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How Devin Booker Became an All-Star Dog Father to Cane Corsos Haven and Hector

How Devin Booker Became an All-Star Dog Father to Cane Corsos Haven and Hector

Vogue4 hours ago
As a kid growing up in Michigan, making it to the NBA was not the only thing Devin Booker yearned for. 'My whole life I always wanted a dog, [but] my brother was allergic,' he tells Vogue. 'Then, once I got to the NBA, my brother lived with me for some time. The second he moved out, I brought Haven in.'
That was six and a half years ago, and the six-foot-six Phoenix Suns point guard and 140-pound cane corso have been inseparable ever since. They're avid hikers (Haven is partial to the Grand Canyon), enjoy lounging at home (sometimes by the pool or basketball court, but mostly in the well-appointed living room), and, as they did for their Dogue photo shoot, spend much of the NBA offseason basking on the beaches of Lake Michigan. Indeed, Haven enjoys the perks of having a wildly successful pro-athlete owner, but perhaps his biggest flexes are these: In April 2024, Booker's signature shoe, the Nike Book 1, was released in a new colorway—a black base reminiscent of Haven's gleaming coat, with a brown marbled swoosh inspired by his eyes. The Nike Book 1 Haven sold out immediately. A month later, when Booker became a playable Call of Duty character, Haven was rendered for the video game too, along with a 'Sick 'Em Haven' finishing move.
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Luka Doncic Stuns Fans At Slovenian Gas Station With Ripped New Look And Humble Gesture
Luka Doncic Stuns Fans At Slovenian Gas Station With Ripped New Look And Humble Gesture

Yahoo

time30 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Luka Doncic Stuns Fans At Slovenian Gas Station With Ripped New Look And Humble Gesture

Luka Doncic Stuns Fans At Slovenian Gas Station With Ripped New Look And Humble Gesture originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Luka Doncic stunned fans this week in Slovenia after being spotted at a gas station with a noticeably slimmer, ripped physique and a refreshingly humble gesture. A fan who ran into Doncic at the service station described the surreal encounter on X, noting that the Los Angeles Lakers superstar looked unrecognizable after shedding 33 pounds. "This morning. Slovenian service station. My friends and I go in to refill our Lasko beer. At the bar, there's a very tall guy in slippers. He's drinking coffee. He's with another man. I look closer. It's Doncic." "I almost didn't recognize him with 33 pounds less: he's so ripped. I say, 'Luka!' and he smiles. He waves me out. In the parking lot, he says hello to me and my friends. He takes pictures with everyone." "He says his injury in the friendly isn't serious and that he's super pumped for the European Championship. He greets us in Italian, 'Ciao!', and leaves. Life really is strange." "One day you're training with the Lakers in Los Angeles and then going home to your mansion in Beverly Hills, and another day you're in slippers at the service station chatting with Italian strangers." It was a rare sight of an NBA megastar blending into everyday life, only to leave fans buzzing not just about his humility but also his incredible body transformation. That physical change is not just cosmetic, it's the latest proof of Doncic's offseason dedication. For years, Doncic has been criticized for his conditioning, often carrying extra weight into the season, which fueled jokes about him being 'out of shape' or 'a traffic cone' defensively. Those labels might soon become outdated. His Slovenian teammates revealed that Doncic is fitter, faster, and more vocal than ever. Klemen Prepelic praised him not only for his conditioning but also for his evolution as a leader, saying Doncic has embraced a more positive and commanding presence with the national team. The transformation was already on display in a friendly against Latvia, where Doncic dropped 26 points in the first half. But more telling than the scoring was his defensive effort. He rotated, contested shots, stayed active in passing lanes, and even registered a block that sparked transition offense. While nobody expects Doncic to become a lockdown defender, simply offering consistent effort on that end could be game-changing for both Slovenia and the Lakers. For Los Angeles, the timing of this transformation could not be better. The franchise recently invested heavily in Doncic, handing him a three-year, $165 million extension and reshaping the roster to maximize his prime. With LeBron James entering the twilight of his career, the Lakers are betting their future on Doncic being the face of the franchise. And based on these glimpses from Slovenia, it appears he is embracing that responsibility. A leaner, more conditioned Doncic doesn't just mean sharper scoring, it means longevity, accountability, and leadership, three traits Lakers Nation has been waiting to see him fully embrace. It's also notable how this moment resonated with fans. Seeing Doncic, one of basketball's biggest global stars, sipping coffee in slippers at a small Slovenian gas station, chatting and taking pictures without hesitation, reflects his grounded nature despite superstardom. That humility, paired with his revamped work ethic, is exactly what fans want in a leader. He's proving he can dominate on the court and remain approachable off it, which only deepens his connection with supporters. As EuroBasket approaches and Doncic recovers from a minor knee contusion, fans will be eager to see whether this new version of Luka translates consistently in high-level play. If his Slovenian teammates are correct, the Lakers may be welcoming back not just a superstar scorer but a fitter, quicker, and more vocal leader, one who looks ready to lead them into the post-LeBron era. For Lakers fans, the message is simple: their franchise cornerstone looks hungrier, sharper, and more committed than ever. And if Luka Doncic's ripped new look and humble gas station encounter are any indication, this season could mark the start of something unforgettable in Los story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared.

