The 2025 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class is officially being inducted this weekend, and there are some members of the Los Angeles Lakers family involved.
NBA legends Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony both wrapped up their Hall of Fame careers wearing the purple and gold. Howard won a championship with the team in 2019-20, and then returned for a third stint in 2021-22 when he was joined by Anthony.
While that season didn’t go as planned, there still is a lot of love in L.A. for both Howard and Anthony, making this a special weekend as they get inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The festivities kicked off on Friday night when Howard, Anthony, the 2008 Redeem Team and the rest of the 2025 Hall of Fame class received their orange jackets:
Dwight Howard receives his @Hoophall orange jacket
Watch the Class of 2025 Enshrinement Ceremony Saturday, 9/6 at 7:00pm/et on NBA TV. pic.twitter.com/VonEyH8QuQ
— NBA (@NBA) September 6, 2025
That father & son bond
Kiyan Anthony presents Melo his @Hoophall orange jacket! pic.twitter.com/N4hHPNhoVA
— NBA (@NBA) September 6, 2025
Dwight Howard shows off his @Hoophall orange jacket
pic.twitter.com/SOKlQ8NayA
— NBA (@NBA) September 6, 2025
Secure the orange jacket
Secure the flicks
Congrats to the @Hoophall Class of 2025! pic.twitter.com/TkqozJCIz9
— NBA (@NBA) September 6, 2025
The official Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set for Saturday at 4 p.m. PT on NBA TV, but receiving their orange jackets is a huge honor to kick off the weekend.
In 18 NBA seasons, Howard was named an All-Star eight times while making eight All-NBA teams. He was one of the most dominant defensive forces to ever step on a court, winning three Defensive Player of the Year awards while being named to five All-Defensive teams.
Howard and Anthony showed that there are different paths to greatness as the latter was largely known for his offense in his 19-year career. Anthony was named to 10 All-Star teams and six All-NBA teams, winning the scoring title in 2012-13.
Both are not only being inducted as individuals, but also as part of the 2008 Redeem Team that brought home gold in the Beijing Olympics. Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was a huge piece on that team, being inducted into the Hall of Fame for a second time.
Dwight Howard believes Lakers championship was cherry on top
Dwight Howard has a Hall of Fame resume even without any championships, but he believes breaking through and winning one with the Lakers was the cherry on top of his career.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are known for the star power that has come through their organization, which includes Carmelo Anthony in the final season of his 19-year career.
Unfortunately, Anthony did not come to the Lakers during his prime, but he still provided some highlights in an otherwise disappointing 2021-2022 season.
The 2003 No. 3 draft pick was a 10-time All-Star, the 2012-13 scoring champion, a six-time All-NBA selection and named to the 75th Anniversary team. As a gifted scorer, Anthony averaged 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists for his career, playing a total of 1,260 games, most notably for the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks.
While he did not win a championship, there was no doubting how great of scorer Anthony was, especially in the mid-post area. With that, he was slotted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2025 class with a fellow teammate in Dwight Howard. Two Hall of Famers in Allen Iverson and close friend Dwyane Wade presented Anthony with this incredible honor and he was formally inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday night. Among the highlights were him thanking his father and the game of basketball itself:
Allen Iverson & Dwyane Wade welcome @carmeloanthony to the Hall of Fame
Class of 2025 Enshrinement Ceremony on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/lSx6kZKsYG
— NBA (@NBA) September 7, 2025
"The dogs are barking."
Memorable moment as Melo delivers his @Hoophall speech
pic.twitter.com/a75H3AV8BF
— NBA (@NBA) September 7, 2025
"You left this world too soon but you never left me."
– Carmelo Anthony gives a shoutout to his father
Class of 2025 Enshrinement Ceremony on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/IBatQMDMc3
— NBA (@NBA) September 7, 2025
"You gave a kid from the projects a passport to the world… I gave [the game] everything I had."
