Saturday, NBA commissioner Adam Silver revealed that the NBA All-Star All-Star Game MVP award will be renamed in honor of Kobe Bryant, who was an 18-time All-Star with a record four All-Star Game MVP awards.

Nas assumed his duties as brand ambassador for Hennessy this week by narrating a commercial to announce the liquor brand’s new partnership with the NBA. The multi-year deal, which solidifies Hennessy as the Official Spirit of the NBA, WNBA and USA Basketball, was announced on February 10th, ahead of this weekend’s 2020 NBA All-Star Game.

Noel Vasquez/Getty Images for Hennessy

“We are pleased to be partnering with the NBA, a forward-thinking league that embodies our ‘Never stop. Never settle.’ mantra,” Hennessy’s Senior Vice President Giles Woodyer said in a press release. “There’s an energy pulsing through the NBA that compels it to evolve, to push the limits of its own potential. Our new collaborative journey is rooted in this joint passion and will explore the realms of legacy, culture and innovation.” The NBA mirrored these sentiments, as the NBA Senior Vice President of Media and Business Development, Dan Rossomondo, stated, “Our partnership with Hennessy provides an exciting opportunity to reach and engage with a broader segment of basketball fans around the NBA’s marquee moments. As the iconic brand continues to expand its business in sports marketing, we look forward to creating elevated experiences and unique initiatives that celebrate the game of basketball.”

To bring the partnership to life, Nas was asked to narrate a commercial titled  “The Lines,” in which white contours come together to outline the image of a basketball court and wrap around a bottle of the best-selling Cognac. “The laws of the game say the lines contain it but contain it, they fail,” Nas declares in the clip. “Cross the line. Move the line. Break the line. This game forever grows. Forever spreads. No corner of society out-of-bounds. A cultural force no whistle can stop. The court dimensions may be set. But this game is ever-expanding. The spirit of the NBA.”

Noel Vasquez/Getty Images for Hennessy

Nas, who has been representing Hennessy for almost 7 years now, also hosted the Hennessy All-Star Weekend Gentlemen’s Lounge at The Old Post Office in Chicago on Friday, alongside A$AP Ferg.

There is nothing inherently harmful about placing expectations upon someone. These days, we expect LeBron James to be one of the NBA’s scoring leaders every season because he has proven to us time and time again that he can do it. Without his incredible play on the court, we wouldn’t have those expectations. When a high draft pick is touted as the next big thing, as James was back in 2003, we say this because of what they’ve shown us so far. Simply put: high expectations are the product of your ability at your craft. While this is positive, there is no denying that high and unrealistic expectations can damage a player and open them up to intense scrutiny. Let’s take a look at players such as Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, Markelle Fultz, and even Greg Oden. All of those players went first overall in their respective drafts and all of them have been lambasted by the media. Why? Well, because they never lived up to the expectations of a number one pick.

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If someone expects something of you and you don’t deliver, you’re labeled as a disappointment. This is something that translates to work, school, and even interpersonal relationships. When millions of dollars are at stake and tens of millions of eyes watching your every move on the court, the stakes are that much higher. It’s easy to see how a young player can fall victim to the pitfalls of lofty expectations. These players tend to put more pressure on themselves and when they see the media giving them attention, it magnifies that pressure to an extreme level. Luckily for someone like LeBron, he was able to drown out the noise and forge his own path all while redefining expectations in the process.

Now, it’s LeBron’s son Bronny James Jr. who has to go through the very same thing. Bronny’s birth name, the same as LeBron’s, is something James has admitted he regrets. While speaking on The Shop, LeBron admitted that he only recently realized the burden that comes with that name. Essentially if Bronny isn’t as good as LeBron– he’s a failure. Of course, LeBron has been adamant about Bronny forging his own path and being his best self regardless of who his father is. While this is all well and good, it hasn’t stopped pundits and scouts from speculating about Bronny’s future. As of right now, Bronny is a freshman playing for Sierra Canyon High School in California and has been wracking up quite a few highlights. Due to his status as a freshman, he hasn’t been dominating the scoresheet or raking in the minutes. Instead he’s been developing so he can make more of an impact in his sophomore season.

