Latest news with #LukaDončić
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić is set to appear in LeBron James and Steve Nash's podcast Mind The Game
LeBron James and Luka Doncic via Instagram With the NBA season gradually inching towards the D-day, the Los Angeles Lakers had to witness an early exit from the postseason. Undoubtedly, the Lakers have a phenomenal fan following across the globe and even have a history of nurturing the best talents in the world of the NBA. As the Lakers are gradually moving towards an important off-season, from fans to basketball critics and analysts, all are curious about the roster as well as the future of the team in the upcoming NBA season. With the buzz around Luka Dončić in the Lakers' roster, the Slovenian star is all set to join LeBron James and Steve Nash on the widely watched podcast Mind the Game. Luka Dončić would be sharing a seat with LeBron James and Steve Nash on Mind The Game The great chemistry between the Lakers' legend LeBron James and Luka Dončić is not only evident on the basketball court but also can be spotted beyond the clubhouse. According to a recent update, Dončić would be sharing a seat alongside LeBron James and Steve Nash on the widely watched podcast Mind the Game. BREAKING: Luka Dončić will be a guest on LeBron James' 'Mind the Game Podcast' on Sunday, alongside LeBron's co-host, Steve Nash! The Los Angeles Lakers fans cannot contain their excitement and are looking forward to witnessing the great camaraderie between Luka Dončić and LeBron James alongside co-host Steve Nash this weekend. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo With Doncic being in the spotlight, accompanied by the NBA icon LeBron James, it is quite understandable that the podcast episode would be more about the plus points and loopholes of the Los Angeles Lakers as well as their interesting yet organic chemistry. Previously, Mind The Game was hosted by the Los Angeles Lakers' coach, JJ Reddick, and LeBron James. However, after becoming the face of the Lakers, Reddick decided to discontinue his job as a basketball podcaster and started focusing more on the overall performance of the Los Angeles Lakers. Also Read: 5 LeBron James' achievements Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić is yet to achieve
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
5 LeBron James' achievements Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is yet to achieve
LeBron James and Luka Doncic via Instagram When it comes to talking about one of the most successful NBA stars in the current era, it is difficult to miss out on the Los Angeles Lakers' star LeBron James . From his crazy brand collaborations to his larger-than-life persona in the world of global sports, LeBron James has mastered the art of diverting all the spotlights towards himself with his hard work and dedication both on and off the court. Lakers' point guard Luka Dončić shares a great bond with the NBA legend, and their camaraderie is quite noticeable on the basketball court. Here is a list of 5 achievements secured by LeBron James that Luka Dončić is yet to achieve. LeBron James is a four-times NBA Champion The Lakers star LeBron James has won four NBA championships during his stint with basketball. According to the statistics, James managed to secure the championships in 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2020. His 2016 title against the Cleveland Cavaliers went on to become one of his biggest comebacks in the world of the NBA, with an overall score of 3-1. Despite being one of the most talented faces on the Lakers' roster, Slovenian basketball star Luka Doncic is yet to accomplish something that NBA legend LeBron James has achieved. LeBron James has won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award four times Winning the Most Valuable Player award is every basketball athlete's dream. LeBron James managed to secure the MVP title in 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013, which sums up his mammoth fan following across the globe. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Whereas Luka Dončić has been a hotbed of discussion with respect to the MVP award but is nowhere close to securing it. What is next for LeBron James? LeBron James is the NBA's All-Time Leading Scorer Back in 2013, during the season, the Lakers icon LeBron James went on to leave behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with his scores. James went on to become the all-time highest scorer in the history of the NBA. Despite being a prolific scorer, this is something Luka Dončić's fans are dying to witness. LeBron James has secured 20 All-Star selections LeBron James has been in the news ever since his rookie season in 2004, all thanks to his hard work and dedication on the field. He was selected almost every year for the All-Star category from his initial days in the NBA. However, James' fellow teammate Luka Dončić has been selected multiple times but still has a long way to go when it comes to matching the Lakers' star's record. LeBron James is an Olympic and FIBA Gold Medalist LeBron James' glory is not limited to the NBA season, as he has represented Team USA multiple times in the Olympics. He went on to secure a gold in 2008 and 2012 and a bronze in 2004. James even secured a bronze in 2006 in the FIBA World Championship. Luka Doncic Facing Ozempic Allegations After Looking Fit In Few Photos?! | Pat McAfee Show Despite being compared to the NBA legend LeBron James, Luka Dončić is one of the most talented basketball athletes in the current era. With hard work and dedication, LeBron James has set the bar extremely high for the other NBA stars, but with time and perseverance on the court, Dončić can gradually achieve the laurels and accomplishments. Also Read: NBA legend LeBron James flaunts his dance moves in his offseason getaway Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Would the NBA's transatlantic expansion strip the soul of European basketball?
