Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James informed the storied franchise on Tuesday afternoon that he will not be returning for his ninth season with the franchise.
The NBA&#8217;s all-time leading scorer will enter free agency to join the fourth team of what will be a record 24-year career, his agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN&#8217;s Shams Charania. Charania and NBA on Prime&#8217;s Chris Haynes first reported the decision on X.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
BREAKING: LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will play elsewhere for the 2026-27 season, his agent Rich Paul tells me. <a href="https://t.co/JvEmgc0vOv">pic.twitter.com/JvEmgc0vOv</a>
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/2071988913930187232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2026</a></blockquote>
James took to X to express his gratitude for his time with the Lakers, where he won a championship in 2020.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the 💜💛 while trying to continuing the greatness &amp; legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint. 🙏🏾🫡👑 <a href="https://t.co/RmQ6uvvgv0">https://t.co/RmQ6uvvgv0</a>
— LeBron James (@KingJames) <a href="https://x.com/KingJames/status/2072027386737025132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2026</a></blockquote>
James is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but with his career winding down, many expect this to be James’ final season in the NBA. Although he is the oldest player in the league and will turn 42 during the season, James’ elite play is still on full display.
James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game last season, earning his 22nd straight All-Star selection. He even led the league in fast-break points per game at 5.7 in the 2025-26 season despite his age, a near-impossible feat for the oldest player in the NBA. He also became the oldest player in the history of the league to record a triple-double.
This news follows rumors swirling on social media that James was interested in a potential team-up with fellow future Hall of Famer Steph Curry on the Golden State Warriors. The two previously played together on Team USA when they brought home the gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Yahoo&#8217;s Kevin O&#8217;Connor reported that the Warriors were hoping to pair former teammates James and Anthony Davis in the Bay Area along with longtime Warriors Curry and Draymond Green. Davis and James would reportedly have to be a “package deal” with one another.
Haynes also reported that a reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers is possible. The Cavaliers have expressed interest in bringing the Akron-born hero home. However, a source close to James <a href="https://x.com/ramonashelburne/status/2072030661918241194?s=46">told Ramona Shelburne</a> of ESPN that there is &#8220;no rush&#8221; for him to decide. Charania confirmed their interest, as the decision for James will be “happiness-led.”

Los Angeles Lakers v Detroit Pistons

LeBron James Sets Up Final Act With Major Career Move

LeBron James Make Major Career Move As Retirement Looms

LeBron James

The woman who appeared in a now-viral video dumping trash in the street — so that she could steal the orange-and-blue can it was in — has been fired from her job at JPMorgan Chase.
Angela Báez was fully decked out in blue and orange from head to toe – in honor of the New York Knicks and their first NBA Finals win in 53 years — and she apparently could not resist the temptation to take home the trash receptacle that matched the theme. But since the trash bin was filled to overflowing at the time, she opted to empty it directly onto the sidewalk in order to claim her prize.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Just like … Knicks Trash 🗑️ Bin Souvenir for your home 😂😂😂🗽🇵🇷 <a href="https://t.co/NYPeBMeQyE">pic.twitter.com/NYPeBMeQyE</a>
— World Latin Honey (@WorldLatinHoney) <a href="https://x.com/WorldLatinHoney/status/2067990215772270766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&#8220;What are you doing?&#8221; someone yelled as she calmly dumped the trash onto the sidewalk, shook the can to make sure it was empty, and walked away. Someone else could be heard clapping, apparently egging her on, in the background.
But Báez&#8217;s victory was short-lived, according to a Tuesday <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/06/23/business/woman-who-emptied-knicks-trashcan-on-street-then-stole-it-was-dei-exec-worked-at-jpmorgan-chase/">report</a> from The New York Post: she was apparently fired from her job at JPMorgan Chase earlier that day. After the video of her escapade went viral, a spokesperson informed The Post that she was &#8220;no longer with the company.&#8221;
According to her profile on employment platform LinkedIn, she had been promoted one year earlier to serve as Executive Director of Community and Industry Engagement for Card and Connected Commerce. She&#8217;d previously worked for review website The Infatuation — also based in New York — as Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The Infatuation was <a href="https://media.chase.com/news/jpmorgan-chase-acquire-leading-restaurant-discovery-platform">acquired</a> by JPMorgan Chase in late 2021.
Báez&#8217;s bio on The Infatuation&#8217;s website <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/06/23/business/woman-who-emptied-knicks-trashcan-on-street-then-stole-it-was-dei-exec-worked-at-jpmorgan-chase/">describes her</a> as one of the &#8220;brightest voices&#8221; at the site, dedicated to &#8220;making a positive impact.&#8221; A &#8220;positive impact,&#8221; for her employer, apparently did not extend to dumping trash on the sidewalks of New York City.
&#8220;As a vibrant mosaic of Dominican heritage, Bronx roots, and a passion for storytelling, creativity, and culture, Angie continues to lead the way towards a more inclusive and equitable future for food media, leaving an indelible mark on The Infatuation and everything she touches,&#8221; it reads.

