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Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Kendrick Perkins Picks Luka Doncic for 2025-26 MVP After Dramatic Weight Loss: 'We Looking at Skinny Luka!'
Luka Doncic (Image via Getty) Luka Doncic 's dramatic offseason body transformation has become one of the NBA's most talked-about stories—drawing praise, skepticism, and bold forecasts. Chief among them is former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins , who's confidently predicting that Doncic will capture the 2025-26 MVP Award. The narrative goes far beyond aesthetics—it's a deeper testament to work ethic, motivation, and the shifting trajectory of a superstar's career. Luka Doncic Silences Critics with Complete Physical Overhaul Now donning a Los Angeles Lakers jersey after a blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic has reshaped his image—literally. He faced widespread scrutiny during the 2024-25 season for inconsistent conditioning. But this summer, photos of a significantly leaner Doncic made headlines, particularly after his Men's Health cover reveal. Sources confirm he committed to a strict diet and cardio-intensive routine, even stepping away from basketball drills for a month to focus solely on fitness. The result: increased stamina, improved mobility, and a renewed sense of purpose. Kendrick Perkins didn't hold back his admiration. Speaking on ESPN, he said, 'We ain't looking at the chubby, fat Luka…We looking at skinny Luka. I saw his jawline…He is my early pick for MVP.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like for Working Pros BITS Pilani Digital Apply Now Undo Perkins sees more than physical change—he sees a player stepping up to franchise expectations with real accountability. Why Kendrick Perkins Believes This Is Doncic's MVP Year Kendrick Perkins' prediction is rooted in a common narrative arc seen in NBA history—stars rising through adversity. He likened Luka Doncic 's journey to those of greats like Michael Jordan, Giannis Antetokounmpo , and Nikola Jokic—players who all underwent physical and mental evolutions before reaching their peak. Doncic, already a five-time top-five MVP vote-getter, averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists last season—even while battling late-game fatigue and defensive inconsistencies. Kendrick Perkins argues that with better conditioning and a deeper Lakers roster around him, Luka Doncic can now perform at a sustained, dominant level without the lapses that previously weakened his MVP case. Experts Remain Divided on Whether Fitness Equals MVP Form Not all experts are sold on the idea that a leaner Luka automatically equals an MVP season. ESPN's David Dennis Jr. was particularly blunt: 'We're discussing a player who should be aiming for MVP status, yet we're applauding him for being in shape?…Being in shape doesn't prevent you from losing focus on back screens or being left isolated during the playoffs.' Stephen A. Smith echoed similar sentiments, warning fans and analysts alike to wait and see if Doncic's improved fitness leads to defensive consistency and postseason durability. For some, the challenge lies not in Luka's physical readiness, but his leadership, mental focus, and ability to close out high-pressure games. How Doncic Is Reshaping the Lakers and Embracing Leadership Luka Doncic's arrival in Los Angeles comes with massive expectations, especially after Dallas parted ways with him due to ongoing concerns about his conditioning. Early signs suggest he's embracing a leadership role, helping to bring in key names like Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, and fully buying into the Lakers' system. NBA insider Tim Bontemps believes Doncic's MVP chances hinge on team success: 'If the Lakers are in the 50-plus win range, and Luka is playing like he did two years ago, before he had the injuries and everything last year, Luka's going to have a shot [at the MVP award].' MVP or Not, the 2025-26 Season Is Doncic's Defining Moment Luka Doncic's transformation goes well beyond surface-level buzz. It represents a turning point—one where he appears fully engaged, motivated, and willing to make the sacrifices necessary to lead a franchise. Whether it culminates in the MVP trophy, as Kendrick Perkins boldly suggests, depends on whether 'Skinny Luka' can deliver more than just an improved physique—he'll need wins, leadership, and postseason excellence. Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Weigh Risky but Ambitious Move for $52.6 Million Los Angeles Lakers Legend to form Big 3 with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving Regardless of how it unfolds, Luka Doncic's next season promises to be his most compelling yet. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Legendary Yankees Player Named Aaron Boone Replacement Option If Team Fires Him
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The New York Yankees entered play on Monday, 22-26 since the start of June. The team has not looked great recently, and Aaron Boone is being criticized for the lack of turnaround. Boone's under contract through 2027, and according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, his job is seemingly in no danger. However, fans are upset with the Yankees' slide. FanSided's Jake Elman made a list of potential replacements for Boone if the Yankees shockingly fire Boone. He tabbed Yankees legend and veteran manager Don Mattingly as a replacement for Boone. TORONTO, ON - JULY 21: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees looks on during batting practice before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on July 21, 2025 in... TORONTO, ON - JULY 21: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees looks on during batting practice before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on July 21, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. MoreMattingly played 14 seasons for the Yankees. He was an MVP Award winner, a six-time All-Star, a nine-time Gold Glover, a three-time Silver Slugger and a batting champion. He hit 222 home runs and had over 1,000 RBIs. Mattingly was 889-950 as a manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins. He was the 2020 National League Manager of the Year as well. Brian Cashman has hired two managers, Boone and Joe Girardi. Both were former players as well. The Yankees are unlikely to fire Boone, but it is hard to deny that the Yankees have not reached their aspirations under his lead. In his first seven seasons as manager, the team has won one American League Pennant and has a losing record in the postseason. If the Yankees collapse in the second half, more and more discourse around Boone's job security will take place. More MLB: Eugenio Suárez Trade Sweepstakes Takes Wild Turn For Worst After Scary HBP
