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Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson reacts to Luka Doncic's intense physical transformation
Magic Johnson and Luka Doncic. Image via: Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty | Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images Luka Doncic has turned heads this summer with a physique that looks drastically different from the one fans saw last season. After a tumultuous year, the 26-year-old NBA star made a powerful statement through his body, and no one seemed more impressed than Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson. The Hall of Famer took to social media to applaud Doncic's apparent commitment to winning in L.A., calling it a tone-setting move. Magic Johnson hails Luka Doncic's dedication Magic Johnson recently took to x to share his honest thoughts on Luka Doncic's transformation. 'I love how Luka is showing his Laker teammates how serious he is about winning a championship in Los Angeles by transforming his body!' he wrote on X. In a follow-up post, Johnson added, 'When a guy comes to LA and totally transforms his body, you know he's not just talking about winning, he's showing it. That's how you set the tone in the locker room and let your teammates know it's time to chase a championship together!' Doncic graced the cover of Men's Health this offseason, revealing a regimen that included a gluten-free, low-sugar diet, intermittent fasting, and over 250 grams of protein a day. But it wasn't just about nutrition. According to his physiotherapist Javier Barrio, Doncic began his offseason training without even touching a basketball, focusing first on strength and conditioning. He didn't return to on-court work until June. A disappointing first-round playoff exit and an injury-plagued season that saw him suit up in just 50 games after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis. The Slovenian guard still averaged an impressive 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists while shooting 45% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc. Los Angeles Lakers are building the roster around Luka Doncic With LeBron James now 40, the Lakers are banking on Doncic as both their present and future. The front office has been aggressive, adding defensive ace Marcus Smart and center Deandre Ayton to bolster the roster, which already includes Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, and Rui Hachimura. 'This summer was just a little bit different, you know,' Doncic told Men's Health. 'It kind of motivated me to be even better… This is just the start. I need to keep going. Can't stop.' If Luka's offseason is any indication, the Lakers could be gearing up for their strongest title push since 2020. Also Read: Why is LeBron James furious with an AI company? Legal action over deepfake pregnancy videos explained FAQs What did Magic Johnson say about Luka Doncic's transformation? He praised Luka's effort, saying it shows how serious he is about winning a championship in Los Angeles. How did Luka Doncic change his offseason routine? He focused heavily on diet, strength, and conditioning before returning to basketball in June. Why did Luka Doncic's transformation draw so much attention? It followed a trade, an injury-filled season, and signals his commitment to the Lakers' title hopes. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
New York Post
5 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
NBA draft guru Jonathan Givony leaving ESPN, rebuffs offer to stay in stunner
ESPN is losing more talent. NBA Draft guru Jonathan Givony announced Thursday on social media he was leaving the Worldwide Leader in sports after eight years with the company. Givony explained that he and the company did not see eye-to-eye on his value within ESPN. Advertisement 'My time at ESPN has come to an end. Thanks to everyone, past and present, who helped me grow professionally the past 8 years,' Givony posted to X. Jonathan Givony is leaving ESPN after eight years. NBAE via Getty Images 'Although ESPN offered an extension, we were unable to find alignment on my value to the company. I will continue to analyze the NBA Draft, college, high school, and international basketball, as I have the past 20+ years, at the company I founded, DraftExpress, alongside a fantastic team. See you at the U18 European Championship in Belgrade this weekend!' Advertisement Givony founded Draft Express in 2003 and joined ESPN in 2017. He previously contributed to Grantland, and Sports Illustrated, in addition to his ESPN work. Givony recently reported on Ace Bailey's bizarre NBA Draft slide, where he refused to work out for the 76ers, who were selecting No. 3 overall in this year's draft. Advertisement Bailey ultimately fell to the Utah Jazz with the fifth pick. Givony is an NBA Draft and scouting guru who started scouting service 'Draft Express' in 2003. NBAE via Getty Images The plugged-in draft expert will now ramp up his NBA draft scouting service, and his exit comes while ESPN has undergone a broader shift away from true reporting and analysis and instead focusing on brash personalities with hot takes. Stephen A. Smith recived a $100 million contract with ESPN, Pat McAfee is a major voice for the network and the company even used comedian Shane Gillis for the recent ESPYs.
