Latest news with #Lakers
USA Today
2 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Why did Marcus Smart struggle after leaving the Boston Celtics?
Marcus Smart recently signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The former Boston Celtics fan favorite was reportedly recruited by Luka Doncic as Rob Pelinka tries to construct a roster capable of contending for a championship next season. However, given Smart's recent injury struggles, the Lakers are certainly rolling the dice on his availability. Since being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in the summer of 2023, Smart has been limited due to a string of injuries. Even when he was sent to the Washington Wizards, the former Defensive Player of the Year struggled to remain on the court. Of course, when he did play, he was a highly impactful member of the rotation, which made his absences all the more frustrating. During a recent YouTube video from the "A.M. Hoops" channel, the host explored Smart's struggles since leaving Boston, looking into what's caused his injuries, and whether he can bounce back to become the player everybody grew to love during his tenure with the Celtics. You can watch the full YouTube video by clicking on the embedded video above to get the full scoop into a player who was once a fan favorite in the TD Garden. Watch or listen to the "Taylor Talks Celtics" podcast on: YouTube: Spotify: Apple: Substack:
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade News: Los Angeles Lakers Add 4x ACC POTW to Bolster Squad Around Luka Doncic and LeBron James
LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Image via Getty) In a savvy offseason move, the Los Angeles Lakers have signed RJ Davis, the 2024 ACC Player of the Year from North Carolina, after he went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. Davis joins a reshaped Lakers squad headlined by Luka Doncic and veteran leader LeBron James , as the franchise continues to retool its roster to compete in the upcoming season. Who Is RJ Davis? RJ Davis was one of the most decorated guards in college basketball. Spending five seasons at UNC, Davis ended his collegiate career as the third-highest scorer in ACC history and second all-time at North Carolina. His final year saw him average 17.2 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game, shooting 41.3% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc. Despite his production and leadership, Davis went undrafted—likely due to size concerns at the NBA level. However, his scoring ability, reliable shooting—particularly off the catch—and maturity as a floor general caught the Los Angeles Lakers' attention. RJ Davis' Contract Details and Implications LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Image Source - Getty Images) RJ Davis has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Los Angeles, giving him a shot to earn a full-time role through training camp. The deal allows the Lakers to convert his contract into a two-way slot or assign him to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, where he could earn up to $85,300 if he remains with the team for 60 days. This signing is part of a broader developmental push by the Los Angeles Lakers, who also added college standouts Eric Dixon, Arthur Kaluma, and Augustas Marčiulionis. The front office is clearly emphasizing youth, shooting, and high basketball IQ to round out the bench. How Davis Complements Doncic and LeBron The arrival of Luka Doncic last season changed the team's core dynamics. With Doncic and LeBron now at the helm, the Lakers are seeking role players who can stretch the floor, handle the ball, and defend. Davis offers a skill set that fits seamlessly into this strategy: • Perimeter Shooting: Davis thrives as a catch-and-shoot option, perfect for spacing the floor around Doncic and James. • Secondary Playmaker: His experience as a lead guard in college means he can relieve ball-handling pressure when needed. • Defensive Hustle: While not physically imposing, Davis is quick and competitive on defense, capable of pestering opposing guards. • Mature Approach: With 175 college games under his belt, Davis brings composure and decision-making that often eludes younger NBA players. Los Angeles Lakers' Rebuilding and Contending Plan This offseason signals a clear dual-pronged approach from the Los Angeles Lakers. In addition to established names like Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, the franchise is investing in unheralded prospects like Davis who may blossom in the right system. As LeBron nears the twilight of his career, the focus has shifted to building a roster that can win now while grooming future contributors around Doncic. General manager Rob Pelinka and new head coach JJ Redick appear committed to fostering internal growth, creating opportunities for players like Davis to earn their spot in a competitive environment. RJ Davis may be an under-the-radar signing, but his accolades, shooting stroke, and seasoned mindset give him a real shot at cracking the Los Angeles Lakers' rotation. If he proves himself during training camp and in the G League, he could become a reliable spark plug off the bench—someone who adds shooting, smarts, and energy in crucial minutes. Davis's college legacy—complete with big-time shots in March and ACC dominance—suggests he's no stranger to pressure. With the bright lights of Los Angeles ahead of him, he'll look to carve out his place alongside two of the game's biggest stars. Also read: Los Angeles Lakers Bring in Four Undrafted Rookies on Exhibit 10 Deals Ahead of 2025-26 Season The 2025-26 season could be the beginning of a compelling new chapter for both Davis and a Lakers team full of ambition and change. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Fox Sports
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
2025 NBA Odds: Lakers, Dončić Odds Shorten After Magazine Cover Reveal
Both Luka Dončić's weight and the Lakers' title odds are on the move. Dončić is the cover athlete in the latest edition of Men's Health Magazine, and since he revealed his svelte, new physique, the star's MVP odds have also moved up the board. Currently, the Lakers' championship futures are +1400 at DraftKings Sportsbook, moving from +1600 just two weeks ago. On July 17 at DraftKings, Dončić was sitting fourth at +800 to win the league's most coveted individual honor. Now, he's third at +650, behind Nikola Jokić (+250) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+250), and moving ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo (+700). Let's check out some of the other Lakers and Dončić odds at DraftKings as of July 29. Dončić Clutch Player of the Year +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total) Dončić Western Conference Finals MVP +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total) Dončić Finals MVP +2000 (bet +2000 to win $210 total) Lakers Win Western Conference +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total) Lakers No. 1 Seed Western Conference +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total) JJ Redick Coach of the Year +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total) Will Dončić's slimmed-down frame be worth its weight in gold when it comes to boosting the Lakers' chances at winning it all next year? At least one expert thinks so. "I think he looked at LeBron and said this guy is naturally gifted … I want to get there," co-host Chris Broussard said on "First Things First" about Dončić's physical transformation. "If he does come back looking like he did in that magazine in that kind of shape, the Lakers are a real threat," Broussard added. "Luka is great period. Luka was great last year — overweight, coming off injury, sad … and not playing defense. "If he's in this kind of shape … I just think they have enough, and they have a legitimate chance." Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
New York Times
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Luka Dončić's revenge muscles, plus Nikola Jokić's horse celebration
The Bounce Newsletter | This is The Athletic's daily NBA newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Bounce directly in your inbox. Chances are, if we have an in-person basketball conversation, I will steer it toward Ricky Davis, Jamal Crawford or Ronald 'Flip' Murray at some point. Today is Flip's 46th birthday. He was a walking bucket. There is a dearth of career highlight mixes on YouTube for him, but let this be a great entry to a fun rabbit hole. Happy birthday, Flip! Luka got shredded, LeBron is masterminding It would make sense if, after two-plus decades of LeBron James being a main figure (or the main figure) in NBA discourse (whether genuine or forced for ratings/clicks), one might be a little LeBron'd out at this point. At the same time, I find my LeBron fascination rejuvenated because of the awkwardness we see between him and the Lakers. James is entering his 23rd year in the NBA, and the Lakers have moved on to the Luka Dončić era after trading for the latter last season. The 26-year-old superstar gives the franchise a massive runway to work with, while the 40-year-old superstar is trying to figure out how to position himself to finish his career. And it doesn't seem like that will be with the Lakers, based on this offseason so far. Advertisement The Lakers seemingly ended up with Luka because Mavericks executive Nico Harrison did not believe Luka was committed to being in the proper shape to fit into the exec's ideal basketball identity. Following a nagging calf injury and perhaps deciding to jump in the gym with extra care for a little 'revenge body' glow-up (we've all been there after a breakup), Dončić now finds himself looking completely shredded and muscular on the cover of Men's Health magazine. Yup, that's Luka Dončić on the cover of Men's Health Mag 👀 [image or embed] — The Athletic (@ July 28, 2025 at 10:36 AM Normally, the 'best shape of his career' stuff is just preseason fodder and entirely laughable. But I'll fully admit this shot of Luka not only made me do