Screenshot

JPMorgan DEI Executive’s Knicks Celebration Ends In Career Disaster

Crime

New York Knicks

Sports

The New York Knicks celebrated their long-awaited NBA Finals win with a parade on Thursday, and fans couldn’t help but notice a glaring mistake at City Hall.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani&#8217;s administration hung banners for each player on the team, showcasing their last names and jersey numbers — and fans quickly noticed that something was amiss. Dillon Jones, who wore number one for the Knicks this season, had the number 33 on his banner, which has been retired for 23 years in honor of Hall of Famer and Knicks legend Patrick Ewing.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Dillon Jones <a href="https://t.co/Hmkp0fMwMC">pic.twitter.com/Hmkp0fMwMC</a>
— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) <a href="https://x.com/sny_knicks/status/2067577129055768781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2026</a></blockquote>
Pictures of each banner were posted by SportsNet New York on social media. Fans not present for the parade were stunned by the mistake associating Ewing’s legendary 33 with Jones, who has not worn the number since his preseason stint with the Washington Wizards last year. 
That was the only time in Jones’ young career he wore the number, and didn&#8217;t wear it in a regular season game because he was cut by the Wizards before opening night.
Ewing’s number was retired by the Knicks in 2003 in honor of his Hall of Fame resume and his 15 years with the franchise. He was responsible for the Knicks’ championship appearances in 1994 but was injured, and he missed their last appearance in 1999.
Ewing was also in attendance for multiple of the Knicks’ playoff victories on their championship run, and sat court-side for the series-clinching Game 5. 
Jones appeared in fewer than forty minutes of championship play in 2026, but is now a two-time NBA champion after playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder last season. With the Thunder, Jones wore the number three.

