Stephen A. Smith thinks he was set up for in-game LeBron James confrontation: ‘I don’t like his ass’

As the NBA season kicks off this Tuesday, The Post's top basketball writers, including Stefan Bondy, Brian Lewis, and Mike Vaccaro, delve into the pressing questions surrounding the league. They discuss trade rumors, coaching positions under scrutiny, and make predictions for the upcoming season. This preview is essential for fans eager to understand the dynamics of the league and what to expect as the season unfolds.

The NBA season kicks off this week, marking a significant moment for Australian basketball as two of its biggest stars, Ben Simmons and Patty Mills, find themselves without a roster spot for the first time in ten years. This shift highlights the emergence of younger players like Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels, who are stepping into key roles for teams aiming for the playoffs. Their recent lucrative contracts reflect the growing talent pool in Australia and the changing dynamics of the league, making this season particularly interesting for fans and analysts alike.

Guerschon Yabusele is making headlines as he enters the NBA season with a significant increase in weight compared to last year. This transformation could enhance his performance on the court, making him a player to watch for the New York Knicks. Fans are excited to see how this added bulk will impact his game and the team's overall dynamics.

Stephen A. Smith has openly expressed his dislike for NBA superstar LeBron James, suggesting that their recent courtside confrontation was staged. This revelation comes in the wake of Smith's criticism of LeBron's son, Bronny James. The tension between these two prominent figures in sports media and basketball highlights the ongoing debates surrounding celebrity culture and parental influence in athletics.

The second season of 'Starting 5' on Netflix is here, bringing fans another exciting behind-the-scenes look at the NBA through the eyes of its biggest stars. This series not only showcases the thrilling moments of the season but also dives into the personal stories of the players, making it a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts. It's a great way to connect with the athletes and understand the dynamics of the league.

Bet365 is offering an exciting promotion for NBA fans on Opening Night. By placing a $5 bet, you can receive $200 in bonus bets, regardless of the outcome. This is a fantastic opportunity for both seasoned bettors and newcomers to engage with the game, especially with the Rockets facing off against the Thunder. Such promotions not only enhance the viewing experience but also encourage more fans to participate in sports betting, making it a win-win situation.

DraftKings is offering an exciting promotion for NBA Opening Week where you can bet just $5 and receive $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins, along with three months of NBA League Pass. This is a fantastic opportunity for basketball fans to enhance their viewing experience and potentially win big, making it a great time to engage with the sport.

Kevin Durant has made headlines by signing a two-year contract extension worth $90 million with the Houston Rockets, which not only solidifies his position with the team but also makes him the player with the highest career earnings in NBA history. This milestone is significant as it highlights Durant's exceptional talent and marketability, further elevating his legacy in the sport.

The ongoing government shutdown has so far had a limited economic impact, but experts caution that the longer it lasts, the more significant the burden on Americans will become. This situation matters because it highlights the potential for rising costs and financial strain on households, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution to avoid deeper economic repercussions.

In a recent interview, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries discussed the ongoing government shutdown and the stalemate in Congress. He highlighted the Democrats' efforts to resolve the situation and shared insights on how constituents are feeling about the impact of the shutdown. This conversation is crucial as it sheds light on the political dynamics at play and the real-world effects on everyday Americans.

World markets are experiencing a positive shift, with shares in Europe and Asia mostly rising. Notably, Japan's benchmark is nearing the significant 50,000 mark, coinciding with a historic moment as Sanae Takaichi becomes the country's first female prime minister. This rally reflects growing investor confidence and could signal a shift in economic dynamics, making it an important development for global markets.

Great news for marine life enthusiasts! Scientists have observed a positive trend in the population of the North Atlantic right whale, one of the world's rarest species. This increase is significant as it highlights the effectiveness of conservation efforts and raises hope for the future of this majestic creature. Protecting such endangered species is crucial not only for biodiversity but also for the health of our oceans.

In a shocking incident in Alaska, a man recorded the terrifying moment when his home was swept away by the remnants of Typhoon Halong. The intense storms wreaked havoc in western Alaska, uprooting homes and leaving residents in distress. This event highlights the increasing severity of weather patterns and the impact of climate change on communities, raising concerns about safety and preparedness in the face of such natural disasters.

President Trump's administration is set to implement a deportation strategy that aims to break previous records. This move has sparked discussions about immigration policies and their implications for communities across the nation. Understanding the potential impact of these changes is crucial as they could affect countless lives and reshape the landscape of immigration in the U.S.