Joe Vardon

Gambling. Racism. Gambling again. And now, alleged salary cap circumvention by the Clippers. When the NBA has problems of this magnitude, it calls the same law firm. W @MikeVorkunov @TheAthleticNBA nytimes.com/athletic/70416… via @NYTimes

LeBron James has long wanted to own a NBA team, and in Las Vegas. Now, as NBA explores expansion to Vegas, LeBron said he's out. And Fenway Sports Group, the investment firm where he's a partner, will not pursue it. Story @TheAthletic with @joevardon nytimes.com/athletic/71297…

After scoring 30 against the Rockets, LeBron James was asked if he remained interested in his long-stated goal of NBA ownership. His reply: ‘Not at all.’ @TheAthleticNBA nytimes.com/athletic/71297…

JUST IN: Fenway Sports Group, LeBron James’ business partner, is not currently interested in pursuing an NBA expansion opportunity in Vegas, sources told The Athletic. A source close to James said “with Fenway no longer pursuing NBA ownership, it is less likely that LeBron will pursue a team.”

LeBron James has said publicly for a decade he wanted to own an NBA team. For four years, he said he wanted the ‘Vegas team.’ Now that NBA is preparing to put a team there, James is ‘less likely’ to pursue a bid. Why? Story with @MikeVorkunov nytimes.com/athletic/71297… via @NYTimes

NEWS: LeBron James’ path to NBA ownership ‘less likely’ with his business partner Fenway Sports Group set to pass on expansion bid in Las Vegas. Story w/@MikeVorkunov @TheAthleticNBA nytimes.com/athletic/71297… via @NYTimes

Swung on and BELTED

LeBron James and Tom Kim star in a new commercial for Nike and Beats by Dre.

PSG, AC Milan, Newcastle owners want NBA Europe teams. How that impacts Adam Silver’s NBA expansion project at home, @TheAthleticNBA nytimes.com/athletic/71234…

PSG, AC Milan, Newcastle owners want NBA Europe teams. How that impacts Adam Silver’s NBA expansion project at home, @TheAthleticNBA nytimes.com/athletic/71234… via @NYTimes

NEWS: The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a deal with fashion giant Uniqlo to become Dodger Stadium’s official field presenting partner, multiple sources tell The Athletic. An official announcement is expected before Opening Day. nytimes.com/athletic/71207…

Matt Fitzpatrick congratulates the Young family despite coming up one shot short ❤️

Cameron Young just said he had two thoughts over his tee shot on No. 18. 1) Commit to the line. 2) Hit the best shot of your life. Pretty sick to follow through on both of those for the win.

So, I was at the MAC tournament opener, and, Miami (Ohio) lost. No more undefeated men's teams, and, a nervous few days for the RedHawks @TheAthletic nytimes.com/athletic/71119…

7 a.m. at No. 17

AJ Dybantsa goes NUCLEAR in his Big 12 Tournament debut for @BYUMBB 🔥

Czech pitcher Ondrej Satoria walked off the #WorldBaseballClassic mound for the last time, soaking in the cheers that made him a national hero. From electrician to striking out Shohei Ohtani, his final bow was unforgettable. More sights and sounds ⤵️ nytimes.com/athletic/71040…

Ludacris has now played “Baby” by Justin Bieber *twice* at his 5 p.m. show at the Players Championship. I know this is the on-the-ground reporting you all are looking for

For a little more than a year, Cleveland’s Max Strus has run a charity. He keeps it small in purpose so he can know the people he helps. These are their stories, @TheAthleticNBA nytimes.com/athletic/70818… via @NYTimes

You haven’t heard much about Max Strus this season. As he nears his return, read how he built a community to help children defying disease, @TheAthleticNBA nytimes.com/athletic/70818… via @NYTimes

‘Derrick White is a top-five player in this league’? Charla Barkley disagrees, but the analytics come very, very close to proving this surprising revelation @TheAthleticNBA nytimes.com/athletic/70999… via @NYTimes