LeBron James' Family Legacy Comes Alive With The LA Lakers 2024 Season - Eps. 50

Welcome to Episode 50 of the irl Media NEWS Podcast, I'm your host Chris Thompson, and today we discuss Jennifer Lopez sets her sights on a $55 Million LA mega-mansion, trouble for the murdoch family trust that controls conservative Fox News, holograms could be coming to your living room sooner than you think, get ready for the new “Legally Blonde” prequel coming to amazon prime video, playing in the NBA with his son is one of LeBron James’ greatest accomplishments.

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Transcript

Welcome to Episode 50 of the irl Media NEWS Podcast, I'm your host Chris Thompson, and today we discuss Jennifer Lopez sets her sights on a $55 Million LA mega-mansion, trouble for the murdoch family trust that controls conservative Fox News, holograms could be coming to your living room sooner than you think, get ready for the new “Legally Blonde” prequel coming to amazon prime video, playing in the NBA with his son is one of LeBron James’ greatest accomplishments.

Business

The ongoing Murdoch family trust court case in Nevada is one of the most high-profile legal battles in recent media history, with implications that could ripple across the media and political landscape. This case, centered around the future control of News Corp and Fox News, is taking place behind closed doors in a Nevada probate court. Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul behind Fox News and News Corp, is facing opposition from some of his children over changes he wants to make to the irrevocable family trust. The court case is raising questions about succession and control over the powerful media empire. The outcome could shift the balance of power within the family and have a profound impact on the direction of Fox News.

The Murdoch family trust, established decades ago, is a cornerstone of the Murdoch empire. It controls the family’s 40% stake in News Corp and Fox news, making it the key to succession. After Rupert Murdoch’s divorce from his second wife, Anna Murdoch Mann, the trust was set up in such a way that his four oldest children—Lachlan, James, Elisabeth, and Prudence—would each have equal voting power upon his death. This setup ensured that the controlling shares would be divided equally, ostensibly to avoid family conflict.

However, things took a sharp turn in late 2023 when Rupert Murdoch secretly moved to make changes to the trust, tipping the balance in favor of his eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch, who works closely with Rupert Murdoch at News Corp and Fox News, and is also aligned politically with his Republican leaning father. This has led to the current legal dispute, as the other siblings - James, Elisabeth, and Prudence, who all lean toward the Democratic side of the political spectrum - felt sidelined and challenged the changes in a Nevada court. Lachlan Murdoch, who has been more aligned with the conservative direction of Fox News, stands to gain significant control if the court rules in his favor, while his siblings have voiced concerns about Fox News’ populist direction under his leadership.

Lachlan Murdoch has been serving as the executive chairman and CEO of Fox Corporation, maintaining the company’s hard-right stance. James Murdoch, on the other hand, has distanced himself from the family’s media empire and has been a vocal critic of Fox News, particularly over its climate change coverage and political stance. Elisabeth and Prudence have largely stayed out of the media spotlight but are reportedly aligned with James in this legal battle.

Thoroughly confused yet? Let me help sort things out.

An irrevocable family trust, like the one the Murdochs are fighting over, is designed to be permanent. Once established, the terms of the trust can’t  “easily” be changed without the approval of all parties or a court order. These types of trusts are favored by wealthy families because they provide asset protection, tax benefits, and a structured way to pass on wealth to future generations. They can also help shield assets from creditors and ensure privacy, which is especially important for high-profile families like the Murdochs.

Nevada, where this case is being heard, is a popular state for setting up trusts because of its strong privacy laws and favorable tax treatment. The state does not levy income or estate taxes, making it an attractive jurisdiction for wealthy individuals and families. Additionally, Nevada law provides strong protections against challenges to trusts, which is why many family dynasties, including the Murdochs, choose to establish their trusts there.

The outcome of this court case could have significant repercussions for Fox News and the broader media landscape. If the court allows Rupert Murdoch to make changes favoring Lachlan, the eldest son will likely continue steering Fox News on its current right-wing path. Lachlan has long been seen as more conservative than his siblings and has overseen Fox News as it has leaned into its populist and sometimes controversial programming. This could solidify Fox’s position as a major voice in conservative media.

On the other hand, if the court sides with James, Elisabeth, and Prudence, Fox News could see a shift away from its current stance. James Murdoch, in particular, has criticized Fox News’ direction and has distanced himself from its hard-right commentary. A shift in leadership could lead to significant changes in programming, potentially bringing Fox News closer to the political center. Such a change could alter the media landscape by weakening Fox News’ influence on conservative politics in the U.S., which could, in turn, impact political discourse leading up to future elections.

The legal battle has already brought to light the deep divisions within the Murdoch family and the potential for a power struggle that could reshape the media empire Rupert Murdoch spent decades building.

At its core, the Murdoch family trust case is about control - control of one of the most influential media empires in the world and its future direction. Whether Lachlan retains his grip on Fox News or his siblings succeed in diluting his power will have far-reaching consequences not just for the Murdoch family but for the media and political landscape as well.

As the court deliberates, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Fox News has been a powerful force in American politics, and any shift in its leadership could impact how news is presented to millions of viewers. The Murdoch family saga is a real-life drama that will continue to unfold, and its outcome will likely shape the future of media and politics in the U.S. for years to come.

The Nevada court case is expected to be long and contentious, but its resolution could bring clarity to the future of Fox News and News Corp, determining whether they remain under conservative leadership or shift in a new direction. Regardless of the outcome, this legal battle will likely be studied for years as an example of how dynastic family struggles can have profound implications for the business world and beyond.

Tech

Imagine sitting in your living room and watching a life-size 3D hologram of your favorite actor in your favorite movie right there in front of you. That dream could soon be a reality, thanks to a startup named Proto. This innovative company promises to bring 3D holograms directly into our homes, making what once seemed like a sci-fi fantasy into something much more tangible. Proto’s technology doesn’t just aim for small projections - it’s aiming to deliver life-size, fully interactive holograms right in your living space, revolutionizing how we consume entertainment.

For decades, companies have teased us with the promise of holograms making their way into our homes. We’ve seen holograms in movies, talked about the potential of immersive 3D experiences, but the technology always seemed to be “just around the corner.” Over the years, despite advancements in virtual reality, augmented reality, and other immersive tech, true home holograms have never quite come to fruition.

The major stumbling block has always been the complexity and cost of creating believable, real-time holographic images. Early attempts at holography required expensive and complex equipment, often relegating the tech to concerts, museums, or research facilities. But now, Proto is poised to change the game. The company has developed a sleek holographic projection system that could sit in your home and beam stunningly realistic 3D images into your living room.

One of the most iconic uses of hologram technology to date was the resurrection of rapper Tupac Shakur at Coachella in 2012. During Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s performance, audiences were stunned as a hologram of Tupac took the stage and performed “Hail Mary.” The hologram, created by a company called Digital Domain, was so realistic that it reignited conversations about the future of entertainment, concerts, and even how deceased artists could "perform" for live audiences in the future. There were also a fair number of conspiracy theorists who insisted it was the real Tupac Shakur who they claimed faked his own death and had come back to perform at Coachella. No seriously. Talk about wackjobs!

The Tupac hologram was a monumental achievement at the time. However, the complexity and costs involved in creating such a detailed holographic representation were astronomical, and the technology seemed like it would be limited to big-budget events. But that performance laid the groundwork for companies like Proto to continue pushing the boundaries of what holograms could achieve.

Now, more than a decade after the Tupac hologram wowed audiences, we’re closer than ever to having similar holographic experiences in our homes. Proto has managed to package holographic technology into a user-friendly, consumer-sized box that can project life-size images right into your living room. Major brands like H&M and DHL have also used the platform for innovative marketing.

What’s exciting about Proto’s system is its versatility. It’s not just for watching concerts or movies. Imagine using it for fitness classes, telemedicine, shopping, or even video calls with family members who appear as if they’re right there in front of you. Proto’s holographic platform has the potential to be much more than a novelty—it could become an integral part of how we live and communicate.

The anticipation around Proto’s technology brings up the exciting possibility of holographic movies. Imagine watching a classic like “Star Wars” with the characters appearing in full 3D right in your living room, or being immersed in a new sci-fi film where the action literally unfolds around you. The tech has the potential to transform the way we experience entertainment, making it more interactive and immersive than ever before.

As technology improves, Proto’s holographic platform could become as common as our TVs or sound systems, offering a new dimension to how we engage with media. And while the road to widespread adoption might still have some bumps, it’s clear that Proto is leading the charge in making holograms a part of our everyday lives. The future of 3D holograms in our homes is no longer a distant dream—it’s a rapidly approaching reality.

Entertainment

Excitement is building as Reese Witherspoon sets her sights on a new “Legally Blonde” prequel series for Amazon Prime Video, and she’s on the lookout for a young Elle Woods. With Reese Witherspoon’s iconic character having been a pop culture staple for over two decades, fans can’t wait to see what the high school version of Elle Woods might look like. Reese Witherspoon just announced on Instagram an open casting call for aspiring young actresses to step into Elle Woods’ stylish shoes. The series promises to dive into Elle Woods’ teenage years, revealing the experiences that shaped her into the iconic character we know and love today.