NY Knicks Parade To Engulf Downtown With Fans, Cops, Confetti

Mamdani’s Office Makes Embarrassing Mistake For Knicks Championship Parade

New York City

Zohran Mamdani

New York City police made dozens of arrests and responded to reports of shootings and stabbings as celebrations turned violent following the Knicks&#8217; NBA <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/knicks-run-away-with-first-nba-finals-win-in-53-years">championship victory</a>.
Overnight, police arrested more than 60 people and responded to at least four stabbings and one shooting as thousands flooded the streets to celebrate the team&#8217;s first championship in more than half a century.
The charges, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/06/14/us-news/63-people-arrested-in-violent-nyc-night-as-knicks-fans-celebrate-nba-finals-win/">The New York Post</a>, included assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a gun, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of governmental administration. 
At least 10 members of the NYPD were injured, including one officer who was struck by a glass bottle, according to The Post. 
Dramatic videos circulating on social media captured scenes of the mayhem, including rioters <a href="https://x.com/nicksortor/status/2066054801356468720?s=20">setting fire to school buses</a> before fire officials extinguished the flames.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨 BREAKING: Rioters have begun setting the school buses ON FIRE in Times Square during the Knicks riots
Police do not have NEARLY ENOUGH SUPPORT
Mamdani and Hochul have ABSOLUTELY FAILED NYPD and law abiding New Yorkers <a href="https://t.co/yMtwfvhvFa">pic.twitter.com/yMtwfvhvFa</a>
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) <a href="https://x.com/nicksortor/status/2066054801356468720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2026</a></blockquote>
“It’s absolute anarchy in New York City,” <a href="https://x.com/barstoolsports/status/2066015835898929221?s=20">Barstool Sports posted on X.</a> 
Other videos captured loud flash bangs, fireworks, fans <a href="https://x.com/BGOnTheScene/status/2066037954653421673?s=20">destroying street vehicles</a>, and burning items in the street. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Knicks mania turned into complete insanity in Times Square when fans smashed and tore apart several school buses in the packed party hub — including one that was left completely engulfed in fire. <a href="https://t.co/Q9MFnkWxS7">pic.twitter.com/Q9MFnkWxS7</a>
— New York Post (@nypost) <a href="https://x.com/nypost/status/2066170447805264214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Not everyone turned to violence. <a href="https://x.com/barstoolsports/status/2066011062952997055?s=20">One viral clip</a> showed thousands in the streets and hanging from apartment buildings singing Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind,” capturing the unapologetic energy of the Big Apple.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
EVERYONE IN NYC IS SINGING EMPIRE STATE OF MIND <a href="https://t.co/theerk3Y6r">https://t.co/theerk3Y6r</a>
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) <a href="https://x.com/barstoolsports/status/2066011062952997055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2026</a></blockquote>
“Congratulations to Jim Dolan and the New York Knicks!!! What a year it has been but, even more so, what incredible playoff wins we have all witnessed, especially the last four — Maybe the greatest in the history of basketball,” President Donald Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116746575777210117">wrote on Truth Social.</a> “Also, tonight, a superstar was born. His name is Jalen Brunson, and there are others, including, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and great Patriot, Mitchell Robinson!&#8221;
Last week, Knicks owner James Dolan stated that New York City officials, not President Trump or the Secret Service, were responsible for the intense security surge around Madison Square Garden during Game 3 of the NBA Finals, as previously reported by <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/biggest-party-poopers-knicks-owner-blasts-nyc-leaders-over-security-chaos?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=6&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Everything+You+Heard+About+Trump+And+NBA+Finals+Security+Was+A+Lie">The Daily Wire</a>. 
On Monday night, as the Knicks hosted the NBA Finals in the Big Apple for the first time in decades, local authorities imposed strict access controls around the arena ahead of President Trump’s attendance. Only ticketed fans were permitted within the secured perimeter, which featured expanded checkpoints, street closures, and restricted movement zones around Penn Station and nearby blocks.
But according to Dolan, the crackdown was not driven by federal officials.
“Look, let’s just talk about the Game 3, right? The Secret Service didn’t demand this stuff. It was NYPD, and it was really the commissioner’s office,” <a href="https://x.com/sny_knicks/status/2064804944608178341?s=20">Dolan said during an appearance on The Carton Show</a>.
Dolan’s comments appear to contradict the narrative that President Trump and the Secret Service sparked the confusion and long lines outside Madison Square Garden.
“All because Donald Trump wanted to make it about himself,” Senate Majority Leader <a href="https://x.com/SenSchumer/status/2064126464362946902?s=20">Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said</a> of the situation. “I trust New Yorkers will let him hear how they feel about that.”

Knicks Win, Giving Tortured Fans First NBA Title In 53 Years

NYC Erupts In Violence After Knicks Win NBA Title For First Time In 53 Years

Knicks

News

The New York Knicks clinched the series with a Game 5 win on Saturday evening in San Antonio, winning their first NBA Finals in more than half a century when they edged out the San Antonio Spurs with a score of 94-90.
They ended the first quarter down 10 points, with 13 to the Spurs’ 23, but by halftime, they had cut their deficit in half. They began the second half with 37 to the Spurs’ 42 — and trailed them until the final moments of the fourth quarter, finally tying up the score at 83-83 with 4:25 left in the game. The Spurs didn’t make it easy for them, scoring almost immediately — but the Knicks pulled ahead with 3:40 left, 86-85, and the two teams traded blows until the clock ran out.
Going into Saturday night’s game, New York was already leading the series three games to one. They won their first matchup on June 3 (105-95) and the second on June 5 (105-104). The Spurs notched a win on June 8 (115-111), but the Knicks delivered a record-setting comeback in Game 4 to win (107-106).
After the first quarter of Game 4, the Knicks were already down by 19 — the biggest first-quarter disadvantage in NBA Finals history for the home team — and by halftime things were looking bleak. Another record-setting deficit, this time at 27 points — and then in the second half, the Spurs widened their lead to 29 points. 
The comeback — driven largely by power forward OG Anunoby and guard Jalen Brunson — delivered the final basket with just 1.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. San Antonio did not even have time to attempt one last shot.
And so the Knicks headed to Texas for Game 5. If they had not pulled out the victory on Saturday, they would have returned to their home court at Madison Square Garden for Game 6.
The last time the Knicks won the NBA finals was 1973, when they bested the Los Angeles Lakers four games to one.

