Latest news with #NateMcMillan
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nate McMillan: Bronny James will 'possibly get minutes' this season
Bronny James may not be ready to be in the Los Angeles Lakers' rotation on a consistent basis yet, but he seems to be on a trajectory that will lead him to being ready for such a role not too long from now. He averaged 21.9 points, 5.5 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.9 steals a game while shooting 38% from 3-point range during this past regular season in the G League. Last month, he put up 14.3 points on 47.6% overall shooting and 3.8 assists a game during the Las Vegas summer league. Lakers assistant coach Nate McMillan said something during an appearance on "The Sports Shop with Reese and K-Mac" that echoes what a few others have said lately. He said that he expects James to "possibly get some minutes" this coming season. 'I love Bronny. Great young man and we expect him to possibly get some minutes this year.' McMillan said during the same appearance that James is a lot more confident than he was several months ago, and that it has resulted in him shooting the ball better from the perimeter. The 20-year-old didn't hit from 3-point range during summer league play, but he was clearly more poised with the basketball in his hands. If James does earn playing time this season, it would help the Lakers. They lack quality guard depth and could really use a legitimate 3-and-D guard who is a point-of-attack defender. That seems to be exactly the type of player James is becoming, and at least for now, his defense is the strongest aspect of his game. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Nate McMillan: Bronny James will 'possibly get minutes' this season
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers assistant coach talks about Bronny James' improved shooting
Over the last handful of months, the criticism surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers' decision to draft Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, and have him shuttle between the G League and NBA has been replaced with cautious but tangible optimism. The younger James did well during this past G League regular season, and he followed it up with a solid showing in the Las Vegas summer league. He has a long way to go if he is to earn a permanent place on the Lakers' roster, but he has also come a pretty long way over the last calendar year. One initial concern with him after he was drafted in 2024 was whether he would become a good enough outside shooter, both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. Lakers assistant coach Nate McMillan said during an appearance on "The Sports Shop with Reese and K-Mac" that the younger James was more confident this year during summer league play and that it helped his outside shooting. "He came out into this summer league and played every game this summer," McMillan said. "You could see the confidence. He was much more relaxed than he was last year, and everybody would have been nervous as could be last season. … His shot was never broken, but the confidence, you could see he was knocking down those shots, getting to the basket. Defensively, we wanted him to challenge himself to pick up the ball." During the Las Vegas summer league last month, the 20-year-old averaged 14.3 points and 3.8 assists a game while shooting 47.6% from the field. He made only 30% of his 3-pointers, but he did shoot 3-of-5 from that distance in a July 14 contest versus the Los Angeles Clippers. He seems to be on a trajectory that could result in him becoming a legitimate NBA rotation player not too long from now, as long as he continues to put in the requisite work. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers assistant coach talks about Bronny James' improved shooting
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"He had to get in the weight room" - Nate McMillan compares Luka's transformation to MJ bulking up to beat the Bad Boys
"He had to get in the weight room" - Nate McMillan compares Luka's transformation to MJ bulking up to beat the Bad Boys originally appeared on Basketball Network. Luka Doncic's stunning body transformation has left many people in awe, and 29 NBA coaches are worried like hell about facing the Los Angeles Lakers next season. However, Lakers assistant coach Nate McMillan says he isn't surprised at what Luka did this summer. McMillan said it's a classic example of how great players respond to challenges. In fact, what Doncic did is precisely what the greatest basketball player of all time accomplished to finally get over the hump. "I've seen this before in the NBA with players who, they come in to the league…It's just like Michael. Michael makes the comment years ago that the Pistons just beat him up, so he had to get in the weight room," he said. Same thing with Luka McMillan was the Seattle SuperSonics' 2nd round pick in the 1986 NBA Draft. He played in the league from 1986 to 1998 and was still playing when Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships during an eight-year period during the 1990s. Nate was also in the NBA when Michael kept losing to the Detroit Pistons year after year. When MJ finally said enough was enough, he dedicated himself to the weight room and became bigger and stronger to withstand the physicality of their rivals, known as the Bad Boys. However, while Luka didn't get beaten up on the court by an opponent, his reputation was damaged after being slandered by his former team. And like Michael did in 1990, he went straight to the weight room and got locked in, "It's the same thing with Luka. You've played a certain way for a number of years. You've been successful doing it, but if you want to continue to improve and be one of the great players in this game, you have to continue to improve your game, and work on your game, and work on your body," added added muscle, Luka dropped weight In Jordan's case, he had to bulk up to match the Bad Boys' physicality. His former trainer, Tim Grover, once said that MJ added 15 pounds of muscle during the summer of 1990 to get ready for the Pistons. Meanwhile, sources say Doncic dropped 31 pounds this summer to prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season. Michael led the Bulls to a 61-21 season in 1990-91. After dropping only one game in the first two rounds of the playoffs, MJ and the Bulls swept the Pistons in the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals and proceeded to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 in the championship series to win the first of six NBA titles during the MJ era. Jordan won his second league MVP award that year and also earned his first NBA Finals MVP award. Meanwhile, the Lakers have opened with one of the best odds to win the 2026 NBA championship, while Doncic is also among the early favorites to win the next MVP award. Although we won't see what "Slim Luka" can do in the NBA just yet, Doncic is currently in Europe to represent Slovenia in the 2025 FIBA Eurobasket tournament, which takes place from August 27 to September 4, so we'll see a glimpse of this new version of "Luka Magic."This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic's stunning 31-pound weight loss sends major shockwaves around the league
