Latest news with #LeBron
Miami Herald
3 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Nike turns to unexpected brand in desperate bid to win back Gen Z
One brand reps LeBron, Serena, and Olympic gold. The other sells corduroy fanny packs and mushroom lamps. Raise your hand if you never thought you'd associate Nike with Urban Outfitters On paper, they live in completely different universes - one powered by performance, the other by personality. Nike is about greatness. Urban is about vibes. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter And yet, here we are. Because when a brand starts slipping with the generation it once ruled, strange things happen. Related: Nike, Adidas face rising threat on the golf course Nike has been showing cracks. Once the default for teens, the brand's influence has started to fade. Gen Z is drifting toward streetwear, niche performance labels, and brands that feel more in tune with their identity than with big sponsorship deals. Meanwhile, Urban Outfitters has something Nike needs right now: cultural relevance with young people. Not tastemakers. What do you do when your brand starts feeling out of touch? You partner with someone who still has the juice. And that's exactly what Nike just did. Urban Outfitters The new concept is called On Rotation, and it has already launched inside select Urban Outfitters locations in New York, D.C., Scottsdale, San Diego, and Manhattan Beach. Each space is designed like a lounge, not a locker curated product drops, low lighting, and a discovery-first layout. Nike is the first featured brand. The activation includes more than 150 pieces of Nike apparel and footwear, available both in-store and online. not just about selling hoodies and Dunks. This is a larger play to recapture Gen Z's attention and, maybe more importantly, its respect. Related: Lululemon scores a huge victory over Nike Urban Outfitters says future On Rotation partnerships will feature fashion, lifestyle, and design brands that speak to Gen Z values. For now, Nike gets the full spotlight. "Urban Outfitters has always been a destination for discovery, especially for Gen Z," said Cyntia Leo, head of brand marketing. "Nike is the ideal first partner… their cultural credibility is unmatched." Except, that last part might not be true anymore. This isn't just a team-up. It's a test. Can Nike blend into culture again? Whether Gen Z actually buys in is the question nobody can answer yet. Nike's dominance isn't gone, but it's fragile. Nike is (obviously) still widely recognized, but its grip on younger consumers isn't what it used to be. Young shoppers are turning toward brands like New Balance, Hoka, and On - labels that mix cool with credibility and don't feel like they're trying so hard. Nike, on the other hand, is starting to try. The brand fumbled its wholesale strategy by pulling back too much, too fast. Its direct-to-consumer numbers have slipped. According to the latest Q3 earnings report, Nike's 2025 third quarter revenue dropped 9%, with direct revenues down 12% and wholesale revenues down 7% Even the CEO admitted Nike needs to rebuild wholesale relationships, a sign of strategic retreat, not confidence. On Rotation isn't just a retail concept - it's a rehab attempt. Nike is trying to borrow cultural clout from a retailer that still connects with Gen Z. Urban Outfitters might not sell out arenas, but it knows how to fill a For You page. This move could help Nike find its footing again. Or it could prove what younger shoppers already suspect: the Swoosh just isn't that cool anymore. Related: Nike delivers bad news for customers The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
"He shows up like 10 hours before the game" - Luka Doncic on what surprised him the most about playing with LeBron James
The blockbuster trade that brought Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers sent ripples across the NBA, changing the landscape of the league. He was seen as the final piece to complete LeBron James' quest for another championship late in his storied career. But even though everyone knew this would be a dynamic duo on paper, no one could have predicted how well they would mesh on the court. When asked about his experience playing alongside LeBron on the "Mind The Game" podcast, Luka shared what surprised him the most. Emphasis on physical preparation James' pronounced emphasis on taking care of his body is the stuff of legends and is a significant part of why he continues to play at such an elite level despite already being 40 years old. From nutrition to recovery, je is meticulous in his approach to physical preparation and Luka was amazed when he saw it firsthand. Advertisement "First of all, he shows up like 10 hours before the game. So, I mean, that was really the main — like, I was — what?" the Slovenian revealed. "I came to the arena, he was already done working out. I was like, what?" While some players arrive at the arena a few hours before the game's tip-off, James prefers to be at the long before everyone. He has a rigid approach to his pre-game routine, which includes a carefully planned out workout and stretching session. Once that is done, James moves on to shootaround and uses deep tissue massages and other recovery methods to ensure his body is in top shape for the game. Luka disclosed that seeing how LeBron pay so much attention to every detail of his preparation hit home. It showed him the level of commitment and dedication required to be one of the greatest players in the league. Advertisement "I've never played with a guy like this and, you know, just being traded to here to L.A. — I