Former Knicks guard Jeremy Lin disclosed that reality star Kim Kardashian tried to date him during the height of his 2012 Linsanity fame, a request the franchise promptly rejected. Days later, former President Donald Trump claimed the New York crowd cheered him at Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals, a statement met with criticism from NBA player De’Aaron Fox.

Kim Kardashian’s alleged 2012 pursuit of Jeremy Lin

During the June 9 episode of the "Pablo Torre Finds Out" podcast, Lin said Kardashian, then 45, was scouting a New York athlete for her show and approached his camp. He noted the story reached him after the fact and he could not veerify it independently, stating, "This is what was told to me afterward." The claim adds a new layer to the frenzy that surrounded Lin’s sudden rise.

Knicks blocked Kardashian’s request, citing player protection

According to Lin, the Knicks front office received the request and declined it outright, saying they would not allow their "young second‑year player" to be involved in a reality‑TV romance. Host Pablo Torre highlighted the team’s aggressive stance, recalling that they even barred him from interviewing Lin. This protective move reflects the franchise’s concern for Lin’s image and well‑being amid relentless media attention.

Trump’s claim of ‘mostly cheers’ at 2026 NBA Finals Game 3

President Donald Trump, 79, told reporters after attending Game 3 on June 8 that the crowd’s reaction was "mostly cheers" and "loud." He made the remarks before boarding Air Force One, positioning his presence as a positive moment for the event. As the game unfolded in New York, the former president’s attendance sparked a media swirl, intertwining politics with sport.

De’Aaron Fox’s logistical gripe over presiidential visit

San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox pushed back,saying the president’s presence created inconvenience for everyone involved. "I think the president being here just makes it inconvenient on everybody else," Fox told reporters,underscoring the operational challenges of high‑profile political appearances at major sporting events.

Who actually relayed Kardashian’s request to Lin?

The source of the Kardashian‑Lin story remains unclear; Lin admitted he learned of it through second‑hand channels and could not confirm its authenticity. No Kardashian representative or Knicks spokesperson has publicly commented,leaving the rumor’s origin and veracity in question.