Latest news with #LosAngelesLakers
USA Today
5 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Rob Pelinka: Lakers considered Adou Thiero a first-round talent
On Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers traded up from the No. 55 pick in the NBA draft in order to gain the rights to Adou Thiero, a forward from the University of Arkansas. It took two trades to do so, but plenty of people feel the team may have gotten a steal. Thiero is one of the most athletic players in this year's draft class and is an outstanding finisher who attacks the basket strongly. He is a poor outside shooter and needs to refine his defense, but he could have the potential to become a legitimate rotation player or even a starter down the road. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka told Spectrum SportsNet that the team's scouts considered the 6-foot-8, 220-pound wing to be a first-round talent. 'We were super aggressive to begin the day knowing that we didn't have a first-round pick. Adou was projected by our scouts as a first-round talent and so we were able to turn 55, which is a late-second round pick to a high second-round pick to pick a player that we had projected in the first round. So it's almost like having the first-round pick that we traded out. Tons of credit, thankful for the support of Jeanie [Buss] to allow us to be aggressive and use resources to win at the margins, move up in the draft and get a player that we really think is gonna dimensionalize our roster. We just felt like one of the things we need to address was to get younger and more athletic on the wings. Being able to get a player like Adou that can catch lobs from the corner when Luka [Doncic] is making paint decisions I think is gonna be really special. And then he's just got big shoulders, big chest, a guy that's gonna play defense and add some physicality and athleticism to our roster. So super excited about that. '... I think all of us watched the playoffs and just the way the game is being officiated now, there's a lot more physicality in the game. So being able to add a young man like Adou, who's just gifted. He's a beast. I think obviously we're gonna get him in the weight room and get him conditioned. But I think the tools that he has, you can really see a vision for him to be one of those really elite, physical, athletic wings that are so necessary to winning in the league.' One thing that may have scared other teams out of taking Thiero is a hyper-extended knee he suffered in February. He returned in the Sweet Sixteen round, but he played just five minutes as the Razorbacks lost in overtime to Texas Tech University. Still, he averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals a game and shot 54.5% from the field this past season. He gets to the free throw line often, and he may be able to improve his 3-point accuracy since his shooting form doesn't look broken. In three years of college basketball, he made just 28.4% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
WNBA star Angel Reese sends 7-word reaction to brother Julian Reese ahead of 2025 Draft day
Angel Reese and Julian Reese. Image via: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images The Maryland Terrapins' star player, Julian Reese, was recently signed by one of the most famous teams in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers. Brother of the WNBA's icon and an A1 player of the Chicago Sky, Angel Reese shared a heartfelt reaction on her social media. Filled with overwhelming emotions, she encouraged and motivated him throughout, while also reminding him that the hard part had just begun. The Lakers rookie player is now all set to show his talent and shape a remarkable future in the world of the NBA. Chicago Sky's star player Angel Reese sends a stern reminder to brother Julian Reese The Los Angeles Lakers drafted the 6-foot-9 standout in the 2025 NBA Draft on a Friday night. Things were getting pretty intense for Julian Reese as he was waiting for his turn to get drafted earlier on Wednesday. However, life had different plans for him. On Friday, he got some news after the Los Angeles Lakers signed him up as a part of their Summer League squad. His sister, the star of the WNBA, burst into joy as he was about to become a part of the NBA, a professional basketball player. — BleacherReport (@BleacherReport) Angel Reese couldn't be more hyped for her little brother, however, reminding him simultaneously that his career had just begun and that the hard part had just come up. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sunteck Presents 2/3BHK Sea View Homes at ₹98L+* in Mumbai Sunteck Realty Learn More Undo 'Proud is an understatement. TIME TO WORK.", exclaimed Angel Reese as it was her brother's turn to get a massive contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Now that he has entered the big league and is about to become a pro, Angel Reese did not hesitate to give him a stern reminder about what the actual world looks like. Julian Reese formerly played for the Maryland Terrapins while he was on the college basketball team. He had an outstanding four-year career with them. During his college life, he had averaged 13.3 points on 55.5% shooting, 9.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. He became one of the two players in the history of Maryland to have a total score at least 1000 points and 1000 rebounds. As Julian Reese entered the world of the NBA, his sister couldn't help but think about her little brother who had worked so hard to accomplish his dream-come-true moment. She had been his constant support since day 1 and had seen him come this far, brick by brick. 'OPPORTUNITY. COME ON JU,' Angel Reese commented on her social media. Former coach of the Maryland Terrapins, Kevin Willard, said, 'I really believe one day Julian's number will be hanging from the rafters, because in an era where kids showed no loyalty, kids get up and go anytime they want, money this and that, this young man didn't transfer." As everyone awaits his performance, Julian Reese feels pressure; however, he promised everyone to give his best in the next season. Also read: NBA Draft News: Los Angeles Lakers Sign Angel Reese's 6-Feet-9 Brother In Hopes To Bolster Squad Around LeBron James And Luka Doncic Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
USA Today
6 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton are united in NBA draft history
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (formerly Lew Alcindor) and Bill Walton are united as UCLA basketball icons. They both won multiple national championships and are among the very best college basketball players of all time. Kareem and Walton are easily top-10 college basketball players, based strictly on what they achieved when in college. Most college basketball experts would put both in the top five, probably the top three. These two giants also have one other thing in common: They are both No. 1 NBA draft picks who won NBA championships, fulfilling their potential as the top prospects they were. USA TODAY recalled Kareem's tribute to Walton after the ol' redhead's death last year: 'My very close friend, fellow Bruin and NBA rival Bill Walton died today. And the world feels so much heavier now,' Abdul-Jabbar wrote. 'On the court, Bill was a fierce player, but off the court, he wasn't happy unless he did everything he could to make everyone around him happy. He was the best of us.' Alcindor/Abdul-Jabbar won the 1971 NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks and collected many more titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s. Walton won the Portland Trail Blazers' only NBA championship in 1977 before then winning it all with the 1986 Boston Celtics. Two towering centers left behind legacies to match, with elite achievements in the world of pro basketball. As a postscript, it is also worth noting that "They met in the 1977 Western Conference finals, with Walton's Portland Trail Blazers sweeping Abdul-Jabbar's Los Angeles Lakers on their way to an NBA title. They would match up again in the playoffs, this time in the 1987 NBA Finals, with Walton then playing for the Boston Celtics. Walton and the Celtics won the 1986 NBA Finals vs. the Houston Rockets before Abdul-Jabbar and the Lakers defeated them the following year."
![Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson enjoy a yacht costume party during their Greece summer getaway [See Pic]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.toiimg.com%2Fthumb%2Fmsid-122122818%2Cwidth-1070%2Cheight-580%2Cimgsize-89396%2Cresizemode-75%2Coverlay-toi_sw%2Cpt-32%2Cy_pad-40%2Fphoto.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson enjoy a yacht costume party during their Greece summer getaway [See Pic]
Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson. Image via: magicjohnson/ Instagram NBA legend Magic Johnson is once again living his best life. In his recent post on Instagram, it was revealed that he and his wife, Cookie Johnson, have been enjoying on the sparkling waters of Greece. The 65-year-old Hall of Famer, known for his post-retirement success as a businessman and team owner, recently shared a glimpse into his luxurious summer escape. While cruising through the Ionian Islands with his wife, Cookie, and a few close friends, Johnson and his wife appeared in a costume-themed yacht party that instantly grabbed attention online. Magic Johnson and his wife, Cookie Johnson, enjoy a yacht costume party during their summer getaway Magic Johnson took to Instagram to offer fans a peek into one of the more entertaining nights of his vacation. In his latest Instagram post, he shared a glimpse of a toga-themed costume party aboard a lavish yacht. 'We had a fun toga party on the yacht last night with our friends and the crew!' he captioned the post, tagging his wife, Cookie Johnson. The photo carousel featured three snapshots, starting with a portrait of the NBA icon and Cookie dressed as a Greek god and goddess. The couple stood out in their white and gold attire against the stunning sea backdrop. In the other pictures, Johnson's guests could be seen fully embracing the theme, donning togas and sandals, surrounded by crew members and laughter. For those unfamiliar, toga parties are inspired by Greco-Roman traditions, where attendees wear draped garments resembling ancient Roman clothing, often to celebrate in a spirited and theatrical fashion. The yacht party was just one highlight of Johnson's ongoing trip across Greece. He began his tour on the Ionian Islands, making stops in Corfu and Kefalonia. 'Cookie and I are enjoying our time in Greece with our friends Dave and Tonya, Tony and Vanessa, Frank and Nina Cooper, and Eula Smith. Take a look at the beautiful castle lit up at nighttime!' he shared in another Instagram post, showing both his admiration for Greek culture and the camaraderie of his travel circle. While Magic may have hung up his jersey long ago, his life has only grown more dynamic. From winning five NBA championships and earning three MVP awards with the Los Angeles Lakers to building a reported net worth of $1.5 billion. Also Read: "That's why I married your dad" — Cooper Flagg's mom Kelly Flagg makes hilarious admission about her marriage during candid chat with her son The Lakers legend and his wife share a beautiful relationship and are dubbed as one of the NBA's power couples. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
USA Today
10 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Lakers and Austin Reaves are both motivated to find a long-term deal
One of the issues the Los Angeles Lakers have to resolve in the immediate future is the contract status of rising guard Austin Reaves. He has a player option for the 2026-27 season that he can turn down in order to become a free agent next summer, and according to a recent report, he is expected to seek a new contract that would pay him around $30 million a year. On Thursday, it was reported that he turned down a maximum contract offer from the Lakers that would've given him $89.2 million over four seasons. But according to ESPN, both sides do want to work something out in terms of a long-term deal. "In the summer of 2026, Reaves is eligible to sign a four-year, $98 million extension, or he can opt out of the final year of his contract, become an unrestricted free agent and be eligible for 25% of the salary cap for 2026-27. The Lakers made the offer, sources said, understanding that Reaves would turn it down, but the franchise wanted to show its interest in him nonetheless and would not have wanted to send the wrong signal by not offering it. Both sides, sources said, are motivated to find a deal next summer." Reaves has increased his production in each of the last three seasons. This season, he averaged 20.2 points and 5.8 assists a game and put up even bigger numbers following the arrival of Luka Doncic. He's now considered by many to be an All-Star level player, which has, in the minds of plenty of people, given the Lakers a "Big Three" of Reaves, Doncic and LeBron James.
