Jazz Should Thank LeBron James For NBA Jam Reference, Says O’Shea Jackson Jr
During the All-Star draft, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James took a shot at Utah Jazz greats Karl Malone and John Stockton. As for justification for not selecting Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert until the last two picks.
“I just want to say something because there’s no slander to the Utah Jazz,” James said with a smile. “But you guys got to understand, just like in video games growing up, we never played with Utah. Even as great as Karl Malone and John Stockton were, we never would have picked those guys. Never!”
Following the Jazz 131-123 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on March 3, 2021, the newly crown Defensive Player of the Year came to his post-game interview with a shirt with Karl Malone and John Stockton that said NBA Jam in response to LeBron James comments.
On Thursday evening, Los Angeles Lakers Fan O’Shea Jackson Jr was on Twitter Space in a room hosted by ESPN’s Jorge Sedano when he uttered that the Jazz wouldn’t be this good if it were not for LeBron James.
“If wasn’t for LeBron James saying nobody plays with Karl Malone and John Stockton on NBA Jams the Utah Jazz wouldn’t be this good,” says O’Shea Jackson Jr.
Following the Jazz 117-111 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in game two of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Jazz with 37 points, three rebounds, and four assists. The Jazz take a 2-0 series lead as the series shifts back to Los Angeles for games three and four.
Jackson Jr did say that he thought the Clippers would receive some home cooking and would win game three.
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.
