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LeBron James and other Lakers players pay tribute to Jerry West, whose legacy lives on as the NBA’s logo but whose story also includes a troubled past

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Lakers’ LeBron James pays tribute to NBA legend Jerry West, whose legacy lives on in the NBA logo, but whose story also includes a troubled past

Tributes poured in on June 12 after news broke of the death of Basketball Hall of Famer Jerry West. The reason for death was not immediately released. He was 86 years old.

West, who left the Lakers after the 1999-2000 season under this pressure it affected his healthreceived a lot of praise from NBA greats, including LeBron James, who has been playing for the Lakers since 2018.

“I will truly miss our conversations, my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers go out to your wonderful family! Love you forever Jerry! Rest in paradise, my boy,” wrote four-time NBA champion LeBron James on X. Although James and West played in numerous eras and never overlapped during West’s tenure in the Lakers front office, the pair of basketball icons have at all times had a deep admiration for every other.

Lebron James pays tribute to Lakers legend Jerry West
LeBron James (left) pays tribute to franchise great Jerry West (right), whose death was announced on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. (Photos: @Kingjames/Instagram, @officialjerrywest/Instagram)

Jerry West is taken into account considered one of the best players in NBA history. As a player, he won one championship with the Lakers and later became the architect of the franchise’s Nineteen Eighties “Showtime” dynasty. West, who broke his nose nine times as a player in the league, won eight NBA titles as a front office executive, winning six with the Lakers and two with the Golden State Warriors.

His most memorable moves as an executive included overseeing the Lakers’ acquisitions of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. West made the now-infamous move in a single week in 1996, which became the foundation for one more installment of the Lakers dynasty.

West’s silhouette is the inspiration for the NBA logo.

James also described West as a mentor and friend. “My mentor, my friend! I hope I continue to make you proud! We already missed you!” he wrote.

In 2022, West praised James and described him as a “Swiss army knife.”

“I really admire what he has done” – West he said James at the moment. “It’s hard for me to consider that somebody doesn’t realize their greatness. This guy does every part. It’s a Swiss army knife. And he’s competitive as hell. Honestly, I wish people would just leave him alone.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver praised West for his achievements each on the basketball court and in the front office.

“Jerry’s forty years with the Lakers also included a successful head coaching career and a remarkable front office career that cemented his reputation as one of the greatest executives in sports history.” – Silver said in a statement. “I valued my friendship with Jerry and the knowledge he shared with me over many years about basketball and life.”

NBA great Michael Jordan summarized the passing of the legendary basketball figure. Stephen A. Smith of ESPN said Jordan texted him a statement about West, saying he was “deeply saddened” after learning of the death.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of Jerry’s death. He was a true friend and mentor. Like a big brother to me,” Jordan said via Smith. “I always wish I could have played against him as a player, but the more I got to know him, the more I wish I had been his teammate… Rest in peace, Logo.”

West’s long list of accomplishments includes being a member of 14-time NBA All-Star teams. During his exceptional profession, he was chosen to the All-NBA 12 times. West retired in 1974 and became the Lakers’ head coach two years later.

After three years of coaching, West moved to customer support.

Other distinguished basketball figures reacted to the news of West’s death.

“Jerry West’s passing was a shock. LOGO has influenced every aspect of our sport. As a player, talent evaluator, general manager and president of the Grizzlies. We spent time there together and that’s when I learned more about him,” former Kentucky men’s basketball coach and current Arkansas head coach – said John Calipari.

“Jerry West even made ‘Showtime.’ It is thanks to you that I am who I am today. You believed in me when no one else did, and for that I am forever grateful. You will always be my “basketball dad.” I love you Logo, my heart is broken. We will miss you” – former NBA player Byron Scott he wrote. Scott won three NBA titles with the Lakers during the iconic “Showtime” era in the Nineteen Eighties.

Former Lakers star Pau Gasol, who won two NBA championships with Kobe Bryant, also expressed his condolences.

“Rest in peace, dear Jerry. Thank you for every part you may have done and given to this game,” Gasol he wrote.

However, away from the basketball court, West was scuffling with personal problems. In his memoir, “West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life,” released in 2011, he detailed periods of his life through which he struggled with abuse and depression.

In a candid account of his life, West detailed how he was physically abused as a child. He also opened up about the vitriol he had towards his father, to the point where he often kept a gun by his bed and even considered the idea of ​​using said weapon against his father.

West had a close relationship together with his older brother, Sgt. David West, who was killed in combat during the Korean War in 1951. West stated that the lack of his brother was something that West couldn’t deal with throughout his life. West also struggled with clinical depression and at one point was taking Prozac day by day.

West’s ex-wife previously described him as “the saddest man she had ever met.” She even wrote a letter to then-Lakers owner Jerry Buss, warning him that West was a “very tortured person.”

West is survived by his wife, Karen, with whom he has two sons. West also had three sons together with his first wife, Martha.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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