ($29,467,800), Giannis Antetokounmpo ($27,528,088), Jrue Holiday ($27,026,011). 2022: Stephen Curry ($45,780,966), Klay Thompson ($37,980,720), Andrew Wiggins ($31,579,390), Jayson Tatum ($28,103,500), Al Horford ($27,000,000) 2023: Jimmy Butler ($37,653,300), Nikola Jokic ($33,047,803), Jamal Murray ($31,650,600), Michael Porter ($30,913,750), Kevin Love ($30,556,968) 2024: Luka Doncic ($40,064,220), Kyrie Irving ($38,037,037), Jrue Holiday ($36,861,707), Kristaps Porzingis ($36,016,200), Jayson Tatum ($32,600,060) 2025: Tyrese Haliburton ($42,176,400), Pascal Siakam ($42,176,400), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($35,859,950), Isaiah Hartenstein ($30,000,000), Myles Turner ($19,928,500) The Pacers have a slim lead so far and are up 2-1 in three matches. The Pacers scored 116 to Oklahoma's 106. Game 4 takes place on June 13 at 8:30 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The fifth fixture will be held on June 16. The Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder are in the fray. The Pacers are up 2-1 against Oklahoma City Thunder. Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam are the top earners this season, earning $42,176,400 each.
