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USA Today
20 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Writer proposes Lakers trade for former Defensive Player of the Year
The Los Angeles Lakers need a little more help in order to become championship contenders, and they know it. They reportedly want to improve their backcourt defense, and they may have to make a trade in order to do so, as they lack flexibility under the first apron of the NBA's salary cap. One report indicated that they have had some preliminary trade talks to inquire about the availability of Marcus Smart, a veteran guard who won the Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2021-22 season. Smart is 31 years of age and has been injury-prone, but he could be the type of suffocating defender L.A. needs, and he could also serve as a secondary ball-handler and facilitator. Jedd Pagaduan of ClutchPoints proposed that the team send guard Gabe Vincent, big man Maxi Kleber and a 2032 second-round draft pick to the Washington Wizards for Smart. Via ClutchPoints: "What made Vincent valuable for the Lakers last season was that he showed up for the majority of the season, suiting up in 72 games and providing some much-needed backcourt versatility for the Purple and Gold," Pagaduan wrote. "Giving him up for Smart requires the Lakers to take a risk and have faith that the 2022 DPOY isn't damaged goods quite yet. "That requires a lot of positive thinking, as the Grizzlies, the team that acquired Smart to be their de facto Dillon Brooks replacement, had to give up a first-rounder just so they could get his contract off the books. Smart hasn't been at his best physically over the past few seasons, picking up a knock here and there which added up to a ton of missed time "... There is a chance that the 31-year-old won't be able to return to his DPOY form, although even then, he would represent an upgrade over Vincent. ... But at the very least, Smart showed that he can still play solid basketball for stretches. His shooting percentages improved towards the end of last season when he was with the Wizards, and in LA, he won't be tasked to do much of anything other than to defend, hit open shots, and ruffle opponents' feathers. "The expectation for Smart should the Lakers trade for him would be for him to play at least 65 games, play 20 minutes a night, and act as a key piece of a Purple and Gold squad that aims to recapture the defensive heights they reached last year." Los Angeles is in a situation where it may not be able to be picky about the player upgrades it pursues on the trade market, given its limited trade assets. Smart has appeared in just 54 games over the last two seasons, but as long as he's available for the entirety of the playoffs, he may be a good player for the team to go after. This past season, he averaged 9.0 points, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 20.0 minutes a game. He shot 34.8% from 3-point range, which was his highest figure in that department since the 2018-19 season. After spending his first nine seasons with the Boston Celtics, Smart has plenty of playoff experience, which includes five trips to the Eastern Conference Finals and one appearance in the NBA Finals. That wouldn't exactly hurt a Lakers team that has gotten younger lately.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fred VanVleet succeeds CJ McCollum as new NBPA President
The post Fred VanVleet succeeds CJ McCollum as new NBPA President appeared first on ClutchPoints. The veteran guard for the Houston Rockets, Fred VanVleet, has officially been elected as the new president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), succeeding CJ McCollum, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The announcement was made following the NBPA's annual summer Board of Player Representatives meeting. VanVleet, 31, will serve a four-year term as the union's leader, representing all NBA players in critical matters ranging from collective bargaining to player rights and league policy. VanVleet takes over from McCollum, who served as NBPA president from 2021 to 2025 after a prior three-year tenure as executive vice president (2018–2021). During his presidency, McCollum oversaw the negotiation of a landmark seven-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in 2023. That deal introduced significant changes, including the first and second apron system, ensured labor peace through the 2029–30 season, and included a mutual opt-out clause after the 2028–29 season. As president, VanVleet will play a central role if the NBA and NBPA decide to renegotiate the CBA before its conclusion. He will work closely with the union's executive director and executive committee, featuring long-serving members like Garrett Temple (vice president since 2017), to address critical league matters such as scheduling, revenue sharing, player safety, and discipline. 'It's truly an honor to be elected as President of the NBPA by my peers, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for the best interest of all the members,' said VanVleet. 'With a deep appreciation for the complexities and challenges players face on all levels of their NBA journeys, I am committed to approaching this role with the passion, dignity, and dedication every player deserves.' Fred VanVleet's journey to this role is a great example of what persistence can achieve. After going undrafted in 2016, he joined the Toronto Raptors and became instrumental in their 2019 NBA Championship run. He earned an All-Star selection in 2022 and has since signed multiple contracts that made him the highest-paid undrafted player in league history. His current deal with the Rockets is a two-year, $50 million contract signed in June 2025, following a previously declined $44.9 million team option. In the 2024–25 NBA season, VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists across 60 games. He was one of just seven players listed at 6 feet or shorter to play at least 50 games. Off the court, VanVleet is widely respected for his leadership, professionalism, and advocacy for players' rights, having previously led Toronto's G League affiliate Raptors 905 to a championship in 2017. McCollum will now serve in an advisory capacity to the NBPA, supporting VanVleet as he transitions into this leadership role. Former presidents of the union include Chris Paul and McCollum, both of whom held significant influence during their terms. Related: 6 Kevin Durant decisions that tarnished his legacy, ranked Related: Houston Rockets's biggest mistake in 2025 NBA free agency
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Matas Buzelis dazzles fans with Summer League slam dunk