While the multibillion dollar behemoth that is the NBA means North America is basketball's powerhouse, the sport thrives in Europe where raucous crowds give the professional game across the Atlantic a compelling charisma while producing superstars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić. The character of professional basketball could be about to change though. It's long been rumoured that the NBA has plans to expand its reach into Europe. In March, came the most concrete news yet as the NBA announced it is partnering with Fiba, basketball's global governing body, in the 'exploration of a new professional men's basketball league' in Europe. The plan raises plenty of questions, notably what would happen to the EuroLeague, widely seen as the world's second-best men's basketball competition behind the NBA. But there are also more practical concerns, on and off the court – which rules would be used, for example? Which clubs would be involved, and will diehard European fans really support franchises fashioned out of thin air? There's also a cultural unknown underpinning all this: can the NBA's 'sports-as-entertainment-product' model work in a European system steeped in tradition and fan culture? The current system in Europe differs from the NBA. Teams play in domestic leagues, but the elite also compete in EuroLeague, a rough equivalent of football's Champions League, albeit with a more closed structure. One EuroLeague club president tells the Guardian that 'the arrival of the NBA could pose significant challenges for European basketball, and until these issues are resolved, we may find ourselves in a state of chaos.' And the plans sound substantial. The Fiba-NBA partnership will mean the two most powerful bodies in basketball are working together. The reported sums involved are significant too: Bloomberg reported that it may cost $500m to enter a team in the proposed league. And money is, as Silver admits, always a motivation: 'While Europe continues to develop some of the very best players in the world … we think that the commercial opportunity has not kept pace with the growth of the game,' he said in January. 'There's very, very strong interest,' George Aivazoglou, the managing director of NBA Europe-Middle East, says. 'It reinforces our thesis and our assessment of European basketball being the single biggest opportunity in global sports today.' Those are strong words, but with little in the way of concrete proposals, uncertainty reigns and rumours swirl about the clubs that could join NBA Europe and those committed to EuroLeague. Some suggest a league could launch by the 2026-27 season, but when pushed on timelines Aivazoglou is non-committal: 'We're working that through.' So what is the NBA proposing, and who would participate? EuroLeague giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, along with other large basketball clubs that are partnered with football teams, like Bayern Munich and Fenerbahçe, would be obvious candidates as they have established fanbases and sporting infrastructure. But new teams could be formed in European capitals like London and Paris. Football teams like Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are said to be interested in creating basketball counterparts who can play in an NBA Europe league. Aivazoglou says 'existing brands that have a lot of value and prestige' would allow the league to 'reach and impact hundreds of thousands or millions of people.' It appears the league would include some sort of promotion and relegation. In broad strokes, the aim is a 'single pyramid structure that is very transparent towards performance,' Aivazoglou says, because the current European landscape is 'fragmented'. Sceptics may suggest another league would only fragment that landscape further. 'At the top of that pyramid, we're thinking we want to launch with something like 16 teams, and we want this to be a semi-open league,' Aivazoglou adds. 'So we want the majority of those 16 teams, let's say 10 or 12, to be permanent franchises.' As to who will play in the league, Aivazoglou envisages 'cities and countries and markets primarily of western Europe' with 'significant commercial potential' that are 'underrepresented.' He mentions there's 'no permanent team representing London,' in EuroLeague for example, or 'representing Paris or Rome or Berlin or Manchester.' Aivazoglou acknowledges that there should be teams from Europe's basketball heartlands though. He mentions cities in 'southeast and eastern Europe because what maybe they don't have on par in terms of the market potential there, they overcompensate in terms of affinity for the game of basketball.' So, some sort of semi-open league led by western European capitals, with a mix of pre-existing clubs and newly created franchises? 