Quotes from around the basketball world on LeBron James' longevity as he turns 40 on Monday:
“It’s always a blast. The competitive spirit, the history, his greatness, it allows me to just appreciate all that we’ve been through, all the battles back and forth and the fact that in 2024, we’re still doing it. Somehow the games are pretty electric, kind of a must-see-TV-type situation. And I love it.” — Golden State’s Stephen Curry, on facing James.
“What LeBron is doing, it could happen again. I just don’t see it. … LeBron is deadly serious about taking care of his body. Most people wouldn’t do what LeBron does off the floor, and that’s why they don’t last. LeBron has decided to do it all, and that’s why he lasts. But it’s amazing to watch.” — Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers.
“The details of winning matter to him. I just wish that I could have had all of our young players watch him in the team meetings, every locker room and film session. Every franchise is saying the same thing: ‘You need to communicate. You need to be present in these sessions.’ And LeBron is not fatigued at all in terms of preparation and being involved and all of that, noticing things on film and being an active participant in that. And you want young players to see that.” — Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.
“I think in the case of LeBron, there’s a mental aspect of it as well. I think all of us know that, in addition to keeping in tip-top shape physically, he works a lot on his mind. And that ability, over having played that many years in the league, to stay motivated, to maintain a level of concentration, maintain a level of motivation ... he’s amazing to watch.” — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
“It's a blessing, for sure. It's definitely a blessing to be able to have fans.” — James, when asked what it's like to be cheered in road arenas.
“He knows what he’s talking about. He pays attention. He supports the game. He doesn’t just talk about it. He really shows up and supports. I think that’s the coolest thing; one of the greatest players of all time really helping support and grow women’s basketball. That’s exactly what we need. He’s somebody I’ve always idolized.” — WNBA rookie of the year Caitlin Clark, earlier this year at the NCAA women’s Final Four.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots over Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Eakin Howard)
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The suspect in the New Orleans truck crash that killed 10 people and injured 30 revelers in New Orleans on New Year's Day was killed after a firefight with police, law enforcement officials told the AP.
The officials were not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.
The suspect rammed a vehicle at high speed into a crowd of pedestrians in New Orleans' bustling French Quarter district at 3:15 a.m. Wednesday along Bourbon Street, known worldwide as one of the largest destinations for New Year’s Eve parties, and with crowds in the city ballooning in anticipation for the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game at the nearby Superdome later in the day.
At a news conference, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the killings as a “terrorist attack” and the city’s police chief said the act was clearly intentional. But an assistant FBI agent in charge declared that it was "not a terrorist event.” The news conference ended before authorities could reconcile the two characterizations.
Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, said officials were investigating the discovery of at least one suspected improvised explosive device at the scene.
Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick said police officers would work to ensure safety at the Sugar Bowl, indicating that the game would go on as scheduled.
“He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did,” Kirkpatrick said. “It was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could."
Two police officers who were shot after the driver emerged from the truck are in stable condition, she said.
Officials did not immediately provide an update on the status of the driver, whether there was an ongoing threat to the public or offer a suspected motive in the fatal incident.
NOLA Ready, the city's emergency preparedness department, said the injured had been taken to five local hospitals.
The White House said President Joe Biden has been briefed. Attorney General Merrick Garland was also briefed on the attack, the Justice Department said.
A member of the emergency services walks past a police barricade after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Emergency services attend the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Emergency services attend the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
A member of the emergency services attends the scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Emergency services attend the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
The scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Emergency services attend the scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Superintendent of Police for the New Orleans Police Department Anne Kirkpatrick makes a statement after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Emergency services attend the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Emergency services attend the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Emergency services attend the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell makes a statement after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Emergency services attend the scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Emergency services attend the scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
