Latest news with #TheChosenOne
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"LeBron has no bag and I'm sitting here got 50 billion points"- LeBron James pushes back on "no bag" talk, breaks down his scoring style
"LeBron has no bag and I'm sitting here got 50 billion points"- LeBron James pushes back on "no bag" talk, breaks down his scoring style originally appeared on Basketball Network. LeBron James has weathered more criticism than most players could ever imagine. One recurring jab is the "no bag" talk, the idea that "The King" lacks a deep arsenal of one-on-one moves or flashy handles. In a recent episode of the Mind the Game podcast, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar gets honest about how he felt about this slight and why it may not be such a disadvantage after all. Advertisement "I see it all the time. I'll be on social media and like, 'LeBron has no bag," James said. "LeBron has no bag and I'm sitting here, like, I got 50 billion points." Of course, Bron was exaggerating, but the point stands: He has scored over 50,400 points in the Association, including both the regular season and the playoffs. Nonetheless, he did not contradict the point; if anything, "The Chosen One" is living proof that nobody needs to have a million moves in their back pocket to be an effective scorer. "Get to the spot and raise" James has always been regarded as a freak of nature. Standing at 6'9'', 250 pounds, he is as strong as a bull but could run like the wind and be as quick as a fox (at least, in his physical prime). Because of his natural advantages, the Akron native never needed to rely on elaborate dribble sequences or something complicated to score. For Bron, it's all about playing the right way and using fundamentals to elevate his gifts, just like how the greats did it back then. Advertisement "When I was growing up, it wasn't talked about. The least amount of dribbles to get where you need to get to was when I grew up watching. Michael Jordan wasn't out there dribbling a thousand times to get to the spot, and raise," the basketball legend explained. "Isiah Thomas. As great of a handle Isiah Thomas had, Isaiah get to a spot and raise. All these guys that I grew up (watching), Grant Hill, get to a spot. I'm bigger than you. "Big Dog" Glenn Robinson, Allan Houston, Penny Hardaway, Tracy McGrady." "Even as great as Tracy's handle was, it was, 'I'm bigger than you, I'mma get to this spot in the least amount of dribbles," LBJ added. As Steve Nash pointed out, players like LeBron and others who are physically gifted should utilize their footwork to get into their comfort zones where they are most effective. From there, at least to James, it's about using his strength and size to make things happen. Scoring formulas are not one-size-fits-all, but the four-time Champ makes a compelling case for efficiency over flair. For him, it's more about choosing the smartest path to the bucket. If you can get there in two dribbles, why take six? Advertisement Related: "Dad, you at 17, me at 17, who was better? I said, 'Listen, son...'" - Dominique Wilkins on the moment he realized his son didn't know how great of a player he was Playing the game the right way James, Nash, and Luka Doncic unanimously agree that having "a bag" is pointless and could do more harm than good regarding a young player's development. After all, only two or three players are consistently trusted by the coach and have complete freedom at the pro level. Anyone who goes off script will ride the bench soon enough before they can execute another dribble combo again. "Just play the game the right way. I hope our younger generation does not get swamped by saying, 'I need a bag, I need a bag, I need a bag.' Work on your game, know what you're gonna be good at in order to help your team and prove the next year to be a better player," the four-time champion stated. Advertisement As evidenced by his last statement, "The Akron Hammer" is not discouraging the young players. Instead, he inspired them to work on what matters the most if they wish to play basketball at a high level. LeBron is not arguing against creativity but pushing for purpose. Skill without structure might get attention, but it won't earn trust from coaches or longevity in the league. Ultimately, the substance lasts longer than sizzle. Bron's two-decade career is a pretty convincing argument that knowing your strengths and playing the right way still matter most. Related: Shaquille O'Neal reveals which two dunks in his NBA career are his favorite: "He was all over me, and I was like, 'Get the fu** off me'" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Phoenix Fan Fusion schedule: How to see Hayden Christensen and all the huge stars
There is a lot to get excited about when it comes to Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025, the annual comic con and pop culture celebration. Taking place Friday through Sunday, June 6-8, at the Phoenix Convention Center downtown, Fan Fusion is an outpouring of geek culture no matter whether you call the Shire, the T.A.R.D.I.S or a spaceship your home. Perhaps the most exciting part of Phoenix Fan Fusion is the celebrity guests and this year is one for the history books, with big names like Hayden Christensen, Marisa Tomei, Elijah Wood, Rainn Wilson, Katey Sagal, Manny Jacinto and many more. Here are the biggest celebrity guests coming to Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025. Hayden Christensen is best known for playing Anakin Skywalker, The Chosen One meant to bring peace and balance to the Star Wars galaxy but who ultimately fell to the Dark Side and became the iconic villain Darth Vader. He recently reprised his role in the Disney+ television series "Ahsoka" and "Obi-Wan Kenobi." Christensen