Did Delonte West's NBA career derail after his alleged affair with LeBron James' mother?

Last year, Delonte West was in the news after a video of the former NBA star homeless and beaten was shared online. The video sparked a series of tweets by people, seeking help for the 37-year-old. Months later, West was helped to a rehab facility by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban – where he has also found a job. 

Also read | Delonte West finds work in Florida, reunites with mother thanks to ex-boss Mark Cuban

Delonte West and LeBron James' mother scandal

While West played in the NBA for almost a decade, he is infamous for the scandal involving himself and LeBron James' mother Gloria. In 2010, reports and rumours spoke about West dating Gloria, something which James was apparently not fond of. As per the source which spoke to a gossip blog, Delonte was sleeping with Gloria – which James found out before Game 4 (2010 Eastern Conference semifinal), hampering the team's chemistry. 

Also read | Delonte West finally back to shooting hoops in a gym in Florida

Did Delonte West's NBA career go downhill after rumoured affair with Gloria James?

While West denied the rumours, he was traded to the Boston Celtics next season. Some reports spoke about James orchestrating the deal, wanting to send West out of the Cavaliers. He played another season with the Dallas Mavericks before opting out. 

Drafted as a Round 1 No. 24-pick by the Boston Celtics, West played with the team for three seasons before heading to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played with the Cavaliers and James till 2010, before being traded back to the Celtics. West scored 9.7 points per game in his career, while shooting 44.8% from the field during his nine-year career. 

Also read | What happened to Delonte West? Ex-NBA star homeless, asks for money from fans in Dallas

Delonte West street video showed former basketball star homeless 

In January 2020, West was spotted being beaten up on the streets of Washington DC. The video of the incident was shared online, which was later asked to be taken down. Fans and NBA players jumped to West's support while issues about his mental health and bankruptcy surfaced. A few months later, photos of the former NBA star wandering the streets while asking for money were shared on social media. 

While many reports spoke about the NBA community wanting to help him, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was the one who could, ultimately, reach out. Later, the 62-year-old business tycoon provided timely updates about West's situation. Now, West is working with the same institute he was recovering in. 

Also read | Delonte West takes first steps to recovery, Mark Cuban shares positive update

What happened to Delonte West?

(Image credits: LeBron James Instagram, NBA site)