Author: lehang

*NSYNC released their first song in over 20 years in September

*NSYNC’s reunion to record “Better Place” was a feel-good family affair!

In a new PEOPLE exclusive video, the directors of Trolls Band Together explain how and why they were able to reunite Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Chris Kirkpatrick and Joey Fatone in a studio together to record a new song for the first time in over 20 years.

“Justin has always been such a great partner in all the films, and this one we really got to involve him pretty early,” Trolls Band Together co-director Walt Dohrn said in the clip. “There’s a level of nostalgia now for the ’90s boy band stuff, so we had the best consultant I think you could get on boy band history.”

The most recent film in the Trolls franchise — Trolls Band Together is now available on digital and 4K UHD, Blu-ray™ and DVD — sees Poppy (Anna Kendrick) learning that Branch (Timberlake) was in a boy band called “BroZone” with Floyd (Troye Sivan) and some of his other brothers. When Floyd is kidnapped, Poppy and Branch rescue him, and reunite all of the brothers in the process.

Chris Kirkpatrick, JC Chasez, Justin Timberlake, Lance Bass and Joey Fatone of *NSYNC seen backstage during the 2023 Video Music Awards in New Jersey in September 2023.John Shearer/Getty Images for MTV

The directors thought the plot was the perfect reason to reunite *NSYNC for the purpose of recording a song, Timberlake, 42, agreed. Chasez, 47, Bass, 44, Kirkpatrick, 52 and Fatone, 46, also have parts in the film.

“To have *NSYNC on this project and having this new music from them…it’s one of those kind of ‘pinch me’ moments, like, is this really happening?” asked co-director Tim Heitz.

Not only did it happen — the clip above has new evidence that the bandmates had a blast together singing, dancing, consulting each other and sharing the song with Bass’s mom, Diane Bass.

Lance Bass, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Justin Timberlake and Joey Fatone of boy band NSYNC arrive for the premiere of “Trolls: Band Together” in Hollywood in November 2023.VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty

All five guys have laid back vibes as they sing and record their lines in the studio.

“I love you guys,” Timberlake says at one point in the featurette, before asking an emotionally overcome Diane, “Are you all up in your feels right now?” with a smile.

Diane Bass and Justin Timberlake.Universal Pictures All-Access/ Youtube

*NSYNC fans have had a case of the feels for months! The band has reunited on a few different occasions throughout the years, but rumblings of a studio reunion began in mid-September 2023 when the five guys presented Taylor Swift with an award at the VMAs.

They then appeared in a group interview on a Sept. 21 episode of Hot Ones, before releasing “Better Together” on Sept. 29.

Justin Timberlake Teases Possibility of More *NSYNC Music After ‘Trolls’ Reunion

The singers had a mini *NSYNC reunion at Timberlake’s tour stop in Florida on Nov. 9

Joey Fatone/Instagram;Getty Joey Fatone at Justin Timberlake’s Nov. 9 concert; Justin Timberlake performing in October

Joey Fatone can’t stop the feeling for Justin Timberlake!

On Saturday, Nov. 9, Fatone, 47, reunited with *NSYNC bandmate Timberlake, 43, at the “SexyBack” singer’s latest stop on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour at Orlando’s Kia Center.

The Florida native not only attended the show, but he also live-streamed some of it. He started a live Instagram video near the end of the concert.

As Timberlake sang tour encore song “Mirrors,” Fatone repositioned the camera to include himself in the crowd and Timberlake onstage as he smiled and fist-bumped to the music.

Fatone also shouted out Johnny Wright — Timberlake’s manager and formerly *NSYNC’s manager — telling his viewers, “Johnny on the spot! We’re live, baby!” before quickly ducking out to avoid post-concert traffic.

“Alright, I gotta go!” he yelled after just a few seconds. “But that’s Justin!”

While exiting the venue, Fatone also showed a bit of the “backstage” area at Kia Center and gave the show a rave review.

“Awesome, awesome, awesome,” he proclaimed.

Fatone showed Timberlake more love in the video’s caption, writing, “My brother did an amazing show tonight. Proud of you @justintimberlake.”

Mikki Ansin/Getty Justin Timberlake and Joey Fatone© Provided by People

Fatone’s appearance at Timberlake’s concert comes shortly after the singer spoke to PEOPLE about a possible *NSYNC reunion at 90s Con.

