Former Deadspin contributor Sarah Kogod overheard what she called a "heated conversation" between LeBron James and a Wizards fan last night. She then spoke to the fan, got his take, and tweeted what he had to say, which included a threat from LeBron:

    …LeBron was waiting alone in the backcourt when fan Bob Moore made a comment to LeBron about Delonte West and LeBron's mom…

    …According to Moore, LeBron said "The only reason you talk shit is because you know I can't come off the court right now and beat your ass"...

    …Also according to Moore, LeBron continued "But if I had a free pass, I'd kick your ass right now."...

    …Moore replied "I'm right here baby. Let's go" before security stepped in.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: LeBron James should stand up for himself when a fan harasses him about Delonte West’s alleged ‘relationship’ with his mother.

James is right: the fan can only say such things because of the barrier, security, and fallout James would face from an altercation.

The fan is in the wrong. So is James, though.

The veteran should've responded by having security remove the fan because threats only bring negative attention. Ideally, Wizard fans and/or security would take the initiative to ‘ask’ the fan to settle down.

James must react rationally, while fans must realize purchasing a ticket doesn’t give you the right to say anything you like.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Okay, let’s not get carried away.

Delonte West gave Gordon Hayward a ‘wet-willie’ during the Dallas Mavericks-Utah Jazz game yesterday, which`then led to some serious hyperbole from the game commentators.

Yes, West was wrong. Yes, West deserved a technical foul. And yes, West continued his streak of bizarre behaviour (he applied for a job at Sam’s Club during the lockout).

It was not the worst act in the history of sports, though. Anyway, click the video below and see what the hoopla is about.

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Dallas Dumps Delonte West and Scoops Eddy Curry

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The Mavs pick consistent production or attitude and flash.

Three different games mark the beginning of the 2012-13 NBA regular season Tuesday night.
 
Hoopsvibe's quick call:  After an interesting offseason, let the games begin.

Let me start off by saying that I owe Terez Owens a bit of an apology...

I actually might have work with Sam’s [Club], BJ’s, selling knives,” West said. “That’s pretty cool too. I get a microphone and everything.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Delonte West hasn’t heard back from Home Depot. So he’s thinking about Sam’s Club.

West, the combo guard who has made over $15 million plying his trade for several NBA teams, is looking for work during the lockout.

Last week, he applied to Home Depot. However, he hasn’t heard back. Now West is looking to earn a little side cash by working at Wal-Mart.

Who knows what this is really about?

It’s worth noting that West is without a contract for 2012, and may be keeping his name in the news to create interest when the lockout is settled.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.  

It's official.. Pride 2 the side.. just filled out a application at Home Depot.. Lockout aint a game..

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: There's nothing wrong with working at the Home Depot, however, there's something wrong with Delonte West having to work at the big box reno' shop because of the lockout.

West is an active NBA player, and has earned $15 million plying his trade as a combo guard for the Boston Celtics, Seattle Super Sonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder), and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Yet, West is (supposedly) broke because owners have shut the door on the players. So he's applying for a gig at The Dep'.

If true, this is unexcusable. West should have set money aside for the labour strife, which everyone could see on the horizon. 

Somebody should be looking after West's interests. Like his agent. Or the Players' Union. Remember, West has his issues.

Speaking of the union, West's situation isn't good for negotiations. If other players are living cheque-to-cheque, they may have to settle sooner than they'd like.

There's nothing wrong with working at Home Depot -unless you're West and the Players' Union, and are in the middle of a lockout!

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below. 

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Add The Game to the ever-growing list of those who have bashed Miami Heat superstar LeBron James.

Apparently the California rapper takes a swipe at James in his soon-to-be released The R.E.D. album, saying “Fall back like LeBron’s hairline against the Mavericks / He lost” (Credit to Holly at The Score for the discovery).

This is nothing, however. The Game reportedly goes there. Yes, there ...

“Then I hit LeBron’s mom in Bron-Bron’s coupe /
With Delonte West taping, we had bon-bons too /
With Cleveland cheerleaders, they had pom-poms too”

One word: Wow.

Right now, James is a target; Tiger Woods aside, he's the most controversial figure in professional sports. Media, fans, NBA stars, and rappers have all slung their share of mud at James.

Some of this is deserved. The Decision and The Celebration, both part of James' departure from Cleveland to Miami, accurately portrayed the All-Star as self-centered and vain.

