logo
Lakers' Bronny James has Luka Doncic to blame for unfavorable free agency news

Lakers' Bronny James has Luka Doncic to blame for unfavorable free agency news

Yahoo4 days ago
Things appeared to be lining up well for 20-year-old Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James.
The USC product was a solid performer in the Summer League and was believed to be primed for a more productive sophomore NBA campaign following a relatively unproductive rookie season (he averaged 2.3 points per game in 6.7 minutes of action).
However, on Saturday, ESPN's Shams Charania announced that former Boston Celtics guard and Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart, will sign with the Lakers once Los Angeles makes ample room for him, negatively impacting James' chances of earning minutes next season.
Based on a recent report made by the Athletic's Dan Woike, James has Luka Doncic to blame for the unfavorable free agency news.
"Doncic, according to league sources, had communicated his desires for a capable rim-running center, shooting help and defensive support," Woike stated. "The Lakers responded by filling those needs with Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and, soon, Marcus Smart."
"In addition to that, league sources said, Doncic has been an active recruiter for the Lakers this summer and helped secure commitments from Ayton and Smart after both unexpectedly hit free agency via contract buyouts.'
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
While Doncic is undoubtedly pleased with the Lakers' current state, James likely wishes the organization hadn't made any additional roster moves after landing Ayton and LaRavia.
Smart is the perfect win-now backcourt asset for the Lakers. The 31-year-old is a defensive mastermind who offers enough offensive production to be regarded as an impactful two-way asset.
The Celtics reached the Eastern Conference Finals five times under Smart's leadership at the point guard position, and nearly captured an NBA championship in 2022.
The Oklahoma State product averaged 11.5 points, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game during his final season with the Celtics (2022-23), shooting 41.5% from the field and 33.6% from deep.
Without Smart in the fold, James' stiffest bench competition would have been Gabe Vincent, who's struggled to find his way in a Lakers uniform.
However, now that all signs point to Los Angeles including Vincent in a consolidation trade to clear space for a more valuable asset in Smart, it's safe to say James' odds of solidifying a refined role under JJ Redick in Year 2 have taken a massive hit.
Granted, continuing to develop in the G-League would help the former McDonald's All-American expand his offensive arsenal and increase his comfort as a playmaker.
Still, there's no denying that the eventual addition of Smart, thanks to Doncic's recruitment chops, will make it challenging for James to make noise with the Lakers during the 2025-26 season.
More NBA:
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Highlights from Day 2 of Bears training camp
Highlights from Day 2 of Bears training camp

Yahoo

time13 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Highlights from Day 2 of Bears training camp

The Chicago Bears were back at Halas Hall for their second practice of training camp, where there were plenty of notable observations and highlights with new head coach Ben Johnson leading the show. It was another sloppy day for the starting offense on Day 2, where there were was some issues that had to be corrected with huddle procedure and getting lined up. On Wednesday, Johnson notably pulled the starting offense during a 7-on-7 drill when they couldn't line up properly. But there were also some standout players, including rookie running back Kyle Monangai, and some updates with position battles. While it was a closed practice, there were media in attendance, who were able to capture some quick highlights from the second workout. In the clips, we get a glimpse of quarterback Caleb Williams connecting with wide receiver DJ Moore, running back drills, Rome Odunze catching passes and receivers coach/assistant coach Antwaan Randle El during drills. Highlights from second practice of Bears training camp Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears training camp: Highlights from Day 2

Nathaniel Hackett returns to Packers as defensive analyst
Nathaniel Hackett returns to Packers as defensive analyst

Yahoo

time13 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Nathaniel Hackett returns to Packers as defensive analyst

Who says you can't go home? Former Broncos head coach and Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is now back on staff with the Packers, head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed in his Thursday press conference. Hackett will serve as a defensive analyst for the club, helping give coordinator Jeff Hafley a fresh perspective. It's a similar role to what Robert Saleh played for the offense when he joined the staff last year after being fired as Jets head coach. Luke Getsy also served as a defensive analyst last year after he'd been fired from his role as Raiders offensive coordinator. Getsy is now still on staff as a senior assistant. "He's a guy I really respect and we've had a lot of great times together," LaFleur said Thursday, via Zach Kruse of USA Today. 'It's a fresh perspective. It gives you a little different lens to see it through, talk it through," LaFleur added. "He's sitting in with our defensive staff. He's been in our linebacker room going through the film, giving them a good offensive perspective.' Hackett was the Packers' offensive coordinator under LaFleur from 2019-2021. He was then hired as Broncos head coach in 2022 and was fired after a 51-14 loss to the Rams on Christmas Day with two games remaining in the season. He then served as Jets offensive coordinator in 2023, reuniting with Aaron Rodgers. He lost play-calling duties after Saleh was fired as Jets head coach midway through the 2024 season.

Bears training camp observations: Another sloppy day for the offense on Day 2
Bears training camp observations: Another sloppy day for the offense on Day 2

Yahoo

time13 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Bears training camp observations: Another sloppy day for the offense on Day 2

The Chicago Bears hit the practice field at Halas Hall on Thursday morning for the second practice of training camp undr new head coach Ben Johnson. It was a closed practice, but the media have started to share observations. Wednesday's workout was a rough one for the offense, but it sounds like Thursday's was just as bad, if not worse. Johnson mentioned Tuesday that it's going to be an up-and-down process during training camp, and Thursday certainly sounded like it was a struggle at times. As far as attendance goes, rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III and defensive tackle Shemar Turner were sidelined by injuries while rookie cornerback Zah Frazier was excused from practice for personal reasons, as Johnson noted before practice. Here are some observations, from media members in attendance, following Thursday's training camp practice: Another sloppy day for the offense Kiran Amegadjie gets crack with starting offense, Noah Sewell remains LB3 Rookie Kyle Monangai saw some work with the first-team offense, and he had an impressive run Nashon Wright getting more time with first-team defense in place of Jaylon Johnson 11-on-11 recap Tyson Bagent working at QB2, Ian Wheeler and Kyle Monangai are fast plus more Caleb Williams under center Highlights This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears training camp observations: Sloppy day for offense on Day 2

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store