Realistically, Bronny’s development as a high school basketball player shouldn’t be a story. However, it’s been turned into one. ESPN has started broadcasting Sierra Canyon games and his highlights are everywhere on social media. When Bronny scores a limited amount of points, weird adults on the internet are quick to claim Bronny is some sort of bust who will never be as good as his dad. People have become so worked up over Bronny that it’s almost as if the general public has forgotten that he’s still a teenager with a lot to learn. Some pundits have begun debating whether or not Bronny has college potential and if he has a real path to the NBA. At 15, the weight of the world is already being put on his shoulders. The same thing happened to his dad. Except there is one difference. LeBron exceeded expectations which means people are going to assume the same of Bronny, regardless of how fair it is.

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Even we at HNHH might be a little bit guilty of the Bronny hype. We’ve certainly written our fair share of articles highlighting some of his best plays. What we’ve always made sure to do, however, is not try and hype him up as the second coming of his father. To do so would be robbing a young kid of his joy for the game. While this may be true, it’s also important to note that no one is immune from criticism. With that being said, there is a difference between an obsession over a 15-year-old’s future and an honest conversation about their mistakes and shortcomings on the court. Unfortunately, the dialogue surrounding Bronny has gone from 0 to 100 and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to slow down anytime soon.

Over the next couple of years, we’re going to see the Bronny hype skyrocket to unforeseen levels, especially if he continues to excel as a basketball player. If and when Bronny goes to college, the expectations thrust upon him will be so out of this world that they’re going to exceed those placed on LeBron. Even the assumption that he’ll go to college for basketball is an expectation in and of itself. Perhaps Bronny actually likes these expectations. After all, some people thrive in this environment. No one knows what Bronny’s thinking right now but none of it can be easy. 

Bronny is simply in an impossible situation. His father’s stature as one of the best to ever play makes him susceptible to these expectations while the frantic media coverage has made him an overnight star. If Bronny were to not live up to expectations, while the fallout would be massive, it wouldn’t be his fault. Moving forward, Bronny will become the perfect example of what high expectations can do to a young athlete. While we wish him the best, we hope everyone can sit back and realize that he’s only a kid.

Inside the NBA invaded Today recently when hosts Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal sat down to discuss their friend Kobe Bryant. The death of the basketball icon hasn't been removed from headlines since news broke on January 26 that Kobe, his daughter Gianna, and seven of their friends all perished in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif.

Lisa Blumenfeld / Staff / Getty Images

The last two weeks have been filled with people remembering Kobe with kind words and condolences, but controversy kicks up dust whenever anyone mentions the 2003 scandal where the basketball star was accused of rape by a 19-year-old hotel employee. The case never went to trial because the woman refused to testify, but she did file a civil lawsuit that was settled privately. Bryant also had to issue a public apology where he stated he truly believed their sexual encounter was consensual, but he recognized that she didn't.

Recently, Gayle King caught international heat after a clip of her interview with Lisa Leslie went viral. King probed Leslie about her opinion on Kobe's accusations, causing many to drag her on social media. The Inside the NBA hosts were asked if they believed, as journalists, it was inappropriate for King to raise those questions so soon after his death. Kenny Smith spoke at length about Kobe's influence and how we're all "imperfect people," but it was Charles Barkley's remarks that stirred up controversy.

"Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest basketball players, ever, and he had a flaw that we all know about," Barkley said. “You have to tell the picture in totality. We’re not trying to make  Kobe out to be no hero. We’re celebrating his basketball excellence. We understand what happened in Colorado. That’s fair, but two things can be true.”

People accused Barkley of betraying his friend to satisfy the media. Others wondered if Barkley would receive the same level of backlash as King. Watch the clip and check out a few reactions below.

