Happy New Year 2025

Tag: Lakers

Luka Doncic trade to Lakers couldn’t be vetoed, NBA commish says

The Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers was so stunning, that fans have been asking NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to veto the trade.

Silver, 62, explained that he does not have the power to veto any trade during a recent appearance on Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take.”

“The answer is no, believe it or not. There’s some confusion people have yelled out to me for some reason in the last week or so when I’ve been at games that I should be vetoing that trade the way David Stern vetoed a trade back in the old days and there’s always some confusion there,” Silver said.

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks before the Paris Games 2025 NBA basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers at Accor Arena. (Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters via Imagn Images)

Late NBA Commissioner David Stern vetoed a blockbuster three-way trade following the 2011 lockout.

The Lakers would have acquired 26-year-old superstar point guard Chris Paul to team up with Kobe Bryant from the then-New Orleans Hornets. The Lakers would have shipped out Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol. The NBA owned the Hornets at the time, and the general manager, Dell Demps, did not get Sterns’ approval for the trade.

Once Stern found out, he vetoed the trade, but he was only able to veto that blockbuster because the league owned the team, not because he was a commissioner.

Silver said regardless of the merits of the trade, he cannot veto a deal that he does not like.

“I mean the way we don’t put a thumb on the scale, so to speak, when a trade comes into the league office, what our basketball and legal folks do is they make sure that that trade works under the confines of the collective bargaining agreement, whatever rules are in place,” he said. “Then it’s up or down, it gets approved or not based on those rules. We don’t get to weigh in on what we think the merits of the trade are or should be.”

LUKA DONCIC MAKES LAKERS DEBUT AFTER BLOCKBUSTER TRADE

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic gestures as he comes back in during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

When asked if he at least thought it was cool that Doncic would be in a big market now in Los Angeles, Silver pointed out that Dallas is a large media market.

“Frankly, Dallas is a big market, and was I surprised that he was traded from that standpoint? Yeah, I’m a fan and the teams don’t necessarily give the league inside information on those kinds of things, so that trade wasn’t one that I saw coming. By the way, I love Luka. I’ve known him since the day he came into the league. He’s obviously a great player, he’s a great young man and teams make these trades for reasons that in some cases only they know,” Silver said.

Silver added he wanted both the Lakers and Mavericks to be successful following the seismic trade.

“The one thing I’ll say is having been with this league for a long time, like truly nothing is written. People who say they can predict the future generally can’t and we’ll see. I’m sort of rooting for Dallas, and I’m rooting for the Lakers. I’m rooting for Anthony Davis to recover quickly and be the All-Star, we know he can be and stay healthy for a long time and I’m definitely rooting for Luka to demonstrate to the world what a great player he is in LA.”

Davis suffered a groin injury in the Mavericks’ win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday and is expected to miss multiple weeks, per ESPN.

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Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis, #3, leaves the game against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at the American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

Doncic made his Lakers debut on Monday and scored 14 points in 24 minutes in the Lakers win. It was his first game back from injury since hurting his calf on Christmas.

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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

February 13, 2025
Luka Doncic makes Lakers debut after blockbuster trade

The anticipation for Los Angeles Lakers fans ended on Monday night as Luka Doncic made his debut in purple and gold at the Crypto.com Arena against the Utah Jazz.

Doncic played 24 minutes as all but one Lakers star played under 30 (Austin Reaves). He made the most of it, scoring 14 points, grabbing five rebounds and dishing out four assists. He was plus-15 while on the floor and 5-of-14 from the field.

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic gestures as he comes back in during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

He had not played since Christmas due to an injury and then was the main part of a blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers. As fans received Doncic T-shirts, and he stepped onto the floor with LeBron James, Doncic admitted he was a “little nervous.”

“I (don’t remember) the last time I was nervous before the game. But once I stepped on the court again, it was fun. Just being out there, it felt amazing,” he said after the game.

The Lakers won the game 132-113.

MAVERICKS’ ANTHONY DAVIS SUFFERS INJURY IN DEBUT FOLLOWING BLOCKBUSTER TRADE

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic arrives before an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Monday on Feb. 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

“Just the amount of cheering there was in the arena was absolutely unbelievable,” Doncic said. “That was my favorite part — and to play again.”

