2004

Shaquille O’Neal is traded by the Lakers to the Heat in exchange for Caron Butler, Brian Grant, Lamar Odom, a first round pick, and a second round pick. The transaction ends years of speculation over O’Neal’s future with Los Angeles due to the nature of his relationship with superstar teammate Kobe Bryant. Miami reaches the Eastern Conference Finals in their first season with Shaq, while the Lakers end ’04-’05 out of the playoffs.

1926

Wallace “Wah Wah” Jones is born in Harlan, Kentucky. He was an all-state athlete at Harlan High School in baseball and football in addition to basketball.

1974

On the final day of competition at the FIBA World Championship in Puerto Rico, the previously unbeaten United States is defeated by the Soviet Union, 105-94. Meanwhile, Yugoslavia beats Spain 79-71, setting up a three-way tie between the U.S., U.S.S.R., and Yugoslavians. Due to an arcane tiebreaker (goals against average), the Soviets earn their second gold medal, Yugoslavia takes silver, and United States settles for bronze. The controversial ending implored FIBA to change the format in the 1978 edition, adding a final round between the top two teams to determine the gold medal.

1975

Erick Dampier is born in Jackson, Mississippi. He led Lawrence County High School to back-to-back Mississippi state titles in 1992 and 1993.

1999

The inaugural WNBA All-Star Game takes place at Madison Square Garden, with Lisa Leslie earning MVP after leading the West to a 79-61 victory over the East.

2004

Steve Nash signs as a free agent with the Suns. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban would later call it the biggest mistake of his career to let Nash go as a free agent.

2021

Devin Booker scores 42 points for the Suns in game four of the NBA Finals but Khris Middleton drops 40 to lead the Bucks to a 108-102 victory, evening the series at 2-2.

The U.S. women’s national team is stunned by a team of WNBA All-Stars 93-85 in Las Vegas in the league’s yearly All-Star Game. Arike Ogunbowale, who was snubbed from the U.S. Olympic team, leads all scorers with 23 points and is named MVP. Sue Bird appears for a record 12th time, while Ariel Atkins and Kahleah Copper make their All-Star debuts.