New York Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
ESPN anchor Elle Duncan stands firm after crude WNBA broadcast joke sparks online debate
ESPN anchor Elle Duncan caught some flak for a particularly crude comment during the network's broadcast of the WNBA All-Star Game. It was during halftime when Duncan made her comment regarding the offensive output by both teams. Advertisement 'We hope it gets a little bit more competitive,' Duncan said after watching Napheesa Collier's team put up 82 points to Caitlin Clark's squad's 60 in the first half. 'Because, like a girls' trip to Cancun right now, there's no D.' ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike quickly said, 'Elle, you're in timeout. You're done.' Then, the broadcast went to commercial. Duncan doesn't have any regrets about her comments despite the vitriol on social media. During an appearance on 'The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz,' she defended her comment. 'My thing with the Cancun joke is, I feel like whenever I say something, it's like sometimes a reintroduction for some people who clearly don't know me or my work over the last 10 years,' Duncan said, according to Awful Announcing. Advertisement 3 It was during halftime when Duncan made her comment regarding the offensive output by both teams. NBAE via Getty Images 'I'm like, 'Bro, I said on-air one time that if you celebrate too early, it's called premature I'm-Jacked-Elation.' Like, I can't actually imagine this is worse than that. Like I feel like I constantly have to remind people I have been saying things like this for the 10 years I have been at ESPN. 'So, I thought it was silly. I thought it was funny. Some people disagree. Some people definitely agree. But it is what it is. Like, yes, girls say crude jokes, too.' Duncan also addressed a specific portion of comments. Advertisement 3 Duncan doesn't have any regrets about her comments despite the vitriol on social media. ESPN 'The funny part to me, y'all, has been the people who are like, 'What am I supposed to say to my children?'' Duncan added. 'I'm like, 'Well if you have to talk to your children about the fact that 'D' is a slang word for a penis, then I hope that I was able to help you have that conversation with your child who's old enough to watch basketball.' Because my 4-year-old knows what a penis is. 'It's so silly to me. The idea that like this is groundbreaking or somehow completely inappropriate in the landscape that we live in right now is just wild to me. I was a little blown, to be real.' When Duncan's comment went viral on social media, many were quick to comment with frustration. Advertisement 3 During an appearance on 'The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz,' she defended her comment. Getty Images 'Add this to a long list of why no one takes @WNBA or @espn seriously,' one X user said under a video of Duncan, posted by Awful Announcing. 'If Shane Gillis said that, they'd try to cancel him,' another wrote, referencing the comedian's ESPYs monologue that turned heads this past week. When the second half eventually started, there was more offense than defense yet again. Collier led the way with 36 points to help her squad beat Clark's, 151-131, to win the All-Star Game.
CTV News
5 days ago
- CTV News
GloRilla charged with possession after police respond to her home to investigate burglary
GloRilla performing during halftime during the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game 2025 earlier this month in Indiana. GloRilla faces felony drug charges after police responded to her Georgia home following a separate report of a burglary in progress. (David Dow/NBAE/Getty Images/File via CNN Newsource)
New York Post
22-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Doris Burke's ESPN future in doubt as Richard Jefferson gets new deal
Richard Jefferson is finalizing an agreement with ESPN/ABC to return to his role as an NBA analyst on the top broadcasting team, according to The Athletic. With Jefferson, 45, set to return to a team that features Mike Breen, the third leg of the booth seems to be in flux. Questions remain about Doris Burke's future with the ABC crew, per the outlet. Advertisement 3 ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson. NBAE via Getty Images The Basketball Hall of Famer has been part of the top broadcasting team since 2023, following the departure of Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson from the network. It's been a bit of a revolving door since in the main booth, with Doc Rivers joining Breen and Burke, promising that he would not return to coaching, but he bolted for the Bucks head coaching job. Advertisement His replacement, JJ Redick, also left after a few months in the role to be the Lakers' bench boss. That led to Jefferson getting the nod, though it seems more changes could be coming to the booth, if Burke doesn't stick around. 3 ESPN analyst Doris Burke NBAE via Getty Images 3 The trio that has been ESPN's First team. Richard Jefferson, Doris Burke and Mike Breen. (From left to right) NBAE via Getty Images Advertisement The Athletic reports Tim Legler could be an option for her replacement, though ESPN could also decide to run with a two-man booth. Jefferson, however, doesn't seem to be keen on breaking up the band. During the College Softball World Series, he came on to the 'SEC Now 'show wearing a shirt that read, 'My Favorite Broadcaster is… Doris Burke.' Advertisement While changes to the booth may be coming, one issue ESPN with have to face is having 20 fewer games to cover during the regular season, leading the network to lean heavily on its top two broadcast teams.