As the season wears on, Doncic’s chemistry with James is going to be a key factor. The Lakers moved to 32-19 on the year with the win and are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference. Being out of the play-in tournament will be a key for the team.

“Knowing Luka, whether he will admit this or not, there was probably a little bit of nerves playing for the Lakers for the first time, and the anticipation that this building had,” Lakers head coach J.J. Redick said. “I thought he handled it really well, and he played really well tonight. … He didn’t make it about Luka. He made it about playing good basketball and playing Laker basketball.”

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T-shirts with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic’s number are seen played out on fan seats prior to an NBA basketball game between the Lakers and the Utah Jazz on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles will head to Utah to play the Jazz again before the All-Star break begins.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 11, 2025
Kamala Harris receives icy reaction at Lakers game while fans call out unimpressive seats

Former Vice President Kamala Harris was spotted at a Los Angeles Lakers game this week and appeared to receive a rather icy reaction from fans in attendance on Thursday night.

Videos shared on social media showed Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, walking to their seats at the Crypto.com Arena for Thursday’s game against the Golden State Warriors.

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and husband Douglas Emhoff attend an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

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Social media users pointed out Harris’ seats, which appeared several rows up from the court, and the overall lack of reception as Harris and Emhoff made their way up.

Comedian Jeff Dye, who was in attendance, shared a video of Harris’ and Emhoff’s seats.

“Kamala Harris is at the Lakers Warriors game in like row 58. Should’ve saved some of that money. @KamalaHarris @DouglasEmhoff,” he said in a post shared on X. “lol. What a world.”

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“Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff arrive at the Lakers game. Pretty much nobody cared,” one user wrote on X.

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and husband Douglas Emhoff attend an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

“Crowd is completely unfazed,” another commented.

“The crowd’s unenthusiastic response says it all,” one post read.

LUKA DONCIC TRADE HAS NFL STARS DUMBFOUNDED AT SUPER BOWL LIX: ‘IT’S LIKE TRADING LAMAR’

Following Harris’ failed campaign, speculation about the former vice president’s future in politics has linked her to a possible California gubernatorial bid in 2026.

Prior to Thursday’s NBA game, Harris visited areas damaged by the Palisades wildfires and spoke with displaced residents at a Red Cross shelter.

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That same day, when speaking with reporters, Harris appeared to dodge the rumors about her future political endeavors.

Pacific Palisades, CA, Thursday, February 6, 2025. Former Vice President Kamala Harris tours a damaged neighborhood with LA County officials. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

“I have been home for two weeks and three days,” Harris said. “My plans are to be in touch with my community, to be in touch with the leaders and figure out what I can do to support them.”

When pressed further, Harris responded that she “would be here no matter what office I hold, because it is the right thing to do.”

Fox News Digital’s Rachel Wolf contributed to this report.

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February 8, 2025
Luka Doncic details Lakers trade ‘shock’ at introductory press conference

Luka Doncic was introduced as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday, days after the team acquired him in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks.

The trade sent shock waves across the sports world. The Lakers sent Anthony Davis and Max Christie to Dallas in a three-team deal that included the Utah Jazz.

The Slovenian superstar said he woke up in the middle of the night to the call informing him he was on the move.

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The Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic, right, and general manager Rob Pelinka field questions during an introductory NBA basketball press conference Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in El Segundo, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

“I was almost asleep when I got a call. I had to check to see if it was April 1. I didn’t really believe it at first. It was a big shock,” the 25-year-old said, via FOX 4 News.

He opened up about the emotions he felt as he had to leave the Dallas area, a place he’s called home since the Mavericks acquired him during the 2018 NBA Draft in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks.

HOW BAD WAS LUKA DONČIĆ DEAL FOR MAVERICKS? WHO REALLY ‘WON’ THE TRADE?

The Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic speaks during an introductory NBA basketball press conference Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in El Segundo, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

“It was a big shock,” Doncic said. “(Dallas) was home, so it was really hard moments for me. … (But now) I get to play in the greatest club in the world, and I’m excited for this new journey.

