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[Los Angeles Lakers]

Lakers News: LeBron James Believes Mid-Range Shots Are Still Important To Success

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has won at every level of basketball, though he remains motivated to add another NBA title to his resume.

James and the Lakers looked primed to make a deep postseason run during the 2025 NBA Playoffs, but they were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in convincing fashion. Despite the Lakers’ collective star power, it wasn’t enough to get past a Timberwolves team built with ideal size, length and physicality across each position.

It was a hard-fought series for James, who was asked to play small-ball center against Minnesota and he performed as if he was square in his prime again. However, LeBron looked worn down by the end of the series and even suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain that would have forced him to miss time if the Lakers had advanced.

James understands what it takes to win games in the playoffs and he emphasized how important the mid-range area of the floor is while using the Oklahoma City Thunder as an example in the most recent episode of his his “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash:

“If it’s OKC and Shai’s getting blitzed in the pick-and-roll, and you’re hitting Jalen Williams in the pocket or you hit Alex Caruso in the pocket, you’re at their mercy. If you’re playing Boston and you’re doubling Jayson Tatum and you hit Jrue Holiday in the pocket, he’s a point guard that’s making 4-on-3 reads, things he’s been doing his whole career. So it’s like, it’s very key and the mid-range is, I think, is very, very key to the success of great teams.”

Most discussions around the mid-range area of the floor center on jump shots, but James is describing how the mid-range is where the best ball-handlers and playmakers do their damage. As James explained, players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jayson Tatum have grown adept at taking double teams and passing out to the correct player to keep an offensive possession humming.

James is a master of every area on the basketball court, so he knows full well what he can do once he’s got an advantage on the floor. LeBron’s size and strength make him a difficult person to defend, but even more so if he has an open passing lane.

Next year could very well be James’ final season in the league, so it’ll be interesting to see if the front office can surround him with a championship-caliber roster.

LeBron James explains decision to always make right play in crunch time​

LeBron James will go down as arguably the greatest player of all time, and that’s in large part due to his willingness to always make the right play. Some have criticized James for avoiding potential game-winning shots to pass, but the Lakers star explained why he continues to do so.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/lakers-new...d-range-shots-are-still-important-to-success/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Lakers Rumors: Austin Reaves Would Only Be Traded For ‘Foundationally Important’ Piece

The Los Angeles Lakers’ front office has some work to do this offseason in improving this roster into a true championship contender. The question is how they will go about doing so and if making a trade is a route they will explore, the most attractive piece the Lakers have is guard Austin Reaves.

Reaves was one of the best and most important players on the Lakers this season. But after a rough showing in the playoffs, no doubt exacerbated by playing through an injury, there are some wondering whether L.A. could consider dealing Reaves away.

But according to Dan Woike of the L.A. Times, the most important people within the Lakers organization all love Reaves and the likelihood of a trade seems low:

Everyone is aware of the noise from the media and on the message boards (shoutout Lakers reddit), no one is acting like a trade is going to happen this summer for a couple of reasons.

One, the Lakers and the most important people in the organization all love Reaves and his journey from undrafted free agent to a talent that people think is All-Star caliber. And, at just $14 million next season, he’ll be one of the most productive players in the league per dollar minus some superstars on the very early stages of their rookie deals.

However, the Lakers won’t go as far as calling Reaves untradeable. But it would have to be for a player that is a real foundational piece whom the team could build around for the future:

Two, he’s not viewed as “untradeable” because almost no one in the NBA is untradeable. But if the Lakers are going to trade him for a center, they’re going to want one that is foundationally important — a build-around type and not a fill-in toward the obvious need they have at center (and will need to address in other ways).

If one of the best centers in the NBA were available, the conversations might be different, but at least now, during the first part of the offseason, that just isn’t the case.

Reaves is a borderline All-Star on an excellent contract and is still just 26 years old. The Lakers have said on many occasions how important he is to the franchise both on the court as a player, and just as a person with how he carries and represents himself.

The Lakers are going to keep their options open and if there is a deal that they simply can’t pass up for a game-changer and Reaves has to be in the deal then they will do what they have to. But short of that, Reaves is simply too good to give away for just a decent piece.

Lakers’ Austin Reaves reflects on his 2024-25 season​

Despite the unfortunate end, Reaves still had an outstanding 2024-25 season with the Lakers, clearly the best of his career. And in looking back on it, the thing that stood out most to Reaves was that he just had a lot of fun.

“I had a lot of fun,” Reaves said in his exit interview. “Forget the basketball, I enjoyed every single day going to work and being around these guys, the coaching staff, training staff, weight staff, everybody in the organization. From game one to game 82 and now, I just had a lot of fun.”

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/lakers-rum...be-traded-for-foundationally-important-piece/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Gilbert Arenas: Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Is ‘Closest Thing’ To Lakers’ Kobe Bryant In Fourth Quarter

While the 2025 NBA Playoffs rage on, it’s hard not to think about Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant who thrived in high-pressure situations.

On the court, Bryant was known as a killer who relished the opportunity to beat opponents especially in crunch time. At the peak of his powers, there was no one quite like Bryant who happily accepted the challenge of trying to score in big moments and that led to some of the best moments of his historic career.

Even though the modern NBA prioritizes shots at the rim and beyond the arc, there’s nothing more important that having a player who can get a bucket when plays break down. There are several stars across the league today that can answer the call, including New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson who’s having a strong postseason run.

