LeBron James broke Michael Jordan's NBA record for 30-point games during the Los Angeles Lakers' victory over Atlanta on Friday night. With an 18-foot jumper with 5:58 to play for the last of his 30 points, James reached at least 30 points in the regular season for the 563rd time in his career, breaking the record established by Jordan in 2003. Jordan set the record in 1,072 games over 15 seasons, while James broke the mark in his 1,523rd appearance over 22 seasons.
The Chicago Bulls plan to retire Derrick Rose's jersey next season. The team said president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf informed the Chicago product and former MVP in person on Saturday that his No. 1 will be sent to the rafters sometime during the 2025-26 season. Rose will join Michael Jordan (23), Scottie Pippen (33), Jerry Sloan (4) and Bob Love (10) as the only Bulls players whose numbers have been retired.
Rumors had swirled for weeks that star forward Jimmy Butler wanted out of Miami — it even got to the point where the Heat released a statement saying it had become a distraction, and that they wouldn't trade him. Well, in the span of a week, the team has since done an about-face, admitting in another statement on Friday that Butler has asked to be moved, and they will look to fulfill that request.
Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., initially voted for Jim Jordan for speaker of the House Friday, but President-elect Trump was able to convince him to change his vote — while working on his golf game. Norman was one of three Republicans who initially refused to vote for Mike Johnson to retain his role.
The New Orleans Pelicans played their regular-season matchup against the Miami Heat on Wednesday night in South Florida with a heavy heart as their city reels from a terror attack that left more than a dozen dead. Pelicans head coach Willie Green was among those from the team who spoke out about the attack that took place in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
As the New Orleans community continues to grieve those lost in the terrorist attack in the early hours of New Year’s Day, the Saints and Pelicans announced one of those killed was an employee of theirs. "We remain heartbroken by the tragic events that claimed innocent lives in our city yesterday morning," the Saints’ statement began. "Among those lost was Matthew Tenedorio, a valued member of the ASM New Orleans video production team. Matthew was young, talented, and had a bright future, helping deliver quality content for both the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans.
Jimmy Butler says he needs to find joy again on the basketball court. And when asked if he can find that joy in Miami, he had a two-word answer. "Probably not," he said. The relationship between Butler and the Heat — a talking point for weeks now — seems to have further deteriorated. The Heat lost to Indiana 128-115 on Thursday night, Butler scoring exactly nine points and playing exactly zero seconds in the fourth quarter for the second consecutive game. It also happened Wednesday in a win over New Orleans.
Golf legend Tiger Woods was among those mourning the loss of PGA Tour writer Steve DiMeglio, who lost his battle with cancer at age 63. Woods posted Wednesday to X, offering his condolences. "Unfortunately the golf world lost part of our family today, beloved golf writer Steve DiMeglio," the post said.
Bryce James will be the second of LeBron’s sons to play Division I basketball. Bronny played one season at USC before turning pro. He was drafted by his father’s team, the Los Angeles Lakers, and they became the first father and son to play together in an NBA game. A 6-foot-4 shooting guard, Bryce James is rated as a four-star prospect out of Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California, in the 247 Sports composite. He was invited to the USA Basketball under-17 national team training camp over the summer.
Jaden Ivey sustained what appeared to be a serious leg injury after scoring 22 points in the Detroit Pistons' 105-96 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. With 10:07 to play and Detroit leading 84-79, Ivey and Orlando's Cole Anthony were going for the ball when Anthony slipped and fell. His momentum carried him into Ivey's planted leg, and the 22-year-old immediately fell to the floor, grabbing his left shin in obvious agony. Detroit's medical staff quickly attended to him.