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Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kendrick Perkins predicts that Luka Doncic will win the MVP next season: "This is the type of commitment that I wanna see from a great player"
Kendrick Perkins predicts that Luka Doncic will win the MVP next season: "This is the type of commitment that I wanna see from a great player" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Kendrick Perkins has seen the Luka Doncic situation before. Great, young players often bump into adversity, but, more often than not, they emerge stronger than ever before. With this in mind, the former NBA center implores the Los Angeles Lakers faithful to see how everything plays out with the Slovenian star before worrying about the future. "Look, this has accountability and disrespect all over it and Luka took it into the offseason," Perk said on ESPN's "NBA Today." "I know it's early for hot takes, but damn it, I'm going out on a limb early in this summertime and I'm gonna say I'm betting on Luka Doncic to win the MVP next season. This is the type of commitment that I wanna see from a great player like Luka." Doncic was criticized last season for being out of shape. Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison reportedly alluded to his conditioning as the primary reason they traded him to the Purple and Gold. Responding to the criticism, Luka apparently took his offseason regimen more seriously. He appeared to have slimmed down to a more ideal playing weight, showing, according to Perkins, that he has taken accountability for his actions. Same old, same old? Landscape's David Dennis, Jr. joined Perkins, Dave McMenamin and Jorge Sedano in the discussion. However, like the Yin to Perk's Yang, the senior writer is not convinced Luka's new-look physique would make much of a difference. "We're supposed to be talking about this guy who needs to be an MVP-type of dude and we're celebrating the fact that he looks like he's in shape?" Dennis Jr. asked rhetorically. "The bar should be way higher than that for somebody of Luka Doncic's caliber. You have to be one of the top three players in the league for the Lakers not to be bounced in the first round." Dennis Jr. also opened up an old wound, poking at the same issues and questions many have for Doncic. "By the way," Dennis Jr. adds, "A lot of people who are in shape are still bad on defense. Being in shape doesn't stop you from falling asleep on back screens or being left on an island come playoff time.""This isn't something new" Matching his fellow guest's debate show energy, a visibly irritated Perkins attempted to straighten out Dennis, Jr. by pointing to history. For the former Boston Celtics and OKC Thunder big man, everything Doncic is dealing with now is just part of the usual path for elite players. Perkins pointed out the adjustments and adversity of past and present greats. Michael Jordan had to absorb the bumps and bruises from the Detroit Pistons, Giannis Antetokounmpo had to fill up his thin frame and Nikola Jokic had to get in shape to reach the pinnacle. "This is nothing new. Young players that hit the ground running when they come into the league, they hit their head on the wall every now and then. Then all of a sudden, they have to bounce back," Perkins answered Dennis Jr.'s argument. Of course, Luka hasn't been to the mountaintop yet. All talk of him having a bounce-back season and leading the Lakers to contender status remains wishful thinking. Still, if history is any indication, players with Luka's skill and drive rarely stay down for long. The league has seen this before — stars facing scrutiny, growing pains and doubt, only to come back sharper and more determined. Doncic may not be there yet, but his response this summer suggests he's heading in that story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers get $222 million Luka Doncic contract update after Marcus Smart recruitment news
Luka Dončić's loyalty to the Los Angeles Lakers has remained in question since his arrival via trade from the Dallas Mavericks this past season. Fortunately for the storied franchise, it appears that the 5-time All-NBA First Team selection and 26-year-old phenom plans to remain the centerpiece of the organization heading into the post-LeBron James era. After the Lakers recently acquired former No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft Deandre Ayton and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year winner Marcus Smart this offseason, reports surfaced that Dončić had a hand in recruiting the pair of talented complementary pieces, indicating that he is fully committed to winning in Los Angeles. Dončić's offseason enthusiasm has been viewed as a positive sign by fans and NBA media members alike, and new updates have indicated that the Lakers can breathe a sigh of relief, as the likelihood of the generational guard inking a hefty contract extension with the franchise this summer continues to see exponential growth. "There was ownership by Luka this offseason to stamp down that he wants to be part of the Lakers moving forward, and he wants others to join him," ESPN's Dave McMenamin shared during a Wednesday evening appearance on ESPN's NBA Today. "So he makes calls to Deandre Ayton, the guy who came into the draft with him as the No. 1 pick, now he's the center for the Lakers." Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp "(Dončić) makes calls to Marcus Smart, needs to fill the point-of-attack defender spot that Dorian Finney-Smith occupied last year, he now plays for the Houston Rockets. (He) gets Marcus Smart to come." "We look at that Aug. 2 date when the Lakers can offer an extension to Luka Dončić worth four years, $222 million, up to that figure. I would say if you're a Laker fan, you shouldn't have any worry about Luka coming to some sort of an extension agreement." Following the league-shattering trade that swapped Dončić for 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis on Feb. 2, the Slovenian superstar contributed 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists while knocking down 37.9% of his 9.6 three-point attempts in 28 regular-season contests with the Lakers to close the 2024-25 campaign. Los Angeles would then fall in disappointing fashion in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games, but the Lakers have already begun to look forward to a future with Dončić at the helm. The one-of-a-kind offensive talent will have the option of inking a deal for three or four years, but it looks as though the Lakers could be afforded a semblance of security regardless of the contract's structure.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Luka Doncic expected to sign long-term extension to stay with Los Angeles Lakers through prime years