Knicks Fans Gather Around NYC To Watch Game 4 Of The NBA Finals Against The San Antonio Spurs

Knicks Run Away With First NBA Finals Win In 53 Years

Basketball

Spurs

New Yorkers may not get the chance to attend NBA Finals Game 5 — which could be the last game of the championship series — thanks to a rule blocking out-of-town fans from purchasing tickets to the San Antonio-based game.
A Ticketmaster warning shows sales for Game 5, which might see the New York Knicks win the NBA Finals for the first time in 53 years, are limited to fans within a 150-mile radius of the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
“Residency will be based on credit card billing address,” the warning reads. “Orders by residents outside of a 150-mile radius of Frost Bank Center will be canceled without notice and refunds given.”
The Ticketmaster rule has been in effect for the entire playoffs, according to social media users. Other ticket sites, however, including StubHub and SeatGeek, do not appear to restrict ticket sales to specific locations.
The New York Knicks currently lead the series 3-1 over the San Antonio Spurs. If the Knicks win Game 5, the team will secure the NBA title for the first time since 1973. If the team loses, the series will return to Madison Square Garden for Game 6.
This is the Knicks’ first Finals appearance since 1999, when the New York team lost to the Spurs. The Spurs’ last appeared in the NBA Finals in 2014, when the team defeated the Miami Heat to win the championship.
Despite the roadblock from Ticketmaster, fans from New York and New Jersey have already purchased 45% of Game 5 tickets, <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/06/12/sports/new-york-new-jerseys-knicks-fans-bought-50-of-tickets-for-game-5-in-san-antonio/">as reported by</a> the New York Post. According to the Post, some New Yorkers bought Game 5 tickets because they were cheaper than tickets to Madison Square Garden, the Post reported.
The cheapest seats for Game 5 cost around $1,000 on Ticketmaster, while the best seats cost anywhere from $10,000 to $36,000.
In contrast, the cheapest tickets for Game 3 at Madison Square Garden cost around $5,000 — with courtside tickets going for as much as $100,000, The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/knicks-star-calls-out-crazy-ticket-prices-for-nba-finals-see-how-much-fans-spent">reported</a>.
Win or lose, the Knicks have already made history in their Finals run. The team won Game 4 with a 29-point comeback, the largest in NBA Finals history.

