21 days ago
The Los Angeles Lakers may be ready for their regular-season opener on Wednesday once it arrives, but they may not be prepared. They were never whole in their five preseason games, of which they won only two, and that could hurt them in the early days and weeks of the regular season.
New starting center Walker Kessler didn't play in the team's first three preseason games. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves played in only three games apiece, and therefore, Friday's game, which ended with a 121-106 loss to the Denver Nuggets, was the only game in which the three of them shared the court.
Reaves said after that contest that he knows building chemistry together will be a process that won't be easy, but he also expressed confidence that things will get sorted out in time.
"There's gonna be some growing pains," Reaves said. "Just a lack of reps together so far, but you take guys like that, that are that talented, you are more than likely gonna pick up on it sooner than later. We'll continue to grow that over the next couple days and get ready for opening night."
Kessler seemed to take it somewhat easy in his two exhibition appearances, but he looks poised to give Los Angeles the elite rebounding and shot-blocking it lacked last season. He had a total of 17 points on 6-of-14 shooting, 15 rebounds, five ***** ists, three blocks and two steals in 47 minutes during those two contests.
#season
New starting center Walker Kessler didn't play in the team's first three preseason games. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves played in only three games apiece, and therefore, Friday's game, which ended with a 121-106 loss to the Denver Nuggets, was the only game in which the three of them shared the court.
Reaves said after that contest that he knows building chemistry together will be a process that won't be easy, but he also expressed confidence that things will get sorted out in time.
"There's gonna be some growing pains," Reaves said. "Just a lack of reps together so far, but you take guys like that, that are that talented, you are more than likely gonna pick up on it sooner than later. We'll continue to grow that over the next couple days and get ready for opening night."
Kessler seemed to take it somewhat easy in his two exhibition appearances, but he looks poised to give Los Angeles the elite rebounding and shot-blocking it lacked last season. He had a total of 17 points on 6-of-14 shooting, 15 rebounds, five ***** ists, three blocks and two steals in 47 minutes during those two contests.
#season
21 days ago
The Los Angeles Lakers took a gamble on making Walker Kessler the top NBA offseason addition this past summer. Kessler is a tremendous defender, but he's struggled with offense. Health has also been a huge concern after Kessler played just 5 games last season with the Utah Jazz before entering free agency. However, one rival coach believes the Lakers are now a "problem" for the rest of the league with Kessler.
Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman revealed why he has a stronger fear of the Lakers this season:
"It's just a constant thrust on the rim. It's a problem. Obviously, that's how Luka (Doncic) likes to play. You have to get overaggressive with your low man. Because Luka is a problem, obviously, and so is (Austin) Reaves. That's the problem, and what that does is create a secondary problem. You have to over-rotate to guard these guys.
I think their offense is gonna be really, really good this year. They all fit each other really well. And I thought Kessler in Utah, you saw signs of this already, especially when the guys would actually play, their main guard… On the other end, [Kessler] is a problem defensively. I think they were smart to know what they wanted, and they went and got it."
Adelman expects Doncic and Reaves to effectively run the Lakers offense, despite losing LeBron James and other starters. Kessler was then credited for the main reason the Lakers will be better defensively. One of the top West coaches having a fear of the Lakers presenting problems should provide hope for concerned fans.
#adelman #luka
Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman revealed why he has a stronger fear of the Lakers this season:
"It's just a constant thrust on the rim. It's a problem. Obviously, that's how Luka (Doncic) likes to play. You have to get overaggressive with your low man. Because Luka is a problem, obviously, and so is (Austin) Reaves. That's the problem, and what that does is create a secondary problem. You have to over-rotate to guard these guys.
I think their offense is gonna be really, really good this year. They all fit each other really well. And I thought Kessler in Utah, you saw signs of this already, especially when the guys would actually play, their main guard… On the other end, [Kessler] is a problem defensively. I think they were smart to know what they wanted, and they went and got it."
Adelman expects Doncic and Reaves to effectively run the Lakers offense, despite losing LeBron James and other starters. Kessler was then credited for the main reason the Lakers will be better defensively. One of the top West coaches having a fear of the Lakers presenting problems should provide hope for concerned fans.
#adelman #luka
2 months ago
Former NBA player Byron Scott won three championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s, but he doesn't see this current iteration of the team going all the way. On the latest episode of Byron Scott's Fast Break podcast, Scott was asked whether the new-look Lakers are contenders or pretenders.
