Cooper Flagg, Lakers News Turns Heads After Monday's Announcement

Yahoo2 days ago

Cooper Flagg, Lakers News Turns Heads After Monday's Announcement originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks have been at the center of NBA discussions since their blockbuster trade in February 2025, which saw Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis swap teams in a historic midseason move. This unprecedented exchange of two All-NBA talents reshaped both franchises and continues to generate buzz ahead of what is set to be a busy offseason.
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In the aftermath of the trade, the Mavericks, despite long odds, secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. They are widely expected to select Duke's standout forward, Cooper Flagg, a prospect hailed for his versatility and potential to become a franchise cornerstone.
Adding to the intrigue, the Lakers announced an exciting development ahead of draft night.
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2)Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
LA's 2024-25 home preseason schedule includes a marquee matchup against the Mavericks on Oct. 15 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This game is part of the Lakers' tradition of bringing basketball to Las Vegas, a city with a rich history of hosting NBA events.
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The prospect of a preseason showdown featuring Doncic, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and potentially Cooper Flagg has sparked a flurry of reactions from fans after it was pointed out by ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
'We'll see Cooper vs the Lakers very soon,' one fan wrote.
"AD, Cooper, and Bron," another fan added.
"Another humiliation ritual for Luka," claimed one fan. "Play the Lakers vs Mavs pre-season in front of Nico and Dumont in Las Vegas. Lol. The NBA really hates this guy. It's not enough they already gave them Cooper Flagg, they want to rub it in."
"Cooper Flagg vs Bronny," a fan remarked.
"Luka Doncic and LeBron James will take on Anthony Davis and likely, Cooper Flagg, before the NBA season even starts," ClutchPoints posted.
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The Oct. 15 preseason game in Las Vegas promises to be a compelling early look at the new dynamics of both teams, as they prepare to contend for an NBA championship next season.
Related: Luka Doncic Sends Austin Reaves Message After Lakers Trade Report
Related: Three-Time All-NBA Star Announces Decision on Retirement
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.

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Tropion Sports Partners Leads NBA Investment in Partnership with Blue Owl Capital

Associated Press

10 minutes ago

Associated Press

Tropion Sports Partners Leads NBA Investment in Partnership with Blue Owl Capital

Tropion has completed a $25 million investment and is planning multiple investment tranches MIAMI, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / June 4, 2025 / Tropion Sports Partners has launched a partnership to invest into the NBA alongside Blue Owl Capital and the Blue Owl Home Court Fund. Tropion is planning multiple investment tranches, having recently completed a $25 million Sports Partners Tropion Sports Partners Tropion, a global sports investment platform, is led by Philadelphia-based entrepreneur Joseph Greco. Greco is also a minority owner of Major League Soccer's (MLS) Philadelphia Union and the founder and former chairman of fintech businesses PSC Info Group/RevSpring and Experity Ventures. Tropion's group of investors includes current and former professional athletes and well-known entrepreneurs, business leaders, and financial professionals. 'We believe the NBA is positioned to capitalize on its significant global popularity and will continue to grow meaningfully over the next decade in a variety of ways. We are excited to bring access to this opportunity to our elite network of investors in partnership with Blue Owl Capital,' said Greco. Blue Owl Capital is a leading alternative asset manager with $273 billion in assets under management. Formed in 2020, the HomeCourt Fund provides institutional capital and private equity solutions to the NBA ecosystem to support long-term growth of the league and improve market liquidity, and currently has investments in the Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, and Sacramento Kings. Contact InformationNick Sprague Partner 305-343-1210 SOURCE: Tropion Sports Partners press release

Shaq wants Travis Kelce to DJ for Taylor Swift: 'A [expletive] star'

USA Today

15 minutes ago

USA Today

Shaq wants Travis Kelce to DJ for Taylor Swift: 'A [expletive] star'

Shaq wants Travis Kelce to DJ for Taylor Swift: 'A [expletive] star' NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal jumped on this week's episode of the New Heights podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce. The four-time NBA champion and three-time NBA Finals MVP chatted with the NFL brothers about this year's Oklahoma-Indiana NBA Finals, his memories of Kobe and even his favorite Taylor Swift song (spoiler alert: it's "I Knew You Were Trouble"). Shaq, who has been DJing as DJ Diesel for years, had DJ advice for Travis. "You've got to get me on the DJ booth, man." Kelce said. "You've got to teach me your ways." "Bro, I got you," O'Neal responded. "You know what's crazy? You opening up for your girlfriend? Bro you'd be a [expletive] star. Twenty minutes. Ten minutes. Hyping up the crowd? Oh my god." It's a perfect fit as Travis Kelce has already displayed his show business side as the Kansas City tight end joined girlfriend Taylor Swift on stage in London last summer to perform the intro to "I Can Do It With A Broken Heart" on her Eras Tour. Warning, some NSFW language is included in the clip. O'Neal went on to talk about meeting Swift -- and rapper Ice Spice -- at the 2024 Super Bowl. Could we see a DJ Diesel and Travis Kelce collaboration soon? We need this in our lives after seeing these two on this week's New Heights episode.

Vanessa Bryant Shuts Down Creepy Pregnancy Rumors, Social Media Applauds

Black America Web

17 minutes ago

Black America Web

Vanessa Bryant Shuts Down Creepy Pregnancy Rumors, Social Media Applauds

Source: JC Olivera / Getty There's nothing social media loves more than a hypothetical or rumor that ignites think pieces for days to come. Unfortunately, the most recent featured the late Kobe Bryant's wife, Vanessa, claiming she's pregnant. Vanessa rarely speaks about her personal life, but she went on Instagram Stories to dispel the tall tale. The 43-year-old posted a picture of an unbothered Rihanna floating in water, with a drink in hand, flipping off the camera with a caption reading, 'Me protecting my peace, not pregnant & having fun all summer.' She followed it up with another Rihanna meme showing the singer smirking with the words, 'I'm not mean, I'm just not the one.' There is no exact source for the rumor, but a quick search on X reveals a video from this weekend with 12 million views and 40,000 likes of an image of Vanessa that some claim shows a baby bump. Attached is a man fighting to believe that Vanessa shouldn't be allowed to move on after Kobe died in 2020. 'Kobe wife pregnant, and y'all females out here defending her, talking about 'oh she's allowed to move on.' Actually no the f-ck she not,' the man says. 'When you got kids by a mothef-cker like Kobe Bryant, you ain't never supposed to disgrace his legacy.' He continues, 'She got pregnant by the Black Mamba. She supposed to die a legend like him. If it was up to me, she wouldn't have access to no more funds or my estate.' To be clear, Vanessa has four kids with the Lakers legend, including Natalia, 22, Bianka, 8, Capri, 5, and Gianna, who died at 13 alongside her father in the tragic helicopter crash. The eldest, Natalia, graduated from USC in May, with her diploma handed to her by Lakers president Jeanie Buss while wearing a red graduation stole embroidered with Bryant's Black Mamba sheath logo and the message, 'Thank you Mom & Dad.' See how social media is reacting to the rumors below. Vanessa Bryant Shuts Down Creepy Pregnancy Rumors, Social Media Applauds was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE