After completing his 22nd season in the league, LeBron James is not sure if he’ll play next year. During the post-game press conference following the Minnesota Timberwolves’ victory over his Angeles Lakers (103-96), a reporter asked James if he was going to play next season. “I don’t know. I don’t have an answer to that,” James explained. “Something I’ll sit down with my family, my wife, and my support group, and kind of just talk through it and see what happens.” “And just have a conversation with myself on how long I want to continue to play. I don’t know the answer to that right now, to be honest. So we’ll see,” he added. When asked about what pieces the Lakers need next to be successful, James decided not to answer the question, noting that Anthony Davis was traded for Luka Dončić after the team for a center. “No comment. I never say that, my guy AD said what he needed and then he was gone the following week,” James said. “I got no comment. I put that uniform on, gave everything I had.” James also lauded his head coach, JJ Reddic, who is in his first year leading the team. “It’s already hard to be a coach in the NBA, and it’s a hell of a lot harder being a rookie head coach,” James said. “I thought he handled it extremely well. He held us accountable, he pushed us. “That’s one thing for sure, he’s a great coach.” Before exiting the presser, James spoke about how it was to watch his son, Bronny, develop as a player. “Just to see his growth from the moment he was drafted when we were all in New York at the draft party to seeing him in summer league struggle early on … and pick it up towards the end,” James said. “I just saw he has a bright future because not only can he play the game of basketball, he’s just a great [expletive] kid. And you can ask anybody, any one of his teammates, any one of the coaches,” he continued. “Just a joy to be around, and I have to say that I have a lot to do with that.’’

Nelly is choosing optimism as Donald Trump faces historically low approval ratings. At the 100-day mark, Trump’s rating hovered around 41%—the lowest for any president in over 70 years. The backlash began when Nelly performed at Trump’s inauguration. The St. Louis rapper defended his choice, saying, “He’s the president — he won,” and framed it as respect for the office, not an endorsement. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TMZ (@tmz_tv) At the Stagecoach Festival, he doubled down. “I’m always looking at the glass half full,” he told Fox News. “I believe in bringing people together and making sure we all get what we need.” Not everyone was convinced. During a Grammy afterparty hosted by Anderson .Paak, Janelle Monáe freestyled over “Hot In Herre,” condemning Nelly’s appearance at the inauguration. In a clip that went viral, she called him a sellout and voiced support for marginalized communities. In a later interview with Geto Boys legend Willie D, Nelly insisted his appearance wasn’t about money. “I’m not campaigning,” he said. “I respect the office, no matter who’s in it.” He likened his performance to the duty of U.S. soldiers, saying, “If our men and women can risk their lives for the office, I can perform for it.” Nelly also attempted to defend Trump from accusations of white supremacy, citing old lawsuits and mistakenly referencing the 1994 Crime Bill, which had no connection to Trump. His arguments showed some confusion, but he remained steadfast. “I’m not saying he doesn’t have messed up ways,” Nelly admitted. “But he’s the President. I’m not telling you who to vote for—I’m just saying, he won.” As debate continues around artists performing for divisive figures, Nelly stands by his actions, insisting it’s about honoring the role, not the man.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was highly critical of John Haliburton, Tyrese Haliburton’s father. Two-time MVP called him “disrespectful” after an on-court incident following the Milwaukee Bucks’ loss to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, April 29. Following the game, John Haliburton made his way onto the court and waved a flag with his son’s face in front of Antetokounmpo to taunt him. Antetokounmpo also said that John swore at him. Shortly thereafter, the two met face-to-face and shook hands before being separated. When asked about the interaction at the post-game press conference, Antetokounmpo shared his thoughts on the matter. “I believe in being humble in victory,” Antetokounmpo told reporters. “A lot of people out there that are like, no, when you win the game, you talk sh*t and it’s a green light for you to be disrespectful towards somebody else. I disagree.” At the moment I thought he was a fan,” Antetokounmpo said. “But then I realized it was Tyrese’s dad. I love Tyrese. I think he’s a great competitor. [But] it was his dad,” he continued. Coming in the floor and showing me his son, a towel with his face, [and saying], ‘This is what we do. This is what we F-ing do. This is what the F we do.’ I feel like that’s very, very disrespectful. Speaking about the incident, Tyreese Haliburton told reporters that he didn’t “agree” with his father’s actions. “Basketball is basketball, and let’s keep it on the court,” Tyreese said. “I think he just got excited, saw his son make a game winner, ran and came on the court, but we had a conversation.” Afterwards, John Haliburton offered an apology for his behavior. I sincerely apologize to Giannis, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Pacers organization for my actions following tonight’s game. This was not a good reflection on our sport or my son and I will not make that mistake again. — John Haliburton (@PapaHaliburton) April 30, 2025 “I sincerely apologize to Giannis, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Pacers organization for my actions following tonight’s game,” posted an X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday morning. “This was not a good reflection on our sport, or my son and I will not make that mistake again.”

