The Best of the Sports Shop

Reese, Kmac and Alex speak with Renee Best, CEO of Anew U Counseling Services.

Renee Best, LCMHCS, LPCS, is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, clinical supervisor and founder of Anew U Counseling Services. She specializes in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions using evidence-based, person-centered approaches, including EMDR and Brainspotting. Best joins the Sports Shop on this Wellness Wednesday to discuss mental health.

For more information, visit https://anewucs.com/

Reese, Kmac and Alex discuss why LeBron James left the Lakers and compare the end of the Laker careers of LeBron and Kobe Bryant.

It was announced yesterday that LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere. Why did LeBron leave L.A.? Where does LeBron rank among all-time great Lakers? Is he top 10? Should he get a statue?

Reese and Alex discuss Serena Williams' return at Wimbledon, LeBron James leaving the Lakers and where he could he potentially be headed.

It was announced yesterday that LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere.  Where should LeBron go next? Where will he? Where does LeBron rank among all-time great Lakers? Is he top 10? Should he get a statue?

Yesterday, Serena Williams' returned to singles competition at Wimbledon. Williams' match ended in a hard-fought first-round loss to 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint after nearly four years away from singles play. Competing on Centre Court, where she won seven Wimbledon singles titles during her legendary career, Williams received a wild-card entry and showed flashes of her trademark power and resilience. She rallied to win the second set by saving a match point in the tiebreak but ultimately fell 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 as Joint's consistency and athleticism proved decisive. What do we think of Williams' return?

Reese and Alex discuss NBA free agency and LeBron James reportedly leaving the Lakers after 8 years.

It was announced yesterday that LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere. Where does LeBron rank among all-time great Lakers? Is he top 10? Should he get a statue? What other moves were made in free agency yesterday?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss which NBA franchise has treated its star the worst lately and Pam’s upcoming vacation plans as she heads out for a well-deserved break.

The Boston Celtics have disrespected Jaylen Brown by frequently involving him in trade talks despite everything he’s done for the franchise, the Lakers and LeBron James have not been in communication as he enters free agency, Kawhi Leonard is in trade talks, and LaMelo Ball and Ja Morant have been traded recently. With all of that happening around the league, which situation stands out the most and which NBA franchise has treated its star the worst lately?

Today was Pam's last day of the week as she is taking a well-deserved vacation. Pam will be back next week during the middle of the week. Where is Pam going?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the Lions releasing Terrion Arnold following his felony arrest, the Bills' decision not to honor O.J. Simpson at their new stadium despite his Hall of Fame career and the federal gambling indictment against former NBA player Malik Beasley and what it could mean for his future.

The Detroit Lions released cornerback Terrion Arnold just hours after a Florida judge set his bond at $1M following his arrest on eight felony charges, including four counts each of armed robbery and kidnapping. Prosecutors allege Arnold orchestrated a violent retaliation after believing valuable items had been stolen from an Airbnb he rented, though authorities say the victims were not responsible for the theft. The judge denied prosecutors' request to hold Arnold without bond but imposed strict conditions, including surrendering his passport, avoiding contact with co-defendants and witnesses, and remaining under home confinement except for approved activities. Arnold has denied the allegations through his attorney, while the Lions announced his release without further comment due to the ongoing legal case. What is going on?

The Buffalo Bills announced they will NOT honor former running back O.J. Simpson at their new Highmark Stadium, despite his legendary playing career and status as the franchise's first Wall of Fame inductee. Bills COO Pete Guelli said Simpson was "not a fit to display" in the stadium's new "Family Circle," which celebrates the team's greatest figures. Simpson remains one of the most accomplished players in franchise history, winning the 1973 NFL MVP and becoming the first player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. Is this fair?

Former NBA player Malik Beasley was indicted by a federal grand jury on gambling-related charges stemming from an alleged scheme to manipulate player prop bets during the 2023-24 NBA season. Prosecutors allege Beasley, who was with the Milwaukee Bucks at the time, intentionally altered his on-court statistics in at least four games so co-conspirators could profit from bets. What will happen to Beasley?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Chris Johnson's ALS diagnosis and the sports world's reaction, as well as if LeBron should leave the Lakers for Golden State.

Former star running back Chris "CJ2k" Johnson revealed yesterday that he has ALS and the disease had quickly progressed. Johnson divulged the information on 'Good Morning America'. How did this happen?

Yesterday, Draymond Green declined his nearly $28M player option for the 2026-27 season with the Warriors and will become a free agent. Green is expected to sign a multi-year deal with the Warriors at a smaller number to help the Warriors with roster construction flexbility. Green's financial decision to take a paycut is likely so the Warriors can continue with their pursuit for Lebron. If this happens, will the Warriors also trade for Anthony Davis, as it's been rumored that Lebron will only join the Warriors if Anthony Davis joins. Is LeBron headed to the Warriors? Should LeBron leave LA?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the Grizzlies trading Ja Morant to Portland, Draymond Green's pay cut and what it could mean for a potential LeBron James pursuit by the Warriors, and whether the Sports Shop crew would rather build a franchise around Jaylen Brown or Luka Dončić. 

The Memphis Grizzlies traded Ja Morant to Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray yesterday. Who wins this trade? How will Ja fit on the Blazers? Can he stay out of trouble in Portland? With a crowded backcourt, who will the Blazers trade next?

Yesterday, Draymond Green declined his nearly $28M player option for the 2026-27 season with the Warriors and will become a free agent. Green is expected to sign a multi-year deal with the Warriors at a smaller number to help the Warriors with roster construction flexbility. Green's financial decision to take a paycut is likely so the Warriors can continue with their pursuit for Lebron. If this happens, will the Warriors also trade for Anthony Davis, as it's been rumored that Lebron will only join the Warriors if Anthony Davis joins. Is LeBron headed to the Warriors? 

If you were to start your own franchise knowing everything you know now, would you rather start your franchise with Jaylen Brown or Luka Doncic?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the Grizzlies trading Ja Morant and Reese's experience the 66th Annual National Sports Media Association (NSMA) Awards Banquet and National Convention.

The Memphis Grizzlies traded Ja Morant to Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray yesterday. Who wins this trade? How will Ja fit on the Blazers? Can he stay out of trouble in Portland? With a crowded backcourt, who will the Blazers trade next?

The 66th Annual National Sports Media Association (NSMA) Awards Banquet and National Convention took place in Greensboro last night, Monday, June 29, 2026. Reese was in attendance! How was his experience?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the start of Wimbledon and the return of Serena Williams.

Wimbledon is the world's oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament. It is held annually in southwest London at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC), it is the only one of the four annual Grand Slam events still played on the sport's original surface: grass. This year, Wimbledon begins today and will span from Mon, Jun 29, 2026 – Sun, Jul 12, 2026. Are you excited for Wimbledon? What should we expect from Venus and Serena Williams? Should Serena have just stayed retired?