At the September convention, Fatone said that given the packed schedules of each member — Fatone, Timberlake, Lance Bass, JC Chasez and Chris Kirkpatrick — “we haven’t had that conversation yet.”

Jimmy Fallon on Recording a Christmas Song with Longtime Friend Justin Timberlake

But, he added, “hopefully at some point when [Justin] is done with his tour, we’ll sit down and go, ‘What are we doing?’ and figure it out.”

“I would love to have that conversation, whether yes or no — I just want to know,” he told PEOPLE. “Just tell me so we can move on with our lives. Either say we had a good run and be done with it, or see what we can do.”

Justin Timberlake upgraded his wardrobe after he went viral for a NSFW style mishap during his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.

Justin Timberlake isn’t going to let another outfit ruin the tour.

After going viral earlier this month for a NSFW wardrobe malfunction, the 43-year-old made a noticeable tweak to his onstage fashion as he had a longer shirt while performing his song “Mirrors” at his Dec. 20 concert in Kansas City.

In a video sharing the moment on TikTok, the “SexyBack” singer can be seen pulling the shirt down while performing and the harness that is strapped to his outfit appears looser.

Fans took notice with one user writing in the comments of the Dec. 21 TikTok video, “He knows we know.” Another user quipped, “that looks like a specially made shirt made on the fly just for this situation. it got the side split for the harness and everything.”

While performing in Nashville, Tennessee, on Dec. 12, JT had on a shorter version of the shirt and the harness—which was so tight and high on his thighs that it stretched the material of his thin pants, showing off the outline of his entire—er—package.

The Forget Tomorrow World Tour—which marked Justin’s first concert since 2019—has not been without a few hiccups. In October, the “Selfish” singer postponed a show in New Jersey, after suffering “an injury that is preventing me from performing.” Last month, the Grammy winner canceled his show in Oklahoma due to a back injury.

Amid starting the tour, Justin was arrested on June 18 for driving while intoxicated. In September, he pleaded guilty to a noncriminal traffic violation of driving while impaired, according to NBC News. He agreed to pay a minimal fine and complete 25 to 40 hours of community service.

As for the tour, it’s set to pick back up in January and go until February, before Justin hits the road for the international festival circuit in the summer.

Keep reading for more of Justin through the years…

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Scott Disick Unveils New Luxury Gift to Himself After Giving Son Mason Disick a Car for 15th Birthday

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The deep bond between Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, two of country music’s greatest icons, stands as one of the most enduring relationships in the genre. Their friendship, which began in the 1970s, shaped their lives both personally and musically, leaving a lasting impact on country music. As the last remaining member of the Highwaymen after Kristofferson’s passing in September 2023, Nelson is now the keeper of a legacy built on music, camaraderie, and a shared understanding of the power of friendship in an industry often characterized by its superficiality.

Chris Kristofferson’s journey to fame was as unconventional as his music. Born in 1936 in Brownsville, Texas, he came from a family steeped in military tradition. His early life was marked by academic excellence and athletic prowess, yet his path to country music stardom took an unexpected turn. After earning a Rhodes scholarship and studying literature at Oxford, Kristofferson joined the U.S. Army, where he served as a helicopter pilot. His military career, however, didn’t satisfy his creative yearnings, and his love for music led him to Nashville. Kristofferson’s breakthrough came in 1969 when Roger Miller recorded his song “Me and Bobby McGee,” and he continued to make waves with hits like “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” a song that won the Country Music Association Song of the Year award.

Similarly, Willie Nelson’s rise to stardom was built on his unique, jazz-influenced guitar playing and songwriting. Born in 1933 in Abbott, Texas, Nelson grew up during the Great Depression. His early exposure to music through his grandparents and his natural talent set him on a path that led to Nashville in the early 1960s. There, Nelson began writing songs for other artists and struggled against the confines of the polished Nashville sound, which he felt stifled his creativity. By the 1970s, both Kristofferson and Nelson became key figures in the Outlaw Country movement, rebelling against the restrictive conventions of mainstream country music.

The friendship between Kristofferson and Nelson flourished despite personal struggles. Kristofferson battled alcoholism, and at one point, he was consuming a bottle and a half of whiskey daily. His addiction led to the loss of his job as a helicopter pilot and strained his personal relationships, including his marriage to singer Rita Coolidge. Nelson, too, faced his own challenges, notably a tax crisis with the IRS in the 1990s and legal issues related to marijuana possession. These hardships, however, strengthened their bond, cementing a friendship that went beyond their musical collaboration.

