LeBron James confronts Stephen A. Smith over Bronny James commentary.
LA Lakers’ star, LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith had a tense exchange in Los Angeles on Thursday night during the Lakers-Knicks game, drawing significant attention. Speculation grew over the nature of their conversation, particularly regarding LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny James, with lip-reading experts adding fuel to the discussion. Addressing the matter on First Take the next day, Smith, who recently signed a lucrative deal with ESPN, described the confrontation as “unexpected.” He clarified that LeBron approached him as a concerned father rather than an NBA superstar. “That wasn’t a basketball player confronting me—that was a parent,” Smith explained. Smith emphasized that his remarks were never meant to criticize Bronny but rather the circumstances of him playing alongside his father. Initially intending to keep the exchange private, Smith acknowledged the viral nature of the incident and expressed understanding of LeBron’s emotions, framing the moment as a heartfelt discussion between two fathers.
Stephen A. Smith reveals LeBron told him “STOP F*CKING WITH MY SON”
He also reveals that Draymond Green no longer speaks to him after he made comments about Bronny 😬
(h/t @big_business_ )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 8, 2025
Manchester City reportedly close to signing young goalkeeper, Ben Vickery.
Premier League champion, Manchester City is reportedly finalizing a deal to sign 16-year-old goalkeeper Ben Vickery from Hibernian. Highly rated at Easter Road, Vickery currently plays for Hibs’ Under-18 side and has represented Scotland at the Under-16 level. Although he has yet to make his senior debut, his performances have attracted City’s attention, with scouts monitoring him closely. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that City have reached an agreement in principle, with the deal expected to be completed soon. Vickery is set to join City’s academy setup, likely linking up with their Under-18s or Elite Development Squad in the summer. While this move is for the future, City’s first-team goalkeeping situation remains uncertain. Ederson, the club’s long-standing No.1, will enter the final year of his contract amid interest from Saudi clubs. If he departs, City may promote Stefan Ortega or invest in a new top-tier goalkeeper as part of their squad overhaul.
🚨🔵 Manchester City agree deal in principle with Hibernian for transfer of talented goalkeeper Ben Vickery. 🏴
Deal almost done and set to be signed, sealed soon with Manchester City building again for the future. #MCFC pic.twitter.com/swLfycLW9I
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 7, 2025
Barcelona aiming to strengthen right-back position ahead of new season.
La Liga giant, Barcelona is focused on reinforcing their right-back position as they prepare for the upcoming season. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club is looking to sign another right-back to provide support for Jules Koundé, ensuring squad depth for a demanding schedule across multiple competitions. Koundé, who has been a key defensive figure, has impressed with his performances, featuring in 26 La Liga matches, scoring twice, and providing three assists. Since his €50 million transfer from Sevilla in July 2022, the French defender has proven to be a valuable asset. Despite his consistency, Barcelona wants to bolster their squad to maintain top-level performances. Club officials are assessing potential right-back options, with Óscar Mingueza and Joshua Kimmich emerging as key targets. Both players offer versatility and strong defensive qualities. With a packed fixture list domestically and internationally, Barcelona is determined to strengthen their squad depth and sustain their high standards of performance.
🚨🔵🔴 Barcelona are exploring options to bring in one more right back in the summer in addition to Koundé.
Initial calls have started with club very happy with Jules Koundé, but also willing to add one more player in that position with many games again next season. pic.twitter.com/NMdj1Oa7Vz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 7, 2025
Liam Roberts’ three-match ban extended to six for reckless challenge.
Millwall goalkeeper, Liam Roberts has been suspended for six matches following his dangerous challenge on Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta. An independent regulatory commission upheld the Football Association’s claim that a standard three-game ban was insufficient. Roberts was initially sent off during Millwall’s FA Cup defeat after a reckless kung-fu kick left Mateta unconscious and requiring 25 stitches in his ear. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish called it “the most reckless challenge I’ve ever seen.” Mateta has since been discharged from the hospital and is recovering well, according to manager Oliver Glasner. Roberts, who has mainly served as Millwall’s backup goalkeeper, will be unavailable until April’s match against Sheffield United. In a statement, he accepted the red card but denied any intent to harm, condemning abusive messages directed at him. Meanwhile, Glasner confirmed Mateta could return for Palace’s FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham after the March international break.
''I am devastated by what happened''
Liam Roberts has released the following statement after the red card incident with Jean-Philippe Mateta. pic.twitter.com/OMDGEaIimM
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 7, 2025
Jokić makes NBA history with 30-20-20 triple-double in Nuggets’ overtime win.
Three-time NBA MVP, Nikola Jokić delivered a historic performance in the Denver Nuggets’ 149-141 overtime victory against the Phoenix Suns. The superstar centre recorded 31 points, 21 rebounds, and a career-high 22 assists, becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve a triple-double with at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists. Jokić tied his own franchise record with his 29th triple-double of the season, bringing his career total to 159. His 22 assists also set a new NBA record for a centre. At 30 years old, the reigning MVP continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest passing big men in history while remaining an elite scorer and rebounder. The Nuggets nearly squandered a 21-point lead as the Suns mounted a furious comeback, forcing overtime. However, Jokić’s brilliance ensured Denver avoided a costly defeat in the Western Conference standings. This historic feat further highlighting Jokić’s extraordinary abilities.
NIKOLA JOKIĆ MAKES HISTORY 🚨
HIS 20TH ASSIST.
THE FIRST-EVER 30+ PT, 20+ REB, 20+ AST GAME IN NBA HISTORY 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/TtkDibcd3o
— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025