"I'm not going to say borderline," Scott said. "They're pretenders… I think they'll make the playoffs, but again, to [Olden Polynice's] point, defense wins championships still in this league. I know we glorify the threes and all the offense and things of that nature, but at the end of the day, you got to get stops, right?
"And [Walker] Kessler at the center position, he better average about eight blocks a game," Scott added. "Because they going to be getting a lot of blowbys, and the guys going to get to that basket."
Walker Kessler is the Lakers' biggest summer acquisition, and they desperately needed a defensive anchor like him. The Lakers gave up two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to the Utah Jazz for Kessler and gave him a four-year, $130 million contract as part of a sign-and-trade.
Scott, who also coached the Lakers from 2014 to 2016, believes Kessler will help, but doesn't see too many other good defensive players around him. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are the two other guaranteed starters, and both have had their struggles on that end of the floor.
#kessler #doesn 't
"I'm not going to say borderline," Scott said. "They're pretenders… I think they'll make the playoffs, but again, to [Olden Polynice's] point, defense wins championships still in this league. I know we glorify the threes and all the offense and things of that nature, but at the end of the day, you got to get stops, right?
"And [Walker] Kessler at the center position, he better average about eight blocks a game," Scott added. "Because they going to be getting a lot of blowbys, and the guys going to get to that basket."
Walker Kessler is the Lakers' biggest summer acquisition, and they desperately needed a defensive anchor like him. The Lakers gave up two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to the Utah Jazz for Kessler and gave him a four-year, $130 million contract as part of a sign-and-trade.
Scott, who also coached the Lakers from 2014 to 2016, believes Kessler will help, but doesn't see too many other good defensive players around him. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are the two other guaranteed starters, and both have had their struggles on that end of the floor.
#kessler #doesn 't
2 months ago
The general expectation around the NBA is that the Los Angeles Lakers will take at least half a step backward this season without LeBron James. Last season, they went 53-29 and finished fourth in the Western Conference, but now, they may not have a true third scorer, and the belief is that they still lack enough plus defenders on the perimeter.
But the Lakers still do have a competitive roster, and in fact, their roster does look more balanced and versatile this time around. Derek Fisher, a guard who won five NBA ****** les with the Lakers back in the day, feels there won't be much of a drop-off this season with James now on the Philadelphia 76ers, via Lakers Nation.
"You think about the few organizations where LeBron has been, you tell me where their record has gotten dramatically better after he left," Fisher said during his show on 97.1 The Fan LA. "So it's not going to fall off that much because Luka [Doncic] is there. I think Luka and Austin Reaves are basically an All-Star backcourt that you can roll out every night, and then Walker Kessler is a young developing almost All-Star-ish type of big in terms of his elite defense and rebounding. So I think you have a chance…45 to 50 wins, a lot of things are going to have to go right, but it feels fair to me."
When James left the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010, they went 19-63 the following season and didn't make the playoffs until he returned for the 2014-15 campaign. The results were similar for the four seasons following James' second departure from the Cavaliers in 2018.
Kessler was L.A.'s big offseason addition, and by himself, he could improve its defense. It also brought in Quentin Grimes and Collin ****** ton to boost its offense and its backcourt, Sandro Mamukelashvili could be a nice utility big man, and Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams could be reliable 3-and-D role players. In addition, rookie guard Cameron Carr could break into the rotation before too long.
#james #fisher #luka #cavaliers
But the Lakers still do have a competitive roster, and in fact, their roster does look more balanced and versatile this time around. Derek Fisher, a guard who won five NBA ****** les with the Lakers back in the day, feels there won't be much of a drop-off this season with James now on the Philadelphia 76ers, via Lakers Nation.
"You think about the few organizations where LeBron has been, you tell me where their record has gotten dramatically better after he left," Fisher said during his show on 97.1 The Fan LA. "So it's not going to fall off that much because Luka [Doncic] is there. I think Luka and Austin Reaves are basically an All-Star backcourt that you can roll out every night, and then Walker Kessler is a young developing almost All-Star-ish type of big in terms of his elite defense and rebounding. So I think you have a chance…45 to 50 wins, a lot of things are going to have to go right, but it feels fair to me."
When James left the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010, they went 19-63 the following season and didn't make the playoffs until he returned for the 2014-15 campaign. The results were similar for the four seasons following James' second departure from the Cavaliers in 2018.
Kessler was L.A.'s big offseason addition, and by himself, he could improve its defense. It also brought in Quentin Grimes and Collin ****** ton to boost its offense and its backcourt, Sandro Mamukelashvili could be a nice utility big man, and Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams could be reliable 3-and-D role players. In addition, rookie guard Cameron Carr could break into the rotation before too long.
