A Twitter post by @JaMorant showed the Memphis Grizzlies star reacting emotionally to reports that his former teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. may miss the rest of the 2025-2026 season. Jackson is scheduled for surgery to remove a localized growth in his left knee.
The news broke shortly after Jackson was traded, with NBA insiders reporting that the recovery time would likely sideline him for the remainder of the Grizzlies’ campaign. Morant, who shared years of success with Jackson in Memphis, posted heart emojis and words of encouragement.
Jackson has been a cornerstone for the Grizzlies since 2018, and his absence is a major blow to a team already struggling through a difficult season. The injury has also raised questions about the medical evaluations conducted prior to recent trade discussions.
This injury effectively ends any hope for a late-season Grizzlies surge. For Morant, who has had his own share of turmoil recently, this loss of a “running mate” further isolates him as the franchise enters what looks like an inevitable rebuilding phase.
* Newsweek (Website): “Ja Morant reacted to the news shortly after, sending love to his former running mate.”
* Chris Haynes (NBA Insider): “The expectation is that Jaren Jackson Jr. will undergo surgery and miss the rest of the season.”
Source: Newsweek — https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nba/ja-morant-shows-support-jaren-jackson-injury-news-11517016 February 13, 2026
Photo Credit: Newsweek
Tag: basketball
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Ja Morant Sends Love to Jaren Jackson Jr. Following Season-Ending Injury News
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LeBron James’ Historic All-Star Streak Ends Amid Injury Struggles
According to ABS-CBN Sports, NBA icon LeBron James will miss a significant milestone as injury management forces him out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ rotation. The 41-year-old superstar has been ruled out of several key games due to left foot arthritis, effectively ending his record 21-year run of being eligible for season-end awards.
While LeBron was selected for his 22nd consecutive NBA All-Star Game, his inability to meet the league’s 65-game minimum for awards eligibility marks the end of an era. The Lakers’ medical staff confirmed that the “King” is focusing on longevity and being ready for a potential play-in or playoff push rather than individual accolades.
The news comes as Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs recently routed the injury-depleted Lakers. Fans and analysts are now debating whether this season marks the definitive “passing of the torch” to the younger generation, as the league’s most durable player finally bows to the realities of age.
* Men’s Journal reported: “LeBron James among hefty list of injury absences; career streak comes to an end.”
* ESPN (via Shams Charania): “LeBron is managing a persistent foot issue; status for the All-Star game remains under evaluation.”
Echotitbits take:
It’s the end of an incredible statistical era. LeBron not being in the hunt for All-NBA honors feels surreal, but it’s a pragmatic move for the Lakers. The NBA’s 65-game rule was designed to stop “load management,” but for a 41-year-old, it’s simply a biological hurdle. Expect the All-Star game to serve as a ceremonial “thank you” to LeBron rather than a competitive showcase.
Source: Barrons — https://www.barrons.com/news/james-s-all-nba-streak-ends-as-lakers-rule-superstar-out-of-spurs-clash-f593b086 February 11, 2026
Photo Credit: Barrons
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Jaren Jackson Jr. Departs Memphis in Massive Eight-Player Jazz Overhaul
In a report by NBC Sports, the Memphis Grizzlies have officially signaled the end of an era by trading former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz. The complex eight-player deal sees Memphis receiving a haul of players including Kyle Anderson and Taylor Hendricks, along with three coveted first-round picks, as the franchise begins a total “teardown” and rebuild.
The trade has sent shockwaves through the league, as Jackson was long considered the defensive anchor of the Grizzlies’ “Grit and Grind” 2.0 era. For the Utah Jazz, the move represents a bold step away from their patient rebuilding phase, locking in “JJJ” for at least three seasons at a staggering average of over $50 million per year.
Kurt Helin of NBC Sports analyzed the move, writing, “The Memphis Grizzlies realized that the Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. era had run its course.” Supporting this, The Source noted the seismic shift in team dynamics, stating, “Memphis receives a dozen first-round picks in total… signaling a total rebuild.”
Echotitbits take:
Memphis is pulling the plug on a project that many thought was one piece away from a title. By trading Jackson, they are essentially betting their entire future on those dozen draft picks. For the Jazz, this is a “win-now” statement that puts immense pressure on Jackson to stay healthy and maintain his elite defensive production.
Source: NBC Sports — https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/winners-losers-from-jaren-jackson-jr-trade-to-utah February 3, 2026
Photo Credit: Bleacher Report
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LeBron and Bronny James Share Historic NBA Moment
In a post shared by @NBA on Instagram, LeBron James and his son Bronny were captured in a high-five during a timeout in a recent Lakers game. The image quickly became a symbol of the “James Era” in basketball, underscoring the rarity of a father-son duo sharing an NBA stage.
The narrative of Bronny’s development alongside his father’s late-career dominance remains a central theme of the season. Despite intense scrutiny, the duo has projected a disciplined, supportive public posture that plays well with fans and sponsors alike.
ESPN highlighted the visible on-court chemistry and the historical weight of the moment. Bleacher Report also amplified fan reactions, stressing that the duo is “creating history” with each appearance.
Echotitbits take
This is sports, but it is also legacy storytelling. The “James brand” is being curated in real time—positioning Bronny as the next chapter while preserving LeBron’s stature as a generational icon.
Source: Arise — https://www.arise.tv/lebron-james-and-son-bronny-create-nba-history-as-they-play-together-for-the-first-time/ (January 22, 2026)
Photo credit: Arise 2026-01-22
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NBA Picks and 2026 Season Trends Heat Up Social Media
In a video shared by StumpTheSpread on YouTube, experts have released their top NBA picks and player prop predictions for the January 5, 2026 slate. The analysis highlights a shift in betting trends, with stars like Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards dominating.
NBA culture has seen a massive surge in Nigeria and the US this week, driven by high-scoring performances and viral tunnel fashion moments. Fans on TikTok have been recreating the pre-game outfits of stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The league’s 2026 season is being described as a ‘changing of the guard,’ with veterans taking on mentorship roles. This shift is also reflected in the music industry, where NBA players are increasingly being name-dropped in tracks.
According to Bleacher Report, ‘The 2026 NBA season is seeing record engagement in Africa, specifically Nigeria.’ ESPN corroborated the trend, noting: ‘Player props for January 5 show a heavy leaning toward the league’s rising stars.’
Echotitbits take: The NBA is no longer just a basketball league; it’s a lifestyle engine. The intersection of sports, fashion, and betting is where the money is moving in 2026 for both US and Nigerian fans.
Source: Nba – https://www.nba.com/news/trending-topics-early-2026-nba-finals-predictions January 4, 2026
Photo Credit: The Boston Globe -
FirstBank reopens refurbished basketball arena at Ikeja Army cantonment
2025-12-15 00:31:00
According to The Punch, FirstBank has reopened a renovated Basketball & Games Arena at the Nigerian Army 9 Brigade Cantonment in Ikeja, Lagos, following a facelift.
The report says the facility was inaugurated with senior military participation and positions the upgrade as part of sports development and community engagement.
Bank-funded sports infrastructure typically falls under CSR, with brands seeking long-term visibility and youth engagement outcomes.
Analysis/Echotitbits take: CSR projects matter most when they’re sustained—equipment, coaching programmes, and open access rules. Watch for how the facility is managed, who can use it, and whether it becomes a hub for grassroots leagues.
Source: The Punch — December 15, 2025 — https://x.com/FirstBankngr/status/1999809090315268597
Photo credit: At FirstBank, our commitment goes beyond banking, it is about supporting people including the people
X-twitter https://x.com/FirstBankngr/status/1999809090315268597 December 15, 2025