Russian Prosecutors Seek 9.5-Year Sentence for Griner, Plus Latest NBA News

Russian prosecutors seek 9 1/2-year sentence for Griner. Lakers Anthony Davis donates $350,000 to Kentucky flood relief. Former Knicks, Cavs Guard Shumpert arrested. Magic Johnson urges NBA to retire Bill Russell's number.

Russian prosecutors seek 9 1/2-year sentence for Griner, WNBA star prepared for worst

The closing arguments on the trial of WNBA Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner will take place on Thursday, nearly six months after her February arrest at a Moscow airport and subsequent detention. According to reports, Russian prosecutors have asked the court to sentence Griner to 9 1/2 years in prison on charges of cannabis possession after the substance was found in vape cartridges in her luggage, Long Island News 12 reported.

A source told ESPN that Griner is "prepared for the worst."

Many believe the trial is a prelude to negotiations between the Russian and American governments. While some officials believe a lengthy sentence will hasten diplomatic negotiations, history shows such talks can drag on for years.

Lakers Anthony Davis donates $350,000 to Eastern Kentucky flood relief

Los Angeles Lakers power forward and center Anthony Davis, who led the University of Kentucky to a national championship over a decade ago, is donating $350,000 toward relief for flood victims in Eastern Kentucky, 247 Sports reported.

Davis is an eight-time NBA All-Star and has been named to four All-NBA First Teams and four NBA All-Defensive Teams. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said on Tuesday that the death toll from last week's flooding in eastern Kentucky had reached 37 and more residents remained missing, Fox reported.

Former Knicks and Cavs guard Iman Shumpert arrested

Iman Shumpert, a free-agent guard who formerly played with the Brooklyn Nets in 2021, and won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, was arrested at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport after authorities allegedly found marijuana in his bag, according to the Bleacher Report. He faces up to 2 years in jail and a $10,000 fine if convicted on felony charges.

Shumpert was the 17th pick overall in the 2011 NBA draft, selected by the New York Knicks. Shumpert, 32, also played for the Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets.

Magic Johnson calls on NBA to retire Bill Russell's number

Following the death of NBA legend and 11-time league champion Bill Russell at age 88, Lakers superstar Magic Johnson and many observers are calling on the league and Commissioner Adam Silver to retire the number 6 worn by Bill Russell, Sports Illustrated reported.

"Commissioner Adam Silver should retire number 6 across the @NBA in honor of Bill Russell's legacy!" Johnson tweeted.