The formation of the Highwaymen in 1985 marked a historic moment in country music. What started as an impromptu recording session at Johnny Cash’s house became a lasting supergroup, bringing together Nelson, Kristofferson, Cash, and Waylon Jennings. The group’s chemistry was instant, and their voices, each distinct, blended seamlessly to create a sound that was both fresh and timeless. The Highwaymen’s debut album, “Highwayman,” was an immediate success, with the title track reaching number one on the Billboard country charts. The collaboration also led to several successful albums, tours, and a film appearance in the 1986 remake of Stagecoach.

What made the Highwaymen special was not just their music but the deep friendship they shared. The group’s members were more than just musical collaborators—they were a brotherhood. After their concerts, they would gather backstage, trading stories, songs, and laughs. Lisa Kristofferson, Chris’s wife, beautifully described their relationship as a decade of “rolling laughter and love.” The bond they shared was so strong that it transcended the music, forming a foundation of mutual respect and admiration.

Tragedy struck in the early 2000s when Waylon Jennings passed away in 2002, followed by Johnny Cash in 2003. The loss of their bandmates was deeply felt by both Nelson and Kristofferson. Despite these losses, their friendship remained resilient, and they continued to perform and record music. Kristofferson’s health began to decline in the following years, and in 2023, he was diagnosed with Lyme disease, a condition that was initially mistaken for Alzheimer’s. Despite his health struggles, Kristofferson made a final public appearance at Nelson’s 90th birthday celebration in April 2023.

That performance, in which Kristofferson shared the stage with Rosanne Cash, Johnny Cash’s daughter, marked a poignant moment in their long-running musical partnership. Kristofferson’s salute to the crowd, accompanied by a thumbs-up, was a fitting gesture for a man who had spent so many years sharing the stage with his friends. Just months later, in September 2023, Kristofferson passed away peacefully at his home in Maui. Willie Nelson, who had always been close to Kristofferson, was deeply affected by his loss. He reflected on their years together, noting the incredible music they created and the friendship they shared.

As the last surviving member of the Highwaymen, Nelson carries the collective legacy of his late friends. He continues to perform and record, often honoring Kristofferson’s songs in his concerts, ensuring that their music lives on for future generations. Nelson’s commitment to this legacy is a testament to the deep bond they shared and the impact they had on country music. Kristofferson’s passing marked the end of an era, but Nelson ensures that the spirit of the Highwaymen lives on through every performance, every story, and every song.

In the end, the friendship between Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson is a powerful reminder of the importance of genuine connections in an industry often defined by fleeting fame and superficial relationships. Their bond was not only about music but about shared experiences, mutual respect, and a love for life that transcended the stage. Their legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans alike, and the friendship they shared will never be forgotten.

In the ever-evolving world of celebrity partnerships and business deals, the latest news to set the music industry abuzz comes from none other than Justin Bieber. The pop sensation, known for his chart-topping hits and high-profile collaborations, has dropped some surprising details about a major new business venture between Sean “Diddy” Combs and Taylor Swift. What started as a typical rumor quickly gained traction, leaving fans and industry insiders alike wondering what’s really going on behind closed doors.

The Unlikely Duo: Diddy and Taylor Swift

When you think of Taylor Swift, you probably picture a country-turned-pop superstar with a stronghold on the music industry and a massive fanbase that spans across genres. Meanwhile, Sean “Diddy” Combs is an iconic figure in hip-hop, fashion, and entertainment, known for his strategic business moves and his role as one of the richest figures in the music industry. The two seem worlds apart, both musically and professionally.

However, a recent revelation from Justin Bieber has shown that these two heavyweights are actually working together on something that has the potential to reshape the music scene as we know it. According to Bieber, the deal between Taylor Swift and Diddy has been in the works for several months and is set to be a game-changer.

The Deal: What We Know So Far

According to Bieber’s statements, the deal revolves around a collaboration that extends beyond music into the realm of business ventures and brand development. The specifics, though still mostly under wraps, suggest that Diddy is offering Swift a partnership to manage and promote her music through his business empire, which includes his music label, media company, and lifestyle brand.

Swift, known for her savvy business moves, including her decision to re-record her earlier albums to regain ownership of her masters, is said to be intrigued by the prospect of working with Diddy on this front. Bieber, who has collaborated with both stars in the past, revealed that Swift is looking for ways to expand her brand further into global markets, while Diddy sees immense potential in her ability to cross over into different musical genres and even into the fashion world.