#james #fisher #luka #cavaliers
2 months ago
The Los Angeles Lakers experienced a major roster overhaul this summer, replacing LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Marcus Smart (among others) with Walker Kessler, Collin **** ton, Quentin Grimes, Kevon Looney, and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Among the losses, however, backup forward Jarred Vanderbilt was not included, setting the stage for his fourth straight full season with the Purple and Gold. As much as the Lakers have tried to trade Vanderbilt, no teams have answered the call, forcing head coach JJ Redick to begrudgingly accept Vando's return for at least some of the 2026-27 campaign.
"The Lakers have been trying to find a taker for Vanderbilt, but no one has been eager to take on his contract," wrote Heavy's Sean Deveney. "It's possible the Lakers will use him in their rotation, much to JJ Redick's chagrin, and attempt to trade him during the season."
Vanderbilt, 27, was on three different teams before being sent to the Lakers in 2023. Known primarily as a wing defender, he seems like the ideal fit on paper for a Lakers team that has struggled to contain perimeter shooters. With a modest career stat line of 5.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.4 **** ists, 1.0 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 54.6% shooting from the field, Vanderbilt has never played a huge role on his teams, but he provides a spark off the bench as a 6'8″ athlete with natural defensive instincts.
Unfortunately, Vanderbilt's flaws as a shooter and scorer have kept him on the fringe of JJ Redick's rotation. With an average of 1.5 three-point attempts on 29.3% shooting per game, he failed to fulfill his role as a three-and-d wing, which made him virtually unplayable in the postseason. Without the confidence or ability to stretch the floor, Vanderbilt becomes more of a liability than anything else. If not for injuries, he might have played significantly less throughout the season, revealing just how much the Lakers value his impact.
#Lakers #wing
Among the losses, however, backup forward Jarred Vanderbilt was not included, setting the stage for his fourth straight full season with the Purple and Gold. As much as the Lakers have tried to trade Vanderbilt, no teams have answered the call, forcing head coach JJ Redick to begrudgingly accept Vando's return for at least some of the 2026-27 campaign.
"The Lakers have been trying to find a taker for Vanderbilt, but no one has been eager to take on his contract," wrote Heavy's Sean Deveney. "It's possible the Lakers will use him in their rotation, much to JJ Redick's chagrin, and attempt to trade him during the season."
Vanderbilt, 27, was on three different teams before being sent to the Lakers in 2023. Known primarily as a wing defender, he seems like the ideal fit on paper for a Lakers team that has struggled to contain perimeter shooters. With a modest career stat line of 5.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.4 **** ists, 1.0 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 54.6% shooting from the field, Vanderbilt has never played a huge role on his teams, but he provides a spark off the bench as a 6'8″ athlete with natural defensive instincts.
Unfortunately, Vanderbilt's flaws as a shooter and scorer have kept him on the fringe of JJ Redick's rotation. With an average of 1.5 three-point attempts on 29.3% shooting per game, he failed to fulfill his role as a three-and-d wing, which made him virtually unplayable in the postseason. Without the confidence or ability to stretch the floor, Vanderbilt becomes more of a liability than anything else. If not for injuries, he might have played significantly less throughout the season, revealing just how much the Lakers value his impact.
#Lakers #wing
2 months ago
WEST LONG BRANCH -- There was theme among the songs that blared through the speakers at Kessler Stadium as Monmouth football practice got started Tuesday morning: Tennessee.
The Osborne Brothers' classic rendition of Rocky Top was the soundtrack for the opening stretches. It's a reminder that this is no longer training camp, it's game week. There are just a few days until No. 23 Monmouth will travel to Cookeville to take on No. 15 Tennessee Tech in a rare season-opening matchup of top 25 teams in the FCS. And the Hawks didn't waste anytime beginning to attack that challenge, going straight from stretch lines to 11-on-11 reps of hurry-up offense.
"It's a group that's got something to prove," Monmouth head coach Jeff Gallo said. "This team has something to prove as a collective unit. It's got talent, it's got ability, but it's about our ability every day to keep elevating the standard of our program and push that championship level on a daily basis."
No. 23 Monmouth football vs. No. 15 Tennessee Tech in Week 0: preview
The Hawks' first matchup is a chance to prove that they are at that championship level—or that more work is needed to reach it. Monmouth is on the national radar once again with a preseason top 25 ranking, but that could quickly slip away with a loss, or surge dramatically with a win.