will be at Fan Fusion all weekend. Special packages, autographs and photo ops will be available. Check the website for pricing. Looks like the entire Shire, plus some, will be at Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025. Frodo actor Elijah Wood, Samwise actor Sean Astin, Merry actor Dominic Monaghan, Pippin actor Billy Boyd and Gimli actor John Rhys-Davies will all be in attendance. Wood's autograph is $100 and a photo op is $100; he will be there June 6-7. Astin's, Monaghan's and Boyd's autographs are $80 each and photo ops are $100 each. Astin will attend June 6; Monaghan and Boyd will be there June 6-7. Rhys-Davies' autograph is $100, a photo op is $120 and he'll be there June 6. For nine seasons, you watched him play Dwight Schrute, the ever loyal and quirky assistant to the regional manager on NBC's "The Office." He also has starred in "House of 1,000 Corpses," "Star Trek: Discovery" and "The Meg." Wilson's autograph is $100, a photo op is $110 and he will be there on June 8. Pegg is known for co-writing and starring in the title role of the 2004 zombie comedy "Shaun of the Dead." His credits in the geek fandom are extensive, with roles in "Doctor Who," "Star Trek" and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," not to mention playing Benji Dunn in the "Mission: Impossible" franchise. Pegg's autograph is $85, a photo op is $75 and he will be there on June 7. Cox is best known as Matt Murdock aka Daredevil in seven projects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including the 2015-2018 television series "Daredevil" and the 2025 series "Daredevil: Born Again." Cox's breakout role was playing the lead in the 2007 romantic fantasy adventure film "Stardust" opposite Claire Danes, and he had a prominent role in "The Theory of Everything" before landing the role of Daredevil in 2014. Cox's 8x10 autograph is $125, a premium autograph is $130, a photo op is $130 and he will be there on June 7. Best known as the Silent Bob half of the wacky acting duo of Jay and Silent Bob, actor/director Kevin Smith made a legacy of a film he shot inside the convenience store where he was working after hours in the '90s. "Clerks" follows a day in the life of two convenience store clerks as they annoy customers, discuss movies and play hockey on the store roof. He also directed "Dogma" and "Chasing Amy." Smith's autograph is $100, a photo op is $90 and he will be there on June 7. Pop culture fans know Marisa Tomei as Spider-Man Tom Holland's Aunt May in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but she broke out as a star with her hilarious performance in the 1992 film "My Cousin Vinny," which earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Other notable films you can find Tomei include 1992's "Chaplin," 2007's "The Wrestler," 2011's "Crazy, Stupid Love" and 2020's "The King of Staten Island" starring Pete Davidson. Tomei's 8x10 autograph is $100 and everything else is $120. She will be there on June 7. Manny Jacinto began his performing career in hip-hop dancing, but he's proved that shifting to acting was the right move. Jacinto had small roles in TV shows like "Once Upon a Time," "Supernatural" and "Bates Motel" before landing a featured role in 2016's "The Good Place." He played an amateur disc jockey who won viewers' affections with his immature, simple, yet kindhearted nature. Most recently, Jacinto starred as Qimir, known as the Stranger, who is the apprentice of Sith Lord Darth Plagueis in the 2023 Star Wars series "The Acolyte" on Disney+. Jacinto's autograph is $70, a photo op is $85 and he will be there on June 7-8. Generations of fans recognize Katey Sagal for her iconic voice as the one-eyed, purple-haired Leela on the animated series "Futurama," her satirized version of a housewife in "Married With Children" that aired from 1987-1997 and her portrayal of Gemma Teller Morrow on the biker drama "Sons of Anarchy," for which she won a Best Actress Golden Globe. Sagal's 8x10 autograph is $100, a selfie is $90, a photo op is $100 and she will be there June 6-8. Maybe you know Ron Perlman as Hellboy from the 2004 film of the same name and its 2008 sequel "Hellboy II: The Golden Army." Gamers will recognize his voice narrating the post-apocalyptic game series Fallout or as Lord Hood in Halo 2 and Halo 3. Perlman is also known for his pivotal role as Clay Morrow, president of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original in the hit FX series "Sons of Anarchy." Perlman's autograph is $60, a photo op is $70 and he will be here June 6-8. When: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, June 6-7; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, June 8. Where: Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third St. Admission: $44-$595, plus tax and fees; free for age 12 and younger. Details: Meredith G. White covers entertainment, art and culture for The Arizona Republic and She writes the latest news about video games, television and best things to do in metro Phoenix. (This story has been updated with a new photo gallery.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Fan Fusion 2025: Biggest celebs at Phoenix Convention Center
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
LeBron and Nash on why role players matter more in the playoffs: "You can't win without their efforts"