Carmelo Anthony gives thanks to the game of basketball and reflects on his career
Class of 2025 Enshrinement Ceremony on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/Ks2dtdbrBL
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) September 7, 2025
Kiyan Anthony with his dad’s new hardware
Congrats on your @Hoophall enshrinement, Melo! pic.twitter.com/XhachgBQeW
— NBA Future Starts Now (@nbafuturenow) September 7, 2025
During his time in Denver, Anthony shared heated and entertaining playoff battles with Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. He then turned Madison Square Garden into a frenzy with his electric play and propelled the Knicks to a formidable Eastern Conference threat.
Ring culture is hotly debated in today’s NBA culture and whether or not championships truly impact a player’s resume to become a Hall of Famer. It is great to see Anthony get the respect he deserves despite not winning a title because he gave a lot to the game during his career.
Carmelo Anthony reveals he was almost traded to the Lakers in 2011
As Carmelo Anthony navigated through his career, it felt like there were several instances of the Lakers trying to land the star forward. Unfortunately, he did not become a Laker until his final season, but Anthony recently revealed he was almost traded to L.A. in 2011.
An interesting what-if because forming a duo next to Kobe Bryant would have been something special, coming off a championship in 2010.
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It’s been a busy summer for Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic as he’s been in the thick of competing in FIBA EuroBasket 2025.
Doncic leads an underdog Slovenia roster devoid of NBA talent other than the Lakers guard, but the team has managed to advance in the round of 16 after a thrilling upset win over Italy. Luka was dominant in the win, erupting for 42 points to go along with 10 rebounds and three steals.
Throughout the tournament, Doncic has been nearly unguardable as he can score from all three levels as well as draw free throws at an elite clip. For an undermanned Slovenia team, Doncic is everything on both ends of the floor and is the main reason why they’re even being given a slight chance to upset Germany in the next round.
With the matchup against Germany looming, Doncic has a chance to make history if he can score 30 or more points, via Eurohoops:
Luka Doncic is just one game shy of tying Greek legend Nikos Galis for the most 30+ point games in a single EuroBasket tournament since 1989!
Will Luka tie—or even surpass—Galis?
In 1987, Galis scored 30+ points in all 8 games he played #Eurobasket pic.twitter.com/7d13NZNwW4
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) September 8, 2025
Doncic has already cemented himself as one of the best scorers in international play as he already ranks within the top 50, via FIBA EuroBasket:
Generational bucket getter.
Luka Doncic has entered the TOP 50 of all-time #EuroBasket scorers. pic.twitter.com/cgyFRxSls2
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 7, 2025
Like LeBron James, Doncic is at his best when gets to facilitate but is a natural with a great feel of when to take over. In EuroBasket, Luka has either made teams pay at the rim or at the free throw line, but he’s also been solid from distance.
Slovenia is considered a long-shot to get past a German team featuring NBA players like Franz Wagner, Dennis Schroder and Tristan da Silva, but Doncic gives his squad a chance whenever he’s on the floor. Known for showing up in pivotal games, it’ll be interesting to see if Doncic has another EuroBasket upset in him.
LeBron James expresses support for Luka Doncic
Like the rest of the Lakers fan base, LeBron James is heavily invested in how Luka Doncic performs in EuroBasket. The Lakers need the best version of Doncic to win a title, and so far he looks up to the task.
Following Slovenia’s win against Italy, James showed support for his Lakers co-star by posting on his personal Instagram account.
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Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic and Slovenia were always in for an uphill battle against tournament favorite Germany in the quarterfinals of FIBA EuroBasket 2025. But for much of the contest, it was Doncic and Slovenia holding the lead and looking primed for yet another upset in the tournament.
Unfortunately, despite Luka’s best efforts, Slovenia was unable to hold on to their lead in the fourth quarter, being outscored by double-digits and seeing their upset bid come up just short in a 99-91 loss to Germany.
Doncic was once again outstanding as the Lakers star dominated with 39 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, giving everything he had despite dealing with foul trouble throughout the contest. Luka picked up his third foul late in the first half and his fourth early in the third quarter, forcing him to play very carefully for the remainder of the contest as it only takes five fouls to foul out in international play.