What is legitimate criticism? What is unfair? And where's the line?

Referencing a rumor involving James' mother and former teammate Delonte West, who suffers from mental health issues, is too much.

Way to much, in fact.

Keep in mind: James will eventually win an NBA championship. He and his Heat are too good not to. Last year they came within two games of winning it all -even though 2011 was their first year together and everyone outside of Florida wanted them to fail.

When that day comes, when James finally hoists the Larry O'Brien trophy, he'll have his revenge.

While criticism of his play, fair or not, may continue, this kind of nonsense will hopefully stop.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Delonte West via twitter: ‘Can’t even go get that overseas money. Judge said it’s a no go on leaving the country.'

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call:  Well, Delonte West is one player who won’t be playing overseas.

West tweeted that a judge won’t let him leave the United States to play with a foreign team during the lockout because he’s still on probation.   

West, a reserve for the Boston Celtics, is finishing the final stages of a weapons case from 2008.

However, basketball should take a backseat to West’s health. The left-handed combo guard has a history of mental illness.

The Celtics knew, and were comfortable with, this when they re-signed him. They also established a support group for West, so he could succeed on and off court.

Bottom line: Coach Doc Rivers and GM Danny Ainge cared. Just like West’s teammates in Cleveland, who often shielded him from the media.

Would a European or Chinese team do the same? And how would West handle being abroad?

Perhaps the judge’s ruling is a blessing in disguise. Perhaps this, in a weird way, is best for West.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.  

'Is your mom going to Boston for Valentine's Day?'” the heckler repeated, sounding both thrilled that he had an audience with LeBron and intimidated by the moment.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Those would be fighting words.

Yesterday, HoopsVibe News reported that Miami Heat superstar LeBron James warned a Detroit Pistons fan not to ‘be disrespectful’.

What the fan said to draw James’ ire was unknown. James, who has a fairly thick skin when on-court, was visibly shaken by by the incident.

Well, today we found out.

The fan referenced a rumor about James’ mother having an affair with former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Delonte West, who now plays for the Boston Celtics.

This line isn’t new to James. It may or may not bother him. However, his kids where at The Palace in Auburn Hills and he didn’t want them hearing rumors about their grandmother and West. So he stepped up.

Fair enough.

(Audience discretion is advised.)

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

But now the Barry name is making headlines because of allegations that Erin exchanged hundreds of texts with Eva Longoria's husband, Tony Parker, prior to Longoria filing her own divorce petition this week. The breakup of the two marriages – and the rift between the two couples – is a tragic and seemingly sudden development.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Last summer, it was a certain combo guard allegedly getting involved with a former superstar teammate’s mother.

This fall, it’s a famous point guard and his actress wife divorcing because the famous point guard was ‘sexting’ (and doing god-knows-what-else with) a former teammate and friend’s wife.

Of course, we’re referring to the rumor Delonte West had an affair with LeBron James’ mother when both were members of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

That, as they say, is old news.

The new rumor is that Tony Parker and Eva Longoria are parting ways because Parker had an inappropriate relationship with the wife of retired San Antonio Spurs guard Brent Berry.

While this is more TMZ gossip than basketball news, it’s worth noting the Berry clan didn’t exactly deny an affair occurred when questioned by reporters.

Until someone does deny, or confirms, an affair took place, the speculation about Parker and Brent Barry’s better half will continue.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

"It's been a pleasure to bring my talents to south beach now on to Memphis''.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Can you say rivalry?

The Boston Celtics do not like the Miami Heat. Not one bit.

The Celtics, who were a quarter away from winning the NBA Title, are miffed the Heat was picked to win the Eastern Conference, even though The Holy Trinity had yet to play a game together.

After manhandling the Heat for the second time in two weeks, Pierce, the Celtics’ closer and leading scorer, felt obligated to talk a little viral trash. His tweet is spoofing James’ (in)famous line during The Decision. 

Fair enough. Pierce has good reason to be confident.

Kevin Garnett has turned back the clock; Rajon Rondo is the NBA’s top all-around table-setter; Ray Allen’s stroke is still silky; the bench will be productive, especially when Kendrick Perkins and Delonte West get healthy.

Garnett and Rondo, in particular, should please Pierce and worry the Heat

The Big Ticket is one of many physical Boston posts who will give Miami’s smaller frontline trouble. Also, Rondo will have his way with the underwhelming Carlos Arroyo.

