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James used to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers. When he left, the value of the team fell by tens of millions of dollars — and the value of his new team, the Miami Heat, rose by tens of millions. Planet Money looks at why economists say James should be making closer to $40 million a year.

New York Knicks captain Amar'e "STAT" Stoudemire is a six-time All-Star, an education activist and the author of three books for middle-schoolers. In his latest release, an injury helps an 11-year-old STAT learn lessons both on and off the court.

The Trail Blazers chose Kentucky center Sam Bowie with the second pick in the 1984 NBA draft. Then the Chicago Bulls took Michael Jordan. Bowie's tenure in Portland was marred by leg injuries; Jordan became a legend. ESPN recounts it all in a documentary about Bowie on Thursday night.

He led the Miami Heat to the NBA championship and Team USA to a gold medal in the Olympics. James "has entered a state of mastery," says legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski.

It's a role reversal in Los Angeles basketball: The Clippers are top dogs of the city. Meanwhile, the Lakers are trying to pick themselves back up after an abysmal start. They're hoping a new coach does the trick. Host Scott Simon talks with NPR's Tom Goldman about basketball and recent concussions in the NFL.

Many sports bosses are tarnishing their achievements by overstaying their welcome, says commentator Frank Deford.

The Lakers finished 41-25, last season, but were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. The team started off the season with a disappointing 1-4 record.

After a 30-year run, Stern is the only commissioner many fans have known. Beginning in 1984, Stern oversaw a huge growth of the NBA.

In its long history, Brooklyn has been famous for two sports events: No. 1, having the Dodgers; No. 2, losing the Dodgers. But now Brooklyn has an NBA team, a fancy new arena — and even a floor that may set a new trend.

Everage Richardson is the world's top-scoring basketball player. You've probably never heard of him, because like thousands of American players, he's taken his game overseas. Three years ago, he moved from Brooklyn, N.Y., to Elbingrode, a town of 6,000 in the Harz Mountains. Das Schwarze Perle — "The Black Pearl" — as he is known here, averaged an astounding 42 points a game. Connor Donevan reports.