The deal is rumored to involve a unique split of responsibilities. Diddy would be handling the branding and marketing side of things, tapping into his extensive network of influencers, while Swift would continue to write and produce her own music. It’s a partnership designed to play to both of their strengths—Swift’s artistic control and Diddy’s business acumen.

The Impact on the Music Industry

The news of this collaboration has sent shockwaves through the music world. For years, Diddy has been known for his partnerships with hip-hop artists, including the likes of Jay-Z, Biggie Smalls, and Mase. His influence on the music industry cannot be overstated, and bringing someone like Taylor Swift into the fold signals a shift in how business is done in the industry.

For Swift, the move is equally significant. Having built a reputation as a fiercely independent artist, it would be a major step for her to enter into a business relationship with someone as influential as Diddy. However, with her desire to grow as a global brand, this partnership seems to make perfect sense. Diddy’s ability to take his clients to new heights in multiple industries—music, fashion, and even television—makes him an appealing figure for any artist looking to expand their horizons.

What’s even more intriguing is the possibility of Swift tapping into new markets. Diddy’s connections with international artists and brands could potentially help Swift increase her global presence, something that she has been strategically working on over the years. Her recent collaborations with international stars like The Weeknd and Ed Sheeran are just the beginning, and teaming up with Diddy could bring her even closer to breaking down the barriers of international stardom.

Justin Bieber’s Role in the Deal

So why is Justin Bieber the one spilling the beans on this highly anticipated deal? Bieber, a close friend and collaborator of both Diddy and Swift, has always had an insider’s view of the music industry’s inner workings. Over the years, Bieber has worked with both stars on several occasions, and his close relationships with them have allowed him to see firsthand the evolution of their careers.

Bieber’s revelation also comes at an interesting time for him personally, as he is on the verge of releasing new music and preparing for his upcoming world tour. The announcement of the Diddy-Swift deal has shifted the focus away from Bieber’s own career for a moment, but it also speaks to his own growing role as an influential figure in the music and entertainment business.

Bieber has made it clear that he believes in the power of collaboration, especially when it involves two artists from different genres coming together to create something truly unique. As he continues to evolve as both an artist and a businessman, Bieber’s insight into this new deal is a testament to his ability to stay ahead of the curve in the fast-paced world of celebrity culture.

What’s Next for Diddy, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber?

While the specifics of the deal are still unfolding, fans are eagerly waiting for the official confirmation from both Diddy and Taylor Swift. The timing couldn’t be better, with both stars being at the peak of their careers and poised to make major moves in the entertainment world.

For Diddy, this partnership with Swift is yet another step in his long history of making bold moves in the business world. Known for his diverse portfolio of ventures, from his fashion line, Sean John, to his role in launching the music streaming service, Revolt, Diddy is no stranger to turning his vision into reality. If this new collaboration with Taylor Swift goes as planned, it could be one of his most influential business deals to date.

For Swift, the move could mark a new chapter in her career—one where she not only continues to dominate the music charts but also expands her influence into other areas of entertainment and lifestyle. Fans are already buzzing with excitement at the idea of a potential collaboration between the two megastars, and it’s clear that this partnership will only continue to stir up interest in the months ahead.

As for Justin Bieber, he remains one of the music industry’s most influential voices. His unexpected reveal of the deal between Diddy and Swift only adds to his mystique as someone who is always in the know and ready to share the juiciest tidbits with his fans. Whether or not Bieber has any direct involvement in the collaboration remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that his announcement has made this already exciting story even more thrilling.

Conclusion

The announcement of a potential deal between Diddy and Taylor Swift has set the music world on fire, thanks in no small part to Justin Bieber’s reveal of the details. As two of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, Diddy and Swift joining forces is a move that will be closely watched by fans, critics, and industry insiders alike. What started as an unexpected rumor is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about collaborations of the year. Stay tuned—this deal is far from over, and the surprises are just getting started.

The Milwaukee Bucks displayed their ambitious character after winning the NBA Cup. Even though it was a tumultuous season, they decided against celebrating the victory. The team didn’t want to lose focus but rather continue to build on their success and learn. However, in their first game since the hallmark win, the Cleveland Cavaliers managed to completely outplay them. And a frustrated Doc Rivers failed to have any takeaways from the game. He was just plain embarrassed.