LeBron James continues to be one of the best players in the entire NBA despite being 35 years old and in his 17th season. The Los Angeles Lakers are currently first in the entire Western Conference with a record of 41-12 and are heading into the All-Star break with a great chance to eventually win the entire championship. It’s not going to be easy but the Lakers have the pieces to get it done, as long as they get a good draw in the playoffs (*cough* avoid the Clippers *cough.*)

After a huge win against the Denver Nuggets, LeBron made it a point to hit up Instagram where he sent a message to his entire team. “Helluva win last night fellas!! Perfect way to go into the break on a high note! Miss you boys already!” James wrote.

It’s clear this team has a ton of camaraderie and are there for each other. In the aftermath of Kobe Bryant’s passing, the Lakers have come together and seem ready to take on any challenge that might come their way. With the All-Star break on the horizon, we can only imagine how well-rested this team will be next Friday when they return to action against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Los Angeles Lakers will be holding A Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant on Monday, February 24th (2/24), as a nod to the numbers worn by both Gigi and Kobe. The event will be held at Staples Center and fans will be able to register for tickets starting today, February 14th through Monday, February 17th at 10pm PT.

Tickets will be priced at $224 each, 2 for $224 and $24.02 each, with all proceeds donated to the newly named Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. Fans may register to purchase tickets at https://verifiedfan.ticketmaster.com/kobeandgianna. 

ESPN host Stephen A. Smith will be manning the sidelines tonight for the annual NBA All Star Celebrity Game, although it looks like he is prepared to lace 'em up if need be. Smith, who will be coaching one team opposite fellow ESPN host Michael Wilbon, took to twitter on Friday afternoon to share a sneak preview of what he expects to happen out on the floor.

Kobe Bryant's death has left a lasting impact on the NBA community. The Los Angeles Lakers legend is one of the best basketball players of all-time and inspired countless people. There have been various stories of NBA players coming out and saying how much they love Kobe and what he told them in a time of need. Whether you were a fan of his or not, there is no denying what Kobe was able to do as both a player and a human being.

This weekend, Chicago is the home of the All-Star game and at the arena, there is a huge Kobe Bryant memorial where people can leave signatures. Today on First Take, Miami Heat legend did just that as he placed his name amongst many others. You can see him pen his tribute in the clip below.

Kobe Bryant’s passing alongside his daughter in a helicopter crash came as a shocking and unexpected tragedy. Bryant is one of the best players in NBA history and continues to be regarded as such, even in passing. As you can imagine, players on the Los Angeles Lakers were absolutely shocked when they heard the news and were visibly devasted over the loss of one of the game’s biggest legends. In fact, the players found out about the tragedy while flying home from a road trip.

During the latest episode of Danny Green’s podcast, Lakers player Quinn Cook spoke about finding out about Kobe’s passing and how the mood on the plane was incredibly sad.

“I look in front of me and I just see LeBron and AD and Randy and AB, Dwight — everybody was just crushed,” Cook said before describing the prayer LeBron James led on the plane. “[It] was very, very, very, powerful. And, after that, like Danny will tell you, I was crushed. I was crying the whole flight. I was absolutely destroyed.”

Cook later spoke about how the team is still going through the trauma of Kobe’s loss but the practices and games are helping them get through everything. It’s clear the Lakers are a team of brothers and they are doing everything in their power to honor Kobe’s legacy.

Quavo will be among the most notable names competing in the 2020 NBA All Star Celebrity Game on Friday night, and he has plenty of footwear options in the stash for his pursuit of another MVP award. Among the sneakers we'll see on Quavo's feet is Kanye West's Yeezy Basketball sneaker, which will reportedly hit retailers for the first time during All Star weekend.

Ahead of tonight's Celebrity Game, Quavo took to instagram to give his followers an in-hand look at the Yeezy Basketball kicks he'll debut on the court.