a double take, it made me drop to the ground and ran off 25 straight push-ups. (Then that was it. I figured that's enough to be in shape without committing myself in any other way.) Luka's new muscle definition could further demonstrate what a disaster Harrison's move was. Mavericks fans probably went through the anger of the trade all over again, when this cover hit social media this week. It shows Luka's dedication to either being in proper shape to win a title or to pettiness to damn Nico forever — or maybe both! Regardless, Luka is the now and the future for the Lakers, assuming he extends his contract once he's eligible next month. And LeBron is someone making one-third of the salary while helping make this team good enough to be a playoff squad in the vaunted West, but not good enough to be a real title contender. That is, unless Deandre Ayton decides to dedicate himself in a manner we haven't really seen in his seven years so far. It's no surprise that LeBron might be looking for one last hurrah, and we know that James has a penchant for garnering attention when it feels like he won't be the story anymore. We've seen injuries pop up after he's been eliminated, as we find out he was playing through them. We've seen him flirt with the dot-connectors by throwing out something cryptic for the internet to decode. Or maybe, in this case, someone decided to do it for him. Misko Raznatovic posted a picture of himself, LeBron and longtime James friend and business partner Maverick Carter enjoying the boating life in Saint Tropez, France. The caption? Advertisement 'The summer of 2025 is the perfect time to make big plans for the fall of 2026!' He tagged LeBron and Mav in the pic. You're likely asking yourself, 'Who cares? Who is this Misko fellow anyway?' He just happens to be Nikola Jokić's agent. Hey, guess who is going to be a free agent in 2026? LeBron! That's when his current deal that pays him $52.6 million is over. Film noir! What a twist! As my friend Aaron perfectly stated about LeBron: 'He is the loudest at going quiet.' While so many are LeBron'd out at this point, watching how he chooses to finish the story of his career will be as fascinating as anything he's done since returning to Cleveland in 2014. If not more. The newly shredded Luka is the Lakers' focus, and rightfully so. How LeBron turns the league focus back to himself despite not being the focus of his own team is going to be a 4D chess-type of situation. Only one team better than Knicks? 🏀 Fresh start. Damian Lillard has returned to Portland. He sounds like a new man. 💰 New deal. The Bulls just agreed to a contract extension with coach Billy Donovan. He's 195-205 with one playoff win in five seasons there. 📈 Power Rankings! The league has shifted a bit this offseason. Are the Knicks the second-best team in the NBA? 🏀 Size matters. The Mavs are banking on their size to dominate opponents. Can a two-big lineup fuel them? 🎧 'NBA Daily.' Zena and Es are joined by Mike Vorkunov to discuss expansions, relocations and NBA Europe. YouTube here. Caring more about horse races than NBA titles Speaking of Jokić, one of the funnier running jokes on the internet is about how much the four-time MVP (counting the Finals MVP) seems to be bothered by his day job. To be clear, I firmly believe Jokić loves basketball. I do not believe you can become that historically great at this sport without having a passion to fuel your work. However, I question whether he likes/enjoys the NBA itself. So much of the pomp and circumstance of the NBA just doesn't seem to vibe with what he appears to be about, from the outside looking in. We know Jokić does have passions outside of basketball, though. It's been known for years how much Jokić obsesses over, invests in and enjoys horse racing. Over the weekend, Jokić made more internet memes/headlines by celebrating one of his horses winning a race in his home country of Serbia. Video showed Jokić being elated and emotional after the win. He enthusiastically popped a massive champagne bottle, sprayed his team, sprayed the horse a little and dumped the rest on himself. You can see how excited he is in the moment he pops the bottle and starts spraying. You can watch the entire emotional reaction from Jokić here. Now juxtapose that enthusiastic celebration with how Jokić celebrated the Nuggets winning the championship in 2023. Look at how he popped the bottle in the locker room, and didn't appear to even really go through the motions of spraying that champagne on his teammates: The difference between two years and two different celebrations is stark, to say the least. Remember: When asked about winning the 2023 NBA championship, immediately after securing it, Jokić's response was, 'The job is done. We can go home now.' He was perturbed that the championship parade was days away because he wanted to go back to Serbia. Jokić embodied the 'accidentally became important at work and it's ruining my life' meme. It's just good to see the big fella enjoy stuff outside of work. He has like two more months