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas gave Brunson lofty praise when he compared his late-game heroics to Bryant in an appearance on the “All The Smoke” podcast:

“Brunson has a skill set that is only given to certain type of men. Jordan had it, Kobe had it. I think Brunson, mentally, is the closest thing to what Kobe was in a fourth quarter. No matter what happens, he can be 0-for-20; in the last five minutes you already know, everything went out the window. It is different. He’s gonna go four for five. He’s gonna put the team on his back. And it’s hard to find that skill, right. And he’s a guy who has it.”

Brunson is cut from the same cloth as Bryant as he is always expected to lead his team down the stretch no matter how well or poor he’s shooting from the field. There are other players around the NBA built in a similar mold, with Julius Randle comparing Anthony Edwards to Bryant as well.

Like Kobe, Brunson never wavers when the game is on the line and that was evident throughout the 2024-25 season and currently during the playoffs. While Brunson isn’t quite at the same level as Bryant, there’s no denying that they share the same clutch gene and instinct.

Julius Randle credits Kobe Bryant for teaching him how to deal with adversity​

Julius Randle has been a revelation for the Minnesota Timberwolves as he helped the team reach the Western Conference Finals. Randle has had to overcome a lot in his career to get to this point and he credited former Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant for helping him deal with adversity.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/gilbert-ar...hing-to-lakers-kobe-bryant-in-fourth-quarter/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Lakers Rumors: Daniel Gafford & Nic Claxton Are Most Common Centers Linked To L.A.

The top priority for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason is upgrading the frontcourt, particularly the center position, as their lack of size cost them greatly in the playoffs. Whether it is through trade, free agency, or the draft, the Lakers sorely need a big man to be an ideal pick-and-roll partner for Luka Doncic.

There are some very intriguing players who could be acquired via trade this offseason and the rumors are already beginning to come out about some potential targets for the Lakers.

According to Dan Woike of the L.A. Times, Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks and Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets are the two centers being linked to the Lakers the most so far:

The team has shown no interest in using Reaves in a trade that nets them anything less than a top-tier big, and there really aren’t any of those available, with the two most common names linked to them in the earliest stages of the offseason — Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton and Dallas’ Daniel Gafford.

Gafford makes a ton of sense as a target considering he has already played with Doncic on the Mavericks and knows exactly how to thrive next to him. The big man is an excellent finisher down low and provides rim protection on the other end as well. He does only have one year remaining on his contract at $14.3 million, so the Lakers could easily make the salary work, though whether the Mavericks would be willing to deal with L.A. again so soon after the Doncic trade is worth questioning.

Claxton also fits the bill as that rim-running center who could pair perfectly with Luka and, unlike Gafford, has three more years remaining on his deal so the Lakers wouldn’t have to worry about locking him down long-term. Additionally, his contract decreases each year, being owed $25.3 million in 2026, $23.1 million in 2027 and $20.9 million in 2028.

Of course, the big question is what the Lakers would have to give up in order to acquire either, but the front office does have a couple draft picks, expiring contracts and young pieces like Dalton Knecht to make a deal happen.

Lakers have potential trade interest in Raptors center Jakob Poeltl​

Both Daniel Gafford and Nic Claxton would be great additions and they aren’t the only names being linked to the Lakers as the franchise reportedly could have interest in Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl.

If Poeltl and the Raptors aren’t able to agree to an extension, they could look to deal him and the Lakers are a team that could target him.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/lakers-rum...claxton-are-most-common-centers-linked-to-la/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Bronny James: Means World To Make History As First Father-Son Duo With LeBron James

To begin this season, the Los Angeles Lakers formed a historic pairing by drafting Bronny James to play alongside his father, LeBron James.

A father-son duo has been seen before in other professional sports, but not in the NBA, and the James’ were able to make that history. On Opening Night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Bronny and LeBron shared the floor together for the first time, making for an iconic moment.

As a 20-year-old playing for an iconic franchise, on top of his father being a teammate, it must have been a lot to digest. Now that the offseason is here and Bronny can reflect on that moment, he expressed how much it meant to be a part of the first father-son duo in league history.

“It means the world to be a part of that,” the rookie said. “That was a very historical moment for both of us, so I’m just ready to take these stepping stones and keep going up. That’s all I want to do. I want to get better every day as a person and a player and this is the foundation for it.”

For LeBron to be 22 seasons in and play long enough to be teammates with his oldest son is a worthy testament to his hard work. Being a part of that was an indescribable feeling for Bronny.

“It was a surreal moment,” he said. “I really don’t know how to describe it, but it felt like pickup back when I was 10 years old just playing with him. It was crazy.”

Despite all the narratives regarding the former USC Trojan, he is living his dream and gets to learn from his father as he transitions to an NBA lifestyle.

Hopefully, LeBron suits up for another season and perhaps Bronny receives an opportunity to showcase his development more at the NBA level next year. He got to see what it is like to play in the NBA and as time passes, Bronny has shown signs of improved confidence and a potential role player as he continues to develop.

While there is still a long road to get there, having that support of his father and belief in himself should bode well in Bronny’s continued growth.

Bronny James proud of growth during rookie season​

Despite Bronny James not seeing consistent minutes with the Lakers, he got plenty of minutes to develop in South Bay, L.A.’s G League affiliate. As time passed, he looked to be regaining confidence in his skills as a player and James admitted that he is proud of his growth this season.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/bronny-jam...ry-as-first-father-son-duo-with-lebron-james/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Lakers News: Mavericks’ Jason Kidd Still Hasn’t Spoken To Luka Doncic Since Trade

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has done an excellent job coaching the team, leading them to the 2024 NBA Finals last year before flaming out during the 2024-25 season following the Luka Doncic blockbuster.

