FS1’s Shannon Sharpe On NBA Season “It Felt Different Due To High Profile Injuries”
Lakers Forward LeBron James let loose in a Twitter feed earlier this month; after the last All-Star suffered an injury during the 2021 playoffs.
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard was ruled by Los Angeles for game 5 against Jazz due to a knee sprain. The injury also caused him to miss game six of the Western Conference Semifinals. It has also caused him to miss game one of the Western Conference Finals against the Phoenix Suns.
ESPN and The Athletic additionally reported that the team fears he suffered an ACL injury. Other notable NBA All-Stars suffered injuries during this year’s playoffs James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Donovan Mitchell, Mike Conley, Anthony Davis, and LeBron James.
After Leonard was ruled out for game five against the Jazz, James took to Twitter to voice his frustration with the start of the season.
“They all didn’t wanna listen to me about the start of the season,” James tweeted. “I knew exactly what would happen. I only wanted to protect the well being of the players which ultimately is the PRODUCT & BENEFIT of OUR GAME!”
“If there’s one person that know[s] about the body and how it works all year-round it’s me!”
On Sunday, TMZ Sports caught up with FS1 ‘Undisputed’ host Shannon Sharpe at LAX. Sharpe was asked to share his thoughts on James’ beef with the NBA.
“Look, the NBA wanted to recoup some money, they were in a pandemic and lost money,” Sharpe shared, “but the players wanted to get those paychecks.”
“They couldn’t play without the NBA and the [NBA Players Association] agreeing. So, everybody’s equally culpable because they needed the money and the players wanted the paycheck. It is what it is.”
The NBA responded to the Lakers superstar, saying the injury rates are actually the same as in previous seasons.
However, Sharpe said he felt different this year due to the nature of the high-profile injuries.
You can see Sharpe hosting FS1’s Undisputed with Skip Bayless Monday through Friday.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