The Bucks did miss out on Damian Lillard tonight due to a right calf strain. But after missing the NBA Cup finale with an illness, Khris Middleton was back in Milwaukee green against the top-seeded Cavaliers. He did have a decent outing alongside another sizzling Giannis Antetokounmpo performance. But the Bucks in general lacked discipline.

“We got to move the ball more. You know we didn’t run a lot of stuff tonight. We got to get more organized. We don’t do that often but we have games like that and when that happens, we usually don’t win those games,” Rivers said about the team.

Even though shorthanded, the Bucks only recorded 23 assists on 20 turnovers. Furthermore, Andre Jackson Jr., the sophomore who stepped up in Lillard’s absence, couldn’t be fully integrated into the motions. Rivers still felt he had a role to play rather than the Cavaliers shutting off on him. But with how the team performed, there was nothing to assess.

“You know there’s no read on tonight’s game. We learned nothing is what I’ll say tonight,” the angered head coach told the reporters. The only side of the floor that he could draw an inference from is the Cavaliers’ attack. Other than that, Doc Rivers felt “this is a look at the film quickly and throw it away”. 

Doc Rivers will have a Khris Middleton dilemma to deal with soon

Ever since becoming an integral part of Milwaukee’s core, Khris Middleton has been the starting forward. Over the past few seasons, though, injuries have curtailed his participation. Only this year, Middleton missed the first 21 games of the season. But aside from his illness, the veteran forward is slowly increasing his work rate.

Tonight, he played close to 20 minutes, logging 14 points and 3 assists off the bench. Those numbers don’t jump out, but in his time on the floor, the Bucks were only a -9. The exaggeration is due to the fact that every other Bucks’ stalwart recorded a double-digit net differential.

Rivers emphasized the need to be “organized”. It seems with Middleton’s natural chemistry besides Antetokounmpo and some of his teammates, he is able to bring some of that to the table. It’s still uncertain whether he will start soon. Given how Taurean Prince is performing, shooting a career-high 51% from three, the seasoned head coach has a tough decision to make.

Khris Middleton still holds the ability to score the ball. He isn’t as prolific a shooter, but a superior creator in other spots on the floor. But now with two scoring-heavy pillars in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard starting, is it better to have one of the most efficient three-point scorers this season or one of the Bucks’ most decorated scorers in the teams’ history with them?

It’s a dilemma that once Middleton begins ramping up his fitness will have to be fielded. One of the ways it could benefit the Bucks is having a third point-of-attack who can invent his own offense. On nights Lillard’s shot isn’t firing, Khris Middleton stands as the ideal pivot to defer to.

Despite that, it won’t be a decision that Doc Rivers can make on a whim. If it were up to you, who would you start? Let us know your views in the comments below.

The Milwaukee Bucks star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, is possibly in one of the best moments of his NBA career and at only 30 years old, but he is already thinking about his post-retirement plans.

© Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesGiannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks walks backcourt during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers

Giannis Antetokounmpo is undoubtedly asserting himself as the leader of the Milwaukee Bucks, delivering an MVP-caliber season averaging 32.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 6 assists, this marks the best statistical year of his career. However, as the 30-year-old superstar gets more mature, he has already started planning his life after NBA.

USWNT Forward Trinity Rodman Says Dennis Rodman Is “Not A Dad”

In the Milwaukee Sentinel Journal, Giannis confessed the following: “Afterward, when I retire, I want to be a head coach. A lot of people don’t know that about me, but I want to be a head coach. I really want to be.“ Giannis Antetokounmpo got a taste of coaching during the 2023 NBA Celebrity All-Star Game, where he had the chance to lead a team. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “I was in it… I wanted to win.”

The competitive fire that drives elite athletes is undeniable, and Giannis is no exception. The adrenaline of the game, he admits, is something athletes miss once they retire. During the All-Star Game, he discovered that he not only enjoys the challenge of coaching but also has an intrinsic desire to win in that role. It is a mindset that has defined his career, and it is clear that his ambition does not stop once he steps off the court.

The fact that Giannis has confessed this does not mean that he considers it a difficult task because he knows that it is a very difficult task to transmit all his knowledge. “It’s kind of hard because you have no control (of the game). And, I know the game of basketball, I know how to play the game of basketball, so it’s hard,” affirmed the two-times NBA MVP award winner.

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Brooklyn Nets

Being a head coach requires a different skill set than playing professionally, including developing game strategies, delivering motivational speeches, and inspiring players to give their best effort. Giannis recognizes that this transition will not be easy, but it is something he is seriously considering for his future.

