39YO Ex-Knicks Star’s Battle For Life Unites Zach LaVine, Jamal Crawford & NBA World in Prayer

Nate Robinson, a former player for the New York Knicks, is in critical need of a kidney transplant and the NBA community is rallying around him. Former NBA star Jamal Crawford shared a video made by the University of Washington’s Huskies, Robinson’s alma mater. In the video, Robinson asked his fans, friends, family, and peers to support him as he battles renal kidney failure. Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine also shared the video to his Instagram story to show support.

The 39-year-old basketballer opened up about his health struggles in the video. As the Huskies asked their community to come forward in support of their star player, they urged fans to consider donating to Robinson.

Zach LaVine and Jamal Crawford come forward to support Nate Robinson

In the video posted by Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson and the Huskies emphasized the urgent need for a donor. In a candid confession, Robinson said, “Yes, I’m dealing with this and I’m gonna beat this. This is something I can’t do without you guys. Without the help of my fans, my friends, my family, my peers.” The video requested people with A+ and O type blood to come forward and register on UW Medicine’s website if they wish to be a donor. 

Crawford, who shares Robinson’s hometown of Washington, shared the post with a powerful message. “All the posting we do at times about stuff that doesn’t matter. We need everyone with this one! 🙏🏾”  Soon supportive and encouraging comments for Robinson flooded the post. The post was shared by Zach LaVine on his Instagram story with the message, “Praying for you @naterobinson.”

Former NBA star Nick Young commented “🙌🙌” to voice his support as well. Players and fans alike have united in prayer and action to support Robinson during his time of need on social media in response to the video and words from Crawford and LaVine. The reaction highlights the strong sense of camaraderie among NBA players, both former and present, as well as the deep sense of community inside the league.

‘Not going to have long to live,’ admits Nate Robinson

In 2022, Robinson announced that he had been privately dealing with his health issues for the past four years. Now that it has been six years of an ongoing battle, his condition seems to be worsening. He said, “I’m sharing this now because I want to be the voice for all those who are having trouble speaking about this illness, and come together for a greater cause- our health.” The player discovered that he had high blood pressure issues and was at risk while he was playing for the Knicks.

In an intimate interview with Playmaker, he admitted “It was shocking to hear that at some point, some time, my kidneys were going to go. I wanted to enjoy my time in the league and play for as long as I could.” He admitted to wanting to keep it “deep down” to be able to enjoy his life and time in the league. In another interview with the Daily Mail, he discussed the severity of his illness. “I know that I don’t have long if I can’t get a kidney,” Robinson said. “I know I’m not going to have long to live. So I just want to make the best of it as much as I can.” While he awaits a transplant, he is currently receiving 4 hours of dialysis for three days a week. He also opened up about frequent hospitalizations and painful vomiting bouts.

As Nate Robinson battles his illness, it is the support of peers like Jamal Crawford and Zach LaVine that encourages him. With collective effort from fans, players and friends, Robinson has a shot at finding a willing donor. The player’s willpower and determination are commendable. The community wishes him a speedy recovery.