Even still, Slovenia went into the fourth quarter holding on to a four-point lead after Tristan de Silva banked in a half-court buzzer-beater for Germany to end the third. But Slovenia struggled to keep their offense going in the fourth, scoring just 17 points as Germany was finally able to take control and hold on for the victory.
Doncic's incredible #EuroBasket run comes to an end but he had another scoring spree against Germany.
39 PTS | 10 REB | 7 AST pic.twitter.com/tVoTQxlv32
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 10, 2025
Orlando Magic wing Franz Wagner led Germany with 23 points and seven rebounds while former Lakers and current Sacramento Kings point guard Dennis Schroeder finished with 20 points and seven assists. Germany also got a strong showing from former NBA big man Daniel Theis, who contributed 15 points and nine rebounds.
Klemen Prepelic finished with 13 points for Slovenia while Gregor Hrovat added 11 points, four rebounds and three assists, but it just wasn’t enough to keep their run going.
Despite the loss, it was an impressive run for Doncic and Slovenia, especially considering how things started for them in EuroBasket. Slovenia won just one of their exhibition contests coming into the tournament and then proceeded to drop their first two games in group play against Poland and France. But they would rally to win their final three games and then defeat Italy in the round of 16 behind Luka’s impressive play on both ends of the floor as he leads the tournament in both points and steals.
Germany will now go on to face Finland, led by Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, in the semifinals with the winner facing the winner of Greece-Turkey in the FIBA EuroBasket Finals on Sunday.
Next up for Luka Doncic and Slovenia
Unfortunately, this ends the run of Luka Doncic and Slovenia at FIBA EuroBasket 2025. The next time Luka will be on a court will be when the Lakers take the floor in the preseason in a few weeks.
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Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal has always been willing to put his name and brand on the things that he really believes in. One of his more recent ventures has been his Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies, which he launched in 2024 in partnership with The Hershey Company. These gummies were ideated, developed and taste-tested by Shaq himself.
Now, O’Neal and Hershey have announced that Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies in sneaker shapes are now available nationwide.
“Shaq-A-Licious started with a big idea—make candy that’s bold, fun, and full of flavor. Now we’re stepping it up with sneaker-shaped gummies and three wild new flavors for gummy lovers everywhere,” said O’Neal. “I’ve been part of this from the start, from the flavors to the shapes, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come. This is just the beginning.”
These gummies are a nod to his SHAQ Footwear brand, made in the shape of his sneakers and inspired by his time on the court and fierce dedication to the sneaker and basketball community. This new line of sneaker-shaped gummies will come in three flavors: mango (orange), lime (green) and strawberry (red).
Since its launch in 2024, Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies have sold more than 11 million units, making it Hershey’s top sweets launch of the year.
“Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies isn’t just a candy, it’s a brand with serious momentum. The response to our first launch was huge, and the new sneaker-shaped gummies are our way of keeping that energy going,” said Vivek Mehrotra, Senior Brand Manager, Shaq-A-Licious, The Hershey Company. “This is about more than flavor; it’s about building something fun, lasting and larger than life.”
Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies in sneaker shapes are the newest addition to Shaquille O’Neals Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies line.
These new sneaker-shaped gummies join the Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies lineup that includes the original, which feature peach, berry punch and orange flavors and are shaped like the Lakers legend’s head, as well as the sour which come in pineapple, mixed berry and watermelon flavors and have shapes honoring the legendary nicknames of Shaq.
Shaquille O’Neal frustrated by Lakers icon Kobe Bryant being left out of GOAT conversations
Many consider Shaquille O’Neal to be the most dominant player in NBA history, but he isn’t usually spoken about in the GOAT conversations that tend to boil down to Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James. But Shaq isn’t frustrated at himself not being in those debates, but instead the fact that his Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant is continually left out and the big man recently spoke on his frustration.
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The NBA is making a major change for the 2025-26 season regarding its broadcast partners. TNT is no longer the host of professional basketball, as NBC has taken over alongside ESPN as the leaders in NBA coverage. In addition, Luka Doncic’s first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers will be covered by Amazon Prime.