The Mavericks traded Markieff Morris, Maxi Kleber and Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, a move that surprised the entire league. Even Kidd seemed to be out of the loop when it was announced, a rarity given that head coaches are typically keen on player movement.

The magnitude of Doncic being dealt is hard to describe, though Kidd tried comparing it to the Babe Ruth trade. While Kidd used Ruth as an example because of how talented he was, the comparison fell flat as that trade set the Boston Red Sox back for generations.

In an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, Kidd revealed he texted Doncic the following morning and that was the last time the two spoke:

“I texted him that morning [after the trade] and that’s the last time I’ve talked to him… I don’t think he was too happy, and again, from the experience of being traded, maybe being surprised, upset, feelings are high, but again, I loved the opportunity of coaching Luka. He’s an incredible person and we all know his talent is one of the best in the world. Again, my mindset is to deal with the cards I’m dealt and keep pushing forward. I’ve always said this, publicly and privately, I wish Luka the best. He’s one of the best players in the world.”

It sounds like Kidd genuinely feels for Doncic given how emotional and surprising the trade was, and there don’t seem to be many hard feelings between the two. Kidd and Doncic had a good relationship and it makes sense as the Mavericks head coach is one of the few people in the world who can relate to the star guard.

While the Mavericks and Kidd will miss out on Doncic’s prime, Lakers head coach JJ Redick now gets the opportunity to work with a generational player. Redick has shown a good understanding of how to use Doncic and it’ll be exciting to see how their partnership pans out.

Luka Doncic praises JJ Redick, compares him to European coaches​

Luka Doncic didn’t get much time to work alongside head coach JJ Redick during the 2024-25 season, though they’ve already got a strong working relationship dating back to their days as teammates. Doncic was highly effusive of Redick’s performance this past season with the Lakers and even compared him to European coaches he respects.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/lakers-new...till-hasnt-spoken-to-luka-doncic-since-trade/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Lakers News: Giannis Antetokounmpo Puts LeBron James In GOAT Conversation & All-Time Starting 5

The debate over who the greatest basketball player of all time is has become among the most pervasive and frequent discussions across the NBA landscape. Most people fall into two camps, either Michael Jordan or Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. There are valid arguments for each player, but the debate has become somewhat toxic over recent years.

Players are among the most likely to weigh in on this debate, as they all have their own opinions and are constantly asked about the subject in order to help fan arguments. The most recent player to share their thoughts is Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Giannis is going to be one of the most talked-about players in the league this offseason as he weighs the potential of a trade request away from Milwaukee. But on Saturday night, Antetokounmpo was simply answering fan questions on social. And when asked about his GOAT, he said it is between James and Jordan but made sure to note that could change:

MJ or Bron for now https://t.co/NNO8aLHnXa

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) May 18, 2025

Many players take the same route as Antetokounmpo, which is to not make an exact determination between LeBron and Jordan and to simply say that it’s one or the other. The interesting part of his answer is the end, where he says “for now.” That could be interpreted as him saying that he could eventually take that crown, or that — at some point — someone will surpass both.

Giannis also revealed his all-time starting five that included James and another Lakers legend in Kobe Bryant:

1. Steph
2.MJ
3.Kobe
4.KD
5.Bron https://t.co/t0v4O5qTuL

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) May 18, 2025

With Antetokounmpo potentially being traded this offseason, his respect and admiration for James is notable, although it is unlikely the Lakers have enough assets to pull off that sort of deal.

LeBron James shouts out Caitlin Clark​

The 2024-25 NBA season is nearing its end, with LeBron James and the Lakers getting sent home in the first round of the playoffs and only five teams remaining as of Sunday morning. But the WNBA season is just getting underway, with second-year Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark playing her first game on Saturday.

The Fever moved to 1-0 on the season with a dominating win over the Chicago Sky, and Clark led the way. She finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, starting the 2025 season with a triple-double. This caught the attention of the entire basketball world, as they were anxiously waiting to see how Clark would tip off her second season.

LeBron was one of the players who had some instant reactions to Clark’s immediate success. He gave her a good luck message for the season just before her first game began, then congratulated her on the triple-double immediately after.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/lakers-new...mes-in-goat-conversation-all-time-starting-5/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Lakers News: LeBron James Shouts Out Caitlin Clark At Start Of Second WNBA Season

The 2024-25 NBA season is nearing its end, with LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers getting sent home in the first round of the playoffs and only five teams remaining as of Sunday morning. But the WNBA season is just getting underway, with second-year Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark playing her first game on Saturday.

The Fever moved to 1-0 on the season with a dominating win over the Chicago Sky, and Clark led the way. She finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, starting the 2025 season with a triple-double. This caught the attention of the entire basketball world, as they were anxiously waiting to see how Clark would tip off her second season.

LeBron was one of the players who had some instant reactions to Clark’s immediate success. He gave her a good luck message for the season just before her first game began, then congratulated her on the triple-double immediately after:

​

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by (@kingjames)​

TRIPLE DUB CC!! Great way to kick off the season!

— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 17, 2025

Clark has had some of the most outspoken vocal support of any player in WNBA history, and for good reason. She is among the most dominant young players the game has ever seen, and a triple-double in the first game of her second season shows exactly that.

James knows a thing or two about entering the professional ranks as one of the most highly-touted young players of all time, and having to work to meet sky-high expectations. That’s surely part of why LeBron is so vocal in support of Clark, as there weren’t a ton of players that did that for him during his first few seasons back in the early 2000s.

LeBron James stresses teams win championships, not individuals​

With Luka Doncic and LeBron James leading the way, not to mention Austin Reaves, there was a belief that the Lakers could make a deep postseason run. However, they would be eliminated in the first-round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in just five games.

