Latest news with #Luka
Newsweek
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Marcus Smart Reveals How Luka Doncic Convinced Him to Join the Lakers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. It's clear from the offseason moves made by general manager Rob Pelinka that the Los Angeles Lakers are going all-in on an NBA championship in 2025. With star forward Luka Doncic exercising his $52.6 million player option for next season, and point guard Luka Doncic under contract for at least 2025 (he's eligible for a four-year, $228.6 million extension on Aug. 2), the Lakers have started piecing together a much more competitive roster with the additions of 7-foot center Deandre Ayton, former first-round forward Jake LaRavia, and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. And it's not just Pelinka who's been recruiting talent to L.A. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Smart admitted that Doncic actually reached out to him a few times and convinced him to come join him, James, Austin Reaves and company. More Basketball: Caitlin Clark Trolls Kelsey Plum After Getting Shaded at All-Star Game Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the New Orleans Pelicans at Arena on April 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the New Orleans Pelicans at Arena on April 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California."When you get a guy like Luka calling, referencing, checking on you, trying to see where you're at, to see if you want to come join something special that he's trying to cook up over here, and for him to say that he could really use my help, that meant a lot," Smart said, via ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "Played against Luka a lot, been on a lot of opposing ends of Luka magic, and to be able to come out and be on his side this time means a lot." Smart also disclosed that Doncic contacting him came as a small surprise considering they two didn't necessarily have a close friendship off the court, though he did admit they shared a close admiration for one another and always gave each other "flowers." "It first came, I was working out and I get a call from my agent saying, 'Hey, Luka's reached out' and I'm like, 'Yeah, whatever,'" Smart joked. "Then another day, the same thing — Luka reached out again, and now it's real. Marcus Smart #36 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket against the Miami Heat during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2025 in Washington, DC. Marcus Smart #36 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket against the Miami Heat during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2025 in Washington, Basketball: Dick Vitale Doesn't Hold Back After WNBA Players' Salary Demand "It's no longer what ifs, it's real and it's something we need to talk about. That was a great feeling like I said, and that's what kind of got the things rolling to me to be here and I'm excited to be here." The additions of Ayton, Smart and LaRavia likely make the Lakers a threat to the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder at the top of the Western Conference. After adding Doncic in early February, L.A. went 19-13 down the stretch to close out the regular season before losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
Time Out
2 days ago
- Time Out
Bangkok's top 10 spots for health-conscious dining
Luka doesn't claim a clean‑eating label – but it's consciously woven into every dish through respect for the origin of each ingredient. I feel genuinely reassured when I eat here. There's something comforting about knowing your meal didn't come at the cost of something else. Their ingredients are thoughtfully sourced, the cows are grass-fed, the chickens are cage-free, the fish are line-caught from Thai coastal fisheries in Prachuap. Even the beef is from a regenerative farm in Australia with a zero-carbon footprint. Everything, down to the bakery items they source from their neighbour Congky in Ekkamai, is traced and considered. The space matches the energy: cosy and bathed in warm light, with just enough raw industrial edge to feel cool, but still soft enough to stay all day. The kind of space where the staff remember your face, ask how you're doing, and actually mean it. It feels like a cafe you'd see in a movie, only real. Prawn and mango salad marries grilled curried prawns, juicy mango, crisp lettuce, cucumber, radicchio, walnuts, ricotta, crispy farro – and that oregano vinaigrette dressing: bright, tangy, the real hero of the dish. It ties everything together so cleanly that you barely notice how many textures and flavours are dancing around at once. It's refreshing and full of contrast: soft and crunchy, sweet and savoury, creamy and acidic, and I mean it when I say: I actually left no crumbs. 10/10. Poke bowl is also one to come back for. Half Italian, half Japanese, it's loaded with line-caught fish marinated in koji and house-made teriyaki (all the sauces and pickles made in-house, by the way). Swap the brown rice for chickpea rice if you're after more protein or fewer carbs. And unlike most chickpea rice, it doesn't carry that fishy scent – it just tastes like good rice. And then there was key lime honey tart. A little sour, a little sweet, with candied lemon that made everything pop. The yoghurt whipped cream kept it light, almost airy. The kind of bite that makes you believe in perfect endings.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Luka Doncic's Recent Tearful Farewell Statement Sends Dallas Reeling: 'I Thought I'd Spend My Career Here'