Ticketmaster Rule Could Lock Some Knicks Fans Out Of Game 5

San Antonio

Knicks owner James Dolan says New York City officials, not President Donald Trump or the Secret Service, were responsible for the intense security surge around Madison Square Garden during Game 3 of the NBA Finals. 
On Monday night, as the New York Knicks hosted an NBA Finals for the first time in decades, local authorities imposed strict access controls around the arena ahead of President Trump’s attendance. Only ticketed fans were permitted within the secured perimeter, which featured expanded checkpoints, street closures, and restricted movement zones around Penn Station and nearby blocks.
But according to Dolan, the crackdown was not driven by federal officials.
“Look, let&#8217;s just talk about the Game 3, right? The Secret Service didn&#8217;t demand this stuff. It was NYPD, and it was really the commissioner&#8217;s office,” <a href="https://x.com/sny_knicks/status/2064804944608178341?s=20">Dolan said during an appearance on The Carton Show. </a>
When a host suggested the restrictions would have been more understandable if they had come from the Secret Service, Dolan doubled down, pointing fingers at NBA Commissioner Adam Silver&#8217;s office. 
“No, this was the commissioner&#8217;s plan all along. She (sic) just used the president coming as an excuse, that you know, to set it up,” Dolan fired back. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
James Dolan on <a href="https://x.com/CartonShowWFAN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CartonShowWFAN</a> says that the secret service didn&#8217;t demand the extra security around MSG, it was the NYPD Commissioner&#8217;s Office:
&#8220;This was the plan all along, she used the president coming as an excuse to set it up&#8221; <a href="https://t.co/kIPR7eEPSq">pic.twitter.com/kIPR7eEPSq</a>
— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) <a href="https://x.com/sny_knicks/status/2064804944608178341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2026</a></blockquote>
Dolan’s comments appear to contradict the narrative that President Trump and the Secret Service sparked the confusion and long lines outside Madison Square Garden. 
“All because Donald Trump wanted to make it about himself,” Senate Majority Leader <a href="https://x.com/SenSchumer/status/2064126464362946902?s=20">Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said</a> of the situation. “I trust New Yorkers will let him hear how they feel about that.”
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith also criticized the situation, saying politicians should not interfere with Knicks fans&#8217; ability to enjoy the team&#8217;s historic Finals run.
“I have a problem with any politician — any politician — that shows up, causes delays and interferes with these watch parties buzzing all over NYC,” <a href="https://x.com/stephenasmith/status/2063398406278852857?s=20">Smith posted on social media.</a> 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Grow the Hell up! I have a problem with any politician — any politician — that shows up, causes delays and interferes with these watch parties buzzing all over NYC. It’s not political. It’s about the <a href="https://x.com/nyknicks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nyknicks</a> and the vibe this city has going. Anyone who messes with that needs to… <a href="https://t.co/FTEIS8E8nz">https://t.co/FTEIS8E8nz</a>
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) <a href="https://x.com/stephenasmith/status/2063398406278852857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2026</a></blockquote>
The controversy escalated after watch parties planned outside of MSG were canceled. Roughly 7,000 people later gathered in Bryant Park, where celebrations turned chaotic and violent, T<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/watch-fights-break-out-across-nyc-after-knicks-lose-game-3">he Daily Wire previously reported. </a>
In one video, New Yorkers appeared to be ganging up on a man wearing a San Antonio Spurs jersey as he was walking down the street, forcing him to fend off numerous attackers. Of the 21 people police took into custody, officers arrested and charged eight and released 13 with criminal court summonses. At least five NYPD officers were injured, according to the department.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch defended the restrictions, saying the NYPD and Secret Service jointly determined that watch parties directly outside Madison Square Garden could not be safely accommodated during a presidential visit.
&#8220;We are looking forward to bringing back watch parties for Game 4,” Tisch said at a news conference. 
That promise did not last long. Madison Square Garden canceled its Wednesday night watch party for Game 4, citing the city’s strict security perimeter restrictions. 
In response, the Madison Square Garden executive chairman and CEO blasted NYC leadership, calling Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Commissioner Tisch the city’s “biggest party poopers.” 
&#8220;We now know these restrictions were never about the President – it was just a convenient excuse to restrict how and when Knicks fans celebrate,&#8221; Dolan said, <a href="https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/party-poopers-knicks-owner-blasts-mamdani-nypd-over-msg-watch-party-rules-for-game-4/6511149/">according to NBC4 New York.</a> &#8220;The complete closing of areas around MSG is going to affect not only the celebration but also all the small businesses that rely on Garden fans for their livelihood.&#8221;
“They have never managed anything like this before, and it’s like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches coming out the sides,” he added, <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/06/10/us-news/msg-cancels-knicks-watch-party-hours-before-game-4-as-james-dolan-unloads-on-mamdani-tish/">according to The New York Post.</a>
Mamdani pushed back online, arguing that Madison Square Garden had applied for a watch party permit capped at 500 to 999 attendees and that city officials approved a permit for up to 999 fans.
“Mr. Dolan has now decided to cancel the watch party. I know this is breaking hearts across our city,” Mamdani said. “But if there&#8217;s one thing Knicks fans don&#8217;t need permission for, it&#8217;s showing up for our team wherever we may be — no matter the block or the borough.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
MSG requested a permit for a watch party for 500-999 fans. We approved that permit for 999 fans.
Mr. Dolan has now decided to cancel the watch party.
I know this is breaking hearts across our city.
But if there&#8217;s one thing Knicks fans don&#8217;t need permission for, it&#8217;s showing up…
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) <a href="https://x.com/NYCMayor/status/2064814617184890929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2026</a></blockquote>