While James and Doncic give the Lakers an excellent foundation, it was the play of the role players that ultimately made the difference in the series against Minnesota. The likes of Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo gave a major boost and overall the Timberwolves were just a more complete team.

And it is that point that stands out to LeBron the most. In a recent episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash, the Lakers superstar stressed that it is teams who win championships, not individual players.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/lakers-new...caitlin-clark-at-start-of-second-wnba-season/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Lakers News: Magic Johnson Congratulates Knicks & Celebrates Celtics’ Elimination

Magic Johnson may no longer be involved with the Los Angeles Lakers on the basketball side, but he’s been keeping tabs on the 2025 NBA Playoffs that have delivered some of the best postseason games in recent memory.

This year’s playoffs have featured incredible comebacks and upsets, and now the Conference Finals matchups are set. In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder will face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves while in the Eastern Conference the New York Knicks will see the Indiana Pacers.

The Knicks’ run has been arguably the most impressive as they managed to knock off the defending champions the Boston Celtics in six games. New York overcome large deficits in Games 1 and 2 to take a 2-0 series lead and eventually beat Boston back home at Madison Square Garden.

Johnson, who has no love lost for the Celtics organization, congratulated the Knicks on their series win and for advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, via his personal X account:

The Knicks blew out the Celtics 119-81 and because their role players OG Anunoby, Karl Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges combined for total 66 points versus the Celtics role players – Derrick White, Jrue Holiday and Payton Pritchard only had 23 total points combined. Knicks…

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 17, 2025

Congratulations to New York Knicks Coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks players, and the entire organization for advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals!

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 17, 2025

The Celtics-Lakers rivalry is the best and most-famous one in NBA history and Johnson clearly couldn’t help but take a subtle shot at the Boston organization following their loss. Boston’s title defense came to an end once poor outside shooting and inconsistent defense reared their heads. To make matters worse, Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles tear that puts the team’s immediate future in doubt as well.

Johnson and the rest of the purple and gold fanbase can celebrate knowing the Celtics won’t win another championship this year, though now the Lakers have work to do to build a title roster around LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Los Angeles has the foundation to win a championship and it’ll be interesting to see if they can make a deep postseason run next year.

Suns’ Kevin Durant wins 2024-25 PBWA Magic Johnson Award​

Magic Johnson was well-regarded during his playing days for personality and willingness to talk to the media. Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant also treats the media with respect and for his generosity he was named the 2024-25 PBWA Magic Johnson Award winner, getting a congratulatory message from the Lakers legend himself.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/lakers-new...ulates-knicks-celebrates-celtics-elimination/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Lakers Part Of History With NBA Parity At All-Time High

The last time the Los Angeles Lakers celebrated a championship was back in 2020 when the team overcame the hardest circumstances in NBA history to capture the franchise’s 17th title.

Since then, though, the Lakers have struggled to get back to the mountaintop, though there’s optimism that the team is heading in the right direction now that Luka Doncic is on the team. However, even with Doncic on board to lead the way, Los Angeles will find it even harder to win a championship as the Western Conference continues to grow more difficult each passing year.

Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves are set to battle it out in the Western Conference Finals in the 2025 NBA Playoffs and are expected to be mainstays for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, there are budding young teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets who are expected to join the inner circle of contenders sooner than later.

The league’s new CBA has created the parity that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has sought for years. Following the conclusion of the playoffs, the NBA will have seven different champions in seven years for the first time in history, via StatMuse:

For the first time in history, there are 7 different champions in 7 NBA seasons.

Parity, baby. pic.twitter.com/wctqSoe3rE

— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 18, 2025

The last team to win back-to-back titles was the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018, but since then there has been an evening of the playing field. The Toronto Raptors, Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, Warriors, Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics won the subsequent titles but this the 2025 championship will go to either the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Thunder or Timberwolves.

Parity is hard to come in the NBA as it’s often considered the most predictable out of the professional sports leagues in the U.S. due to the seven-game series format. Oftentimes, the higher seed typically comes out of a series victorious but this year’s group features multiple lower seeds that took advantage of their matchups.

With the talent pool of players becoming deeper and deeper plus a CBA that restricts teams from keeping their championship cores together for long, it feels like this is the new trend the NBA is heading toward.

Tyrese Haliburton says it was super cool to get a shoutout from Lakers’ LeBron James​

Tyrese Haliburton has the Pacers in good position to once again make the NBA Finals and the young star acknowledged it was super cool to get a shoutout from Lakers star LeBron James.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/lakers-part-of-history-with-nba-parity-at-all-time-high/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Lonzo Ball Recalls Lakers ‘Disrespecting’ Julius Randle With Expected Role In 2017-18 Season

One of the main reasons the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs was the play of Julius Randle. The forward got some revenge on his former team and is in the midst of by far his best postseason run of his career as the Timberwolves are set to begin the Western Conference Finals.

Randle, of course, spent his first four NBA seasons with the Lakers before moving on in free agency in 2018. That last season in L.A. was his best, and was also his lone season as a teammate of Lonzo Ball who was a rookie that year. And Ball continues to root for his teammate years later, especially when remembering what he feels was disrespectful treatment towards Randle by then-Lakers coach Luke Walton.

In the latest episode of “What An Experience” with Lonzo Ball, the now-Bulls guard recalls speaking up on Randle’s behalf about the role the Lakers envisioned for him that season:

“I heard one of the craziest things I ever heard in my life when I was on that team. They sat us all down early in the season in the locker room, went through everybody’s roles and shit. They got to [Julius Randle]. They talking about ‘Just rebound and set screens, nothing else.’ I’m like, ‘What the f—?’ So then I’m like, ‘Nah,’ I low-key spoke up. I’m talking about ‘Nah’. Like he one of our best players, he the only one that can do everything. And then after that, shit, that’s when we got cool after that. But nah, they was disrespecting him crazy in L.A., bro. And now look what he doing now. So I’m definitely happy to see him doing his thing.”

That Lakers team had a ton of promising young talent with Randle, Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr. and Josh Hart all on the roster. For the Lakers staff to see Randle as just a rebounder and screener says far more about them, especially as he would go on to be the Lakers’ leading scorer and rebounder that season.

That surely played a role in Randle moving on that offseason, though the Lakers were also clearing out room to sign LeBron James so the split was mutual for both sides. Regardless, he has grown by leaps and bounds since moving on and he made the Lakers pay in these playoffs big time.

Julius Randle credits Lakers legend Kobe Bryant for helping him deal with adversity​

Julius Randle’s career didn’t get off to the best start as he broke his leg in his very first game with the Lakers. But the forward is thankful that he had Lakers legend Kobe Bryant as a teammate to help him through with lessons that he still holds on to.

Randle credited Bryant with teaching him how to deal with adversity, noting that Kobe had the mindset of what’s next and how can you improve in through these situations, which is something he kept throughout his career.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/lonzo-ball...-randle-with-expected-role-in-2017-18-season/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Lakers News: LeBron James Gives Update On Recovery From Knee Injury

In the Los Angeles Lakers’ final game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron James suffered a knee injury and while he was able to finish the game, he would later reveal that the injury was severe enough that it would’ve kept him out for the ensuing games in thr series.

Now after a couple of weeks, LeBron gave an update on how his recovery is going, saying on the latest episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash that his knee is much better than it was:

“Like I said last episode, it’s been a hell of a lot better. It’s getting better though… It’s getting better.”

James would also admit that the most challenging part of his recovery has been having to sit around and not be able to be as active as he would like:

“That’s the most challenging thing. Even though I can’t do much as far as like lower body stuff, I’m still like in the weight room, still getting in upper body. The one thing I am able to do a little bit is ride like a stationary bike just to kind of keep the blood flowing and things of that nature, keep the flexibility as much as possible in the knee. But I’m not a guy that likes to sit around. I have a lot of energy and I hate sitting around, so this has definitely been, almost two weeks after the season, they always tell you to take time off and I’m just not that guy. I’m going crazy right now, for sure.”

For someone who is always as active as LeBron, it can be extremely difficult to be stuck at home unable to do the things you normally do. But at this stage of his career, it is likely beneficial for James to take a little time off and let his body recover fully from this injury.

James has been fortunate enough to avoid major injuries throughout the majority of his career and there is no doubt that he will put in the work to make sure he is back to 100% by the time the Lakers start getting ready for training camp next season.

Caitlin Clark admits to being starstruck meeting Lakers superstar LeBron James​

During his recovery, LeBron James has been watching a lot of basketball and that includes the WNBA whose 2025 season just began. LeBron shouted out Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark for her triple-double in their season opener and the two recently had a chance to meet for the first time.

Clark admitted to being starstruck in meeting the Lakers superstar for the first time, calling James one of her idols and her favorite basketball player of all-time.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-gives-update-on-recovery-from-knee-injury/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Lakers Video: LeBron James Explains How Allen Iverson Changed Perception Of Scoring Guards

There are a lot of truly amazing players throughout the history of the NBA, but there are only a select group that truly changed the game. The Los Angeles Lakers have been fortunate enough to have some of those players in purple and gold such as Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James and Magic Johnson. But someone else in NBA history who doesn’t get as much credit for doing that is Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson.

The Hall of Fame guard was 6-feet tall at best, but during a time when small guards were always pigeonholed into a point guard role, Iverson would become one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the NBA. While the likes of Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard are more commonplace now, it was Iverson who laid the foundation of small guards being primary scorers.

This is something that LeBron feels Iverson should get more credit for. In the latest episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash, the Lakers star spoke on how Iverson would have been made a point guard in prior eras, but he was such a special scorer that the 76ers simply adjusted:

.@alleniverson helped redefine the way we look at scoring guards. pic.twitter.com/V6rsmPpJwf

— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) May 20, 2025

Iverson was truly a player like no one else. Despite being the smallest person on the court, the heart he had was unbelievable. He was unstoppable as a scorer with one of the greatest crossovers the league has ever seen, and he would constantly attack the paint and get knocked down, but always get back up and play through any number of minor injuries as nothing could keep him down.

The 2001 season was his crowning moment as he won the NBA MVP award while leading the 76ers to the NBA Finals. While they would fall to Shaq, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, his performance in Game 1 of the series remains one of the most iconic of all-time, in particular his stepback fadeaway over Tyronn Lue, followed by the infamous step over his body.

James is a student of the game and is always looking to give proper credit where it is due and Iverson is one of those players that truly changed the game.

Lakers’ LeBron James gives update on recovery from knee injury​

LeBron James is still dealing with the knee injury he suffered in the Lakers’ final game of the season, but things are getting better as his recovery moves forward.

The Lakers star said that his knee is a ‘hell of a lot better’ than it was initially while also adding that it has been very difficult for him not to be as active as he would like while the knee heals.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/lakers-vid...iverson-changed-perception-of-scoring-guards/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins 2024-25 NBA MVP, Lakers’ LeBron James Finishes Sixth

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the 2024-25 Kia NBA MVP, the league announced on Tuesday. This is the first time Gilgeous-Alexander has been named MVP.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic came second in voting while Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo came in third. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James finished sixth in voting after another exceptional season for the 40-year-old.

Gilgeous-Alexander was considered the favorite for the award throughout the regular season as he led the Thunder to the NBA’s best record and the No. 1 seed in a loaded Western Conference with 68 wins. For the season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.6 steals on 51.9 percent shooting from the field.

Gilgeous-Alexander is more than deserving of the award given his historic offensive season as well as his contributions on the defensive end. The voting reflects his hard work and Oklahoma City’s recent success, as well as the season that James had with the Lakers earning his fair share of votes, via NBA PR:

A global media panel of 100 voters selected the winner of the 2024-25 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award.

The complete voting results

pic.twitter.com/j4nqOAWVT2

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 21, 2025

While Gilgeous-Alexander has the opportunity to add to his trophy collection this playoffs, James and the Lakers are currently waiting for their shot to get back in the postseason race next year. Even in Year 22, James looked like one of the best players in the league as he put up numbers nearly in line for his career. James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists, though he did that amidst so much roster turnover in the middle of the season.

James started the year taking a backseat to Anthony Davis, but later had to shift roles after the team landed Luka Doncic from the Dallas Maverick. James’ role evolved from that of a perimeter creator to more of a big man setting screens and fighting for rebounds.

Head coach JJ Redick entrusted James as the team’s center in their small-ball lineups and he performed admirably in the regular season and playoffs. For James to earn as many MVP votes as he did this late into his career speaks to how well he takes care of himself and his body, as well as his dedication to the game of basketball.

While James has yet to fully commit to playing next season, the early indication is he’ll return for at least one more season. At age 40, he becomes the oldest player in league history to receive MVP votes.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander includes LeBron James and Kobe Bryant in perfect player​

Modern NBA stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander grew up idolizing players like Lakers stars LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. With that in mind, it was no surprise to hear Gilgeous-Alexander include James and Bryant when building out his perfect player.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/thunders-s...5-nba-mvp-lakers-lebron-james-finishes-sixth/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Shaquille O’Neal: No Players Should Have Issue With Michael Jordan Criticizing Them On NBC

Next season, the NBA’s new TV deal begins which will bring about some new faces in analyst roles. The popular Inside the NBA show with Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal will continue on, but with NBC now being a part of the TV rights, new shows and new analysts are coming aboard as well. And one of those is the man who many consider the greatest player in NBA history, Michael Jordan.

Jordan has never been a regular TV analyst before, and in this era, where everything gets clipped and shared on social media so quickly, those on TV can come under fire for some of their takes. But Shaq feels this shouldn’t be the case when it comes to Jordan.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend was recently interviewed by Ashley Nevel and when asked whether he feels Jordan might come off as a hater if he’s too honest, O’Neal responded that players should take the word of Jordan as gospel:

“First of all, if anybody says Michael Jordan is hating, you’re an idiot. This man is the only man on earth with G19 classification. G19, higher than the president of the United States classification. Like, of course, there’s a president, but this guy is a guy that can go behind the doors and get shit done. So, if Jordan says, ‘I don’t think this guy is good.’ You’re not that f—ng good. I don’t care how many points you’re averaging. If Jordan says he you should do this, you should do it. Like, a lot of times instead of being into your feelings, just listen to what the greatest player who’s ever played the game has to say. I would love to be playing right now in the drill. Yeah. Like Shaq tries to go to the middle. Maybe he should use finesse game. You know what I’m going to do when I hear that shit? I’m going to go home and practice all my finesse game. And then the next game I’m going to be trying to show Mike that, ‘Hey, Mr. Jordan, I have finesse in my game, too.’”

There is a thin line between constructive criticism and insults and hate and balancing that line is imperative when it comes to being a respected analyst. Jordan is the GOAT to many and his advice should be taken very seriously by players if he is giving it, but the way things are worded and explained matters as well.

Shaq is no stranger to beefs as a member of the media as he never holds back with his opinion and as one of the greatest centers in NBA history, he has more than a right to speak what he feels. How Jordan comes off in this analyst role will be extremely interesting as many players have no problems speaking back to anyone if they feel disrespected.

Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal named Men’s Basketball GM at Sacramento State University​

In addition to his job as an analyst on Inside The NBA, Shaquille O’Neal recently added another big job to his resume.

The Lakers legend was named Men’s Basketball General Manager at Sacramento State University where former Sacramento Kings point guard Mike Bibby was recently named head coach.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/shaquille-...-with-michael-jordan-criticizing-them-on-nbc/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Former Lakers Head Coach Luke Walton Admits He Would’ve Done Things Differently

The years between Kobe Bryant’s retirement and LeBron James joining the Los Angeles Lakers were some rough times, but the franchise did begin to build something. The Lakers had done an excellent job in the draft with young talents like Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Julius Randle, Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Clarkson and Ivica Zubac all showing promise, and the team believed they had found the perfect young coach to lead that group in Luke Walton.

Of course, LeBron joining the franchise changed that timeline completely with most of those players being dealt away for more win-now pieces and Walton being fired after the 2019 season. It would work out for the Lakers as they won the 2020 NBA Championship, meanwhile Walton would land with the Sacramento Kings and now serves as an assistant on the Detroit Pistons.

At that time, Walton was viewed as one of the brightest young coaches in the NBA, especially after his stint as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors prior to taking the Lakers job. And Walton recently opened up about how he got into coaching following his retirement from playing on the “Throwbacks” podcast with Jerry Ferrara and Matt Leinart:

“Going back to that first year of retirement, I kind of separated my life in three. Retired life, which was hanging out with Matt every day, going to the gym, playing beach volleyball. Part-time coaching with the Lakers’ G League team. And then part-time TV with the Lakers station, just to kind of seeing where I wanted to go. And after a year of that it was clear to me that coaching was where my passion was and still so much fun to be out there with guys, competing, talking trash, trying to win together. And then Steve Kerr got the job that next year so I called Steve and I was like, ‘any chance I can get on staff?’ He’s like ‘I just gave all my money to Alvin Gentry and Ron Adams but if you’re interested, we can talk.’ And I said ‘absolutely’ and Steve offered me the job and I’ve been coaching ever since.”

Walton was young in his coaching career at that time, but now over a decade into coaching he admits there are some things he would change if he could go back:

“There’s a lot that I’ve learned on this journey. When I first got that Lakers job I had only been coaching for two years up there with Golden State and there’s just a lot of different things since then that I understand and different situations that I’ve been in. It’s like anything, even when you’re a player, hopefully continuing to grow and understand the game more and it’s the same with coaching. So yeah, to answer your question Matt, there’s a lot I’d do different and there’s a lot I’ve learned since then.”

Walton was basically new to coaching when he took the Lakers job and went from a very young team with long-term aspirations to coaching James and expecting to win immediately. It was a tough situation and one that he would surely handle differently knowing what he knows now.

It’s anyone’s guess whether he will get the chance to be a head coach once again in the NBA, but Walton continues to put in the work as he clearly loves coaching and has a passion for it.

Lakers had interest in Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu​

Much like Luke Walton back then, new Lakers coach JJ Redick is young and promising with the potential to lead this team for a long time. But the Lakers must build the right roster around their superstars and the biggest need is at center.

The Lakers’ rescinded trade for Charlotte Hornets big man Mark Williams is well known at this point, but the team also made calls on others including Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu. It was recently reported that the Lakers called the Hawks about Okongwu around the trade deadline, but the two sides were obviously unable to come to terms on a deal.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/former-lak...on-admits-he-wouldve-done-things-differently/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Lakers News: LeBron James Named To 2024-25 All-NBA Second Team

The NBA announced the members of their All-NBA teams for the 2024-25 season. The All-NBA First Team includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic. The All-NBA Second Team includes Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, Evan Mobley and Stephen Curry.

The All-NBA Third team includes Karl-Anthony Towns, Cade Cunningham, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Williams.

The First Team members are hardly a surprise as Gilgeous-Alexander, Mitchell, Tatum, Antetokounmpo and Jokic were by far the best players on some of the best teams in the league.

Meanwhile, James earns his fourth nod as a member of the Second Team with the previous three coming in 2005, 2007 and 2021. James’ inclusion is well-deserved after he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists during the 2024-25 season and finished sixth in the MVP voting.

The voting for the All-NBA teams for the 2024-25 season was released, via NBA PR:

A global media panel of 100 voters selected the 2024-25 Kia All-NBA Team.

Voters selected five players for the First Team, five players for the Second Team and five players for the Third Team at any position.

Complete voting results

pic.twitter.com/1UMJIEWiOy

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 23, 2025

Despite being the oldest player in the league, James continues to prove he still belongs in the inner circle of elite players. Los Angeles benefitted from James’ versatility and willingness to adapt to new roles once the team acquired Luka Doncic at the trade deadline. James went from a perimeter-oriented player to that of a modern big man and he thrived in the role despite the lack of practice time and reps.

The 40-year-old is widely expected to return for the 2025-26 season though no official decisions have been made yet. James has been open about his eventual retirement and next season might be his last one considering his age and the fact that he has nothing left to prove.

The rest of the Second Team features three of the best guards in the NBA in Curry, Edwards and Brunson while Mobley represents what it takes to thrive as a big man in today’s league.

The Third Team features some first-time All-NBA members like Cunningham and Williams. Harden, Towns and Haliburton round out the group as previous All-NBA honorees.

James’ inclusion on the All-NBA teams is another reason to believe that he still has something left in the tank despite his age. In 22 seasons, he has now been named to an All-NBA team a record 21 times, showing no signs of slowing down.

The Akron, Ohio, native is a 13-time All-NBA First Team selection (2020, 2008-18, 2006), four-time All-NBA Second Team honoree (2025, 2021, 2007, 2005) and four-time All-NBA Third Team selection (2022-24, 2019).

LeBron James gives update on recovery from knee injury​

LeBron James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. James has been rehabbing the injury during the offseason and provided an update on his recovery.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-named-to-2024-25-all-nba-second-team/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Lakers News: LeBron James ‘Blessed’ To Make All-NBA Second Team At Age 40

At 40 years of age, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James continues to defy the odds by playing at a high level in the NBA.

James played in 70 games during the 2024-25 season after playing 71 last year and saw little to no drop in production. The four-time champion averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists on 51.3% shooting from the field and 37.6% from 3-point range.

With those impressive numbers, the NBA rewarded LeBron with an All-NBA Second Team selection, his fourth time earning this nomination. Overall, this is James’ 21st straight All-NBA designation, which is the most in league history. Even though he has accomplished everything there is in the NBA, what LeBron is doing at the age of 40 is impressive and he took to social media to express his gratitude:

ALL NBA at 40!! Low key crazy to me right now! Sitting here watching the playoffs just thinking about it. Blessed beyond I can even imagine.

— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 24, 2025

Frankly, there is no telling how much time James has left in the NBA and suiting up for next season remains in question. However, signs are pointing to a return to the Lakers alongside Luka Doncic for his 23rd season in the NBA.