Even though the NBA was built on the backs of the superstars, basketball will always be a team game. This year's playoffs, with dozens of role players stepping up, proved how valuable depth and chemistry are. From timely rebounds to crucial defensive stops and knockdown shooting, the margins often came down to who could count on their supporting cast when it mattered most. Of all people, LeBron James and Steve Nash should know. With six MVPs between them, the two basketball icons understand what it's like to carry the load and how essential it is to trust the guys around you. Advertisement "You can't win without their efforts," Nash said on the "Mind the Game" podcast. "There's too many pockets in games, too many things happening." "You need guys to step up" As "MVSteve" and "The King" pointed out, the 2025 postseason has become a case study of the importance of bench depth. LeBron singled out the Indiana Pacers, a team unafraid to go 10-deep, even under playoff pressure. Beyond their starting unit, another five players are logging at least 10 minutes per game this postseason, a rarity at this stage. "With Indiana up 3-1 against Cleveland, it has a lot to do with their role players. We've seen big-time shots by Haliburton, by Pascal Siakam, but those role player guys, the Nembhards, the Nesmiths, TJ McConnell, those guys come in and they haven't let the spark go down," the Los Angeles Lakers forward noted. "When those guys come in off the bench, those guys keep it going. That's why the success has been happening." Advertisement Similarly, OKC's bench tilted the series in their favor. The Thunder narrowly won Game 4, 92-87, less than 48 hours away from playing Game 3 in the Mile High City. Oklahoma City's reserves blew their Nuggets counterparts out of the water in multiple departments, including points (35 to 8) and rebounds (17 to 3). Like the Pacers, OKC has 10 guys averaging 9.8 minutes of action. "There were points (in Game 4) where both benches carried the game, making threes, making plays, getting stops, especially when they played Friday night and Sunday at lunchtime. Legs are tired. You need guys to step up and make plays," Nash added. That kind of production off the bench gives teams a real edge. In the playoffs, depth is both a need and a luxury, allowing teams to survive the grind and keep the pressure on from start to finish. Related: "There was no one better than I've ever seen in my life" - Jerry West names the best scorer to ever use the backboard Role players on championship teams As "The Chosen One" puts it, role players take the weight off the stars' shoulders. With so much responsibility already — leading, setting the tone, managing the flow — superstars can't be expected to go full throttle all game long. This is why past championship teams always have the best role players to make things easy. Advertisement "You could look at the best championship runs; some of the best Finals moments have come from guys being stars in their roles. All the shots 'Big Shot Bob' made, the shots Derek Fisher made, Steve Kerr, John Paxson, Ray Allen… Those guys make big plays," James stated. The 2025 playoffs have shown that depth is part of a winning formula. While stars still draw double teams and carry the heaviest weight, the role players fill in the gaps, swing quarters, and often decide games. Indiana and OKC trust their benches, and it paid off in hustle plays, fresh legs, and big plays that swung momentum. A star might set the tone, but the rest of the cast decides how far the story goes. Related: "For the average fan, we don't shoot midrange shots anymore"- LeBron James and Steve Nash dispute the notion that the midrange game has disappeared in today's NBA
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The meaning behind Antony's celebration after his stunning winner for Real Betis - as Man United loanee continues to shine after Old Trafford exit
Manchester United loanee Antony debuted a new celebration after his latest heroics for Real Betis on Thursday night. The Brazilian pointed to a tattoo on his neck after scoring a brilliant half-volley for the LaLiga side in their 2-1 win over Fiorentina in the Conference League semi-final first leg. After picking up the ball outside the 18-yard box, he failed to get a long-range effort away on his favoured left foot. However, he showed rapid reactions and excellent precision to smash the ball into the top corner with his right foot on a follow-up half-volley. It marked the latest example of his rehabilitation in the south of Spain following his temporary move from United amid a torrid spell. And to celebrate his strike, Antony opted for a rather grandiose move, pointing to his 'Iluminado' tattoo, which translate to 'The Chosen One' in English. Whether Antony stays in Seville beyond the end of this season remains to be seen but there has been a clamour from team-mates for him to remain in Spain. Speaking after Betis' victory, Antony's team-mate Joaquin said: 'I'll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what. 'This is the moment to enjoy. I think important moments will come, and we'll see later.' Last month, Antony - who was signed by United for £86million before going on to register just 12 goals and five assists in 96 matches for the club - said he believes issues in his personal life affected his performances at Old Trafford. In 2023, Antony was accused by his former partner Gabriela Cavallin of offending, assaulting and threatening her, leading to the Sao Paulo police department conducting an investigation. A year after the complaint was made, the police found insufficient evidence of any wrongdoing on Antony's part and concluded their investigation, as reported by 'I think that, apart from my football life, my personal life got in the way a lot, because of the things I went through, the moments I lived there,' he told ESPN Brasil. 'Like it or not, it's affected me a lot. So, of course, I know the potential I have. 'It's not for nothing that I went to a World Cup, it's not for nothing that I was sold to United for a lot of money, and I know my worth. 'People look at the moment, but they don't look at the bigger picture, what happens to bring things about.