#tennessee #prove
The Osborne Brothers' classic rendition of Rocky Top was the soundtrack for the opening stretches. It's a reminder that this is no longer training camp, it's game week. There are just a few days until No. 23 Monmouth will travel to Cookeville to take on No. 15 Tennessee Tech in a rare season-opening matchup of top 25 teams in the FCS. And the Hawks didn't waste anytime beginning to attack that challenge, going straight from stretch lines to 11-on-11 reps of hurry-up offense.
"It's a group that's got something to prove," Monmouth head coach Jeff Gallo said. "This team has something to prove as a collective unit. It's got talent, it's got ability, but it's about our ability every day to keep elevating the standard of our program and push that championship level on a daily basis."
No. 23 Monmouth football vs. No. 15 Tennessee Tech in Week 0: preview
The Hawks' first matchup is a chance to prove that they are at that championship level—or that more work is needed to reach it. Monmouth is on the national radar once again with a preseason top 25 ranking, but that could quickly slip away with a loss, or surge dramatically with a win.
#tennessee #prove
3 months ago
Luka Doncic is all set to spare no expense as he arranges a private jet for his Los Angeles Lakers teammates for their visit to Slovenia, reportedly spending around half a million dollars for the trip.
Doncic, who was traded to the Lakers in 2025 season, has become one of the most influential and important parts of the team. In the 2025-26 season, the 27-year-old averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 ******* ists per game.
In just one season, Doncic has built a strong bond with his Lakers teammates like Austin Reaves. To add a new chapter to his Lakers spell, he is now hosting a minicamp in Slovenia, with teammates such as Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Walker Kessler and Collin ******* ton travelling to the country.
Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images
According to a report circulating online, Doncic is splurging to ensure his teammates have a comfortable journey to Slovenia and back to the United States.
#doncic #teammates #jarred
Doncic, who was traded to the Lakers in 2025 season, has become one of the most influential and important parts of the team. In the 2025-26 season, the 27-year-old averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 ******* ists per game.
In just one season, Doncic has built a strong bond with his Lakers teammates like Austin Reaves. To add a new chapter to his Lakers spell, he is now hosting a minicamp in Slovenia, with teammates such as Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Walker Kessler and Collin ******* ton travelling to the country.
Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images
According to a report circulating online, Doncic is splurging to ensure his teammates have a comfortable journey to Slovenia and back to the United States.
#doncic #teammates #jarred
3 months ago
1. FC Köln remain hopeful of getting a deal to sign Mikey Moore on loan from Tottenham over the line, but will have to remain patient for the time being.
As reported by local outlet Express.de, the 19-year-old winger has already given the green light to the move.
However, Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi is reluctant to let Moore leave until the club strengthens in attack.
Moore impressed in Saturday's 3-0 friendly win over Hoffenheim, scoring twice, which may have only strengthened De Zerbi's desire to keep hold of the youngster.
1. FC Köln managing director for sport Thomas Kessler refused to comment directly on the situation on Sunday, telling Express.de:
#moore #TOTTENHAM #zerbi #hoffenheim
As reported by local outlet Express.de, the 19-year-old winger has already given the green light to the move.
However, Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi is reluctant to let Moore leave until the club strengthens in attack.
Moore impressed in Saturday's 3-0 friendly win over Hoffenheim, scoring twice, which may have only strengthened De Zerbi's desire to keep hold of the youngster.
1. FC Köln managing director for sport Thomas Kessler refused to comment directly on the situation on Sunday, telling Express.de:
#moore #TOTTENHAM #zerbi #hoffenheim
3 months ago
Bayern Munich is not perfect when it comes to financial decision-making. The club has made expensive transfers, handed out massive contract extensions and, at times, allowed its fixed-term deposit reserves to shrink considerably per Tz journalists Philipp Kessler and Mano Bonk (as captured by iMiaSanMia_GER).
What might separate Bayern Munich from many of its European competitors, however, is what happens when the club recognizes that its spending trajectory could become a problem. Simply put, Bayern Munich does not double-down — it changes course.
According to Tz, that is exactly what happened after several expensive transfers and contract extensions significantly reduced Bayern Munich's fixed-term deposit account. Rather than continuing to spend at the same pace, the club's decision-makers embarked on a strict austerity course.
It is debatable on just how much the reserves were hurting (also, do not forget that Bayern Munich is rumored to have another reserve it can call upon as well), but certainly it is possible that some deals strained the club financially.
That is an important part to all of this, though, is understanding how Bayern Munich operates financially. The club is willing to spend when it believes an investment makes sense, but it is also willing to alter plans when the numbers start pointing in the wrong direction. That discipline is particularly important now because Bayern Munich is entering a period of significant investment.
