Torch gets passed to LeBron with class

Essay by 75-year-old Abdul-Jabbar brings wisdom, perspective

In an essay he posted online the day after LeBron James surpassed his NBA career scoring mark, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar lavishly praised the new

No. 1 and asked that his fans do nothing “to in any way tarnish or equivocate his enormous achievement.”

Kareem’s essay is a demonstration of class, perspective and even joy over LeBron’s accomplishment. “There are no ‘yeah, buts,’ just praise,” he writes, “where it is rightfully and righteously due.” Find the essay if you can and share in the wisdom and perspective of the 75-year-old icon.

Likes to share: LeBron’s instincts for team play are so sharp that in addition to being the scoring king, he’s fourth all-time in assists. What do the critics have to say about that?

The Big Game: The Eagles have the superior roster, but

I’d be careful picking against Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid when they’ve had two weeks to prepare. This is a cliché, sure.

But one that exists for a reason.

Word play: No Super Bowl participant has a name better suited for his job than Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell.

Static: Super Week media nonsense at its best (i.e., worst), as reported by Yahoo columnist Dan Wetzel. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni was asked which of his players he wouldn’t want his daughter to date. Answered Sirianni, “My daughter is 5 years old.”

Data report: It’s no fun agreeing with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, but I’m inclined to see his point that the 18% increase in reports of player concussions this season could be the result of the league’s improved diagnostic process. In any case, Tua Tagovailoa could have spiked the numbers all by himself.

Slow the roll: Kevin Durant, who in the eyes of the basketball world makes the Phoenix Suns a virtual shoo-in for the NBA Finals, is the same 34-year-old who is coming back from a knee sprain and who hasn’t played a full season in almost five years.

Reality check: Irony has a new poster child: Kyrie Irving saying he was disrespected by the Nets.

Karma, baby: Reports have it that Nets owner Joe Tsai told his front office it could ship Irving to any team except his preferred destination, the Lakers. Payback for the dysfunction Irving brought to Brooklyn.