The Akron native remains invested in taking care of his body with his routine down to a science. Every season is a marathon and James knows that if he is going to keep playing at a high level, he must put in the work off the court.

No player at 40-years-old has put up this kind of production and should the 21-time All-Star return next season, there is no evidence to say that his production would drop significantly.

Rich Paul has ‘no idea’ how much longer LeBron James will play​

These past few offseasons have left the Lakers looking at LeBron James to see if he will continue playing. Thankfully, James has answered the call as searches for one last championship in L.A.

However, now that Luka Doncic is in town, it begs the question whether that will extend the 40-year-old’s career. With Doncic being an on-ball player, his play takes a lot off of James’ plate as a creator and allows him to play off-ball more.

But, there’s no denying that LeBron won’t be able to play forever. There is no definitive answer on James returning for a 23rd season and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul recently shared that he has ‘no idea’ how much longer the Lakers star will play.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-blessed-to-make-all-nba-second-team-at-age-40/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Lakers Rumors: How Likely Is Rui Hachimura To Get Traded This Offseason?

Rui Hachimura is an intriguing trade chip for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason as he is an expiring $18.2 million contract coming off a career year.

If the Lakers are going to make traded to upgrade the roster this offseason then they will need expiring contracts for salary matching purples, and Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber all have one year remaining on their deals.

Out of those three, however, Hachimura will have the most trade value and warrant a considerable return to upgrade the Lakers rotation. But his ability to space the floor as a 3-point shooter and improve on defense make him a piece the Lakers may want to keep, which makes the decision a bit tougher.

In terms of the likelihood of being traded, Jovan Buha of The Athletic feels it is around 50% and definitely a possibility this summer:

“I think they need to look at potentially I think changing the starting lineup, and then it’s a conversation of, is it Rui as the sixth man, or is it Rui going out? And you’re using that to go get the center or to go get the weight. So to answer your question, right now, I would go like a 5.5. I think it’s maybe more likely than not that Rui is traded, but I think it is pretty close to 50/50 right now.”

If general manager Rob Pelinka were to ultimately deal Hachimura, it would make the most sense to move him for a starting center. Assuming Dorian Finney-Smith is in the Lakers’ long-term plans, Hachimura is expendable in the right trade.

Granted, Hachimura is a more dynamic offensive option than Finney-Smith, but his self-creation becomes limited with a Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves core. Ultimately, no stone should be left unturned this summer because Doncic is extension-eligible on Aug. 2 and Pelinka needs to show him a roster that can compete in a loaded Western Conference.

With names like Nic Claxton already being connected to the Lakers, Hachimura will likely need to be included to acquire a center of that caliber that makes significant money.

Rui Hachimura feels Lakers need to add size & rebounding​

After suffering a gentleman’s sweep to the Minnesota Timberwolves, it is no secret that the Lakers needed more size, especially at the center position.

Minnesota’s positional size overwhelmed L.A. and there was no answer to combat it. Rui Hachimura shared that sentiment and acknowledged the Lakers need to add more size and rebounders this offseason.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/lakers-rumors-how-likely-is-rui-hachimura-to-get-traded-this-offseason/

 

[Los Angeles Lakers]

Lakers Video: Luka Doncic Attends Real Madrid Game & Appears To Be In Great Shape

This summer is crucial for Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic as expectations have skyrocketed for him in a new situation.

General manager Rob Pelinka decided to trade away Anthony Davis, who won a championship with the franchise, to build around Doncic for the foreseeable future. While there were signs of greatness after joining his new team, the Slovenian star was not in his typical shape after dealing with a lingering calf issue.

Following an early first-round exit, L.A. looks ahead to a vital offseason as they try to build a better-suited roster around Doncic. However, it appears he is already getting himself into championship shape as head coach JJ Redick wants. Doncic made an appearance at a Real Madrid game on Sunday morning and looks significantly slimmer:

GUESS WHO’S HERE…

¡Llega al Movistar Arena @luka7doncic para animar al @RMBaloncesto en su último partido de temporada regular de #LigaEndesa! pic.twitter.com/wNUu26wtlh

— Liga Endesa (@ACBCOM) May 25, 2025

pic.twitter.com/BjgAULr9xE

— Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) May 25, 2025

This is a great sign for the Lakers, as their new star appears to already be taking this time off seriously. Once Doncic was traded to L.A., rumors swirled that his conditioning and weight were a concern as a franchise-level player, which is why Dallas dealt him in the first place.

Those narratives presumably will play a role in the 26-year-old getting into shape he was in when he entered the NBA. Regardless of what condition Doncic is in, he can average a near triple-double for a season, which is what makes him special.

But, to get the most out of him and hopefully win multiple championships, the Lakers need him in top-tier shape. By putting in the work now, Doncic can enter next season hitting the ground running and winning as many games as possible in a packed Western Conference.

Luka Doncic ‘changing a lot about himself’ this offseason​

While it stung to see this Lakers team flame out in the first round, brighter times are ahead. For Luka Doncic, he gets a chance to take a step back and evaluate this entire whirlwind of a season.

It is never easy being dealt mid-season, especially from a team that he thought he would spend his entire career with. Due to how seismic this trade was, narratives surrounding Doncic were flying.

Many of those were harmful to the image of Doncic as a player and that is fueling him this summer as he is expected to be ‘changing a lot about himself’ as getting into better shape, as evidenced by how he looked at the Real Madrid game.

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Source: https://lakersnation.com/lakers-vid...eal-madrid-game-appears-to-be-in-great-shape/