Everything You Heard About Trump And NBA Finals Security Was A Lie

NBA watch parties turned into all-out brawls following the New York Knicks&#8217; home loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals Monday night.
Although authorities banned watch parties outside of Madison Square Garden due to security issues around the attendance of President Donald Trump, other locations throughout the city were still open for large crowds to gather and watch the game if they couldn&#8217;t afford the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/knicks-star-calls-out-crazy-ticket-prices-for-nba-finals-see-how-much-fans-spent?row=0&amp;elementPosition=6&amp;rowType=Web+Search">absurd ticket prices</a> to get in the Garden. 
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After the Spurs pulled out a 115-111 victory over the Knicks, some fans on the streets got violent. Videos posted on social media show Knicks fans across the city fighting with fellow Knicks fans and Spurs faithful. 
The NYPD estimated that roughly 7,000 people gathered near Bryant Park for the watch party Monday night.
In one video, New Yorkers appeared to be ganging up on a man wearing a San Antonio jersey as he was simply walking down the street. The Spurs fan was forced to fend off numerous attackers.
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Some Knicks fans were seen clapping and cheering on other individuals who were attacking and ripping Spurs jerseys off bystanders. According to the NYPD, the crowd took over 42nd Street, blocked traffic, and ignored repeated police orders to disperse.
“People climbed on top of scaffolding, light poles, police cars, and NYPD trucks, causing significant damage. The crowd was throwing glass objects at each other and police officers, and they ripped bus signs and trees out of the ground to throw them,” the NYPD said in a statement.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
🚨INSANITY🚨
SPURS FAN gets ASSAULTED by a rabid mob of New York Nicks fans
Police is nowhere to be found… <a href="https://t.co/p57KAD8vln">pic.twitter.com/p57KAD8vln</a>
— PartiKing (@parti_king) <a href="https://x.com/parti_king/status/2064193192413597753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Police were notably absent in several videos, but authorities finally arrived and arrested some of the troublemakers after the fights. Twenty-one people were <a href="https://ny1.com/nyc/manhattan/news/2026/06/09/21-taken-into-custody-outside-bryant-park-knicks-watch-party--nypd-says">reportedly</a> taken into custody following the events.
Of the 21 people police took into custody, officers arrested and charged eight and released 13 with criminal court summonses. Police charged two people with assault on a police officer and one with attempted assault on an officer. Five NYPD officers suffered injuries during the disorder, according to a statement from the department.
Neither the NYPD nor Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said how the city will prevent similar disorder at future games. Game 4 takes place Wednesday night in New York City.

New York Knicks Fans Gather To Watch Game Three Of The NBA Finals Against San Antonio Spurs

WATCH: Fights Break Out Across NYC After Knicks Lose Game 3

Fight

New York

Before Game 3 of the NBA Finals tips off Monday night in Madison Square Garden, players and fans alike can’t help but notice the glaring charge of tickets.
After the New York Knicks took a commanding 2-0 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, ticket costs skyrocketed with the Knicks&#8217; return to MSG as the team looks at a potential sweep for their first championship in 53 years. The cheapest get-in price on secondary and primary ticket marketplaces is currently floating around $5,000 on SeatGeek and Ticketmaster, while some courtside seats have gone for over $100,000. 
Knicks guard Josh Hart called out the high prices after his team&#8217;s open practice on Sunday.  

“I kind of wish the ticket prices weren’t as crazy that they are,&#8221; he <a href="https://x.com/sny_knicks/status/2063663327767589110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2063663327767589110%7Ctwgr%5Eafd7999aad99b08210c052264245916838eacf1b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbleacherreport.com%2Farticles%2F25435052-josh-hart-calls-out-ridiculous-nba-finals-ticket-prices-knicks-vs-spurs-game-3">said</a>. &#8220;I feel like a lot of people who [have] been waiting for this moment for a very long time unfortunately aren’t able to get into the building, when the cheapest ticket is $7,000 [or] $8,000.”
The cheapest tickets for Game 4, the potential championship-clincher for the Knicks depending on the result of Game 3, are already set at $9,280 on SeatGeek. If the Knicks take a 3-0 lead Monday night, the price to enter Madison Square Garden could exceed $10,000.
A combination of ending one of the NBA’s longest championship droughts, loyalty of the fans, and attendance of a handful of celebrities, along with President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, is to blame for the high prices. 
Along with Hart, New York native and Knicks guard Jose Alvarado admitted he won’t be providing tickets for his friends after he already secured seats for his wife, children, brother, and parents.
“I see it’s $11,000 [each], I say no,&#8221; Alvarado <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theScore/videos/imagine-being-hit-up-by-everyone-you-know-asking-for-tickets-to-game-3-%EF%B8%8Fpresente/996265866330073/">told</a> reporters when referring to getting some of his friends to the game. “It’s a lot of money … I ain’t doing that. I’ll tell you that much.” 
 
Alvarado isn’t losing any faith in Knicks fans to still support the team, whether it’s from home, at local sports bars, or even outside the arena.
“The people that can’t afford it, we improvise,” he <a href="https://www.foxsports.com/articles/nba/spursknicks-game-3-of-the-nba-finals-is-a-hot-ticket-with-the-potential-for-a-wild-scene">told</a> Fox Sports. &#8220;We’re New Yorkers. We’re going to find a way to watch a game, and that’s what we’re doing.”

BASKET-NBA-FINALS-KNICKS-SPURS

Knicks Star Calls Out ‘Crazy’ Ticket Prices For NBA Finals. See How Much Fans Spent.

