Iconic TNT sideline reporter Craig Sager is best known for bringing levity to national broadcasts with his memorable back-and-forth's with Gregg Popovich and his ridiculous and colorful suits. On Tuesday, however, the Los Angeles Lakers TNT televised showdown with the Memphis Grizzlies will take on a more somber tone with Sager telling HBO Real Sports (via the Washington Post) that "his cancer is no longer in remission."
Sager had returned to TNT this season after a lengthy battle with leukemia, but has now been told by doctors he may only have "three to six months to live." But Sager hasn't given up yet.
"I'm not going to be that three to six months," Sager recalled telling his doctors. "I'm going to be that five years. I'm going to make medical history. ... I'm fighting this thing to the end. I have too much to do."
The NBA community as a whole was saddened by the news, which led to such an outpouring of support that "Craig Sager" was trending on Twitter on Tuesday. Kobe Bryant was among those expressing his support for the broadcasting legend:
Thoughts and prayers for Craig Sager and his family. Keep on fighting man. #prayforsager
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) March 22, 2016
Bryant wasn't alone among NBA greats in sharing his love for Sager. LeBron James also joined in the massive showing of solidarity:
My prayers goes out to one of the best to ever do it Craig Sager!! Please Stay Strong. #CancerSucks
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 22, 2016
Here is video (via Bleacher Report) of the three during happier times at the most recent All-Star weekend in Toronto:
LeBron James & Dwyane Wade back to photobombing.LeBron James & Dwyane Wade back to photobombing.
Posted by Bleacher Report on Sunday, February 14, 2016
As LeBron said, cancer does suck, and here's hoping that Sager can make medical history from this author and all of us at Silver Screen and Roll.
You can follow this author on Twitter at @hmfaigen.