Alijah Arenas has been discharged from the hospital days after crashing his Tesla Cybertruck in Los Angeles last week, according to TMZ Sports. Following his hospital stay, Alijah’s family released a statement noting that the future USC basketball star was “now resting comfortably under close watch,”  adding that his journey to full recovery is “just beginning.” The statement also said that his spirit is “strong” and he is continually “surrounded by love and support.” “We are grateful to share that Alijah Arenas has been released from the hospital and is now resting comfortably under close watch,” the statement read. “While his journey to full recovery is just beginning, his spirit remains strong, and he is surrounded by love and support. “The Govan and Arenas family are preparing for the road ahead with faith and determination, committed to nurturing Alijah back to 100%. He remains blessed, resilient, and in high spirits,” the statement continued. The son of former NBA all-star Gilbert Arenas, Alijah, was placed in a medically induced coma after the Tesla Cyber Truck he was driving struck a tree and a fire hydrant shortly before 5 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, in Los Angeles. On Gil’s Arena, Gilbert’s podcast, co-host Josiah Johnson shared that Alijah would soon be getting discharged from the hospital on Tuesday (April 29). “Happy to announce that Alijah’s doing much better,” Johnson said. “Walking, talking, progressing very well, should be released from the hospital very soon.” An official cause for the crash has not been released. Regarded as one of the most sought-after players in the country, Alijah committed to USC in January after being ranked the No. 4 player and No. 1 shooting guard in the class of 2026. He requested to be reclassified to become a senior and graduate in 2025.

Bow Wow recently revealed that losing his virginity as a teenager came with some consequences. Appearing on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay, the former So So Def rapper was asked about losing his virginity at 15 years old and how it complicated his idea of sex. “My mama said, ‘I’ma know when you get some cause you gonna walk around the house a little different,’” Bow Wow said. Because he didn’t have “a real relationship” with his biological father, who struggled with alcoholism, his first sexual experience said that his lack of guidance left him “out here in the wild.” “After I lost my virginity, I’m thinking—I don’t know if this is every young man when he lose his virginity—but I’m like, ‘How can I get more?’” he said. “’How can I get more of this?’ And, like, do I ask? Like, I don’t even know how I get it. And that’s not having a father. I’m out here in the wild, OG … I don’t even know how to get to the panties again. I don’t know.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Club Shay Shay (@clubshayshay) Things shifted when he got older and “cracked the code,” especially between the ages of 18 and 19, as he became immersed in the nightlife scene. “I was able to go out and enjoy Atlanta, and enjoy these beautiful places … that we enjoyed so much,” Bow Wow explained. “It changed, you know what I mean? It definitely changed. Big time.” Speaking of his virginity, Bow got himself into hot water when he claimed that the model video Esther Baxter gave him his first sexual encounter during a 2012 appearance on Sway in the Morning. Taking to Twitter, Baxter denied Bow Wow’s claim, “Do I REALLY have to respond to this sh*t!?! [laughing emoji].” “First…you people believe the SILLIEST shit!!! Lmao! I thought this shit was a joke…but Lil homie ACTUALLY said that shit!” she went on. “N***a really shot for the stars with that one!!! [laughing emoji] Couldn’t think of anyone else, huh!?! It’s cool I know times are hard right now but u should’ve at least let me know so we could BOTH benefit.”

Robert De Niro speaks out after his daughter, Airyn De Niro, comes out as transgender. While talking with TMZ, De Niro says of his daughter, “I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter.” He added, “I don’t know what the big deal is…I love all my children.” During a recent interview with Them magazine, Airyn opens up about what life is like as Robert De Niro’s child. “There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” Airyn told the outlet. “I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.” The aspiring actress says her parents kept her out of the spotlight.  “Obviously no parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight. They wanted it very private,” she says. “They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible.” Airyn credits apart of her transition to Black women. “I think a big part of [my transition] is also the influence Black women have had on me. I think stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them in some way.” “Whenever I’m at a family gathering on my dad’s side, people would always talk about how much they love my mom and how memorable she was and how happy my dad was when he was with her,” Airyn says. “I want to be like that… I want to be remembered the way that people remember her.”