“Honestly, it was hard at first,” he added. “That first day was really hard. I felt like these last 48 hours was one month. Emotionally, it was really hard, but today was much better. This is the Lakers. It’s one of the best clubs in history, so I’m excited to be here.”

Doncic said he was looking forward to playing alongside LeBron James, who he’s described as his idol.

“It’s just like a dream come true,” Doncic said. “I always looked up to him. There’s so many things I can learn from him, and I’m just excited to learn everything and get to play with him. It’s an amazing feeling.”

From left to right, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, Luka Doncic and head coach JJ Redick pose for photos during an introductory press conference Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in El Segundo, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

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Doncic has not played since Christmas because he’s been dealing with a calf strain. He will participate in 5-on-5 work Wednesday, and the Lakers will later decide when he will make his debut in purple and gold.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 4, 2025
Luka Doncic’s father blasts Mavericks for trading son to Lakers: ‘Absolutely doesn’t deserve this’

Reaction has been flooding in after the Dallas Mavericks shocked the NBA world by trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Doncic’s father, Sasa, isn’t too pleased with his now-former team’s treatment of his son.

The elder Doncic made an appearance with Arena Sport Slovenija, where he called the Mavericks’ treatment of Luka “very unfair,” saying that the trade “hurts me personally.”

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Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic talks with his father Sasa Doncic before the game against the Washington Wizards at the American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron-USA Today Sports)

“I understand there comes a moment when you disagree with a certain philosophy,” Sasa said in Slovenian, which was translated by Arena Sport Slovenija. “You don’t like this or that player, all good, I get it. But I think that exactly this secrecy, or should I say from some individuals, maybe even hypocrisy, this hurts me personally.

“Because I think that Luka absolutely doesn’t deserve this. Giving the fact that at least, as I know, sacrificed himself enormously and even all the stories now that someone is releasing that he wants to apologize for the things that they’re doing. I feel like this is very unfair from some individuals because I know that Luka respected Dallas a lot. He respected the whole city, helped children.”

Some of the “unfair” treatment Sasa is discussing could revolve around a report from ESPN that said the Mavericks had concerns about Doncic’s conditioning, which could impede the 25-year-old reaching his full potential.

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And with the trade, Luka no longer qualifies for a $323 million supermax extension, though the Lakers could give him a $230 million extension.

Luka has not seen an NBA floor since Christmas, as he’s been dealing with a strained left calf he suffered on the holiday. The league leader in points per game last season was averaging 28.1 points before the injury.

The trade, though, was shocking even with Lakers star Anthony Davis being involved in the package because of Luka’s young age, coupled with his accomplishments, including leading a Mavericks team to the NBA Finals last season. He is a five-time All-Star and won Western Conference Finals MVP during that title run last year, which ultimately fell short to the Boston Celtics.

Mavericks guard Luka Doncic looks for a foul call during the NBA Finals game against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Center in Dallas on June 12, 2024. (Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Sasa discussed those conditioning concerns, dismissing them after seeing what his son did during the 2023-24 season.

“It wasn’t even a problem last year since, I am saying again, one individual said he’s not fit enough,” Sasa explained. “That he played, I don’t know, 100 games, practically 40 minutes with two or three players constantly on him. That he was beaten, and you say such things about him. I feel that this is very unfair from certain individuals. You traded him, stand by your actions but don’t look for excuses or alibis, that’s it.”

While GM Nico Harrison explained his decision after the trade, which was at first believed to be false, became official, the team faced backlash from its fan base for sending off the face of the franchise.

A group of fans was even spotted having a symbolic funeral outside American Airlines Center on Sunday, with a baby blue casket being brought in and draped with Doncic jerseys, fan art, T-shirts and more.

Sasa Doncic watches his son, Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, during warmups before the Denver Nuggets game at the American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron-USA Today Sports)

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Harrison’s explanation was that the trade was “going to make us better,” while also selling that the move “sets us up to win not only now, but in the future.”

