Ben Fischer: WarnerMedia Chair Jeff …

Ben Fischer: WarnerMedia Chair Jeff Zucker on NBA ratings weakness this season: “I think the combination of injuries and sitting out has been an issue, and I think that’s concern, and hopefully that will get addressed over time…. “I think the league has some influence over teams and i would like them to exert that influence.” WarnerMedia Chair Jeff Zucker on load management in the NBA. #SBJSMT

China’s Tencent Sports suddenly halted …

China’s Tencent Sports suddenly halted the live broadcast of a key NBA game Saturday (Nov. 9) after a man seated in the front row of the audience was seen wearing clothes with a Taiwanese flag on them. The broadcaster declared that elements in the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat did not “correspond to broadcasting standards” without giving a further explanation.

Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless are …

Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless are poised to pull off a possible reunion at ESPN’s “First Take,” sources told Front Office Sports. Bayless’ current contract with Fox Sports expires in 2020, said sources. Smith refers to Bayless as his “brother from another mother.” The former “First Take” sparring partners could reunite on the “Embrace Debate” morning show that turned them both into national stars. “They both want to make it happen. I’m just not sure ESPN will hit Fox’s number,” said one source.