The Lakers have seven games on Prime in 2025-26, making them one of the prominent teams featured in their coverage. It stands to reason, as Doncic and LeBron James are one of the league’s most marketable duos in recent history, and the Lakers figure to at the very least be a true playoff team in the crowded Western Conference.
That’s why Doncic was chosen as one of three NBA players — two current and one former — to be featured in the most recent NBA on Prime commercial:
Special delivery! Prime is bringing you the NBA.
Coming October 24thpic.twitter.com/Y0ebIPcHOT
— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) September 12, 2025
The promotional ad features Doncic and Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell being delivered via Prime boxes to a fan’s house, with one of the delivery people being retired All-Star Blake Griffin. It’s a fun commercial that explains Prime’s addition of NBA coverage, complementing their Thursday Night Football coverage.
And if the first few months of Luka’s Lakers tenure are any indication, seeing him in commercials galore over his time in L.A. won’t be surprising. He has already become the face of several brands and has conducted major promotions and tours since joining the Lakers.
But starting Oct. 24, Doncic’s face on Prime won’t be through a commercial, but rather on the court, trying to lead the Lakers to the postseason.
Luka Doncic buys Maria Sharapova’s home in Manhattan Beach
Although Luka Doncic and Slovenia were eliminated in the quarterfinals of EuroBasket 2025, the Lakers star is feeling proud of how he and his teammates played.
Doncic led an undermanned Slovenian team to a victory over a favored Italian squad before pushing the EuroBasket favorites, Germany, into a competitive matchup. Although Doncic came up short, his play should give the Lakers plenty of optimism that he’s set to have a career year during the 2025-26 season.
Doncic will be counted on to lead the purple and gold for the foreseeable future after inking a three-year extension, though the team has an outside shot of winning a title this upcoming season. He has expressed his commitment to the franchise and sounds ready to make another championship run.
The Lakers star finally has time to settle into his new home, and he made a significant personal move by buying a house in Manhattan Beach that tennis star Maria Sharapova previously owned.
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The 2025-26 season is a pivotal one for Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves as he has a chance to set himself up to make even more money.
Reaves is under contract for the upcoming season but has a player option for the 2026-27 season that he will almost certainly opt out of. He and his camp are reportedly looking for at least $30 to $35 million annually, a sizable jump of his current salary of almost $14 million.
Reaves has improved every season since signing with Los Angeles as an undrafted free agent and will be counted on to help lead the offense. Under head coach JJ Redick, Reaves has been given an opportunity to do more with the basketball in his hands and he’s so far delivered.
When the Lakers guard isn’t playing basketball, he can usually be found on the golf course as he’s an avid golfer. In a recent video via the NBA, players were asked to name the best golfer in the league and Reaves was one of the players most often mentioned:
Who’s the best golfer in the NBA?
Some of the league’s best golfers weighed in! pic.twitter.com/4OJuSZpOvd
— NBA (@NBA) September 15, 2025
When asked the question, Reaves immediately said he was the best but did acknowledge he wants to play a match against Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. A little later in the video, Curry names himself as the best golfer in the NBA but did say Reaves was good and seemed to express interest in playing with him.
Curry is generally regarded as the best golfer in the league by his peers, though Reaves got his fair share of votes from fellow players like Jalen Brunson, Pat Connaughton and Zach LaVine.
Reaves hasn’t been shy about his love for golf and has even participated in several tournaments, showing how serious he is when it comes to playing and competing. Numerous athletes look to golf as a past time and hobby and it makes sense given the relaxing nature of the sport.
For someone like Reaves who leaves it all out on the basketball court, the golf course offers a fun escape and it’ll be interesting to see if he ever gets his opportunity to play against Curry.
Austin Reaves names Kobe Bryant as his GOAT
Like a lot of Lakers fans, Austin Reaves grew up idolizing Kobe Bryant. While he has spent his entire career playing alongside LeBron James, Reaves recently named Bryant as his GOAT.
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