USA Today
21-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Watch former Irish G Skylar Diggins recording the first WNBA All-Star game triple-double
It was quite the memorable 2025 WNBA All-Star game for former Notre Dame star guard Skylar Diggins-Smith. The former No. 3 overall pick of the 2013 draft has had quite the professional career, with this weekend being her No. 7 time making an All-Star game appearance. It was one where Diggins-Smith made history, becoming the first player ever to record a triple-double in the exhibition contest, while also recording the most ever assists as well. She scored fifteen points, with 11 rebounds and 15 assists, a feat which you'd expect her to take home the MVP Award. Unfortunately that wasn't the case, as Naphessa Collier scored 36 points, a game record, to go along with 9 rebounds to take home the trophy. Diggins-Smith big-time performance did help her team win the game, as Team Collier defeated Team Clark. Check out the highlights of the former Irish stars big night below, as Diggins-Smith continues to have impact moments in the WNBA. Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions. Follow Mike on X: @MikeFChen
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Dude, Why Didn't You Tell Me That On The First Day?": Ricky Rubio On Lakers Legend Pau Gasol's Advice To Him Late In His NBA Career
"Dude, Why Didn't You Tell Me That On The First Day?": Ricky Rubio On Lakers Legend Pau Gasol's Advice To Him Late In His NBA Career originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Ricky Rubio recently appeared on the "Lo de Evolve" show and reflected on his life and career in a deep dive into his past, like his dark thoughts and how other people helped him out in his career. Among the people he mentioned, one of the prominent names that popped up in the conversation was that of the Lakers legend Pau Gasol, who was also his teammate for the Spanish National Team from 2008 to 2021. Rubio spoke about how Gasol became a standard of measurement for himself and that his primary goal was to have a better career than Gasol. He also revealed that a little late in his career, he got some noteworthy advice from his teammate. "For me, nothing was enough. One of the people I've looked up at most was Pau Gasol. I thought I had to get past his career. I want to now ask him if he had a good time on his journey on this path.' "And one of the things I asked him now, too late, I told him that when I went out on the court, I thought it was the worst, and through there I found the motivation. And he said he thought he was the best." "Dude, why didn't you tell me that on the first day?" said Rubio as he chuckled. [Aforementioned quotes have been translated from Spanish to English] Gasol believed that one should be overconfident to find the motivation to be effective when it matters the most. Meanwhile, Rubio believed an underdog mindset helped him find his fuel for motivation. Rubio always compared himself to Gasol despite being teammates for 13 years. Gasol is arguably the best Spanish basketball player to have played in NBA history. He averaged 17.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in his career across 18 seasons. The two-time NBA champion was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 2023. Meanwhile, despite Rubio's successes on the international level, his NBA career never came close to what Gasol ended up achieving in his career. He averaged 10.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in the 12 seasons he played in the NBA. He never won a championship, let alone had any personal achievements like the MVP Award or any All-Star selections. Therefore, this difference in mindset clearly yielded different results for both the Spanish players, and now Rubio hilariously feels that if Gasol had given him the advice sooner, Rubio's career may have ended differently. Do you think a mindset change was what Rubio needed to excel in his career? Let us know your opinions in the comments story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jalen Williams Doesn't Mince Words on Rockets Trading for Kevin Durant
Jalen Williams Doesn't Mince Words on Rockets Trading for Kevin Durant originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Sunday was a big day in the NBA. First, the Houston Rockets agreed to acquire Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. Advertisement Then, the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to win the title. OKC won by a final score of 103-91 at home. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 29 points in Game 7, won the Finals MVP Award. He averaged 30.3 points and 5.6 assists against the Pacers. Meanwhile, Jalen Williams played his role to a T. The swingman, who had 40 points in Game 5, finished the Pacers-Thunder series averaging 23.6 points and 3.7 rebounds. On Monday, Williams spoke to "First Take" about winning the championship and he was asked about the Rockets trading for Durant. The Thunder will be heavily favored to win the championship again next season. Advertisement The team's core of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Alex Caruso, Chet Holmgren and Luguentz Dort isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Durant has played for the Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets and Suns. He hasn't gotten past the second round of the playoffs since leaving the Warriors in the summer of 2019. Durant won the 2014 MVP Award and four scoring titles with OKC and back-to-back rings and Finals MVPs with Golden State in 2017 and 2018. Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams reacted to the Houston Rockets getting Kevin Durant. © Kyle Terada-Imagn Images A top 75 player of all time, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Suns this season in 62 games. The 15-time All-Star shot 52.7% from the field, 43.0% from beyond the arc and 83.9% from the free-throw line. Advertisement Rockets-Thunder games will certainly be fun to watch next season. Durant, 36, still gets booed when he returns to OKC since he left the franchise for the Warriors in 2016. Related: Kevin Durant's True Feelings on Rockets Trade Revealed This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