mean, it was different. But just to play with guys like him, like, it's unbelievable. Like, I could learn so many stuff, you know. First of all, off the court, you know, all the things he does just to be ready for the game. And obviously, on the court, everybody knows what kind of player he is," Doncic added. Related: Michael Beasley shares why he hates the narrative that Luka Doncic is out of shape: "When I'm scoring 50, tell me then to get in shape" A work in progress The show's co-host Steve Nash discussed how similar Luka's and LeBron's games are. From the precision passing to scoring to creating shots for their teammates, there are striking similarities between the two players. Advertisement "You guys are so similar. You know, obviously different stages of your career, but you're so similar — the way you see the game, the way you process the game, the way you can, you know, abuse bigger defenders, you can bully smaller defenders. You're both computers, the way you read the game," Nash, who was a two-time league MVP during his time in the Association, remarked. Doncic, though, asserted that his partnership with James remains a work in progress. They haven't played a full season together, so it's safe to say they are still working out the kinks and figuring out each other's tendencies. But even with that, their chemistry on the court has been undeniable. "It's been great. But just, you know, I think — I still think it's a work in progress. You know, when we two are out there and they are — you know, he's been playing unbelievable, and I think it's just still work in progress," the 26-year-old shared. Advertisement As their first-round exit in the 2025 NBA Playoffs showed, Luka, LeBron and the Lakers have a lot of work to do to truly elevate themselves to championship contender status. But it's undeniable that with the two megastars on the roster for the foreseeable future, the team has the potential to become a dominant force in the league. Related: "We have a long summer ahead of us" - Luka Doncic reveals he is focusing to be the best version of himself with new indoor conditioning and modified diet
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Danny Green Says Lakers Will Not Win A Championship With The Current Roster
Danny Green Says Lakers Will Not Win A Championship With The Current Roster originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Los Angeles Lakers got younger when they swapped Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic, but make no mistake: they are still in the business of winning now. Unfortunately, ahead of a pivotal summer, the public is still split on how the Lakers will stack up to the rest of the West, and former champion Danny Green went so far as to say they won't win anything at all unless major roster changes are made. Advertisement 'I think they're explosive offensively," said Green on the 'All the Smoke' podcast. "I think they lack a lot defensively… I don't know how many years he (James) has left longer, and it's think it's just really hard to win a championship when your best player is 40 years old… Next year, LeBron is going to be 41….He can still average 30, 20-something, but I just don't see them winning a championship with that formula right now.' It's important to note that Danny has no ill will against the Lakers. He was part of that 2020 team that won the Finals, and he saw LeBron's greatness up close when he averaged 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game to finish second in MVP voting at 35 years old. Going into next season, LeBron isn't expected to have a steep decline, but he'll be 40 and running on fumes to finish out his career. With retirement always on the back of his mind, one has to wonder how much longer James can keep playing at an elite, All-Star level. Couple this with the loss of Anthony Davis, and it's easier to understand why Green (and other critics) are hesitant about the Lakers. They broke up the duo that won their last championship, and there's no guarantee that their current roster is good enough to get the job done. Advertisement Even after adding Luka Doncic to the fold, with head coach JJ Redick to maximize his skills, the Lakers still lost in the very first round in a brutal matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite the best efforts of the new roster, they could only win one game before their elimination, and there is no easy fix going into next season. The top priority for GM Rob Pelinka is to add a center and fill out the frontcourt for Luka Doncic. They were stuck with Jaxon Hayes last season, but with several options for an upgrade this summer, they're likely going to be much stronger in the frontcourt going forward With limited cap flexibility, the Lakers can only change so much, but if they're able to add another star to the mix, it could make them the favorites in the West. A package of Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, and their last first-round pick should be enough to land a major name, like potentially Kevin Durant or even Giannis Antetokounmpo. Assuming they don't run it back, the Lakers are bound to start next season with some major roster upgrades, but it may still not be enough. In the Wild West, teams like the Thunder, Rockets, and Timberwolves are only going to get stronger, and the Lakers must do everything they can to ensure they don't fall behind further than they already are. Related: 5 Realistic Replacements For Austin Reaves If Lakers Decide To Trade Him This Summer This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chris Paul reportedly to leave Spurs - should he retire?
