NBA tells LeBron James to stop using black mask: Report

It looks like The Lone Ranger won't ride again — not if the NBA has its way.

The league has ordered LeBron James to lose the black carbon-fiber mask in favor of a clear version, but the superstar is appealing the decision, according to ESPN.

NBA officials want to see the change by Saturday night, when the Heat play the Orlando Magic in Miami.

James' mask, which he wore to protect his broken nose during a victory against the Knicks on Thursday night, was a big hit with fans and his teammates. After James destroyed the Knicks with 31 points in the 108-82 win, Heat coach Eric Spoelstra called the mask "menacing."

“It was awesome,” teammate Chris Bosh said. “He played like Batman out there. It was great. I’m glad he put a little bit of flavor into it. Clear is boring. No offense to anybody that wears a clear mask. Gotta have a little fun with it sometimes. If you want to wear a black mask and look crazy, you should do it.”

But NBA spokesman Tim Frank said the league is under the impression that James's permanent mask still is being made, and that they "prefer clear masks." The clear material typically used requires 18 hours to dry.

Not so. James told reporters he liked the black mask because "it went with the uniform." James also said he likes the lightness and fit of the black mask. 

"We were wearing our throwback uniforms, and I was able to get a carbon fiber one – which is actually lighter than the one that I'd been wearing in practice," James told reporters. "And it came through in the last minute, so I went with it."

And King James' teammates like the look.

"Only LeBron can make breaking your nose look cool," Heat forward Shane Battier said.

On Friday, the Heat started selling T-shirts with an image of the masked James on them. I'm guessing that when the NBA finds out they can make money from it, they'll probably change change their mind.

Jason Kidd gets first 1st technical as NBA coach

Jason Kidd has had many firsts during 21 seasons in the NBA but added another one to his career Sunday — this time as the Brooklyn Nets' new head coach.

Kidd received his first technical as an NBA coach at the team's first Summer League game while making his debut as the Nets bench leader.

Brooklyn's rookie coach got off the bench Sunday, walked too far across half court to challenge a foul call and was teed up with 2:23 left in the Nets' 76-67 loss to the Detroit Pistons.

"It happens," Kidd said of the technical. "I learned quickly where the coaching box is. I've seen some coaches on the other end of the floor, so I can't follow their lead."

Kidd, who had racked up 26 technical fouls as a player, still couldn't believe it.

"We were trying to foul a player and the referee missed it and it led to free throws," Kidd said. "So I tried to express to the referees that they missed what we were trying to do. It happens. They are not perfect, we are not perfect. So it's a lesson learned that I know I can't go past half-court."

The future Hall of Famer showed a relaxed demeanor during most of the game —  cheering on his players, giving quiet advice and listening to  his assistant coaches. The summer league is giving the former point guard a great opportunity to learn coaching from the bench instead of the floor.

"This is training ground for every one — officials, coaches, players," said the 40-year-old Kidd. "We're all trying to get better."

At times, it appeared to be coaching by committee.

"I will lean on my staff," Kidd said. "Every one of the coaches will bring something to the table."

Kidd, who came into the game with no head coaching experience after getting the job only a week after retiring as a player, didn't let the presence of other head coaches in the stands — including the world champion Miami Heat's Eric Spolestra — rattle his nerves.

"Didn't it look normal?" asked Kidd.

Not if you're used to seeing Kidd in a uniform for the past two decades.