#extensions
What might separate Bayern Munich from many of its European competitors, however, is what happens when the club recognizes that its spending trajectory could become a problem. Simply put, Bayern Munich does not double-down — it changes course.
According to Tz, that is exactly what happened after several expensive transfers and contract extensions significantly reduced Bayern Munich's fixed-term deposit account. Rather than continuing to spend at the same pace, the club's decision-makers embarked on a strict austerity course.
It is debatable on just how much the reserves were hurting (also, do not forget that Bayern Munich is rumored to have another reserve it can call upon as well), but certainly it is possible that some deals strained the club financially.
That is an important part to all of this, though, is understanding how Bayern Munich operates financially. The club is willing to spend when it believes an investment makes sense, but it is also willing to alter plans when the numbers start pointing in the wrong direction. That discipline is particularly important now because Bayern Munich is entering a period of significant investment.
#extensions
3 months ago
Of the new players on the Los Angeles Lakers' roster, guard Jaden Hardy is virtually an afterthought. He was acquired last month, along with two second-round draft picks, from the Washington Wizards for center Deandre Ayton, who had become expendable after Los Angeles landed Walker Kessler.
Right now, the general expectation is that Hardy will get little, if any, playing time. But amidst all this talk about Klay Thompson possibly coming to the Lakers, what if Hardy could play the same type of role, even if he isn't as good a player as the latter-day Thompson?
That is the argument that Maxwell Odgen of Lake Show Life made in a recent article. He feels that Hardy could fill the role Luke Kennard played for L.A. last season.
"Unfortunately, Hardy is a realistic candidate to find himself at the mercy of Los Angeles' need to trim its roster to 15 players as a fringe rotation piece with an unclear role," Ogden wrote.
"If the Lakers spare Hardy from being cut, however, then they could finally fill the void that Luke Kennard wasn't able to as a volume shooter from beyond the arc.
#roster
Right now, the general expectation is that Hardy will get little, if any, playing time. But amidst all this talk about Klay Thompson possibly coming to the Lakers, what if Hardy could play the same type of role, even if he isn't as good a player as the latter-day Thompson?
That is the argument that Maxwell Odgen of Lake Show Life made in a recent article. He feels that Hardy could fill the role Luke Kennard played for L.A. last season.
"Unfortunately, Hardy is a realistic candidate to find himself at the mercy of Los Angeles' need to trim its roster to 15 players as a fringe rotation piece with an unclear role," Ogden wrote.
"If the Lakers spare Hardy from being cut, however, then they could finally fill the void that Luke Kennard wasn't able to as a volume shooter from beyond the arc.
#roster
3 months ago
Lakers predicted to trade Bronny James for $36M Walker Kessler backup in 3-team monster deal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been pretty active this summer, especially when it comes to reshaping the roster for the future. However, the Lakers have added enough players that they will soon have to make some difficult roster decisions.
Los Angeles wants to contend for a championship, but currently sits one player over the roster limit. There are three players who could potentially be waived to make room.
"Clearly, the Lakers need to dump someone, and I think it's going to be one of three players," Lakers insider Jovan Buha said. "It's going to either be Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, or Bronny James."
The Lakers could easily trade someone to open up a roster spot, but teams may not be willing to take on the contracts Los Angeles wants to move. The team is also in major need of a backup center and has been looking at several options.
#bronny #james #team
The Los Angeles Lakers have been pretty active this summer, especially when it comes to reshaping the roster for the future. However, the Lakers have added enough players that they will soon have to make some difficult roster decisions.
Los Angeles wants to contend for a championship, but currently sits one player over the roster limit. There are three players who could potentially be waived to make room.
"Clearly, the Lakers need to dump someone, and I think it's going to be one of three players," Lakers insider Jovan Buha said. "It's going to either be Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, or Bronny James."
The Lakers could easily trade someone to open up a roster spot, but teams may not be willing to take on the contracts Los Angeles wants to move. The team is also in major need of a backup center and has been looking at several options.
#bronny #james #team
3 months ago
NBA 2K27, the latest installment in the popular video game franchise, is scheduled to be released on Sept. 4, with some people getting early access starting on Aug. 28. With a few weeks to go before it becomes available, some of its player ratings are being leaked.
Walker Kessler, the Lakers' new starting center, is considered an elite shot-blocker and rebounder, and he should considerably help the team in both categories right away. In NBA 2K27, he is rated as the ninth-best shot blocker with a rating of 93 in that category. San Antonio Spurs superstar center Victor Wembanyama is first in that department with a 99 rating.