Luka Doncic (Image Source - Getty Images) In a move that shook the NBA world, Luka Doncic —the heartbeat of the Dallas Mavericks—has been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers . For seven seasons, Doncic wasn't just a superstar; he was the identity of Mavericks basketball. With his dazzling playmaking, fearless clutch moments, and unmistakable swagger, the Slovenian guard became a symbol of hope and pride for Dallas. So when news of his departure broke, it wasn't just a transaction—it felt like a personal loss for an entire region. North Texas Reacts: Heartbreak and Outrage Shockwaves rippled through Dallas as fans gathered outside the American Airlines Center, many in disbelief, some openly emotional. Luka's jerseys, once a badge of honor, were modified with tape in protest. Vigils were held. Online forums flooded with fury and grief. For many Mavericks faithful, this wasn't just a star leaving—it was the crumbling of an emotional investment years in the making. - The team's front office quickly became a lightning rod for criticism. The general manager faced chants and online vitriol. - Longtime season ticket holders vowed to cut ties, feeling betrayed by what they saw as a tone-deaf and avoidable move. Luka Doncic's Goodbye: Healing Words or Salt in the Wound? Luka Dončić: Born to Compete, Destined to Dominate After making his Lakers debut, Luka Doncic addressed Mavericks fans with a heartfelt message. He reflected on his journey from Slovenia to Texas, saying, 'Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream… I thought I'd spend my career here… The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of.' While his words were filled with gratitude and sincerity, they had a dual effect—reassuring for some, heartbreaking for others. His love for Dallas only magnified the loss. - Fans were reminded of the unfulfilled dream: a championship led by Luka in Mavericks blue. - His loyalty and emotional connection to the city made his departure even harder to accept. 'Onward,' Says Luka—But Can Dallas Fans Let Go? Despite the emotional fallout, Luka Doncic urged everyone to look ahead. 'I really appreciate it … but I think we should focus on the next,' he said, praising the Lakers fans for their warm welcome while reaffirming his fondness for Dallas. Still, for many Dallas Mavericks supporters, the classy goodbye just made things worse. In a league often marred by cold, transactional moves, Luka's departure—full of grace and warmth—felt too human to process easily. Mavericks Front Office Under Fire While Luka Doncic handled the transition with humility, the Mavericks' leadership struggled to manage the optics. The trade was executed overnight, blindsiding even franchise icons like Dirk Nowitzki and Mark Cuban. Instead of clarity, fans were met with vague explanations citing culture shifts, defensive concerns, and questions about Doncic's long-term health. - Suppressing protests at games, removing critical signs, and ejecting upset fans only escalated the backlash. - Attempts to downplay Doncic's legacy or shift blame for the trade further fractured the team's relationship with its base. When the Lakers eventually visit Dallas again, it won't just be another game—it will be a reckoning. Expect a mix of applause, boos, and perhaps some tears. Some fans will wear gold under blue, torn between loyalty to the team and the player they still love. As one heartbroken supporter summed it up: 'He's going to win in LA, and we'll watch thinking, 'Man… that should've been us.'' Also read: Japanese Guard Yuki Kawamura Makes Strong Case for NBA Future with Stellar Summer League Run With the Chicago Bulls The trade may have closed a chapter, but Luka Doncic's farewell proved one thing: the bond between him and Dallas endures. Time may dull the sting, but the memories—and the heartbreak—will never fully fade. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
If My Golden Retriever Puppy Hadn't Woken Me, I'd Be Dead
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When Len, an Australian woman in her 40s, started her bedtime routine on July 16, 2024, she had no idea that everything was about to change. Alone at home, she suddenly started experiencing changing confusion, sudden paralysis, and total loss of sensation on the right side of her body. "I was putting on my pajamas when it felt like snakes were moving inside my clothes," Len, who didn't share a surname, told Newsweek. "My right hand clamped shut and I couldn't open it. When I went to stand I fell back onto the bed. My face felt strange too, like a droopy feeling. [I] flopped backwards in a lying down position and started to fall asleep." Len was suffering a stroke, but that is when her 12-month-old golden retriever, Luka, stepped in. "I felt Luka's head firmly, but not aggressively, pushing down on my chest and up on my chin. This happened many times, I don't know how long [for] though. So I'd wake up and then fall asleep over and over," she said, explaining that Luka had never laid on the bed before, preferring cooler floorboards. "But that night, he wouldn't leave me." A picture of the scan Len had after the stroke, left, and a picture of Len and her dog Luka, right. A picture of the scan Len had after the stroke, left, and a picture of Len and her dog Luka, right. @harposgoldenfamily/TikTok The constant stimulation from Luka kept Len conscious long enough for her to eventually receive emergency medical care within the critical four-hour window for thrombolysis—a clot-busting treatment that can reverse stroke damage. Doctors diagnosed her with a Basal Ganglia stroke which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 795,000 occur each year, with 610,000 being first-time strokes and roughly 185,000 recurrent episodes, and in 2022 1 in 6 deaths were as a result of stroke. Over the following months, Len underwent intensive rehab, relearning how to walk, speak, and perform everyday tasks. Her goals were simple but deeply meaningful: walk the dogs again and hold her baby niece. A screenshot from the viral video about Len's stroke. A screenshot from the viral video about Len's stroke. @harposgoldenfamily/TikTok Through her dog-centric Instagram account, Len has shared the ordeal with her global community. "I've always been transparent about our life, so although the stroke affected me, I'm the human behind the account, so I felt it was right to share what had happened to our little doggo community," she said. She now believes Luka sensed her elevated heart rate or noticed signs of distress. "He is my world. I know that his natural instincts and bond with me is something special," she said. Len hopes her story raises awareness of the early signs of stroke—such as vision distortion, limb paralysis, or facial drooping—and the importance of seeking help immediately. But she also wants people to appreciate the deeper intuition animals possess. "Luka truly saved my life. If he didn't keep me awake that night I would have fallen asleep and possibly died from lack of oxygen to my brain or best case, suffered long term brain and physical damage," Len said. "I also want people to know the signs of onset of a stroke and the critical window of time to get help. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Los Angeles Lakers Get Concerning Luka Doncic Update
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. When the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off arguably the biggest blockbuster trade in NBA history back in February that sent 10-time All-Star forward Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for superstar point guard Luka Doncic, many believed it signaled the latter would be in purple and gold for the foreseeable future. However, Doncic is only under contract for one more year with a $45.9 million cap hit in 2025 (he also has a $48.9 million player option for 2026-27), and there hasn't been much talk about him signing a long-term contract extension with L.A. Doncic is eligible to sign a four-year, $229 million max contract on Aug. 2, which is significantly less than the $345.3 million deal he could've signed had he stuck with the Mavericks. Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles up the court against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles up the court against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Basketball: Fever Make Major Caitlin Clark Announcement After Injury vs. Sun He could also opt for a shorter three-year, $165 million contract, which would allow him to reach free agency sooner and accrue his 10 years of NBA service, making him eligible for a five-year, $418 million extension in 2028. ESPN's Brian Windhorst cautioned Lakers fan earlier this week not to worry if there's no traction on a Doncic deal until September (he's currently with the Slovenian national team for EuroBasket 2025), but during an appearance on ESPN's "NBA Today" on Tuesday, Windhorst also explained that Doncic's contract situation is "stressing" the Lakers out. Windy: "This is a stress max right now for Luka. The Lakers are a little bit stressed out about it. They want the no stress max" — Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) July 15, 2025 "There's the stress max — this happens when it's a player's second max contract," Windhorst said. "This is when players sometimes leave, or are not really worth it. This is a stress max right now for Luka. The Lakers are a little bit stressed out about it. "... This is a stress max situation, so if he signs it, relief for the Lakers, they can spend a little time looking at their roster over the next two or three years. Making decisions that are not going to be based upon what's best for us tomorrow, what are we going to present to Luka in 2026, we can think about what the team looks like in 27-28, etc. "If he doesn't sign it, he can be a free agent next summer when there's going to be 10-plus teams with cap space. If he does not sign it, we will see teams begin to open up maneuvers to try to chase Luka. And every day will go by where every sort of wobble with the Lakers — everything will be tied to the Luka contract." More Basketball: Clippers Beat Out Rival Lakers for 3-Time All- Star Bradley Beal LeBron James is only locked into one more season with the Lakers after exercising his $52.6 million player option. He's expressed wanting to win one more title before he retires, so if the Lakers don't build what he deems a championship-caliber roster, he could force his way out of L.A. with a trade or a buyout. If James leaves the Lakers this season or next, that would leave Doncic as the face of the franchise.