Pharrell's adidas VIRGINIA Adistar Jellyfish Swims Into This Week's Best Footwear Drops
Pharrell's adidas VIRGINIA Adistar Jellyfish Swims Into This Week's Best Footwear Drops

Hypebeast

timean hour ago

  • Hypebeast

Pharrell's adidas VIRGINIA Adistar Jellyfish Swims Into This Week's Best Footwear Drops

While sports fans look ahead to the return of the NBA and American football seasons, it's time for the US Open. The beloved tennis tournament has officially begun, and joins this week's list of best footwear drops as something to look forward to. We have notable contributions fromNike,Salomon,Jordan Brand,New Balance,Reebok,adidas, andASICSin the round-up this week. Per usual, let's start by taking a look back at which headlines stood out to us from the sneaker space this past week. News ofNike suing CLOT's Edison Chencaught us by surprise. The Swoosh remained busy, officially revealing itsYu-Gi-Oh!x .SWOOSH x Nike Air Max 95 collaboration. It also saw its upcomingCav Emptcollaboration featuring the Air Max Dn8 fully unveiled. Elsewhere in the industry, New Balance continues to make waves with the unveiling of new looks, presenting a 'Black Croc' version of the1906Land a 'Community Blue' version of the993. Meanwhile, Crocs announced a multi-year partnership with theNFL, crafting clogs for each franchise. It is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of Microsoft with aWindows XP-themedClassic Clog. Tyrese Haliburton was one of several brand ambassadors to make headlines last week, teasing a blue version of his upcomingPUMA Hali 1. For ASICS Skateboarding, it teamed up with Gino Iannucci to bring the newLeggerezza FBstateside. We now have confirmation ofAngel Reese'sfirst signature shoe with Reebok dropping next month as well. Rounding out this recap,SZAand Vans announced their new partnership. With all of the past week's key news revisited, let's switch gears to looking ahead at what's to come. Afterwards,don't forget to check out HBX to shop styles that can be purchased today. Release Date:August 19Release Price:$180 USDWhere to Buy:SNKRS('Oat') andZellerfeld('Black')Why You Should Cop:A new chapter of Nike Air arrives this week with the first global launch of Zellerfeld and Nike's Air Max 1000 sneaker. The 3D-printed shoe has been teased for nearly a year and is now ready for the innovative design to undergo mass adoption. Presented in monochromatic renditions of 'Oat' and 'Black,' the shoes are accented by orange and neon green Air units respectively and feature a wavy build that is not only engaging visually, but responsive as well. Release Date:August 20Release Price:$160 USDWhere to Buy:SalomonWhy You Should Cop:Salomon closed out its 2024 run by reintroducing the XT-Whisper, a women's model from 2000 that has since starred in several campaigns. Now, it has morphed into the XT-Whisper Void. Its performance-oriented roots remain intact as it takes on a new visual identity that blends ethereal palettes with contemporary linework. Four colorways of 'Black/Silver,' 'Dynasty Green,' 'Alloy/Silver,' and 'Vanilla Ice/Silver' each give the model a chance to shine. Release Date:August 20Release Price:$205 USDWhere to Buy:NikeWhy You Should Cop:Amidst the many retro Air Jordan releases of the month is the steady rollout of the Air Jordan 40. The understated performance shoe debuted in its 'The Classic' colorway last month and is back now in a 'Blue Suede' that sees a soft blue present across the suede build, with black and white adding contrast to the shoe. As with its predecessor, you can look forward to the latest in Nike technology to be present, such as a full-length Zoom Strobel unit that rests atop full-length ZoomX foam. Release Date:August 20Release Price:$160 USDWhere to Buy:New BalanceWhy You Should Cop:As New Balance assembles the next generation of its footwear arsenal, an emphasis has recently been placed on its newer styles over its classics. For the ABZORB 2010, it returns to our best footwear drops round-up once again this week, offering two fresh compositions of 'Brighton Grey' and 'Triple Black.' The former connects various grays with off-white throughout its mixed material build while the 'Triple Black' pair stays true to its name. Release Date:August 22Release Price:$185 USDWhere to Buy:SNKRSWhy You Should Cop:Nike SB is offering another chance to pick up its newest model revamp as the SB Air Max 95 hits the SNKRS platform this week. The skate-oriented version of the sneaker is set to drop again in its debut 'Cactus Flower' composition, which combines a gray gradient across its human anatomy-inspired upper with an eye-catching purple at the lace loops, Air unit, tongue branding, and the heel's Nike SB callout. Release Date:August 22Release Price:$130 USDWhere to Buy:ReebokWhy You Should Cop:Tobe Nwigwe has quickly ascended the ranks of Reebok collaborators, having debuted his first shoe, the CHUKWU OTU, earlier this year. He's now set to follow this up with the introduction of the CHUKWU ABUO this week. Sleek linework sees various suede panels come together for a contemporary finish in 'Mint' and 'Chalk' colorways that stick to their respective hue throughout the shoe, save for the gum outsole. Release Date:August 23Release Price:$300 USDWhere to Buy:adidasWhy You Should Cop:One of the year's most anticipated sneakers is finally here. Pharrell Williams and adidas have teased the VIRGINIA Adistar Jellyfish since Paris Fashion Week in January and have made the most of Williams' appearances since then, highlighting various upcoming colorways of the multi-layered shoe. The gelatinous marine animal informs the shoe's design as exaggerated dimensions host a combination of black, orange, off-white, and white. Release Date:August 23Release Price:$185 USDWhere to Buy:SNKRSWhy You Should Cop:Another long-awaited, orange-colored sneaker is dropping on Saturday. Jordan Brand is turning back time by a decade as it reintroduces the beloved Air Jordan 1 High OG 'Shattered Backboard' for the first time. Constructed with a tumbled leather upper, its fusion of black, orange, and off-white is ready to captivate the sneaker world once again. Release Date:August 23Release Price:$240 USDWhere to Buy:ASICSWhy You Should Cop:ASICS' presence at the most recent edition of Paris Fashion Week was highlighted by the reveal of upcoming launches, including SHUSHU/TONG's two delicate takes on the GEL-KINETIC FLUENT. The modern runner is as graceful as ever, sporting lace across the midfoot and heel. Colorways of blue and silver and black and blue offer opposing viewpoints of light and dark, with co-branding scattered throughout. Release Date:August 23Release Price:$210 USDWhere to Buy:SNKRSWhy You Should Cop:Aside from being stacked with sneaker launches, August 23 is Kobe Bryant's birthday, a day Nike Basketball continues to celebrate annually with the reintroduction of one of his signature shoes. For 2025, that model is the Kobe 3, which is arriving in Protro form for the first time. As with the last two years' releases, it will drop in an all-white 'Halo' colorway. Key upgrades to the 2008 sneaker include a full-length Zoom Air Strobel unit with Cushlon 3.0, a refined mesh package, and new padding.