Chris Paul reportedly to leave Spurs - should he retire? | The Kevin O'Connor Show Yahoo Sports senior NBA analyst Kevin O'Connor is joined by Andrew Sharp to discuss the 12-time All-Star's future in the league as he reportedly will not return to San Antonio next season. Hear the full conversation on 'The Kevin O'Connor Show' and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen. View more Video Transcript Chris Paul, according to Mark Stein on his sub stack, is not expected back with the San Antonio Spurs. Advertisement Do you have a favorite fit out there in the NBA for uh retirement home, Chris Paul? Um, retirement would be my favorite fit for Chris Paul. I don't know. Do you, where do you have, do you have any home for him, a retirement home? I mean, it depends Is Chris Paul willing to come off the bench? Probably not. He continued to want to start for the Spurs last year, even after the Fox acquisition, which made no sense for that roster construction, but that's what happened anyway. So this year I cannot imagine he would continue to start. Castle just won rookie of the Year. The Spurs at #2, unless they trade the pick are probably gonna take Dylan Harper out of Rutgers, another guard. Advertisement CP3 would be coming off the bench and probably not playing a lot. So with him, I understand. And wanting to leave, but if he's willing to start, willing to come off the bench, that would increase the amount of teams I'd like to see him go to. Dallas would be interesting. Kyrie out until later in the season with his torn ACL. He could start to begin the year and high pick a roll with Anthony Davis, like it could be a, you know, help Cooper flag out as a as a rookie. I think the Dallas Mavericks, that's not a hard move for him either from San Antonio to Dallas. That's the Texas. That's the number one team on my list, like Lakers with LeBron. Advertisement I don't know. I mean, yeah, Lakers have been thrown out as a potential Chris Paul destination for literally 10 years, and I hope it never happens. Uh, his game doesn't really mesh well with what LeBron wants to do offensively. They also have Luca and Austin Reeves who also need the ball. Lakers completely out, um, but As we talk it through and I think back to our conversation about Minnesota at the top of the show and how badly they need a ball handler. Andrew Mike Conley and Chris Paul and is making it work with retirement home Mike Conley. Why not give it a try with Chris Paul if he's willing to take a role where he's playing like 15 minutes a game. Advertisement 20 minutes tops. I could see that being a fit that isn't horrible, but I'm sticking with my original plea. Chris Paul, please just retire and go get paid a ton of money to announce games on Amazon or something. It would be awesome, dude. He might actually get paid close to as much. That's true. The money's getting good in that area as well. I know exactly.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
8 Proven Centers The Lakers Could Acquire In 2025 Offseason
If there was one image that summed up the Los Angeles Lakers' painful first-round exit in the 2025 Playoffs, it was Rudy Gobert flexing after yet another offensive rebound and putback. Gobert, a player known more for defense than scoring, dropped 27 points and grabbed 24 boards in Minnesota's Game 5 closeout win over L.A., sending LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and the Lakers home embarrassingly. For a franchise built on star power, that kind of frontcourt beatdown was a glaring sign: the Lakers need more size and toughness in the middle if they're serious about chasing a title in 2025-26. Advertisement The LeBron-Luka partnership still has championship potential, but their supporting cast must evolve, starting at center. The Lakers simply didn't have enough muscle, rim protection, or rebounding to survive the West's growing big-man gauntlet. If Rob Pelinka wants to maximize LeBron's final title window and Luka's peak, finding a proven center this summer is mandatory. The good news? The market offers options. Here are 8 proven centers the Lakers could target in the 2025 offseason to finally give LeBron and Luka the frontcourt help they desperately need. 1. Jaren Jackson Jr. Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) during the second half at Rocket Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jaren Jackson Jr. Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, 2031 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick Swap Adding Jaren Jackson Jr. would bring a massive defensive jolt to L.A.'s front line. Despite Memphis's rough season, getting swept in Round 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jackson still flashed his trademark rim protection (1.5 blocks per game) and stretched the floor with 22.2 points per night on respectable 37.5% shooting from three. Advertisement His mobility and switchability on defense make him an ideal anchor next to LeBron and Luka, especially after watching Rudy Gobert overpower the Lakers in the first round. While JJJ has had trouble staying consistent offensively, playing off two superstars could simplify his role and help him return to the All-Star form he showed in 2023. For Memphis, recouping Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht gives them two rotation-ready wings, plus draft assets to retool around Desmond Bane. From the Lakers' standpoint, Jackson's age (25) and unique two-way skillset fit the bill of a title-hunting team trying to win now without sacrificing long-term stability. 2. Myles Turner Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots the ball against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Myles Turner (Sign-and-Trade) Indiana Pacers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, 2031 First-Round Pick Myles Turner remains one of the NBA's most productive centers, and 2024-25 was no different: 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting a crisp 39.6% from deep. His ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor makes him tailor-made to fit between LeBron and Luka. Advertisement Turner also enters free agency, and if Indiana pivots toward building around their young core after their playoff success, a sign-and-trade makes sense for both sides. His playoff experience and low-maintenance offensive game would be a seamless upgrade over the Lakers' current center rotation. From L.A.'s side, packaging Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht is a palatable price to finally solve their center woes. Turner is big enough to handle the Goberts and Jokics of the world but skilled enough to avoid clogging the paint for Luka and LeBron's drives. This would give JJ Redick the flexibility to go big without sacrificing spacing, exactly what they lacked against Minnesota. 