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Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What does Luka Doncic hate about Los Angeles? LeBron James finally got to know one dislike of the Slovenian star's Lakers tenure
The NBA midseason trade of Luka Doncic, from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, was a blockbuster deadline deal that saw Anthony Davis head to Dallas. While the trade surprised many, the Slovenian star quickly settled into his new home. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Doncic's stellar on-court performance was unchanged, but his off-court reflections revealed something quite specific he dislikes about L.A., and even couldn't argue with him. Luka Doncic revealed what he hates most about Los Angeles Ocean views and star-studded crowds can't mask this one L.A. flaw for Luka Doncic. Since landing in Los Angeles, Doncic has become more than just the Lakers' newest face, he's already left a mark. Over 28 regular-season games in purple and gold, he averaged an impressive 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, with sharp shooting splits across the board. In the postseason, he elevated his play even more, putting up 30.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists over five playoff games before the Lakers fell to the Timberwolves in the opening round. The Luka Dončić Interview (Part 1) | LeBron James & Steve Nash | MIND THE GAME Despite that strong showing, it's life off the court that gives Doncic mixed feelings about his new city. During a recent appearance on the Mind the Game podcast, hosted by none other than his Lakers teammate LeBron James and NBA legend Steve Nash, Doncic opened up about the highs and lows of L.A. life. "This is the first city I play in that has an ocean, and I really like the ocean,' Doncic shared, clearly enjoying his proximity to the coast. 'First thing, I mean, after a couple days, that was the first thing on my mind, you know. It's a lot. I like it, I like it very much." But he didn't hold back from highlighting the one thing he absolutely can't stand, of course, it's the nightmare of most people— traffic . 'The only, the only thing is, is the traffic,' he added with a sigh. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It's a sentiment many Angelenos share and one LeBron James quickly nodded along to. Even amid the headaches of bumper-to-bumper gridlock, with Los Angeles ranked third in the U.S. for hours lost in traffic in 2024, per the Global Traffic Scorecard, Doncic has found silver linings. He added that Lakers games always host famous people in the crowd. That energy, along with the warm beaches, helps balance the frustration. Also Read: Doncic's new NBA journey with the Lakers has just started, and the 26-year-old is looking to come back strong, as he was already seen in the best shape.
Shafaq News
28-01-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Traffic congestion drains Iraq's economy, hampers growth
Shafaq News/ Traffic congestion in Iraq's major cities has become a significant obstacle to economic growth, affecting productivity, increasing costs, and straining infrastructure. Iraq's Strategic Human Rights Center (SHRC) warns that the issue is not only a logistical challenge but a critical economic and environmental concern that demands urgent action. Economic Impact of Congestion According to the center's head, Fadel Al-Gharawi, the persistent traffic jams are reducing worker productivity, with employees spending hours stuck on congested roads instead of contributing to their workplaces. Findings from the 2023 Global Traffic Scorecard reveal that workers in heavily congested cities lose between 100 and 150 hours annually in traffic delays, causing economic losses equivalent to 2-5% of GDP in many countries. The World Bank has also reported that workers facing daily delays of up to an hour experience a 15% decline in productivity. Businesses are equally impacted, with traffic-related delays disrupting supply chains and reducing competitiveness. Economic reports indicate that late deliveries and logistical inefficiencies result in a 10-20% loss in potential business opportunities, further straining the economy. In Iraq, the situation is equally dire. Al-Gharawi estimates that traffic congestion costs the country's economy between $1 billion and $2 billion annually. These losses arise from wasted fuel, increased vehicle maintenance, and time inefficiencies. Environmental and Health Consequences The gridlock on Iraq's roads is not just an economic issue; it also contributes to environmental degradation and public health challenges. Idling vehicles emit higher levels of greenhouse gases, worsening air pollution. Al-Gharawi pointed out that 'prolonged traffic congestion increases respiratory illnesses and raises environmental costs.' Studies by the United Nations confirm that areas with heavy congestion report a 30% higher prevalence of respiratory diseases compared to less crowded regions. In Iraq, where residents in some areas spend over three hours daily in traffic, transportation costs have risen by 40%, placing additional financial pressure on households. Current Efforts and Needed Reforms The Iraqi government has taken steps to address the issue by building bridges, and tunnels, and expanding key roads. However, Al-Gharawi emphasized that these efforts need to be part of a broader, strategic approach to make a significant impact. He suggested several measures to alleviate congestion, including 'phasing out older vehicles, constructing ring roads around cities, and building highways that meet international standards to improve connectivity between provinces.' Additionally, he stressed the importance of investing in sustainable public transportation to reduce reliance on private cars. 'Smart traffic management systems and improved public transit infrastructure are essential to easing congestion and mitigating its effects on the economy and environment,' Al-Gharawi said. A Hidden Cost to GDP Transportation inefficiencies tied to traffic congestion currently consume an estimated 1.5% of Iraq's GDP, according to the World Bank. This financial burden highlights, according to Al-Gharawi, the urgent need for coordinated action to modernize infrastructure and adopt sustainable policies. 'The delays caused by congestion also disrupt economic productivity across various sectors, from manufacturing to logistics…The inefficiencies are compounding over time, making it clear that addressing traffic is no longer just about convenience—it's about economic survival,' he stated. 'Addressing traffic congestion is critical to Iraq's future. It's not just about easing daily commutes—it's about securing a sustainable path for economic growth and environmental stability.' He concluded.
