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          Los Angeles Clippers

          Kim Kardashian rents out Staples for Kanye's birthday

          AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
          • Arash Markazi, ESPN Senior WriterJun 9, 2015, 01:59 AM ET
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            • Former columnist and writer after five years with Sports Illustrated
            • Markazi has also written for Slam, King, Vibe and Playboy
            • On board of directors for Jim Murray Memorial Foundation.
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          LOS ANGELES -- There hasn't been basketball played at Staples Center since the Los Angeles Clippers were eliminated from the NBA playoffs last month but that changed on Monday as Kim Kardashian rented out the arena for the day to celebrate the 38th birthday of her husband, Kanye West.

          Kardashian blindfolded West on the drive over to Staples Center:

          And when he arrived, his friends had already been split into two teams, West and East. You know because his last name is, well, you get it ...

          John Legend was in attendance and sang the national anthem and "Happy Birthday."

          Kanye's birthday cake was an edible version of the Larry O'Brien trophy.

          Shaquille O'Neal was among the athletes, including Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and Carmelo Anthony, who recorded personal birthday messages for Kanye, which were played on the Staples Center scoreboard.

          Of course, the Laker Girls were in the house to cheer on both teams:

          West's team won 75-72 but Justin Bieber stole the show, taking home MVP honors.

          The Biebs apparently scored 22 points, which almost overshadowed his new hairdo.

          John Wall didn't play but sat courtside for the game.

          While Kardashian reportedly rented out the arena for $110,000, Staples Center officials still had to get permission from the Los Angeles Sparks to use their court for the pick-up game. The Sparks will play their home opener on the same court on Sunday against the Seattle Storm.