The post Matas Buzelis dazzles fans with Summer League slam dunk appeared first on ClutchPoints. During the first week of NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, one of the top human highlight reels has been Chicago Bulls' second-year wing Matas Buzelis and his dazzling dunks. Over the weekend, Matas Buzelis threw down a smooth slam after shooting out on the break during one of the Bulls' early summer league games. On Monday, Buzelis was at it again with another big slam dunk that wowed the fans in attendance. This time, Buzelis cut to the basket, grabbed a pass from Bulls rookie big man Lachlan Olbrich, and soared to the basket without any dribbles for the dunk. NBA fans aren't new to Buzelis' high flying exploits. As a rookie, he selected to participate in the NBA's Dunk Contest over All-Star Weekend, but he failed to advance to the final round. Buzelis was selected due to his penchant for dunking that had been on display during the regular season. As the Bulls continue to be a team that's stuck in 'no-man's land,' essentially not good enough to be a serious playoff threat but not bad enough to tank, Buzelis represents a bright spot for the organization. For the time being, the Bulls seem like a team locked in to the play-in range, but Buzelis' development will be something to watch for fans. This past season he appeared in 80 games as a rookie, including 31 starts, at a little over 18 minutes per game. He averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists with splits of 45.4 percent shooting from the field, 36.1 percent shooting from the three-point line and 81.5 percent shooting from the free-throw line. He was also selected to the All-Rookie Second Team and finished seventh in the Rookie of the Year voting. Buzelis was among the final group of players from the G League Ignite before the NBA decided to do away with the program. He was selected by the Bulls with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Related: Noa Essengue Bulls photo goes viral after getting posterized in Summer League Related: B/R's GOAT list features close Michael Jordan-LeBron James battle
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ben Johnson teases big change ‘tailored around' Caleb Williams
The post Ben Johnson teases big change 'tailored around' Caleb Williams appeared first on ClutchPoints. The future of the Chicago Bears is partly on the shoulders of Caleb Williams. With the season approaching, the Bears have gotten some positive results from Williams during camp. Altogether, the Bears are looking to turn the page from a chaotic season. A season in which Williams was seen as an underachiever in his rookie year, though he was putting up decent numbers. Recently, Bears coach Ben Johnson lead in on what to expect from Chicago this year, per Harrison Graham of Chat Sports. Johnson said that the offense will be run in a way that best utilizes Williams to maximize his strengths. 'This is going to be, I like to fancy it, the quarterback's offense,' Johnson said. 'We're going to tailor this right around Caleb Williams. It will not necessarily be what you've seen from the last three years. We're going to find out precisely what our quarterback does well, and that's really what we are going to anchor on. ' Since being hired, Johnson has spoken highly of Williams. All this against the backdrop of reported disconnect from Williams towards the organization. An upcoming book, 'American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback,' by Seth Wickersham, claimed that Williams and his father conspired to keep him from going to Chicago. This is allegedly due to how the Bears treat quarterbacks, and Williams wanted to play for the Minnesota Vikings. However, Johnson and Williams have collectively refuted those claims. Ben Johnson believes in a top-down approach for the Bears Johnson is an offensively oriented coach. He was like that with the Detroit Lions and wants to duplicate that approach with the Bears. Therefore, he is emphasizing Williams for a reason. He is fully aware of Williams' strengths and athleticism. He can pass as well as run, fitting for the model quarterback of the present day. Even with all the scrutiny, Williams managed to accumulate 3,541 passing yards as well as 20 touchdowns. Williams finished the year with a 62.5% pass completion rate and an 87.7 QB rating. If Williams can excel those numbers and the offensive line holds it together, things could turn for the better. Related: Bears' Caleb Williams stamped by Matas Buzelis Related: Where ESPN ranks Bears guard Joe Thuney after Chiefs trade
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fever's Kelsey Mitchell makes ‘grateful' admission on All-Star selection
The post Fever's Kelsey Mitchell makes 'grateful' admission on All-Star selection appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Indiana Fever will be well-represented in the much-awaited WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on July 19. The trio of Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell got the nod for the second straight year, which would surely be a treat for the home fans. The Fever are hosting the midseason showcase for the first time. As expected, the 23-year-old Clark, who was named one of the team captains along with Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, drafted her teammates to her squad on Tuesday. She selected Boston as the first pick, while Collier tapped Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty with her first selection. Clark picked Mitchell from the 12 reserves. When asked about playing in the All-Star Game for the third time, the 29-year-old Mitchell said it's important for her career and doesn't take it for granted. 'I ain't ever really had too many opportunities, so anytime I can get, I'm going to take it. Anytime I can get something like that on my resume, I'm very grateful,' said the Fever guard in a report from Indianapolis Star's Joshua Heron. Mitchell, who re-signed with the Fever in the offseason after testing free agency for the first time, is averaging a career-high 19.3 points on 45.5% shooting from the field. With Clark dealing with injuries this season, forcing her to miss half of their games so far, Mitchell has had to do more offensively. Same with Boston, who's putting up career-highs of 16.6 points on 59.7% accuracy from the field. Meanwhile, if there's one person who's very happy to see the three cornerstones in the All-Star Game, it's Fever coach Stephanie White. 'Those three have been killers. They've done an outstanding job. They continue to get better. They continue to embrace the impact that they have on this organization while continuing to be hungry for more,' said White in the same report. As of writing, it remains unclear if Clark, who's nursing a groin injury, will suit up. But multiple reports have said she's ready to return to action. Related: Fever's Caitlin Clark makes 'different' admission about dealing with injuries Related: Quarterback Caitlin Clark goes viral before her injury return