Dallas is currently placed ninth in the Western Conference with a 26-24 record after being blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, 144-101. Davis, who wasn’t with the team yet, and Kyrie Irving were not on the floor for the Mavericks.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 3, 2025
Lakers, Mavericks pull off wild blockbuster as Luka Dončić, Anthony Davis swap teams: reports

The NBA world was hit with perhaps the craziest trade in a generation in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

According to multiple reports, the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks came to an agreement to swap Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis as part of a three-team blockbuster deal.

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The Lakers received Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks took on Davis, Max Christie, and Los Angeles’ 2029 first-round pick.

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Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of the game at American Airlines Center on February 26, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

To settle it all out, the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.

ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the trade early Sunday morning, and because of the starpower involved, the immediate reaction was that the reporter had been hacked. However, it was later confirmed by multiple other outlets.

Charania reported that the Mavs approached Los Angeles recently, saying their 25-year-old global superstar was available via trade; Dallas general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN that he was concerned about the team’s defense, which is now massively improved by replacing Dončić with Davis.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after a play during the first half in Game 4 of the NBA basketball finals against the Boston Celtics, Friday, June 14, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

2024-25 NBA CHAMPIONSHIP ODDS: THUNDER FAVORED; LAKERS RISE AFTER DONČIĆ TRADE

But Dončić is a phenomenon, and a young one at that. The Slovenian led the NBA with 33.4 points per game last season and won’t turn 26 until later this month. In his career, he averages 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, putting himself in the MVP conversation every year of his young career.

It was also reported that LeBron James did not find out about the trade until shortly before the news broke, while he was out to dinner in New York shortly after his Lakers defeated the New York knicks – Davis was ruled inactive for the game.

Davis, a defensive player of the year candidate last year, is putting up 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds this season, both slightly better than his career averages of 24.2 and 10.7.

Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to the media after winning the In-Season Tournament Championship game against the Indiana Pacers on December 9, 2023 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)

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The Mavericks lost in the NBA Finals last year, and Dončić received some criticism for his defense and attitude. Perhaps there is more to the story than what’s public right now.

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February 2, 2025
Bronny James scores career-high during Lakers’ G League affiliate team victory

Bronny James is NBA great LeBron James’ oldest son, which placed a spotlight on the 20-year-old rookie.

In October, Bronny was part of history when he checked into the Los Angeles Lakers season opener and played alongside his father. It marked the first active father-son duo in league history. Shortly after his NBA debut, the Lakers announced the youngest James would split his time between the NBA franchise and their G League affiliate — the South Bay Lakers.

Bronny does not travel with the team for road games, but he was on hand for South Bay’s game against Rip City Remix — the Portland Trail Blazers G League affiliate — in El Segundo, California on Jan. 24. James had a game to remember on Friday, finishing South Bay’s 122-110 win with a career-best 31 points.

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Jan 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) during the game against the Boston Celtics at the Crypto.com Arena. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

His strong performance on the offensive end of the basketball court was highlighted by a monster slam dunk. James also made five of his eleven 3-point attempts.

LEBRON JAMES PICKED FOR 21ST STRAIGHT ALL-STAR GAME, EXTENDING NBA RECORD

A screen from center Christian Koloko allowed James to pick up his dribble and throw down the highlight-reel worthy dunk over Rip City’s Sterling Manely. The dunk also tied the game and sparked a 9-4 South Bay run.

James spoke about his confidence after the game.

“I’m just trying to get my confidence back,” James told a reporter during his on-court interview. “I’m just trying to play my game. Learn from every game. While I’m not playing in the G League, learn from the Lakers, learning from my vets and just keep trying to be myself. That’s been working recently. I’m happy with my results.”

Jan 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) interacts with son Bronny James during the game against the Boston Celtics at the Crypto.com Arena. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

“I am having fun,” James responded when asked about the spotlight that’s been placed on him. “Any time I’m playing basketball, any time I’m out here breathing, any time I’m out here walking … I’m grateful for everything.”

Oct 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

The win improved South Bay’s record to 2-7.

Bronny’s four-time NBA champion took notice of his son’s heroics. “GRATEFUL OF YOU KID!!” the elder James wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, after the game.

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James likely will not get the call to rejoin the NBA team until next month. The Lakers are in the midst of a road trip and return to Southern California for a cross-town game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 4.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025