Overall, however, Kessler only has an overall rating of 81, which ranks 100th overall among all players.
A few fans on X (formerly Twitter) felt Kessler should have been rated a bit higher.
The 25-year-old has career averages of 9.5 points on 68.1% shooting, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 25.3 minutes a game. He has never been a big offensive threat other than converting on lob passes and offensive rebounds grabbed near the rim, but in the five games he played last season, he showed very early signs of adding a 3-point shot by hitting six of eight attempts from that range.
#shot #center #blocker
Walker Kessler, the Lakers' new starting center, is considered an elite shot-blocker and rebounder, and he should considerably help the team in both categories right away. In NBA 2K27, he is rated as the ninth-best shot blocker with a rating of 93 in that category. San Antonio Spurs superstar center Victor Wembanyama is first in that department with a 99 rating.
Overall, however, Kessler only has an overall rating of 81, which ranks 100th overall among all players.
A few fans on X (formerly Twitter) felt Kessler should have been rated a bit higher.
The 25-year-old has career averages of 9.5 points on 68.1% shooting, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 25.3 minutes a game. He has never been a big offensive threat other than converting on lob passes and offensive rebounds grabbed near the rim, but in the five games he played last season, he showed very early signs of adding a 3-point shot by hitting six of eight attempts from that range.
#shot #center #blocker
3 months ago
Bayern Munich continued preparations for the new season with an intense training session that appears to have caught the attention of Vincent Kompany per Tz's Philipp Kessler..
The attackers and defenders initially worked separately on two different pitches before coming together for a match featuring plenty of intensity and physical duels. It was exactly the type of competitive environment Kompany wants to see as Bayern Munich continues building toward the start of the season.
Kompany was heavily involved throughout the session, delivering loud instructions in English and encouraging the players from the sidelines. His energy appeared to match the intensity of the session, with the Bayern Munich coach clearly pleased with what he was seeing.
Today's training session was intense. Attackers and defenders trained separately on two pitches. Afterwards, they had a match with a lot of intensity and duels. Vincent Kompany liked what he saw, gave loud instructions in English and cheered on the players. Serge Gnabry and… pic.twitter.com/JNJnA5I04v
Today's training session was intense. Attackers and defenders trained separately on two pitches. Afterwards, they had a match with a lot of intensity and duels. Vincent Kompany liked what he saw, gave loud instructions in English and cheered on the players. Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl watched from the sidelines, as they're not ready yet. Both worked individually under rehab manager Benjamin Sommer [kessler_philipp]
#session #bayern #munich #attackers
The attackers and defenders initially worked separately on two different pitches before coming together for a match featuring plenty of intensity and physical duels. It was exactly the type of competitive environment Kompany wants to see as Bayern Munich continues building toward the start of the season.
Kompany was heavily involved throughout the session, delivering loud instructions in English and encouraging the players from the sidelines. His energy appeared to match the intensity of the session, with the Bayern Munich coach clearly pleased with what he was seeing.
Today's training session was intense. Attackers and defenders trained separately on two pitches. Afterwards, they had a match with a lot of intensity and duels. Vincent Kompany liked what he saw, gave loud instructions in English and cheered on the players. Serge Gnabry and… pic.twitter.com/JNJnA5I04v
Today's training session was intense. Attackers and defenders trained separately on two pitches. Afterwards, they had a match with a lot of intensity and duels. Vincent Kompany liked what he saw, gave loud instructions in English and cheered on the players. Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl watched from the sidelines, as they're not ready yet. Both worked individually under rehab manager Benjamin Sommer [kessler_philipp]
#session #bayern #munich #attackers
3 months ago
Mark your calendars: the Golden State Warriors' 2026-27 regular-season opener officially has a day, time and opponent. The Warriors will tip off the new campaign against the new-look Los Angeles Lakers in the post-LeBron James era on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. PT at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. The game will be televised on ESPN.
The Warriors will get their first look at the Doncic-headed Lakers without James. Doncic will lead the Lakers group alongside Austin Reaves and newly acquired big man Walker Kessler.
Golden State's season opener will technically come on the second day of the NBA season, with opening day set for Oct. 20. Opening day of the NBA season will feature three games, starting with the Boston Celtics at the Detroit Pistons, followed by LeBron James' Sixers against the defending champion New York Knicks, capped off by a Western Conference FInals rematch between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
The Warriors will then start their 26-27 campaign the next day on Friday against the Lakers.