'I can see a scenario where there's three different types of teams that come to this league,' Aivazoglou says. 'It could be existing basketball clubs … It could be existing sporting organisations that have, let's say, great football teams … And then in some cases, [it] could be completely new franchises or brands.' Invitation into an NBA-backed league brings obvious attractions. This seems particularly true in terms of finances and TV coverage. But there are caveats. Ergin Ataman, the Panathinaikos head coach, said recently that 'the marketing power of the NBA would be beneficial for the EuroLeague … But I don't think a separate league by the NBA would work.' That view is shared by others. One EuroLeague president tells the Guardian that 'the existence of two competing leagues would inevitably harm European basketball.' If this were the case, and Europe had rival leagues, the level of play and player pool could be diluted. What would happen to the EuroCup, a rough equivalent to football's Europa League, Fiba's own Basketball Champions League, or the domestic leagues? One wonders whether NBA-backed franchises would become so much richer than their domestic competition that they would leave those leagues altogether. Aivazoglou, however, says that 'one of the conditions that we will institute as part of this league is that the teams that participate in our league should also play in their respective domestic leagues.' After an emergency shareholders meeting in April, EuroLeague attacked the NBA's plans as 'a threat to the longstanding traditions of European basketball.' In recent weeks, however, a more diplomatic tone has emerged. EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas now hints at cooperation: 'The only way forward, I think, is if it's together – if we sit down and figure out how to grow the basketball market.' Aivazoglou, who has attended a EuroLeague board meeting in Istanbul and a recent general meeting with Fiba and EuroLeague representatives in Geneva, says: 'We're exploring a partnership discussion [with EuroLeague]. We're open about exploring potential partnership avenues with anyone who shares our assessment of the opportunities.' But whatever happens on the business end, an NBA Europe league presents on-the-court questions too. Teams in Europe play under Fiba rules that differ from those in the NBA, around matters ranging from the length of games to the size of courts. Differences on goaltending and defensive three-second rules, for example, may sound like minor details but are crucial in dictating playing style, refereeing and stats. 'It will not be a huge departure [from the current rules],' says Aivazoglou. 'It's very hard for the same teams and players to be playing two fundamentally different game styles, say, on a Wednesday and then on a Saturday.' He suggests there's time to 'talk about on-court product and what we think collectively is working well versus not. And maybe there is room for some collective innovation.' Aivazoglou insists there is room to be creative in any new league. 'The sky's the limit. This provides the opportunity to be really creative,' he says. 'It's very early, but you could see a world where some of those European league teams play with some of the NBA teams in a tournament or in a new competition.' Innovation may be necessary. NBA ratings have been falling for some time – although that's no different from TV audiences in general – and a critic could reasonably argue they've suffered, partly, due to playing style. Though players are technically and athletically better than ever, a fixation with the three-point-shot has made the NBA more pedestrian with lots of low-stakes regular season games where star players sit out for 'load management' while bench players chuck up endless triples. Combined with a refereeing tendency to limit contact and favour offensive players, a purist may say the game has gone soft in the social media era – becoming less sport, more entertainment product. Not that the EuroLeague is immune to quick cash-grabs or exploring commercial opportunities at the expense of fan culture. Wealthy BC Dubai look set to join an expanded EuroLeague, while the 2025 Final Four was held in Abu Dhabi for a