before he has to clock in again. Who is signing Giddey and Kuminga? Most everything from this NBA offseason has been resolved, unless we have a massive trade that's going to slap us in the face and challenge us to a duel out of nowhere. Aside from figuring out where Russell Westbrook might end up, we're basically just waiting to see how the big restricted free agents are going to resolve their contract negotiations. The big restricted guys left are Josh Giddey, Jonathan Kuminga, Cam Thomas and Quentin Grimes. Advertisement At this point, nobody really expects these players to end up in new places. Maybe Kuminga can find his way out of Golden State? There just aren't a lot of avenues this summer for that. Thomas has been pretty outspoken about how he's viewed the negotiation process, fair or unfair. The perception is the perception. Some people value him, and some people don't. Such is life in the NBA. Grimes is someone everybody expects Philadelphia to re-sign in some manner. We just don't know if some of these players will take the risk and accept the one-year qualifying offer to bet on themselves for unrestricted free agency in 2026. Or will they accept a longer-term deal to ensure financial stability? Kuminga might be the most intriguing situation with that potential approach. Fred Katz polled 16 rival front office people, and the average annual take-home salary for Kuminga was $20.4 million. The majority of the contract lengths for Kuminga would be three years. Kuminga appears to be wanting a four-year deal, roughly in the $25 million annual zone — and more importantly, off the Warriors, to explore expanding his role elsewhere. Kuminga and coach Steve Kerr haven't exactly meshed. In another poll of front office personnel, Giddey's prospects were seen as something you'd rather invest in. His annual average was roughly $22.3 million. But 10 of the 16 executives polled said he should get a four- or five-year deal. Giddey had the best season of his young career, putting up 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game. But the career bests in 3-point percentage (37.8, previously 33.7) and true shooting percentage (57.0, previously 54.7) show why the intrigue and trust might be there more. Regardless, it feels like Giddey will eventually get his commitment from the Bulls, while we're not sure what is in store for Kuminga, Thomas and Grimes for long-term money or place of business. Maybe the qualifying-offer gamble ($7.9M for Kuminga, $6M for Thomas, $8.7M for Grimes) is worth the risk after all? Streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication. ( Photo: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
USA Today
9 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Lakers jersey history No. 1 — Jordan Farmar
Through the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have had a total of 506 players suit up for them, going back to their days in Minneapolis. Some were forgettable, some were serviceable, some were good and a select few were flat-out legendary. As the Lakers approach their 80th season of existence (they were founded back in 1946 as the Detroit Gems in the National Basketball League), LeBron Wire is taking a look at each player who has worn their jersey, whether it has been a purple and gold one or the ones they donned back in the Midwest during their early years. This article takes a look at a key reserve guard many Lakers fans will likely remember fondly — Jordan Farmar. Farmar is a local product who grew up in the San Fernando Valley and attended Taft High School in Woodland Hills. He spent two seasons at the University of California, Los Angeles, and he was named to the All-Pac-10 first team while helping the Bruins reach the men's NCAA championship game during the 2005-06 season. The Lakers took him late in the first round of the 2006 NBA Draft. At the time, they were badly in need of depth as they retooled around Kobe Bryant, and while Farmar struggled as a rookie, he started to make an impact in his second season. That year, he averaged 9.1 points and 2.7 assists in 20.6 minutes a game while shooting 46.1% from the field and 37.1% from 3-point range. The Lakers, buoyed by the acquisition of Hall of Fame big man Pau Gasol, reached the 2008 NBA Finals, only to lose in six games to their archrivals, the Boston Celtics. But Farmar had established himself as a key member of a bench unit that was starting to look impressive. Over the next two seasons, the 6-foot-2 point guard played a significant role in L.A. winning back-to-back world championships, including one over the Celtics. He spent the next two seasons with the New Jersey Nets and had brief stints with Maccabi Tel Aviv during the 2011 NBA lockout and Anadolu Efes in the Turkish League during the 2012-13 season before returning to the Lakers for the 2013-14 campaign. After subsequent stints with the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings, Farmar's NBA career ended. He finished with career averages of 7.7 points and 2.9 assists in 19.5 minutes per game.