Luka Doncic. Image via: Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images The Los Angeles Lakers appear poised to make Luka Doncic the long-term face of their franchise. After pulling off a shocking midseason trade to acquire the Slovenian star from the Dallas Mavericks, all signs now point to Doncic extending his stay in Los Angeles well beyond his current deal. With the front office leaning into his leadership and input, insiders believe he's on track to sign a contract that could keep him in purple and gold for the next decade. Los Angeles Lakers and Luka Doncic are reportedly moving toward long-term partnership Luka Doncic looks set to remain the centerpiece of the Los Angeles Lakers for years to come. With the superstar guard eligible for a lucrative contract extension on August 2, league insiders are confident that the five-time All-NBA selection will commit to a long-term deal. 'Every indication is that they are building this thing around Luka with his input,' Lakers radio voice John Ireland said. 'And I'm convinced he's staying. ' Los Angeles Lakers building around Luka Doncic with his input Since the blockbuster midseason trade that sent Anthony Davis and Max Christie to Dallas in exchange for Luka Doncic , Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, the Lakers have wasted no time shaping their future around their new franchise star. Doncic , still just 26, has already become involved in high-level team decisions, something he rarely engaged in during his Mavericks tenure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Filipinos should claim this large benefit! Read More Undo His offseason efforts include helping recruit former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart and former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton to Los Angeles. This level of investment from Doncic has been noted by Lakers insiders and media alike. 'They've all been talking like we are a partnership now,' said ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. 'This is not a player that's looking like he's going to leave as a free agent next year.' The Lakers front office has also shown restraint in free agency, reportedly avoiding long-term deals that might jeopardize their 2027 cap flexibility. This move is seen as part of their broader strategy to pair Doncic with a long-term co-star. Shelburne, doubling down on NBA Today, added, 'I would be very surprised if he did not extend with them... they're behaving and talking in forever terms.' Luka Doncic's evolution signals deeper commitment for Los Angeles Lakers While Doncic's talent has never been questioned, his sudden shift in leadership approach has caught many by surprise. According to ESPN's Tim McMahon, Doncic's role in player recruitment marks a turning point in his maturity and commitment to a franchise. '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. '' But in Los Angeles, he's embraced a larger role. Brian Windhorst noted, 'The most important things for the Lakers are Luka-related.' Even as the team continues to reshape the roster, all eyes remain on Doncic 's looming extension. And while his camp hasn't signaled urgency, the vibe around the organization suggests confidence. Also Read: Marcus Smart Details Luka Doncic's Recruiting Pitch That Brought Him to the Lakers: How Los Angeles Landed Its Defensive Anchor FAQs on Luka Doncic When is Luka Doncic eligible to sign his extension with the Lakers? He becomes eligible on August 2 to sign a four-year, $229 million deal. Is Doncic involved in Lakers front office decisions? Yes, he's actively helping recruit key players like Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton. How long is Doncic expected to stay in Los Angeles? Insiders predict he'll remain with the Lakers for at least the next decade. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Trae Young slams new Superman movie for weak portrayal of his favorite superhero
Trae Young is in the Atlanta Hawks now (Image via Getty Images) The Atlanta Hawks forward Trae Young recently made headlines as he voiced his dissatisfaction with the way Superman was portrayed in the most recent film adaptation. The NBA icon, who is well-known for being open on social media, expressed his opinions regarding the movie on X. On the other hand, he again went viral after responding to Iman Shumpert's criticism with a vicious dig. Trae Young fires back at Superman portrayal and Iman Shumpert's criticism in viral fashion Trae Young , a die-hard Superman fan, recently voiced his displeasure with the famous superhero's portrayal. He took to X on July 21 and wrote: 'These Superman movies starting to make him look weak or it's just me??? That's my favorite superhero btw I'm asking cause I'm really upset..' Superman has been regarded as a representation of power, optimism, and invincibility for many generations. However, devoted admirers like Trae Young don't like how the recent film adaptations of the character have tended towards vulnerability. On the other hand, after retaliating against a former NBA champion for offensive remarks on ESPN, the Atlanta Hawks player again made headlines. Iman Shumpert talked about Trae Young during a recent NBA Today appearance. Shump wasn't convinced that the superhero movie enthusiast could become a great NBA player. The former NBA champion specifically criticized him for reportedly being too undersized and a defensive liability for a team that wanted to win a title. Slamming the NBA star, he said: 'Trae Young statistically, what he brings to a game of basketball, I get it. At 6'3, it's tough to say can he switch onto a 5 at the end of the game, can he guard a bigger guard… Can he make a 2-guard a scoring champion?' Trae Young in action (Image via Getty Images). In response to a fan who criticized Shump for his remarks, Trae Young said that he had defeated him in their most recent matchup. Responding to the comment, he wrote: 'That's why I let them live… What I did to him on the court when we played, you'd think he'd have more respect when my name gets brought up! I could keep going… No hate this way, tho (sic).' Meanwhile, Trae Young's comment on the new Superman movie reflects a larger discussion among superhero fans over how comic book characters are changing and being reinterpreted for contemporary audiences. Also read: Trae Young reacts to $229M Atlanta Hawks update with iconic Michael Jordan Meme Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Golden State Warriors remain short-handed after three weeks of NBA free agency
The Golden State Warriors only have nine players under contract heading into the 2025-26 NBA season. There's been no movement from the franchise during the opening three weeks of NBA free agency. Rumors linking the Warriors to Al Horford and a return for De'Anthony Melton are yet to materialize. Furthermore, Golden State's negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga appear to have reached a stalemate. As such, the Warriors are in a difficult spot as we approach the dead point in the summer. Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Joe Lacob will both understand the need to get the ball rolling on some potential additions to the roster. After all, Steve Kerr will want a full team ready for when tranining camp and preseason begins later this year. In a recent episode of ESPN's NBA Today, cap expert Bobby Marks explained the uphill battle the Warriors currently face, and why it's important for the franchise to start gaining traction on some roster additions in the coming weeks. You can watch the Marks' full segment by clicking on the embedded video above. This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