Ticketmaster

Buffalo Wild Wings set X ablaze this week after offering free food to a fan who was reportedly banned for life from NBA arenas after running onto the court during Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
During the fourth quarter of Wednesday&#8217;s Finals opener, a fan sprinted onto the court and approached San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama while recording video and asking for a selfie. Security quickly detained the individual and removed him from the floor. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Fan runs on the court during Game 1&#8230; <a href="https://t.co/lMPQof82oI">pic.twitter.com/lMPQof82oI</a>
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href="https://x.com/BleacherReport/status/2062377729157386381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Following the match, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office said the fan was arrested on misdemeanor charges of disrupting a lawful gathering and criminal trespassing. An NBA spokesperson later announced that the fan, along with another individual accused of helping him access the court, had been banned for life from NBA events and arenas. 
Buffalo Wild Wings then weighed in on the incident with a post on X.
“Internet, help us find the banned fan. He can watch the rest of the finals at B-Dubs on us,” the restaurant chain <a href="https://x.com/BWWings/status/2062635749002907915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2062635749002907915%7Ctwgr%5E723f523a1cd1b2fba7d3e06a068ee66d78ac9f98%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnypost.com%2F2026%2F06%2F05%2Fsports%2Fbuffalo-wild-wings-slammed-for-offer-to-fan-who-ran-onto-court-during-knicks-spurs-nba-finals-game%2F">posted</a>. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
internet, help us find the banned fan. he can watch the rest of the finals at B-Dubs on us. <a href="https://t.co/wMX61PRm7F">https://t.co/wMX61PRm7F</a>
— Buffalo Wild Wings (@BWWings) <a href="https://x.com/BWWings/status/2062635749002907915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Buffalo Wild Wings&#8217; post quoted a viral image purporting to show a fan selfie from the court. However, the image was not authentic. The fan who ran onto the floor had short hair and was tackled by security before taking the selfie with Wembanyama.
The post sparked backlash across social media for offering a prize for disruptive behavior. One widely shared reply contrasted the offer with the chain&#8217;s military discount, writing that service members receive 10% off while someone who committed a crime was being offered a free meal. 
Former NBA All-Star Blake Griffin also criticized the promotion.  
“This ain’t it. @wingstop would never #notapaidpost,” Griffin <a href="https://x.com/blakegriffin23/status/2062666311537492121">posted</a> on his X account.
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Exterior of a Buffalo Wild Wings chain restaurant. Also known as B-Dubs, this dine-in establishment sells chicken wings and pub food

Buffalo Wild Wings Attempts To Reward Fan After NBA Bans Him For Life

buff

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is getting dunked on by former Los Angeles Laker Kyle Kuzma, who is having a &#8220;Pratt Summer.&#8221;
The NBA player is putting his money where he hopes common sense is and placing a big bet on Spencer Pratt to win the Los Angeles mayoral race.
Kuzma, who won the NBA championship with the LA Lakers in 2020, posted on <a href="https://x.com/kylekuzma/status/2058970366039527711?s=20">X</a> over the weekend his bet slip, which showed the current Milwaukee Bucks power forward put more than $36,000 on Pratt to win, with the payout being $133,588.89 if the former reality star beats incumbent Karen Bass and Nithya Raman.
Kalshi has Bass as the favorite with a 70% chance of winning, with Pratt at 28% and Raman a distant third at 5.9% as of Tuesday morning.
&#8220;For my parlay papis I’m going big on Spencer Pratt,&#8221; Kuzma wrote beside an American flag emoji.
To the haters in the replies, Kuzma <a href="https://x.com/kylekuzma/status/2058986018296963082">responded</a> with this: &#8220;LA has been cooked since Covid what am I missing lol.&#8221;
Kuzma isn’t a stranger to LA. He played for the Lakers from 2017 to 2021, which included the pandemic. And despite being engaged to fashion model Winnie Harlow, who is signed to CAA out of Los Angeles, Kuzma chooses to spend the off-season in Florida, not the “Golden State.”
The NBA star doubled down on his Pratt for LA stance Tuesday, sharing a long-form interview Pratt did on the &#8220;All-In&#8221; podcast recently, where the outsider discusses LA’s rampant homelessness, corruption, and lack of leadership.
Kuzma captioned the <a href="https://x.com/kylekuzma/status/2059257100279107769?s=20">video</a>, &#8220;Good watch when you have the time.&#8221;
Pratt is a registered Republican, though he is running as an independent.
Kuzma isn’t the only person with ties to the Lakers who is all in on &#8220;The Hills&#8221; star. Jeanie Buss, the Lakers&#8217; minority owner and current governor, made the max donation of $1,800 to Pratt’s campaign last month.
Despite her contributions, Buss hasn’t publicly endorsed Pratt, according to <a href="https://www.foxla.com/news/lakers-jeanie-buss-la-mayoral-race-spencer-pratt">Fox 11.</a> But like her former player, her money is doing the talking.
Pratt has <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-05-22/spencer-pratt-leads-field-in-mayoral-campaign-contributions">reportedly</a> raised $2.72 million between April 19 and May 16, per statements obtained by the Los Angeles Times, moving his total to $3.26 million in contributions. Current Mayor Bass reported only $283,000 during that same period, boosting her total to $3.13 million. As of May 16, Raman hasn&#8217;t hit the $1 million mark in contributions.
Election Day for Los Angeles is on Tuesday, June 2. The latest odds predict a run-off in November between Bass and Pratt.