reported €25m fee, a decision that maddened many fans. Which brings us back to the underlying cultural question here: can the American model work in Europe? If the failed NFL Europe experiment of the 1990s and 2000s is a guide, with franchises folding amid $400m losses, the generous answer is that it won't be easy. And for all the calls for NBA-style production and marketing money, the league's hyper-commercialism and endless ad-breaks – the 2025 All Star Game saw 45 minutes of play during a three-hour broadcast – mean that games stateside can feel more like commercials or social media campaigns. That seems antithetical to a European basketball culture rooted in identity, history and tradition. EuroLeague games have the best atmosphere in basketball: it's routine to see thousands of Serbian, Greek or Turkish fans setting off flares and roaring in unison inside an intimidating, packed arena. Even Motiejunas himself sees the obstacle: 'In our culture – just like in football – you're born into it. Your father puts on the jersey for you, and that's it. You're a fan,' he said. 'You don't have to go and try to get that fan from the street, and I think that's something they're [the NBA is] missing. It's going to be difficult to do.' This is something players are conscious of too. 'Let us work together to protect what makes the European game so special – its tradition, passion and competitiveness,' the EuroLeague Players Association stated recently. 'Most importantly, our shared focus must be on our loyal fans.' But under the American franchise model, teams could in theory leave locations (and fans) behind entirely. While teams such as the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are intertwined with their home cities, NBA franchises have upped sticks throughout the league's history. Contrast this to European basketball clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona, both founded around a century ago, or Fenerbahçe, first founded in 1913, who have remained in their cities for their entire history. These are deep-rooted cultural institutions, often with close links to football clubs and longstanding supporters associations. Panathinaikos – founded in 1919, decades before the NBA – recently sold 15,000 season tickets in 48 hours. The NBA, for its part, says it's conscious of these concerns. Aivazoglou's London-based office is 'primarily staffed by Europeans,' he says, 'so we understand those differences and those nuances very well.' As a Greek, he knows basketball is 'a religion' in some countries. Balance will be crucial. 'We want to ensure we maintain that authenticity,' Aivazoglou says. 'But on the other hand, what the NBA has done very well … is create a game or create a brand that transcends the sport itself and touches into the multiple different facets of entertainment.' The ambition, then, seems clear: build on and better commercialise European basketball culture. 'What we're working towards is creating a hybrid, creating a balanced blend of those two parts, ensuring that we offer a very European authentic product, but also with components that expand the audience beyond just the hardcore basketball fans.' But if you are a devoted European basketball fan, would you support a new franchise if your original club doesn't make the NBA cut? And if it does, can the club maintain its identity in an American-style league, or if the NBA relocates it for a better 'commercial opportunity' elsewhere? Aivazoglou is keen to stress that the NBA won't blindly transfer commercial structures to Europe: 'This is obviously a continent that's made up of very different countries and it's very different to the US,' he says, adding: 'I don't think anything that necessarily is happening in the US will be transferred into this European league.' But as one EuroLeague president put it to the Guardian: 'It's an open secret that the NBA prioritises capital gains over fan experience, tradition, and the unique atmosphere that only the EuroLeague can provide.' It seems inevitable that the NBA will launch a European league. But nobody, not even the NBA, knows what the future holds. 'I'm really hopeful and optimistic that over the next few weeks and months, we'll be in a position to share even more about how that progress is developing,' Aivazoglou says. EuroLeague heavyweights are tempted by NBA benefits but many view a breakaway league as destined to fail. NBA Europe – if it happens – would offer reward but also great risk. Commercialisation, but at what cost?
