Surprise! Everyone’s mad at James Harden and the Kardashians

Good morning. Let’s basketball.

YES: Let’s put Earl Lloyd, the first black NBA player, on a stamp.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GIANTS: Comparing Anthony Davis’ third season with those of Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan. No pressure, kid.

SORRY BRAD: Why an early extension makes no sense for either Bradley Beal or the Wizards.

FRED HOIBALL: Reasons to get excited about the Bulls’ new offense.

ANALYZING EACH TEAM’S KEVIN DURANT CHANCES WITH ANIMATED GIFS: It does what it says on the box.

BUT SERIOUSLY: Russell Westbrook appears to be a quite serious Taylor Swift fan! This is pretty amazing news.

HAPPY BEARD DAY: So James Harden is dating Khloe Kardashian (who previously dated Rashad McCants and married Lamar Odom). They were at this house on the coast with everyone to celebrate James’ birthday. Kanye and Kris Jenner fell asleep on a coach, so Harden #GOTEM. Apparently the big (permitted) fireworks show (yes, in late August) Khloe put together for James pissed off everyone in earshot, too. What a life.

WAIT, WHAT? I am actually not surprised that Draymond Green and Hassan Whiteside entered a Twitter feud over some basic basketball philosophy.

SPEAKING OF WHICH ... Otto Porter is preparing to play some stretch four in the regular season. Someone told Randy Wittman, right?

THERE’S A DERRICK ROSE LAWSUIT HAPPENING: Since it’s a civil suit and not a criminal investigation, it’ll be treated differently (by us and the NBA, I presume). But the accusations are shocking and you’ll find no triangulating or jokes here.

Happy Thursday. Weekend’s almost here! See you next time.