Latest news with #LukaDoncic
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Lakers Get Extremely Positive Update About Luka Doncic's Future
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. The Los Angeles Lakers are fully focused on Luka Doncic as the future of their franchise. LeBron James is still on the roster, but over the last couple of weeks it has become clear that the team has moved on from focusing on him to Doncic. Unfortunately for James, that was always going to be the case the second Rob Pelinka pulled off the blockbuster trade to acquire Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. While Doncic is the plan for the Lakers' future, they still need to sign him long-term. Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles 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 against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo byDoncic has one more season and a player option on a second left on his deal. It seems likely that he will want to get a massive long-term deal done after the 2025-26 season or potentially even before it. Read more: Report: Warriors Could Look to Sign Sleeper Free Agent Guard Keeping that in mind, a new update has given Los Angeles a lot of reason for optimism regarding being able to keep Doncic in town for years to come. As noted by ESPN insider Tim McMahon, Doncic's involvement in the Lakers' recent moves shows much more than just a will to win this season. "And that is not Luka's natural state," McMahon said. "The first several years of his career he basically said, 'Hey, I play. The front office puts the team together. I don't want anything to do with it.' And he didn't grow up in the AAU culture where you're constantly recruiting guys." He continued on, revealing more about what Doncic's actions in recruiting talent means for Los Angeles long-term. "I believe he also had some contact with Deandre Ayton," McMahon continued, "and I actually think that's the most significant part of all this because it does show that he's not only on the same page with the Lakers front office, but he is an active participant." Read more: Lakers' Bronny James Lands on Significant List After NBA Summer League During the 2024-25 NBA season after the trade, Doncic played in 28 games for the Lakers. He averaged 28.2 points per game to go along with 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals, while shooting 43.8 percent from the floor and 37.9 percent from three-point range. Los Angeles has big plans for the future around Doncic. One report suggested that the Lakers would like to find a way to pair him with fellow NBA superstar Nikola Jokic. Only time will tell what the future has in store, but right now Los Angeles should be feeling very confident about its future with Doncic leading the charge. For more on the Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lakers could move on from LeBron James, Luka Dončić pairing with slow start
The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the basketball world ahead of the trade deadline as they acquired Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. The move immediately changed the franchise's timeline as the young star turned 26 just a few weeks later. While building around LeBron James has been the focus of his franchise's decision making process for each of his first 22 seasons, that will not be the case in 2025-26. Instead, the Lakers will prioritize building a long-term contender around Dončić. That has been evident in their first offseason with the five-time first-team All-NBA guard on the roster. Los Angeles has only given out two-year deals in an effort to maintain cap flexibility and keep their books open for the stacked 2027 class -- where they are hoping to find a long-term co-star for Dončić. Although James picked up his $52.6 million player option to return to the Lakers, John Hollinger of The Athletic suggested that the four-time MVP could be moved if the team struggles to start the season. "This situation bears watching from both sides, particularly if L.A. starts the regular season slowly," The Athletic's John Hollinger wrote Monday. "The Lakers set themselves up to have max cap room next summer once James' salary comes off their books, taking advantage of an artificially low cap hold for Austin Reaves. If that's their angle, wouldn't it make sense to cash in their James stock if they aren't challenging at the top of the West?" Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp "Meanwhile, James has some power to choose his next destination via a no-trade clause, but free agency isn't what it used to be," Hollinger continued. "The best realistic way for him to get paid next summer by his team of choice is to land at his preferred destination via trade, and then have intact Bird rights in the summer of 2026." If the Lakers are indeed set on maintaining cap flexibility for 2027, it will be difficult to find a trade partner that could match James' salary with contracts that will expire within the next two years -- all while keeping Los Angeles competitive around Dončić and providing James with an opportunity to contend for his fifth title. Furthermore, the luxury tax apron will add another challenge to a potential deal. In all likelihood, James will play out his contract with the Lakers due to the complications of a trade. In fact, there have been some reports that he could re-sign and return to the franchise when his contract expires following the 2025-26 season. The situation remains one to monitor, however, Los Angeles is hoping that their offseason moves will be enough to contend in a stacked Western Conference while keeping an eye towards the future. The Lakers have added Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart on two-year deals and appear to be active in looking for more upgrades via the trade market. More NBA:
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers rumors: Fans will see a Marcus Smart body transformation in LA
The post Lakers rumors: Fans will see a Marcus Smart body transformation in LA appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Los Angeles Lakers made an addition to the team over the weekend, signing Marcus Smart after he agreed to a buyout with the Washington Wizards. Smart is known as a defensive guard, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022. He's also a winner, which probably matters the most when talking about what the Lakers need on the team, and the experience that he has can help. Going into the next season, people should expect Smart to look a little different, as he plans to be slimmer than he has been in his career, according to the Stein Line. 'I'm likewise told that Smart (like Dončić) has been working hard on his body this summer. Conditioning was an undeniable issue for Smart last season, but the Lakers were convinced during their pursuit that they would see a sleeker version of the 2021-22 DPOY,' the Stein Line wrote. Being more in shape is never a bad thing, and as long as Smart can still guard at a high level, that should be fine. The Lakers got a good player in Smart, and though he may not be the same player that he was years ago, he still has the skills to make a difference on a team. Marcus Smart signs with Lakers One person who was instrumental in getting Smart to join the Lakers and it was Luka Doncic, according to Marc Stein. 