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Best Father's Day Gift Ideas for Sports Dads: 2025 Sports Fanatic Guide
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Father's Day can be a difficult holiday to shop for, but we have you covered for some of the best gifts to get for all the sports fanatic dads out there. Young father and son walking and talking on a sunny golf course with a golf bag on back. Young father and son walking and talking on a sunny golf course with a golf bag on back. Getty Images Father's Day is right around the corner, and it is time to start thinking about what to get for Dad this time around. Men are not always the easiest to shop for, but if they like sports, there should be something on this list that will put the biggest smile on their face. Below is a guide that features some of the best gift ideas for 2025. With June 15th quickly approaching, now is the time to place your order, so you are not scrambling at the last minute. Click on any of the images or links in the post, and they will take you directly to the product. Jerseys A man can never have too many jerseys from his favorite teams and players. There is nothing like rocking an authentic jersey on game day, and there is no better way for a fan to show support for their team. This gift idea is sure to be a hit, as long as you know which players they like. Shop Jerseys MLB Aaron Judge New York Yankees Nike Home Replica Player Name Jersey - White Aaron Judge New York Yankees Nike Home Replica Player Name Jersey - White Fanatics Shop MLB Jerseys NBA Luka Dončić Los Angeles Lakers Nike Unisex Swingman Jersey - Icon Edition - Gold Luka Dončić Los Angeles Lakers Nike Unisex Swingman Jersey - Icon Edition - Gold Fanatics Shop NBA Jerseys NFL Josh Allen Buffalo Bills Nike Vapor F.U.S.E. Limited Jersey - Red Josh Allen Buffalo Bills Nike Vapor F.U.S.E. Limited Jersey - Red Fanatics Shop NFL Jerseys NHL Connor McDavid Edmonton Oilers Fanatics Home Premium Jersey - Royal Connor McDavid Edmonton Oilers Fanatics Home Premium Jersey - Royal Fanatics Shop NHL Jerseys Favorite Team Golf Essentials If he likes golf and needs some new equipment, which golfers always do, there is a massive selection of golf essentials, including gloves, covers, bags, balls, and much more, all with officially licensed logos from various sports teams. Shop Team Golf Essentials NFL Las Vegas Raiders 3-Pack Contour Golf Club Head Covers Las Vegas Raiders 3-Pack Contour Golf Club Head Covers Fanatics Shop Team Golf Essentials MLB Los Angeles Dodgers WinCraft Clubhouse Cooler Cart Golf Bag Los Angeles Dodgers WinCraft Clubhouse Cooler Cart Golf Bag Fanatics Shop Team Golf Essentials YETI NFL Bottles and Coolers If Dad is a football fan and is always on the go, there's no better gift than an NFL YETI water bottle or tumbler. For the dads out there who love to tailgate, the coolers are the perfect choice. Shop YETI NFL Bottles and Coolers NFL Philadelphia Eagles Rambler® 26 oz Water Bottle Philadelphia Eagles Rambler® 26 oz Water Bottle YETI Shop YETI NFL Bottles and Coolers NFL New York Giants - Silo® 6G Water Cooler New York Giants - Silo® 6G Water Cooler YETI Shop YETI NFL Bottles and Coolers BBQ and Grilling Equipment If he likes to fire up the BBQ on the weekend and get his grill on, a team set of grilling utensils could be an underrated pick. Shop BBQ and Grilling Equipment BBQ Penn State Nittany Lions 3-Piece BBQ Set Penn State Nittany Lions 3-Piece BBQ Set Fanatics Shop BBQ and Grilling Equipment NFL Baltimore Ravens The Northwest Group BBQ Grill Utensil Set Baltimore Ravens The Northwest Group BBQ Grill Utensil Set Fanatics Shop BBQ and Grilling Equipment Dad-Themed Team T-Shirts There is a wide range of dad-themed t-shirts available for all of their favorite teams. Not only can he represent his team and their colors, but you can also show your appreciation for Dad and let them know that they are number one in your eyes. Shop Dad-Themed Team T-Shirts NFL Dallas Cowboys Number 1 Dad T-Shirt Dallas Cowboys Number 1 Dad T-Shirt FOCO Shop Dad-Themed Team T-Shirts NFL Alabama Crimson Tide Dad Definition T-Shirt Alabama Crimson Tide Dad Definition T-Shirt FOCO Shop Dad-Themed Team T-Shirts Tickets to the Game If you are looking to go above and beyond, which you should because Dad deserves the best, a trip to see his favorite team play live