The “Legally Blonde” franchise kicked off in 2001 with the first movie, called appropriately enough “Legally Blonde”, which followed Elle Woods, a pink-obsessed sorority girl, as she navigates the cutthroat world of Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. Instead of reclaiming her former flame, Elle realizes her true potential, becomes a successful lawyer, and delivers empowering messages about self-belief and perseverance. In “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde” that came out in 2003, Elle takes her skills to Washington, D.C., to lobby for animal rights and pass a bill to ban animal testing, all while staying true to her charming and spirited personality.

In this new prequel series, however, Elle Woods isn’t yet the Harvard-bound legal mastermind we know. Instead, she’s a regular ‘90s high school girl full of ambition and style, but not yet aware of her future career in law. Set in the late 1990s, the show will likely touch on the trends of the era, such as the rise of grunge music, the popularity of Tamagotchis, baggy pants, and the early days of the internet. Elle could be navigating the world of high school friendships, crushes, and trying to figure out who she is all while, of course, standing out with her signature love for all things pink. The show offers a unique opportunity to explore Elle’s early influences, her relationship with her family, and what ultimately drives her toward law school.

While Reese Witherspoon focuses on the prequel, fans of the “Legally Blonde” franchise are also eagerly awaiting the new movie “Legally Blonde 3”, which is being co-written by none other than Mindy Kaling. Mindy Kaling, known for her sharp wit and comedic writing, has been working on the script alongside Dan Goor. Although details about the third installment are being kept tightly under wraps, Mindy Kaling has teased that it will reflect how Elle Woods has grown over the years, while still maintaining the essence of what made her so beloved in the first place. It’s set to be a continuation of Elle’s journey, with Reese Witherspoon once again reprising her role, bringing a mix of nostalgia and fresh storylines for a new generation.

The combination of the prequel series and “Legally Blonde 3” has created a resurgence of excitement around the franchise, giving fans not just one but two new Elle Woods adventures to look forward to. With Witherspoon at the helm, both projects promise to deliver the same empowering, fun, and fashionable spirit that made the original movie such a hit. The fact that Witherspoon is opening up the casting process for a young Elle Woods to the public adds another layer of excitement, as anyone with the right talent and enthusiasm has the chance to become the next Elle.

In a time when nostalgic reboots and prequels are thriving, this new “Legally Blonde” prequel coming to Amazon Prime Video is especially exciting. With Reese Witherspoon and her media company, Hello Sunshine, fully involved in the production, fans can rest assured that the series will remain true to Elle Woods’ roots while offering fresh and relatable content for today’s audience. As we wait to see who will be cast as the young Elle Woods, one thing is for sure: this prequel series will give fans exactly what they’ve been waiting for - more wit, sassiness, and pink!

Real Estate

Jennifer Lopez is reportedly eyeing a stunning $55 million mega-mansion in Los Angeles following her recent divorce from Ben Affleck. After nearly two years of marriage, the pair decided to go their separate ways, and now J.Lo appears to be seeking a fresh start with a new luxury home.

The mansion in question, located in Holmby Hills, is an iconic property originally owned by fashion designer Max Azria, which adds to its allure and exclusivity. The estate Lopez is interested in is nothing short of spectacular. The 30,000-square-foot mansion offers an opulent lifestyle, featuring 14 bedrooms and 27 bathrooms - perfect for a star of Jennifer Lopez’s stature. The home also includes an impressive array of luxury amenities, such as an infinity pool, a private theater, and a game room, providing the ultimate in relaxation and entertainment. The outdoor space is just as grand, with sprawling gardens, a greenhouse, and ample room for entertaining guests or enjoying privacy in the expansive yard.

The estate boasts a guest house, making it a perfect spot for hosting friends and family. The outdoor features offer everything from serene green spaces to lavish amenities like the pool and a spa, providing Jennifer Lopez with an ideal retreat from the demands of her career. Reports suggest that Jennifer Lopez is negotiating to purchase the property for a price between $30 million and $39 million, which could make it a steal considering the mansion’s history and features.

Jennifer Lopez’s interest in this grand property comes amid the unfortunate news of her divorce from Ben Affleck. Fans around the world are saddened by their split, especially given the couple’s history. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez first dated in the early 2000s, famously becoming “Bennifer,” one of Hollywood’s most iconic couples. After breaking off their engagement, they each went on to marry other people before rekindling their romance two decades later.