'Lakers star Luka Dončić made a direct recruiting pitch to Marcus Smart this week that resonated with the veteran guard, league sources tell @TheSteinLine, after Smart's agent Jason Glushon was granted permission by the Wizards to explore potential post-buyout landing spots,' Stein wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The narrative around the Lakers is that they will be following Doncic's lead, and if he wanted Smart, they were going to do what it took to sign him. This Lakers team is starting to fill up on pieces that will be helpful throughout the season, and the hope is that everyone clicks. There is still a chance that they will make more moves, and there have been rumors that players such as Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht could be on the trade block. The next goal for the Lakers is to find some more wing players who are known for being 3-and-D. In a crowded Western Conference, they'll have to do whatever they can to stay relevant. Related: Siegel's Scoop: Latest NBA free agency, trade intel after Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, Marcus Smart deals Related: Shaq reveals 'close' relationship with Lakers great Kobe Bryant's mom
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers' Bronny James has Luka Doncic to blame for unfavorable free agency news
Things appeared to be lining up well for 20-year-old Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James. The USC product was a solid performer in the Summer League and was believed to be primed for a more productive sophomore NBA campaign following a relatively unproductive rookie season (he averaged 2.3 points per game in 6.7 minutes of action). However, on Saturday, ESPN's Shams Charania announced that former Boston Celtics guard and Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart, will sign with the Lakers once Los Angeles makes ample room for him, negatively impacting James' chances of earning minutes next season. Based on a recent report made by the Athletic's Dan Woike, James has Luka Doncic to blame for the unfavorable free agency news. "Doncic, according to league sources, had communicated his desires for a capable rim-running center, shooting help and defensive support," Woike stated. "The Lakers responded by filling those needs with Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and, soon, Marcus Smart." "In addition to that, league sources said, Doncic has been an active recruiter for the Lakers this summer and helped secure commitments from Ayton and Smart after both unexpectedly hit free agency via contract buyouts.' Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp While Doncic is undoubtedly pleased with the Lakers' current state, James likely wishes the organization hadn't made any additional roster moves after landing Ayton and LaRavia. Smart is the perfect win-now backcourt asset for the Lakers. The 31-year-old is a defensive mastermind who offers enough offensive production to be regarded as an impactful two-way asset. The Celtics reached the Eastern Conference Finals five times under Smart's leadership at the point guard position, and nearly captured an NBA championship in 2022. The Oklahoma State product averaged 11.5 points, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game during his final season with the Celtics (2022-23), shooting 41.5% from the field and 33.6% from deep. Without Smart in the fold, James' stiffest bench competition would have been Gabe Vincent, who's struggled to find his way in a Lakers uniform. However, now that all signs point to Los Angeles including Vincent in a consolidation trade to clear space for a more valuable asset in Smart, it's safe to say James' odds of solidifying a refined role under JJ Redick in Year 2 have taken a massive hit. Granted, continuing to develop in the G-League would help the former McDonald's All-American expand his offensive arsenal and increase his comfort as a playmaker. Still, there's no denying that the eventual addition of Smart, thanks to Doncic's recruitment chops, will make it challenging for James to make noise with the Lakers during the 2025-26 season. More NBA:
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers' Bronny James has Luka Doncic to blame for unfavorable free agency news
Things appeared to be lining up well for 20-year-old Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James. The USC product was a solid performer in the Summer League and was believed to be primed for a more productive sophomore NBA campaign following a relatively unproductive rookie season (he averaged 2.3 points per game in 6.7 minutes of action). However, on Saturday, ESPN's Shams Charania announced that former Boston Celtics guard and Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart, will sign with the Lakers once Los Angeles makes ample room for him, negatively impacting James' chances of earning minutes next season. Based on a recent report made by the Athletic's Dan Woike, James has Luka Doncic to blame for the unfavorable free agency news. "Doncic, according to league sources, had communicated his desires for a capable rim-running center, shooting help and defensive support," Woike stated. "The Lakers responded by filling those needs with Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and, soon, Marcus Smart." "In addition to that, league sources said, Doncic has been an active recruiter for the Lakers this summer and helped secure commitments from Ayton and Smart after both unexpectedly hit free agency via contract buyouts.' Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp While Doncic is undoubtedly pleased with the Lakers' current state, James likely wishes the organization hadn't made any additional roster moves after landing Ayton and LaRavia. Smart is the perfect win-now backcourt asset for the Lakers. The 31-year-old is a defensive mastermind who offers enough offensive production to be regarded as an impactful two-way asset. The Celtics reached the Eastern Conference Finals five times under Smart's leadership at the point guard position, and nearly captured an NBA championship in 2022. The Oklahoma State product averaged 11.5 points, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game during his final season with the Celtics (2022-23), shooting 41.5% from the field and 33.6% from deep. Without Smart in the fold, James' stiffest bench competition would have been Gabe Vincent, who's struggled to find his way in a Lakers uniform. However, now that all signs point to Los Angeles including Vincent in a consolidation trade to clear space for a more valuable asset in Smart, it's safe to say James' odds of solidifying a refined role under JJ Redick in Year 2 have taken a massive hit. Granted, continuing to develop in the G-League would help the former McDonald's All-American expand his offensive arsenal and increase his comfort as a playmaker. Still, there's no denying that the eventual addition of Smart, thanks to Doncic's recruitment chops, will make it challenging for James to make noise with the Lakers during the 2025-26 season. More NBA:
