Latest news with #MindtheGame
USA Today
6 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Luka Doncic on the criticism that he is slow
Luka Doncic on the criticism that he is slow Although Luka Doncic has been a phenomenal NBA player over the last several years, he has recently gotten a good deal of criticism. Much of it has centered around his subpar fitness and conditioning, as well as the fact that he is pudgy and has trouble staying in front of his man defensively. One reason for his defensive shortcomings is his lack of speed and quickness, which could be partly attributed to his lack of fitness. But overall, Doncic has never been a speed demon. He was a guest on the latest episode of the "Mind the Game" podcast, which is co-hosted by LeBron James and Steve Nash. Nash brought up the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are heading to the NBA Finals thanks to a young, deep and athletic cast, and he asked Doncic about his speed, or lack thereof. The superstar gave an interesting response. "I have speed, I just don't show it," Doncic answered. There have been videos of Doncic from the 2018-19 season, when he was a rookie, posted on social media lately, and he displayed more speed and quickness back then. Since he has apparently already slimmed down this offseason, the hope appears to be that improving his fitness and conditioning heading into next season will make him quicker on both ends of the floor. According to at least one report, Doncic has changed his mindset and actions as far as taking care of his body.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
LeBron James is not a fan of Bronny and Bryce James' basketball upbringing as he recalled his own journey to become an NBA legend
has built one of the greatest careers in NBA history, but as he reflects on his path to stardom, he's starting to question how different things have been for his sons, Bronny and Bryce James. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While both are highly-touted prospects with national exposure, their father believes their basketball upbringing lacked the raw, unfiltered foundation that shaped his own rise from Akron's streets to global fame. James didn't hold back when talking about it. LeBron James says kids today are over-programmed including Bronny and Bryce James During a recent episode of the Mind the Game podcast, LeBron James opened up about what separates his generation from the path his sons and other young athletes are taking now. The four-time NBA champion admitted that while Bronny and Bryce had opportunities he never dreamed of, they missed out on something fundamental that was James' luxury— freedom and play. 'Very rarely. Yeah. Very rarely, you know,' LeBron said, when asked if his sons played pickup games outside like he used to. 'They did play outside a little bit but mostly it's indoors.' The Luka Dončić Interview (Part 1) | LeBron James & Steve Nash | MIND THE GAME Having spent most of their childhood in South Florida and Southern California, the James brothers had warm weather year-round. However, LeBron pointed out, the issue wasn't the climate, it was the culture around youth sports today. 'There was no reason for them not to be outside. I get it if they… grew up in Northeast Ohio where you have four seasons and it's hard to get on the outdoor court… but it's just not the thing,' he explained. The 21-time All-Star further asserted how important it was for kids to experience a variety of sports and now, it is a far cry from today's youth programs that push specialization early. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Today, multi-sport experiences like football or track are no longer encouraged. 'You burn the hell out… They start, you know, they say, 'F*** the hell with it. I'm done. I don't even want to play no more,'' James said. Back in his own youth, LeBron and his friends played multiple sports including, football, basketball, track, and often just for fun. That variety, he believes, kept them engaged and passionate. 'We didn't just cap it at one thing… I don't think putting a cap on these kids… they should be able to just explore, man.' Also Read: The King has every reason to believe that his rise in the basketball scene and the dominance over the years stemmed from the variations he experienced in different sports he played in his younger days. Of course, James is one of the greatest NBA stars of all time, if not the best, and his legacy will forever be marked in the history of the league with golden words.
USA Today
7 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Luka Doncic on getting to play with LeBron James
Luka Doncic on getting to play with LeBron James After spending the first six seasons of his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic was dealt an abrupt curveball when he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers four months ago. At first, he seemed heartbroken about the trade. But over time, he adjusted to his new surroundings, and he has even indicated that he would like to stay with the Lakers long-term. Doncic was a guest on the latest episode of the "Mind the Game" podcast, which is co-hosted by LeBron James and Steve Nash. He talked a little about getting to play alongside James in L.A. "I mean, it's great," Doncic said. "You see, I've never played with a guy like this and just being traded to here to L.A., it was different. But, just to play with guys like him, it's unbelievable. I could learn so many stuff, first of all off the court, all the things he does just to be ready for the game. And obviously, everybody knows what kind of player he is." He also said he is impressed with one thing James does to get ready for a game. 'Well, first of all, he shows up like 10 hours before the game. So, I mean that was really the main, like I was, what? I come to the arena and he's already done working out, I was like what?' James is known for his preparation and for keeping his body right. Such work is a big reason he has the greatest longevity of any player in NBA history and why he is continuing to play at a high level at age 40. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds a game this season, which earned him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. Meanwhile, Doncic put up 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game in 28 regular-season games with Los Angeles. He has apparently already slimmed down this offseason, and according to at least one report, he has changed his mindset and regimen as far as taking care of his body.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What does Luka Doncic hate about Los Angeles? LeBron James finally got to know one dislike of the Slovenian star's Lakers tenure
The NBA midseason trade of Luka Doncic, from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, was a blockbuster deadline deal that saw Anthony Davis head to Dallas. While the trade surprised many, the Slovenian star quickly settled into his new home. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Doncic's stellar on-court performance was unchanged, but his off-court reflections revealed something quite specific he dislikes about L.A., and even couldn't argue with him. Luka Doncic revealed what he hates most about Los Angeles Ocean views and star-studded crowds can't mask this one L.A. flaw for Luka Doncic. Since landing in Los Angeles, Doncic has become more than just the Lakers' newest face, he's already left a mark. Over 28 regular-season games in purple and gold, he averaged an impressive 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, with sharp shooting splits across the board. In the postseason, he elevated his play even more, putting up 30.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists over five playoff games before the Lakers fell to the Timberwolves in the opening round. The Luka Dončić Interview (Part 1) | LeBron James & Steve Nash | MIND THE GAME Despite that strong showing, it's life off the court that gives Doncic mixed feelings about his new city. During a recent appearance on the Mind the Game podcast, hosted by none other than his Lakers teammate LeBron James and NBA legend Steve Nash, Doncic opened up about the highs and lows of L.A. life. "This is the first city I play in that has an ocean, and I really like the ocean,' Doncic shared, clearly enjoying his proximity to the coast. 'First thing, I mean, after a couple days, that was the first thing on my mind, you know. It's a lot. I like it, I like it very much." But he didn't hold back from highlighting the one thing he absolutely can't stand, of course, it's the nightmare of most people— traffic . 'The only, the only thing is, is the traffic,' he added with a sigh. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It's a sentiment many Angelenos share and one LeBron James quickly nodded along to. Even amid the headaches of bumper-to-bumper gridlock, with Los Angeles ranked third in the U.S. for hours lost in traffic in 2024, per the Global Traffic Scorecard, Doncic has found silver linings. He added that Lakers games always host famous people in the crowd. That energy, along with the warm beaches, helps balance the frustration. Also Read: Doncic's new NBA journey with the Lakers has just started, and the 26-year-old is looking to come back strong, as he was already seen in the best shape.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lakers Fans Excited Over LeBron James, Luka Doncic News
Lakers Fans Excited Over LeBron James, Luka Doncic News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In one of the most controversial trades in NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster three-team deal finalized in early February. The Lakers received Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks obtained Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. Advertisement The trade was reportedly driven by the Mavericks' concerns over Doncic's conditioning and the looming financial implications of a potential supermax extension. Despite the surprise move, Doncic was quick to adapt to life in LA, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game over 28 regular-season appearances. Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward LeBron James (23)Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Despite Doncic's impressive individual performance, the Lakers faced challenges in building consistency, culminating in a first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Amidst the offseason introspection, LeBron James and Steve Nash announced that Doncic would be the next guest on their "Mind the Game" podcast, set to air on Sunday. This announcement has generated significant buzz among NBA fans, eager to gain insights into Doncic's experiences during his inaugural season with the Lakers and his perspective on the team's future. "LeBron getting Luka on the pod? This is going to be great," one fan wrote. Advertisement "Oh y'all are about to trigger ESPN with this one!" another fan added. 'Luka not going anywhere and ring #5 for Bron confirmed," a third fan remarked. "That's so awesome, can't wait to watch it!" another fan posted. 'Bron and Luka ring szn next year confirmed," another fan mentioned. Despite uncertainties surrounding James' future with the Lakers, the upcoming podcast episode offers a platform for both stars to reflect on their partnership and the team's direction. Fans are hopeful that the synergy between James and Doncic will evolve, positioning the Lakers as strong contenders in the upcoming season. Advertisement Related: Luka Doncic, Bulls Report Turns Heads After Lakers' Loss in NBA Playoffs Related: Lakers Predicted to Part Ways With One Player After LeBron James News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
