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Former teammate of LeBron James, Delonte West was seen in a video panhandling in Virginia, something which has become a regular occurrence. Mental health struggles and a public battle with substance abuse have shattered a once-promising career. The eight-year NBA veteran has battled bipolar disorder as well.

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West last played for the Dallas Mavericks in 2012, a team that is owned by Mark Cuban. People were hoping that West could make a return to basketball after having played his last game in the NBA almost a decade ago. There were chances for him to come back with ‘The BIG3’ but he didn’t appear for the draft in May.

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This isn’t the first time he’s been in such a situation. Mark Cuban had to intervene after a video surfaced of a bloody, shirtless West in handcuffs in January 2020. Cuban helped him get back onto his feet and admitted him into a rehab program. Since then, West has walked out of the rehab at least three times.

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Following another relapse, West was arrested again in October 2021. But after that, West seemed to have recuperated. He had even resumed training in the hopes of securing a spot in the 3-on-3 basketball league introduced by Ice Cube. He wasn’t selected even after his name was added to the draft pool.

Delonte West’s time with LeBron James and the Cavaliers

West played with LeBron James for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2008 to 2010. He averaged 9.7 points and 3.6 assists in his NBA career. He earned over $16 million during his career, which ended when he was only 28.

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In the video posted online, a fan recognized West and asked, “My dog Delonte, how you doing my brother?”. Seeing the former NBA star on the side of the street, the person was surprised. West is known for his stints with the Cavaliers, Mavericks, and Celtics.

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This latest footage comes two years after another video that went viral showing West being pummeled along a highway. A video of his initial meeting with Mark Cuban also resurfaced, which caused people to plead for West to seek some help. He has lost his way numerous times, but if he has people alongside who care for him, then there is still hope for the former pro.

One can only hope West gets the required help and guidance he desperately needs.

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Written by

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Pragya Vashisth

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Pragya Vashisth is the Lead Editor of She Got Game, EssentiallySports’ dedicated WNBA newsletter. With a Master’s degree in Sports Management and experience as a divisional basketball player, he brings both technical expertise and long-standing knowledge of the game to his editorial work. Since joining EssentiallySports in 2022, Pragya has worked across multiple roles, from writer to editor, before taking charge of She Got Game. In this role, he curates coverage of women’s basketball, spotlighting WNBA icons, rising stars, and the defining shifts shaping the league today. Earlier in his career at ES, Pragya was at the center of major coverage for the NBA Legends desk, from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ceremonies to analysis of icons like Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, helping establish the division’s identity and depth. His wider sports management background, which includes event operations, accreditation, and spectator engagement, gives him an insider’s view of how professional sports function off the court. With over 15 years of closely following the NBA, Pragya connects basketball’s culture and history with the human stories behind the game, ensuring She Got Game delivers coverage that is fresh, reliable, and meaningful for fans.

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Bagavathi Eswaran

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