Does Giannis Antetokounmpo care about his legacy after NBA retirement?

Despite his winning mentality, Giannis Antetokounmpo confessed that he does not want to be recognized after retiring from the NBA: “When I retired from this game, I want to disappear, I want to go somewhere that they would not gonna know me…I want to be like, I don’t know how to say this, like you see MJ, you see Magic (Johnson), you see these all-time greats like that, they’ve retired but people still like know them and follow them up and all that. I don’t know if I can do that.“

Giannis wants to have peace of mind after retirement because he does not want to be under pressure and continue to be recognized as Michael Jordan. This highlights the human value of Giannis who prioritizes his peace of mind over fame and recognition.

Former President Donald Trump took a detour during his speech in Wisconsin on Friday to joke about star Bucks player Giannis Antetokounmpo’s heritage as a Greek national with Nigerian parents.

“Who has more Greek in him? The Greek or me?” Trump asked the audience, which reacted with a smattering of applause.

Antetokounmpo, a Black center who rose to fame in the NBA over the last decade as one of the sport’s greatest players of all time, earned the nickname “Greek Freak” on the court. He has, however, discussed how his background complicated his early years, as he was made to feel like he did not truly belong in either Nigerian or Greek culture, despite being born in Athens.

Three of Antetokounmpo’s brothers have also been drafted into the NBA.

Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks and scores against the Boston Celtics on Oct. 28. Brian Fluharty via Getty Images
In commenting on the player’s race and immigrant story, Trump evoked his mockery of opponent Vice President Kamala Harris, having repeatedly challenged her multiracial background as the child of Black and Indian parents.

It’s worth noting that Trump has no Greek ancestry. His family is of German and Scottish heritage.

He pivoted from complaining about the microphone he was given to use onstage to acknowledge that the venue, Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum, is the home of the Bucks.

“Your team is very good,” Trump began. “I would say the Greek is a seriously good player, do you agree? And tell me, who has more Greek in him? The Greek or me? I think we have about the same, right?”

The same — that is to say, none.

Trump went on to praise Antetokounmpo as “maybe the best player in the NBA.”

“He’s supposed to be a very good guy, too,” Trump added before pivoting again: “With your help, we’re going to defeat Kamala Harris.”

The Milwaukee Bucks bounced back from their embarrassing 124-101 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night by defeating the lowly Washington Wizards 112-101. Power forward Bobby Portis led the team with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high eight assists. Khris Middleton played in a season-high 24 minutes and had a season-high 18 points to go with eight rebounds and six assists.

What was most impressive about Milwaukee’s victory was that they played the game without stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Giannis missed the game due to his right knee tendinopathy, which has been plaguing him all season.

Lillard, who also missed the game against Cleveland, missed his second straight game with a right calf strain.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard Have Been Leading the Milwaukee Bucks

Dec 17, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11), guard Damian Lillard (0) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrate after winning the Emirates NBA Cup championship game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada

As Bucks fans are well-aware, Giannis is the NBA’s leading scorer this season, averaging 32.7 points per game. He also is averaging 11.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. His incredible performances on both ends of the floor have many fans calling for him to not only win his third NBA MVP Award this year, but also his second Defensive Player of the Year.

Lillard has been having a much better season this year than he did a year ago following his trade from the Portland Trailblazers. In his first season in a Bucks uniform, Lillard averaged 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game while shooting 42/35/92 from the floor.

While these numbers are by no means bad, they are down from what fans have grown to expect from Lillard, who like Giannis is a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

This year, though, he is averaging 25.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game while shooting an improved 45/37/92 from the floor.

Damian Lillard Could Return for the Milwaukee Bucks as Early as Monday

Dec 8, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) passes the ball as Brooklyn Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe (20) defends during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones

Lillard being unable to play in the two games following Milwaukee’s NBA Cup Finals win led to much criticism from fans. Many feel that the NBA Cup is meaningless and that players getting hurt, especially star players, is not worth them playing in the final game of the in-season tournament, which does not count towards the NBA regular season record.

Fortunately, it does not sound like Lillard will be out for much longer. According to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, head coach Doc Rivers told reporters that his star point guard could be back in action as early as Monday:

As one can see from Nehm’s X post, Lillard worked out with the team today and felt pretty good. The Bucks have a day off on Sunday before they take on the Chicago Bulls on Monday in what will be their third game in four days.

