Hicks, Lake talk ESPY Awards and NBA Summer League

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Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Lakers star Luka Doncic gets shoes signed by Aaron Judge in epic superstar crossover
The post Lakers star Luka Doncic gets shoes signed by Aaron Judge in epic superstar crossover appeared first on ClutchPoints. The big buzz surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday was Luka Doncic's new slimmer physique, which was revealed in an article published by Men's Health. Concerns about weight and conditioning have long been viewed as the one thing keeping Doncic from reaching his legendary potential, and fans were understandably ecstatic that he seems to have addressed it. On Monday evening, Doncic was spotted in New York City exchanging pleasantries with New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge. Both Doncic and Judge are under contract with Jordan Brand, and Judge made sure to sign some of Doncic's shoes for him before the Yankees' home game vs the Tampa Bay Rays. (Via YES Network). It was a cool moment for nearby fans in the stands to see two of the biggest superstars in sports having a casual conversation with one another. Big news for the Lakers Luka Doncic didn't exactly dispell the Dallas Mavericks' accusations of poor conditioning and defense during his brief stretch with the Lakers to end last year. Doncic consistently appeared to run out of gas down the stretch of games in the Lakers' disappointing first round exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota dominated the crunch time minutes of that series. However, if the reports of Doncic's new and improved weight and conditioning are to be believed (and the photos sure look promising), Lakers fans could have a lot more to be excited about in 2025-26 than it initially appeared. Los Angeles is still likely a bench piece or two away from legitimate contention in a crowded Western Conference, but Doncic being in better shape could allow LeBron James to be on cruise control throughout the regular season, which would let him amp things up when the postseason rolls around. In the Men's Health photos, Doncic appeared to be a slim as he's been since his rookie season all the way back in 2018-19, and if that remains the case come October, the Slovenian sensation may finally be able to put together his long-anticipated first MVP season. The Lakers' schedule is set to be released in August. Related: Lakers' LeBron James teases Year 23 with early-morning workout post Related: NBA rumors: Did Luka Doncic really have a 42-inch vertical at 2018 NBA Draft Combine?


USA Today
9 hours ago
- USA Today
Suns post summer league vlog featuring Khaman Maluach, Koby Brea
Phoenix Suns rookie Khaman Maluach tried his hand at vlogging after documenting his experience with the team at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada. Maluach took viewers behind the scenes in the first episode released Saturday on the Suns' YouTube channel. He even handed the camera off to fellow rookie Koby Brea to get an up-close look at practice and the team bus after games. Brea also filmed a fun interaction with Rasheer Fleming on the team bus by requesting to interview him. Fleming jokingly turned him down, requesting $1,000 for the interview. Maluach made three appearances with the Suns in the desert, averaging 10 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 35.7% shooting from the field in three appearances. The 10th pick debuted with 14 points and five rebounds on July 11 in a win over the Washington Wizards. Brea, the 41st pick, finished his stay in summer league by posting averages of 12 points and four rebounds on 42.9% shooting from 3-point range. He produced a summer league-high 19 points and three rebounds in that win over the Wizards. The pair of rookies had the opportunity to showcase their personalities a bit in the vlog and appear to be meshing well with their new team. They project to have bright futures ahead and will certainly be excited to get to work when it counts, beginning in training camp next month.


USA Today
11 hours ago
- USA Today
Spurs' Dylan Harper explains why he chose to wear No. 2 in the NBA
Dylan Harper has worn No. 2 throughout his recent stops in high school and college, and the former Rutgers guard opted to keep that trend going with the San Antonio Spurs. Harper donned that jersey number while leading Don Bosco Prep to the NJSIAA State Final during the 2023-24 season. He kept that number at Rutgers last season en route to becoming a third-team All-American honorable mention by the AP. The 19-year-old is the first Spurs player to wear No. 2 since Kawhi Leonard (2012-2018). The number holds added importance for Harper following the draft on June 25. "I chose jersey No. 2 because that is the number I've been wearing for 4-5 years," Harper said in a video posted by the NBA on TikTok. "It represents me: My birthday is March 2, so it kind of all falls into one big bucket. I got drafted No. 2; that is probably the biggest significance of No. 2 now. I wore No. 2 in college and all of high school, so it has definitely been I think a trademark." Harper was a Big Ten All-Freshman Team selection, averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, four assists and 1.4 steals in 29 appearances. He registered 20 20-point games, setting the Rutgers single-season scoring record by a freshman (564 points). The 6-foot-6 standout debuted with the Spurs in the NBA Summer League, averaging 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal on 35.7% shooting from the field. He dealt with a minor groin injury and was limited to two appearances. Harper is projected to be a franchise cornerstone for the Spurs and play a significant role for coach Mitch Johnson next season. He will do so with a familiar number on his jersey. Note: Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA. Previous: Cooper Flagg