A rivalry is brewing between the Celtics and Heat. Right now, it’s one way, though.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.  

He’s (Rajon Rondo) the best point guard in the world right now."

Forgive Delonte West if he might be seeing things through rose colored glasses. His nickname is Redz. He’s part African-American and part Piscataway Indian. He is wearing green again and his personality has a color all its own. There are a lot of colors to Delonte West. He also has a negative to put far into the rear view mirror.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He’s the NBA's best all-around point guard, but not the NBA’s best point guard.

Rajon Rondo is an excellent table-setter, capable of penetrating, distributing, defending, and leading. However, he’s not The Guy. He’s not the crème de la crème of lead guards. 

Rondo’s shooting and free throws need work. Too often, opposing defences dare him to fire him away from the outside. And the Utah Jazz’s Deron Williams is a more complete player.

Still, the University of Kentucky grad is the straw that stirs the Boston Celtics’ drink. The green-and-white will go as far as he takes them in 2011.

If Rondo’s Celtics win a championship next June, he’ll be worthy of the ‘best point guard’ title.

--Got thoughts?

Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Delonte West, who played last season for the Cleveland Cavaliers, has been suspended without pay for ten games for pleading guilty to carrying a concealed weapon and wearing, carrying, and transporting a handgun, in violation of the law of the State of Maryland, the NBA announced today. West is currently a free agent. If he signs a contract to play again in the NBA, West’s suspension will begin with the first game of the NBA regular season for which he is eligible and physically able to play.

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The Lakers are trying to trade guard Sasha Vujacic along with a future first-round pick in order to get his salary off the books, according to sources.

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The Cleveland Cavaliers completed their first post- LeBron James personnel move on Monday night, trading troubled guard Delonte West and point guard Sebastian Telfair to the Minnesota Timberwolves for point guard Ramon Sessions, 7-footer Ryan Hollins and a future second-round pick.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The wait is over.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have finally completed their first transaction in the post LeBron James era, sending Sebastian Telfair and Delonte West to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Ryan Hollins, Ramon Sessions, and a future second round draft pick.

After losing James on national television, the Cavaliers came close, but failed to sign Matt Barnes and Kyle Lowry.

They got their man in Sessions, a young combo guard who will fit Coach Byron Scott's up-tempo system next to fellow combo guard Mo Williams.

Sessions, the Timberwolves' big free agent signing last summer, became the odd man out when the club signed signed Luke Ridnour to a four year pact last week.

He'll have something to prove with the Cavaliers. He'll play well.

Hollins is a long, athletic big man. As a former track star, he can rebound, defend, and block shots; however, he's raw offensively.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves have already announced they'll waive West and pocket the salary cap savings. Telfair will serve as Ridnour's back-up while starter Jonny Flynn recovers from hip surgery.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They are the villains. No doubt about it.

Naturally, wrestling fans are comparing the Miami Heat’s Three Kings of Chris Bosh, LeBron James, or Dwyane Wade to WWE’s New World Order of Scott Hall, Hulk Hogan, and Kevin Nash. 

In fact, in this video, James/Hogan is body slamming the Cleveland Cavaliers mascot, former teammate Delonte West, and former owner turned foe Dan Gilbert.

Of course, Commissioner David Stern assumes the role of corrupt referee, which NBA fans - especially supporters of the Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings - will find slightly ironic.

Watch the video below and get at us with thoughts on the Three Kings/NWO.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

"Hall-of-Famer Calvin Murphy appeared on ESPN radio in Houston today and as all basketball conversations must do, the topic turned to the rumors about Delonte West's dalliance with LeBron James' mom. Murphy's response: "It ain't no rumor."

Murphy—who is not exactly the classiest individual to ever wear an NBA uniform—didn't just say he thinks it could have possibly, maybe happened. He says the story is "absolutely true," that everyone knew about it, and he has "legit" sources who can prove it. Oh, and there's also more than one dude involved. Unbelievable."

Link to story

Link to radio interview

HoopsVibe's Quick Call: This 'thing' - we won't yet call it a story - refuses to die.

HoopsVibe's news has one question: if this 'thing' isn't true, if it's nothing but salacious gossip, why aren't LeBron James' people threatening to sue The Deadspin, ESPN, and Calvin Murphy for slander?

Got thoughts? Get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below with those thoughts.