is the way to go. There is no better experience than being there in person, and tickets to see his favorite team play could turn into a once-in-a-lifetime type of memory. Shop Game Tickets NFL A general view of Lambeau Field prior to a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions on September 28, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Lions defeated the Packers 34-20. A general view of Lambeau Field prior to a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions on September 28, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Lions defeated the Packers Electric Bicycle This one is a bit different from the rest of the list, as it is not particularly fan-oriented, but it could be the best option based on your preference and needs. Electric bikes are one of the hottest new toys on the market, and the quality is only improving. If he likes to get around town to various activities quickly and conveniently, this could be the Father's Day gift for him. Shop E-Bikes Bike HEYBIKE - Ranger S - Powerful folding ebike with fat tires for versatile usages HEYBIKE - Ranger S - Powerful folding ebike with fat tires for versatile usages HEYBIKE Collectibles and Memorabilia This could be the move if he is into collecting bobbleheads, autographs, or other types of collectibles and memorabilia. These items are solid investments, typically going up in value, and will also hold extreme meaning to a true fan. Shop Collectibles Shop Memorabilia MLB Francisco Lindor New York Mets Blue Alternate Uniform Bobblehead Francisco Lindor New York Mets Blue Alternate Uniform Bobblehead FOCO Shop Team Collectibles NFL Tom Brady New England Patriots Fanatics Authentic Super Bowl LI Champions Autographed Super Bowl LI Pro Football Tom Brady New England Patriots Fanatics Authentic Super Bowl LI Champions Autographed Super Bowl LI Pro Football Fanatics Shop Team Memorabilia Live Sports Streaming Subscription The simplest way to be a sports fan is to watch the games. If Dad does not have access to a proper streaming subscription, he might miss the action. There are plenty of options to choose from, including FuboTV, ESPN+, and Paramount+, which are all excellent choices, but Peacock, in particular, is offering a one-year plan for only $24.99, which is a steal of a price. Shop Peacock Spring Deal View from behind of young and happy soccer fan man watching European football game on big screen television at living room sofa couch enjoying and feeling the emotion cheering his team. View from behind of young and happy soccer fan man watching European football game on big screen television at living room sofa couch enjoying and feeling the emotion cheering his team. Getty Images If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wolves vs. Thunder odds, lines, betting: Oklahoma City opens as biggest Western Conference finals favorite in franchise history
The Denver Nuggets gave the Oklahoma City Thunder all they could handle, but the Thunder prevailed 125-93 in Game 7 on Sunday to advance to the Western Conference finals. They will face the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team returning to the conference finals for the second straight season after beating the Golden State Warriors in five games in the second round. Oklahoma City opened as a big -375 favorite in the series at BetMGM, with the Timberwolves coming back as +300 underdogs. The Thunder are the biggest favorites in the conference finals in the franchise's history, even dating back to their Seattle SuperSonics days. The SuperSonics were -270 favorites in the 1996 Western Conference finals series against the Utah Jazz, according to Sports Odds History's database and the Thunder were underdogs in their previous four conference finals appearances (2011, 2012, 2104, 2016). After the Thunder went 55-23-4 against the spread (70.5%) this season — the best regular-season ATS in 35 years — they have struggled against the number in the playoffs, going just 4-7 ATS. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, have been terrific to bettors this postseason, going 8-2 against the number, including two outright wins as underdogs in their first-round series against LeBron James, Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Thunder are 7.5-point favorites at BetMGM in Game 1 in Oklahoma City on Tuesday night, with a total of 214.5.