The Warriors have won four of their last five opening-day games, including a win over the Denver Nuggets to start last season. Over their last 10 season-openers, the Warriors have posted a 6-4 record dating back to 2016.
#last #golden
The Warriors will get their first look at the Doncic-headed Lakers without James. Doncic will lead the Lakers group alongside Austin Reaves and newly acquired big man Walker Kessler.
Golden State's season opener will technically come on the second day of the NBA season, with opening day set for Oct. 20. Opening day of the NBA season will feature three games, starting with the Boston Celtics at the Detroit Pistons, followed by LeBron James' Sixers against the defending champion New York Knicks, capped off by a Western Conference FInals rematch between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
The Warriors will then start their 26-27 campaign the next day on Friday against the Lakers.
The Warriors have won four of their last five opening-day games, including a win over the Denver Nuggets to start last season. Over their last 10 season-openers, the Warriors have posted a 6-4 record dating back to 2016.
#last #golden
3 months ago
The Los Angeles Lakers will enter the 2026-27 NBA season with almost a brand-new roster, and ESPN's Malika Andrews thinks they'll take a step back from last season. When discussing whether the Lakers or the Boston Celtics will exceed expectations on NBA Today, Andrews revealed she expects them to be in the same boat.
"I see both of these teams as having actually fairly similar paths," Andrews said. "They're both going to be fighting to be sort of in that top six, maybe in danger of falling out of that top six in the league."
Now, the Lakers haven't finished outside the top four in the Western Conference since JJ Redick took over as head coach in 2024. They were the third seed in 2024-25 with a 50-32 record and the fourth seed in 2025-26 with a 53-29 record.
Redick, of course, had a certain LeBron James' **** istance in those two seasons, and that is no longer the case. James is among the many notable names who have departed the Lakers this offseason, with Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Luke Kennard also heading out of town.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are now the only key pieces left over, and they've seen the Lakers bring in the likes of Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin **** ton, Kevon Looney, Ziaire Williams, and Matisse Thybulle. It is an interesting collection of players.
#record
"I see both of these teams as having actually fairly similar paths," Andrews said. "They're both going to be fighting to be sort of in that top six, maybe in danger of falling out of that top six in the league."
Now, the Lakers haven't finished outside the top four in the Western Conference since JJ Redick took over as head coach in 2024. They were the third seed in 2024-25 with a 50-32 record and the fourth seed in 2025-26 with a 53-29 record.
Redick, of course, had a certain LeBron James' **** istance in those two seasons, and that is no longer the case. James is among the many notable names who have departed the Lakers this offseason, with Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Luke Kennard also heading out of town.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are now the only key pieces left over, and they've seen the Lakers bring in the likes of Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin **** ton, Kevon Looney, Ziaire Williams, and Matisse Thybulle. It is an interesting collection of players.
#record
3 months ago
Lakers' $7M historic 3-and-D guard not expected to be waived over Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers are still trying to get things done this summer to bolster their roster even further. LA has done a nice job of acquiring former Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and getting a deal done to bring back Austin Reaves.
Now, after all of the additions, the Lakers sit one player above the allowed roster limit. They will have to make a decision before the end of training camp.
"There are, however, obvious holes. With 16 roster spots, the Lakers would need to get rid of at least one player, though they can carry as many as 20 through training camp in October," Heavy.com's Sean Deveney wrote.
There is a consensus that one of four players could be waived by the organization if no trade is made. Dalton Knecht, Bronny James, Jaden Hardy, and Jarred Vanderbilt are all possible options. However, James appears to be the only safe player of the group as of now.
#done #dalton #vanderbilt #james
The Los Angeles Lakers are still trying to get things done this summer to bolster their roster even further. LA has done a nice job of acquiring former Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and getting a deal done to bring back Austin Reaves.
Now, after all of the additions, the Lakers sit one player above the allowed roster limit. They will have to make a decision before the end of training camp.
"There are, however, obvious holes. With 16 roster spots, the Lakers would need to get rid of at least one player, though they can carry as many as 20 through training camp in October," Heavy.com's Sean Deveney wrote.
There is a consensus that one of four players could be waived by the organization if no trade is made. Dalton Knecht, Bronny James, Jaden Hardy, and Jarred Vanderbilt are all possible options. However, James appears to be the only safe player of the group as of now.
#done #dalton #vanderbilt #james
3 months ago
There are still several weeks to go in the summer of 2026, which means that people can only speculate about how good the new-look Los Angeles Lakers will be this coming season. LeBron James is gone, as are Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, and the Lakers have replaced them with men such as Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin ****** ton and Sandro Mamukelashvili, among others.