Cavs forward Larry Nance Jr. will debut a digital show on the ties between the NBA and soccer

time2 hours ago

Cavs forward Larry Nance Jr. will debut a digital show on the ties between the NBA and soccer

CLEVELAND -- Larry Nance Jr. is going to shed some light on why so many NBA players have become big fans of international soccer. The Cleveland Cavaliers forward has teamed up with the Men in Blazers Media Network to launch a digital show called 'Switch the Play,' a weekly program that will feature those NBA players who are soccer aficionados and discuss happenings in the game. The first episode, featuring Alex Caruso of the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, debuts Thursday. 'I entered the NBA in 2015, and I was probably one of only a couple of guys in the league that could tell you who won the Premier League the previous season,' Nance said. 'Now, soccer is a constant conversation starter in the locker room. Soccer's popularity has grown so much over the past 10 years, as has the international influence on the NBA creating more and more players that follow the game consistently." The ties between soccer and the NBA have never seemed to run so deep. Many of basketball's top stars — Victor Wembanyama, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Luka Doncic, James Harden, Joel Embiid and more — make no secret of their fascination with soccer. Wembanyama was on the field for a Paris Saint Germain-Manchester City game in Paris last winter when he and the San Antonio Spurs were there for a pair of games against the Indiana Pacers. The Spurs center also went viral this summer for taking part in pickup soccer games around the world. The fandom goes both ways: Soccer icon Lionel Messi and other Inter Miami stars were at a Miami Heat game in 2024, Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe are regulars at NBA games and Butler said last season he's lost count of how many jerseys he's exchanged with soccer standouts at NBA games. The NBA even modeled its NBA Cup in-season tournament in part around what has worked in European soccer regarding in-season trophy play. 'This show will give stars from around the league the opportunity to let fans hear them talk about their soccer fandom, parallels in the two games, and how we see it as professional athletes,' Nance said. Nance played soccer until he was 16 and is now part owner of Premier League club Leeds United — becoming an investor in 2023 along with Indiana guard T.J. McConnell. Now 33, he is entering his 11th NBA season with career averages of 7.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Nance signed with Cleveland as a free agent in July. It's his second stint with the Cavs; he was previously with the club from 2018 through 2021. ___

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