Welcome to this year’s first edition of the bonus tracks, the other side, the things that make you really love the NBA.

The NBA is in midseason form already, not easing into anything. We’ve already had multiple 50-point games. We’ve had a fight good enough for suspensions. Also, LOL, LeBron James plays for the Lakers. So welcome back to B-Sides.

If this is your first time here, B-sides is a celebration of all the other reasons we love the NBA. These things may have not been breaking news seen all over your TV, or the headlines on every website, but they definitely were the things that kept you coming back for more.

Let’s kick off B-Sides Season 2.

1. Can someone please give Josh Hart a high-five?

This happened last year, too and I just assumed it was a rookie thing. But we’re in year two now. Hart is playing with LeBron, and he’s the king of Fortnite. Things are supposed to be looking up!

But he still cannot get a proper high-five. It’s already happened twice this season.

Ignored by LeBron James

Ignored by Lance Stephenson

Someone please help this man.

2. Candace Parker is already the best thing about Players Only.

We’ve been begging for more Candace Parker in any way we can get it, and Turner Sports came through last month. They have signed her on for not only the NBA season, but the NCAA tournament as well. She’s already the star of the Players Only broadcasts, and in her first night, she’s hit a fadeaway IN HEELS.

Your favorite could never.

3. The shoes this year are incredible

The NBA relaxed its shoe regulations this year, so players no longer have to match team colors. That means we are about to get a season of wild colorways, but it also means that players can freely mismatch shoes now.

We’re getting mismatched shoes

We’re getting animal print

We’re getting wild and bright colors

And a lot of customs

Bring on all the crazy colorways, please!

4. These pictures of Russell Westbrook

If you do anything while reading this, please scroll through the photos here. As much as I’d like to say Russ went to Sears and did his own photoshoot, these are for a cover shoot with Numero magazine. Fourth grade “Picture Day” me is sick about how good these photos are.

Just gonna feature this one in case you didn’t scroll like I asked.

LOOK AT THIS. IS THAT ROBERT PATTINSON IN TWILIGHT ON HIS SHIRT?!

Now that we’re here, here’s another.

Russ forever.

5. The Bulls may be bad, but they’re lovable

Jabari Parker played “What’s in that box?” and had has NO IDEA that it’s Robin Lopez.

“Ooh. What is it? I don’t even wanna touch it. It moved. Is it alive?”

“I don’t know what I’m feeling right now. It’s not pleasant. I don’t wanna touch it.”

“It’s soft and it’s moving. What is this? It’s an animal. It’s a cat because it’s furry. I don’t wanna pet a cat. I’m afraid of cats.”

“What is this? I felt teeth?

What is this? It’s hot.

Somebodies head? This is somebodies head?

Yeah it is. Who is this?”

What a great video.

6. Zhuri is the best member of the James family

I know you all love LeBron (myself included), and Bronny will one day takeover the NBA himself, but we really need to recognize Zhuri.

She makes LeBron listen to the Frozen soundtrack.

Her dance moves are incredible

And here she is blowing out candles for her fourth birthday party if you just want to get all in your feels.

7. The Warriors’ Big 5 getting pranked

I don’t want to say much to spoil this. I just want you to watch this video all the way through.

The only thing I do want to get off my chest though is that STEPH CURRY KNOWS EVERY WORD OF CARELESS WHISPER.

8. Kristi Toliver is coaching the Wizards and it’s so damn cool

The longtime WNBA point guard will be a Wizards’ player development assistant coach this season and while she’s not the first female to coach in the NBA, she’s still one of the first. The Mystics’ point guard is fresh off a WNBA Finals appearance and all-star season. She’ll continue to play for the Mystics as well during the NBA offseason.

Huge congrats to Kristi!

9. The Blazers dressed up for Halloween a week early

This is Jusuf Nurkic.

This is Damian Lillard

Bruce Ely / Trail Blazers

Myers Leonard is Danny Zuko.

Bruce Ely / Trail Blazers

And welcome to the NBA, guys.

Bruce Ely / Trail Blazers

10. These Classic jerseys need to become permanent

The Hornets and Magic both wore their Classic Night jerseys in the same game and my word why would either team ever wear anything else?

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

THESE ARE.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

PERFECT.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Hello, @hornets and @magic just keep these forever!

My favorite photo of the week

This was a caption that was accidentally taken over by James Harden last year. I’m opening it back up to the field in B-Sides Season 2 and the Nuggets have stolen Week 1. Plus, they’re 4-1 and good and stuff, so they earned this.

See ya next week, friends. Tweet me your B-Sides, and I’ll include them in the next round.