Credit: HIGHFIVE/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/John Fisher/Getty Images

NBA Champ Dunks On Karen Bass, Bets On Spencer Pratt To Win LA Mayoral Race

NBA Champ Dunks On Karen Bass, Bets Spencer Pratt To Win Los Angeles Mayoral Race

Los Angeles

Spencer Pratt

Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal returned to his alma mater over the weekend, delivering a colorful, energetic commencement address to Louisiana State University’s graduating class of 2026.
Speaking from the perspective of an elder statesman offering sage advice to the next generation, O’Neal — who dominated the collegiate ranks at LSU before embarking on one of the most physically imposing careers in NBA history — implored the &#8220;youngsters&#8221; to embrace resilience and integrity as they step into the world.
O&#8217;Neal, who famously earned his bachelor&#8217;s degree from LSU in 2000 after leaving early for the NBA, opened with his trademark humor, saying:
<blockquote>
I&#8217;m not going to be long because I know you guys are hungry, because I&#8217;m hungry as hell. I was tricked. I was bamboozled this morning. They told me to arrive at 7:30. And three hours later, I received something that had nothing in it. Last time I sat this long, I was sitting on the toilet after I had some bad chimichanga from TJ Ribs.
</blockquote>
Turning serious, he expressed immense pride in the graduates and laid out five core pillars for their future success: never stop learning, use failure as motivation, prioritize character over resumes, stay curious in a &#8220;weird world,&#8221; and celebrate milestones while continuously striving ahead.
&#8220;There&#8217;s a small percentage of people that accomplish things on the first try,&#8221; he declared. &#8220;Most of us regular people have to go again, again, again, and again. So again, before you succeed, you must first learn to fail. &#8230; Your character will take you further than your resume. Continue to be kind; continue to be humble. Continue to help those in need.&#8221;
In a classic lighter moment, he also urged graduates to buy his &#8220;Shaq-A-Licious&#8221; gummies at 7-Eleven.
The massive center’s perspective is backed by a resume legendary in American sports. Long before he was a four-time NBA champion, O&#8217;Neal entirely transformed the LSU basketball program under coach Dale Brown from 1989 to 1992. Over 90 collegiate games, the powerhouse center averaged an astonishing 21.6 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks per game, shooting 61% from the field. A two-time consensus First-Team All-American and two-time SEC Player of the Year, O&#8217;Neal set an NCAA Tournament record by blocking 11 shots in a single game against BYU in 1992.
After the Orlando Magic selected him as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft, Shaq won Rookie of the Year and famously shattered multiple backboard supports. O&#8217;Neal soon ascended to absolute league dominance.
He signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 and eventually formed a legendary dynasty with Kobe Bryant and coach Phil Jackson. O&#8217;Neal led the Lakers to a historic &#8220;three-peat&#8221; of NBA championships from 2000 to 2002, capturing Finals MVP honors in all three instances. His 1999–2000 campaign stands as one of the greatest individual seasons in sports history, missing out on a unanimous regular-season MVP by just a single vote.
O&#8217;Neal later secured a fourth championship ring with Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat in 2006 before concluding his 19-year journey with veteran stints in Phoenix, Cleveland, and Boston. He retired in 2011 with 28,596 points and 13,099 rebounds, earning a spot on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
Concluding his commencement address in Baton Rouge, the legendary big man led the arena in a roaring chant of &#8220;We did it,&#8221; reminding the graduates of their shared achievement. &#8220;I do not want you going home and saying I graduated with Shaq,&#8221; O’Neal told the crowd. &#8220;I want you to say Shaq graduated with me.&#8221;
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