After being in a serious car accident last week, Alijah Arenas is on the road to recovery. The son of former NBA all-star Gilbert Arenas, Alijah, was placed in a medically induced coma after the Tesla Cyber Truck he was driving struck a tree and a fire hydrant shortly before 5 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, in Los Angeles. On Gil’s Arena, Gilbert’s podcast, co-host Josiah Johnson revealed that Alijah would soon be getting discharged from the hospital. “Happy to announce that Alijah’s doing much better,” Johnson said. “Walking, talking, progressing very well, should be released from the hospital very soon. No major injuries as a result of the car accident.” Following the accident, the Arenas family thanked bystanders on the scene who helped rescue Alijah inside the truck after it caught fire. On bystanders recalled helping Alijah escape. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gil’s Arena (@gilsarena0) “I remember hearing banging on the car window, but I couldn’t see anything because the smoke was so thick. That’s when I realized someone was inside,” the bystander to ESPN. “I tried to break the window, but it wouldn’t give. Then I saw one of the windows was cracked just enough, and we used everything we had to bend it and pull him out. The car was on fire. We just knew we had to get him out.” An official cause for the crash has not been released. Considered one of the most sought-after players in the country, Alijah committed to USC in January after being ranked the No. 4 player and No. 1 shooting guard in the class of 2026. He requested to be reclassified to become a senior and graduate in 2025. Among his many accolades, he was selected to play in the McDonald’s All-American Game. He scored 11 points, representing Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles.

In a heartfelt gesture that resonated deeply with fans across Los Angeles, Lakers star Luka Dončić has donated $5,000 to help restore a beloved mural honoring Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, which was recently defaced with black spray paint. The mural, created by Los Angeles-based street artist Sloe Motions—whose real name is Louie Palsino—featured the powerful message “Mamba Forever” alongside a portrait of Kobe and GiGi. It had become a cherished local landmark and a symbol of resilience, legacy, and community healing following the Bryants’ tragic passing in 2020. After the act of vandalism, Palsino launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for restoration materials, including high-quality paints, protective sealants, and other supplies. In the fundraiser’s description, he wrote, “I am reaching out to the community to help restore the beautiful Kobe & Gigi mural that has brought inspiration and unity to so many… Your generous donations will go directly towards the materials needed for the restoration process.” Moved by the cause, Dončić personally contributed the full $5,000 goal, ensuring that the mural can be revived to its original glory. His generous donation was met with an outpouring of gratitude from fans, many of whom shared emotional responses online. One fan commented, “That mural was a symbol of love, loss, and legacy. It’s heartbreaking to see people show so little respect for their memory.” Dončić’s act of kindness has not only revived a tribute to one of basketball’s greatest icons but also reminded the community of the power of unity and remembrance in the face of adversity.

Megan Thee Stallion has revealed that she’s launching her very own Popeyes restaurant. Taking to Instagram, the rapper shared a sneak peek of the early construction stages of her new franchise. “My very own @popeyes is opening this summer, Hotties! I just stopped by to check out the location — it’s still just the bones right now, but this is about to be the littest Popeyes ever!” View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) Megan Thee Stallion is making major moves—not only is she opening her own Popeyes, but she’s also dropped her highly anticipated new single, “Whatever,” which sets the stage for the third chapter of her MEGAN series, Act III. During a recent TikTok Live, Megan gave fans a glimpse into what they can expect from the upcoming project. She shared that when it comes to collaborations, she’s being intentional. “I only want to do features with artists I haven’t worked with yet, or ones I genuinely listen to in my own time…people I actually f*ck with,” she explained. While she kept most details under wraps, Megan did reveal one name on her collaboration wishlist: Doechii. Responding to fans in the comments, she said, “I love Doechii, b*tch. I do wanna do a song with Doechii. That is on my album wishlist.”

Cardi B has a man! According to the Grammy award-winning rapper, her yet-to-be-identified new beau loves her from “head to toe. During an X (formerly Twitter) Spaces session on Sunday (April 27), Cardi revealed that she his loving her new relationship after splitting from Migos rapper Offset. Cardi B on spaces pt 2 pic.twitter.com/njIcVfj270 — (@BACARDISWAP) April 27, 2025 “It’s been a couple of weeks and I haven’t addressed nothing,” Cardi said.  “Because it’s like… you know when you got a gorgeous ni**a f**king you and loving you from head to toe? It’s like, I don’t really give a f**k what anybody says when you got a real fine ni**a that love you from head to toe,” she continued.  “It’s like, whatever, gorgeous ni**ga, too!” As HOT97 previously reported, the breakup between Cardi B and Offset was very public, with each party taking to social media to air their grievances. Cardi B filed for divorce from Offset in August 2024, following their public separation in December 2023.  Along with sharing the latest from her love life, Cardi also gave her fans an update about her long-awaited sophomore album. Recently, things may have changed after Cardi was spotted dancing with New England Patriots star Stefon Diggs, who is rumored to be her new man, and Offset seemingly approved of Cardi moving on with her life. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Watch Live Bitez (@livebitez) “I’m happy for her !!”, Offset commented on Instagram. “The features on my album are really good,” Cardi explained. “I don’t have a lot of features, but I’m working with artists, some that I have worked before and some that I haven’t worked before. And the ones that I have not worked before, I feel like it’s gonna really, really surprise y’all.”