3. Nic Claxton Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Nic Claxton Brooklyn Nets Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2031 First-Round Pick Nic Claxton just wrapped up a stellar season in Brooklyn, averaging 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while finishing top five in field goal percentage at 56.3%. At just 26, he offers athleticism and defensive upside that the Lakers sorely missed in their first-round flameout. Advertisement Claxton thrives as a vertical lob threat, a perfect complement to Luka's passing wizardry, while also being one of the league's switchiest big men on defense. If Brooklyn opts to pivot toward a rebuild, moving Claxton while his value is sky-high makes sense. For the Lakers, giving up Hachimura and Gabe Vincent plus a first-rounder is a solid value play. Claxton would allow L.A. to go back to its 2020 formula of surrounding LeBron with athletic, defensive-minded bigs while keeping Luka's offensive lanes clear. This is the kind of modern center upgrade that could swing postseason matchups. 4. Clint Capela Jan 25, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) inbounds the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Clint Capela (Sign-and-Trade) Atlanta Hawks Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, 2031 Second-Round Pick (LAC) Clint Capela isn't the All-NBA-level big man he was a few years ago, but he remains a dependable defensive presence. In 2024-25, he averaged 8.9 points and 8.5 rebounds, continuing his streak of elite offensive rebounding (3.2 per game). Advertisement After being phased into more of a veteran role in Atlanta behind Onyeka Okongwu, Capela becomes a realistic veteran target for the Lakers. His playoff toughness and rebounding would have been invaluable against Minnesota's physical front line. L.A. could get him at a bargain here by sending out Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber. While Capela doesn't stretch the floor, his experience and rim-running ability give the Lakers a functional big who can bang with elite centers for 20-25 minutes a night. It's a cheaper solution, but would instantly boost their rebounding and interior defense. 5. Walker Kessler Jan 1, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) shields the ball from New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit- Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesCredit- Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Walker Kessler Utah Jazz Receive: Dalton Knecht, 2031 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick Swap Walker Kessler improved upon his breakout rookie year last season and managed 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in 2024-25. At just 23, he represents a rare blend of upside and proven shot-blocking prowess. Advertisement Utah might be willing to listen, given they're reportedly prioritizing offensive star power this offseason. Kessler's rim protection and vertical spacing fit perfectly next to LeBron and Luka's drive-and-kick offense. For the Lakers, flipping Dalton Knecht and a future pick is a strong but sensible move. Kessler gives them youth and energy in the paint while maintaining their timeline to win now without going all-in on an aging vet. This is the kind of savvy pivot L.A. needs after being battered on the boards by Gobert. 6. Onyeka Okongwu Mar 23, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Onyeka Okongwu Atlanta Hawks Receive: Rui Hachimura, 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL) Okongwu has quietly emerged as one of the league's best young bigs, averaging 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks this season while hitting 56.7% from the field. Atlanta's frontcourt logjam makes him an intriguing trade target, especially with Capela still on the roster. Okongwu's agility and switchability make him a more modern fit for today's playoff battles, where traditional centers get played off the floor. Advertisement For the Lakers, acquiring Okongwu would inject youth and athleticism into their aging core while keeping LeBron and Luka's title window wide open. Sacrificing Rui and a pick is steep but worth it to secure a center who can guard in space, finish lobs, and bring energy on both ends. It's a long-term and immediate win. 7. Jonas Valanciunas Mar 20, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valanciunas (17) controls the ball against Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jonas Valanciunas Sacramento Kings Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 First-Round Pick Valanciunas remains an old-school bruiser, finishing the year with 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 55.0% from the field. His limitations on defense are well-known, but in the right setting, like L.A., where LeBron and Luka control the offense, he can provide a stable low-post option and elite rebounding. Advertisement The Kings, after missing the playoffs not long after trading De'Aaron Fox, may look to get younger and more mobile, making Valanciunas expendable. For the Lakers, bringing in Jonas would give them the size they lacked in their first-round loss while keeping the offense humming. Sending out Jarred Vanderbilt and a future pick is a manageable price for a veteran center who can eat minutes and keep them competitive on the glass. 8. Robert Williams III Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) grabs a rebound during the second half against LA Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Robert Williams III Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Shake Milton, 2031 First-Round Pick When healthy, Robert Williams III is a game-changer. Though he missed most of 2024-25 with more injuries (20 appearances), his career averages of 1.7 blocks, elite rim protection, and vertical spacing still make him an intriguing buy-low candidate. Portland, deep in their rebuild, might be willing to move him for assets. Advertisement The Lakers can gamble on Williams' upside by offering Vanderbilt and Shake Milton, plus a pick. If he returns to form, Williams gives L.A. the defensive anchor they desperately need, capable of matching up with elite bigs while covering ground on switches. It's risky, but the potential reward is immense. Related: Rob Pelinka Reveals What Type Of Center The Lakers Will Look For This Offseason