When they reunited in 2021 and tied the knot, many believed this was their second chance at a lasting relationship. Unfortunately, after just two years of marriage, the couple announced their divorce, with reports suggesting that despite their best efforts, they simply couldn’t make it work. The public had high hopes for this reunion, and their split comes as a disappointment to those who were rooting for the pair to overcome the challenges of their past.

As Jennifer Lopez moves forward from her divorce, her focus appears to be shifting toward securing a new home. The Holmby Hills estate represents more than just another addition to her real estate portfolio—it’s a chance for a fresh start. Jennifer Lopez has long been known for her impressive real estate ventures, and this $55 million mansion could be her most significant acquisition yet.

Sources suggest that Jennifer Lopez fell in love with the property while filming one of her movies and that she had toured it with Ben Affleck while they were still searching for a marital home. Now, with her sights set on this lavish property, it seems Lopez is ready to embark on the next chapter of her life post-divorce.

Jennifer Lopez’s interest in this $55 million L.A. mega-mansion could mark a significant new beginning following her divorce from Ben Affleck. With 14 bedrooms, 27 bathrooms, and endless luxury features, the Holmby Hills estate offers everything Lopez could want in a new home. As she moves forward, this mansion may provide the perfect setting for her to create new memories and continue her successful career.

Sports 

LeBron James has always dreamed of playing in the NBA alongside his son, Bronny James. Now that dream has come true with both of them donning the Los Angeles Lakers jersey. Early in his career, LeBron James expressed his desire to stay in the league long enough to share the court with his son, which became a reality in 2024.

LeBron James’ NBA career has spanned over two decades, establishing him as one of the greatest players in basketball history. He entered the league in 2003 as the first overall pick in the NBA Draft and has since become a four-time NBA champion, a 19-time NBA All-Star, and the all-time leading scorer. With a career that has seen him play for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and LA Lakers, LeBron James’ longevity is unprecedented in the modern era of professional sports.

In interviews throughout his career, LeBron James has frequently mentioned one of his ultimate goals - to play in the NBA with his son, Bronny James. This dream was always on his mind, even as he won titles and shattered records. He stated that playing with Bronny would be the only reason to push beyond a certain point in his career. Now as he nears his 40th birthday, there has been growing speculation about when LeBron James might retire. Some analysts and fans believe that after fulfilling his wish of playing alongside Bronny, LeBron James might consider hanging up his sneakers within the next few years, marking the end of a spectacular career.

Bronny James has faced immense pressure as the son of LeBron James, growing up in the public eye and with enormous expectations placed on him. Yet, Bronny has carved his own path, emerging as a talented basketball player in his own right. He became a standout high school player at Sierra Canyon, known for his exceptional skills, basketball IQ, and ability to handle high-pressure situations. Despite suffering a medical scare in 2023 due to a cardiac issue, Bronny made a full recovery, returning stronger and more determined than ever.

Bronny entered the 2024 NBA Draft, and after much anticipation, he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers, the team where his father has played since 2018. The LA Lakers, known for their winning culture and championship aspirations, felt like the perfect fit for Bronny. His selection marked a historical moment as the first time a father-son duo would play for the same NBA team. The excitement surrounding this achievement was palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the day LeBron and Bronny would share the court together.

It’s exceptionally rare for a parent to play professionally alongside their child in any sport. There have been a few examples in baseball, like Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., but such occurrences are virtually unheard of in the NBA. The opportunity to witness a father and son not only in the same league but on the same team is a truly special moment in sports history.

LeBron James has achieved more than most athletes could ever dream of - four championships, MVP awards, Olympic gold medals, and scoring records. However, playing with his son Bronny is a personal victory that might rank highest among his many accomplishments. Now that they are both playing for the Lakers, LeBron’s career has reached a new emotional peak. After so many years of hard work and dedication, LeBron James has the privilege of sharing this experience with his son.

As LeBron James approaches the twilight of his career, speculation about his retirement has intensified. At 39, with his body having logged countless hours on the court, he remains highly effective but knows that the end is in sight. The chance to play with Bronny is a dream come true, and now that this milestone has been reached, LeBron James might soon feel it is time to step away from the game he has dominated for so long.

If LeBron James were to retire in the next few years, his legacy would be cemented as one of the greatest basketball players ever. His impact on the game transcends his stats and titles, as he’s also been a role model for younger players, including Bronny. For fans of the game, seeing the James family make history together is a fitting culmination to LeBron’s storied career.

LeBron James’ dream of playing professional basketball with his son has become a reality with the LA Lakers. Bronny’s rise to the NBA, and LeBron’s willingness to continue his career to share this experience, has made for a heartwarming story. While LeBron may soon consider retirement, he’s already achieved more than anyone could have imagined—both on the court and within his family.