Hopefully both Lillard and Giannis will be back for that matchup.

Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominating forces in basketball history, has always been open about the struggles he faced growing up, his challenges with self-doubt, and his journey to success. His story is not only about overcoming obstacles on the basketball court but also about navigating personal and familial issues that many can relate to.

Born into tough circumstances, Shaq grew up in a home marked by financial difficulties and a lack of stability. He was raised in a military household, where discipline and respect were instilled at a young age. His biological father was absent, and though his stepfather played an instrumental role in shaping him, Shaq never felt the need to seek a relationship with his biological father. His stepfather, whom Shaq considered his real father, was the one who supported the family, worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, and made sure Shaq understood the importance of hard work and respect. Shaq’s relationship with his stepfather was built on mutual admiration, and he credits this man for much of his success.

Despite his towering presence and natural athleticism, Shaq faced severe challenges growing up. He struggled with self-doubt and was often teased for his size. His classmates referred to him as “Sasquatch” and a “big dummy,” and these early experiences were hard for him to overcome. Shaq was also very shy, which added to the difficulty of navigating school life. His size became a source of bullying, and he tried to manage this by either intimidating others or trying to make them laugh. His aggressive nature led to trouble in school, and he was suspended for an incident involving a spitwad. When he returned home, he faced severe punishment from his father, who warned him that continuing down the path of juvenile delinquency would lead to a future of failure. This experience marked a turning point for Shaq, as he realized he needed to change his ways.

After an incident where he unknowingly caused a classmate to have an epileptic seizure, Shaq decided he no longer wanted to be a bully. He shifted his focus to making people laugh and becoming the class clown. He realized that humor and kindness were more effective ways of making friends than intimidation. However, the teasing and self-doubt didn’t completely disappear. His academic struggles also persisted, and it wasn’t until a pivotal moment in high school that things began to change. Shaq had a turning point when a “geek” in his class named McDougall helped him pass a crucial test. McDougall tutored him and gave him the confidence he needed to succeed academically. Shaq learned an important lesson that day: judging people based on their appearances was a mistake, and that nerds and geeks could be some of the most valuable allies.

Shaq’s journey also highlighted how pivotal his family was in shaping his future. His mother, Lucille, was a strong woman who did everything she could to provide for her children, even when it meant enduring hardships such as waiting in line for food stamps or charity Christmas presents. Shaq often witnessed his mother’s breakdowns and, in those moments, he promised himself that he would make it big to give her a better life. He also drew strength from his grandmother, who was his biggest supporter. She believed in him when no one else did, and her constant encouragement helped him push through difficult times.

Despite his rough beginnings, Shaq’s love for basketball grew as he got older. His first major turning point came when he attended an NBA game with his father, where he saw Dr. J. dunk the ball and the crowd erupt in excitement. This moment inspired him to pursue basketball seriously, and from that day forward, he worked tirelessly to improve his skills. He practiced constantly, despite being told he was terrible and would never make it. He embraced criticism, seeing it as a tool for motivation rather than a setback.

Shaq’s journey through high school was marked by perseverance and hard work. Though he was cut from the varsity team as a freshman, he didn’t let that stop him. He sought out a mentor in Ford McMurtry, a man who ran an AAU-style league. Ford believed in Shaq, and through his guidance, Shaq’s skills flourished. His vertical leap improved drastically, and by his sophomore year, he had the potential to play at the varsity level. By his senior year, he led his high school team to a state championship, a remarkable turnaround from his early struggles.

Despite the highs in his basketball career, Shaq’s story also reveals the pressures and challenges of newfound wealth. When he signed his first endorsement deal worth a million dollars, he spent the entire amount in a single day. Shaq’s lack of financial knowledge led him to make impulsive purchases, such as buying expensive cars for himself and his family without understanding the hidden costs like taxes. He recalls his father’s reaction to his purchases, which served as a lesson in financial responsibility.

From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the most successful basketball players in history, Shaq’s story is one of resilience, growth, and change. He overcame bullying, financial struggles, and academic challenges to become a cultural icon, admired not just for his basketball prowess but for his humor, humility, and the lessons he has learned along the way. The impact of his family, particularly his stepfather and grandmother, cannot be overstated, as they played pivotal roles in shaping who he is today. Shaq’s story is a testament to the power of believing in oneself, the importance of mentorship, and the ability to turn adversity into triumph.