Luka Doncic. Image via: Getty Images The off-season is all about players taking time for themselves and spending it with family and friends. Vacation is the main focus when someone mentions the term 'off-season.' However, Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has his way of enjoying the break. He used his time to transform himself and reportedly lost 31 pounds by working out day and night. This is not just something to let go of. Despite facing major backlashes, this Lakers star had achieved something that no one could have possibly thought. Losing 31 pounds in just a month or two is no joke. The 6-feet-7-inch player is set to show some of his best moves in the next season. Here's more detailed information about his weight loss journey. Luka Doncic's 31-pound weight loss has created shockwaves throughout the league amid offseason Luka Doncic's weight loss game has been so strong, and this is evident because the Lakers star has reportedly lost 31 pounds this summer. He will be entering the next season in the best shape of his life. His major weight loss reports have been published by Slovenian POP TV. Luka Doncic's transformation has gotten him numerous criticisms. However, that didn't seem to have shaken this Slovenian superstar. As fans await his terrific return in the next season, the league is yet to see some of his best moves now that he is in great shape, more confident than ever. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 1/2/3 BHK Apartments in Thane Mumbai by Lodha - 58 Lakh* Lodha Casa Premier Book Now Undo His drastic weight loss report had sent major shockwaves throughout the big league. Fans were excited to see him lose 31 pounds within such a short time, and that too, all with a proper diet and hardcore workout routines. However, critics also didn't fail to point out flaws. One of them said, 'Good job. However, being 31 lbs overweight in the first place is severe professional neglect.' While another commented, 'MVP incoming'. '-31 pounds better make him a better defender or it was pointless😂', said one critic. Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic's body count from last season has made him transform completely Last season, Luka Doncic was listed at around 230 pounds, and he once peaked at 260 pounds. While Luka Doncic could still score decent points, averaging 8.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game, he could always do more. And what better way to transform oneself than during the offseason? The Lakers star had taken maximum advantage of it and had utilized his entire time to transform the best version of himself. However, his weight loss history has received some serious, heated comments from both fans and critics. Luka Doncic is a person with strong determination, and he seemed to have ignored all of it at once. Luka Doncic's surprising weight loss has earned him praises from Los Angeles Lakers coach Los Angeles Lakers lead assistant coach, Nate McMillan, is already impressed with Luka Doncic. 'I think he's probably the best one-on-one player in the game. He can get off his shot against anybody,' he said. 'Whether you're trying to pressure him or you put a small guy to disrupt him, he just puts his back on you and shoots over the top.' Nate McMillan further added, 'He looks fantastic, and I think with everything that has happened, it's a challenge for him. ' The Lakers coach agrees that he has proven to be the best version of himself, and at this point, he looks like a whole different beast. Also read: Luka Doncic returns to Slovenia's EuroBasket squad in top shape after body transformation Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers Coach Details LeBron James' Leadership: 'He Sets The Example For Everyone'
Lakers Coach Details LeBron James' Leadership: 'He Sets The Example For Everyone' originally appeared on Fadeaway World. LeBron James may be entering his 22nd NBA season, but his commitment to the game hasn't wavered one bit. In a behind-the-scenes story that highlights just how much the 40-year-old superstar still influences the Lakers' culture, assistant coach Nate McMillan praised James for setting the tone last season with his unmatched preparation and professionalism. 'When LeBron reported last year, he came in after the Olympics, he took a vacation with his family, then he came in mid-September,' McMillan said on the 'Sports Shop' podcast. 'From that day forward, he was the first to be everywhere. First in the building, first on the plane, first in the meetings, and I was like 'Wow.' He's setting the example.' It's often said that maintaining a proper work ethic is half the equation to finding success in the NBA. For LeBron James, he's been working hard from day one to maximize his skill, adapt his game over time, and keep his body in peak condition. For most aging superstars, it's a tough ask to set the example by being the first to show up to team-related activities, but James is the exception. Even at 40, LeBron continues to outpace his teammates and outwork much younger peers. With averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game on 51.3% shooting last season, James' work paid off with another All-Star caliber season. Even better, it helped elevate the Lakers to a top-three seed in the Western Conference. Now that Luka Doncic is on the roster, LeBron can show him all the tricks he uses every summer to ensure he's at the top of his game. He'll keep setting the tone in L.A., pushing his teammates to match his elite standard. For LeBron, it starts with simply showing up as early and often as he can when he's got an opportunity to hone his craft or build chemistry with his teammates. McMillan Reveals Key Differences Between LeBron And Kobe While LeBron's work ethic cannot be questioned, many critics have called out his demeanor and competitive spirit. While guys like Kobe Bryant were out to torture their opponents, LeBron doesn't have that same approach, and McMillan says it's the biggest thing that separates him from the "assassins" of the game. 'I think they're different. A lot of people compare LeBron to Kobe and Michael," said the Lakers coach. "As athletes, yeah, you can do that, but I would compare Kobe more to Michael and LeBron more to Magic. They're different players and they play the game differently. I look at Kobe and Michael as assassins. And I look at Magic and LeBron as guys that, they'll kill you too, but they do it in a different way.' While Kobe and Jordan made it a point to antagonize the enemy, LeBron is much less emotional when he's doing his thing, and it makes him closer to someone like Magic Johnson, who operated in a very similar way. Regardless of which legend you compare him to, what LeBron is doing now is unprecedented in NBA history. At 40 years old and with 22 years of experience in the NBA, he's still playing elite-level basketball and is putting in the same work that he did as a rookie in 2003. That consistency is what separates LeBron from everyone else, and it's one of the many reasons why he has a chance to pull off something special next story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