Some feel the franchise is definitely on the right track to building a championship team around Luka Doncic. Others feel its new players are incapable of getting the job done, and that the franchise gave those players outsized contracts while exhausting virtually all of its trade capital.
Channing Frye, who won the NBA championship with James on the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, said during an episode of the "Road Trippin' Show" that the Lakers won't be able to compete with most of the teams that will make the playoffs in the Western Conference (h/t Fadeaway World).
"Make a playoff run?" Frye said. "No. They can make the playoffs. But no. I don't like the way that team is built at all. And maybe something happens, but no, they're going to lose to a team like Denver, Minnesota, OKC, Houston. I even got Phoenix right there, Utah. I mean, do I even have to say San Antonio?
"I just don't see the way that this team is built that they're really going to compete versus those type of other teams," Frye continued. "So, no. I don't think so."
#feel #right
Some feel the franchise is definitely on the right track to building a championship team around Luka Doncic. Others feel its new players are incapable of getting the job done, and that the franchise gave those players outsized contracts while exhausting virtually all of its trade capital.
Channing Frye, who won the NBA championship with James on the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, said during an episode of the "Road Trippin' Show" that the Lakers won't be able to compete with most of the teams that will make the playoffs in the Western Conference (h/t Fadeaway World).
"Make a playoff run?" Frye said. "No. They can make the playoffs. But no. I don't like the way that team is built at all. And maybe something happens, but no, they're going to lose to a team like Denver, Minnesota, OKC, Houston. I even got Phoenix right there, Utah. I mean, do I even have to say San Antonio?
"I just don't see the way that this team is built that they're really going to compete versus those type of other teams," Frye continued. "So, no. I don't think so."
#feel #right
3 months ago
Walker Kessler and Collin ****** ton, two of the more important members of the Los Angeles Lakers, were teammates together for three seasons on the Utah Jazz. This will no doubt help them, especially on the offensive end, when the team opens up training camp and then starts playing games in October.
Kessler is the legitimate defensive presence at the center position the Lakers have wanted and needed for a while, not to mention an excellent rebounder. ****** ton, meanwhile, will give them some of the complementary ball-handling, faciliating, scoring and pace creation they have needed, especially after LeBron James decided to leave.
In a video for the Lakers' YouTube channel, ****** ton briefly talked about how much he's looking forward to reuniting with Kessler.
"Walker, that's my guy, we're both from Atlanta," ****** ton said. "I grew up watching Walker. When I was in the league, I knew he was next coming out. So playing in Utah, we created some really good chemistry together and even in the summertime, we always work out together. So, it's cool to have him as my teammate again."
In three seasons with Kessler and the Jazz, ****** ton averaged 17.5 points and 4.2 ****** ists in 26.3 minutes a game while shooting 48.8% from the field and 39.8% from 3-point range. Overall, he has career averages of 18.3 points on 47.2% field-goal shooting and 38.9% 3-point shooting and 3.6 ****** ists in 29 minutes a game.
#shooting #three
Kessler is the legitimate defensive presence at the center position the Lakers have wanted and needed for a while, not to mention an excellent rebounder. ****** ton, meanwhile, will give them some of the complementary ball-handling, faciliating, scoring and pace creation they have needed, especially after LeBron James decided to leave.
In a video for the Lakers' YouTube channel, ****** ton briefly talked about how much he's looking forward to reuniting with Kessler.
"Walker, that's my guy, we're both from Atlanta," ****** ton said. "I grew up watching Walker. When I was in the league, I knew he was next coming out. So playing in Utah, we created some really good chemistry together and even in the summertime, we always work out together. So, it's cool to have him as my teammate again."
In three seasons with Kessler and the Jazz, ****** ton averaged 17.5 points and 4.2 ****** ists in 26.3 minutes a game while shooting 48.8% from the field and 39.8% from 3-point range. Overall, he has career averages of 18.3 points on 47.2% field-goal shooting and 38.9% 3-point shooting and 3.6 ****** ists in 29 minutes a game.
#shooting #three
3 months ago
Lakers' Luka Doncic reportedly pushing for reunion with $88M versatile 3-and-D former teammate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to add a starting power forward, even after spending more than a month aggressively pursuing Jonathan **** inga. Since LeBron James' departure, Los Angeles has targeted the former NBA champion, but no deal has come to fruition.
With the **** inga situation continuing to drag on, the Lakers may be exploring other options. The organization is also still looking to strengthen its frontcourt.
"The Lakers are still monitoring the market for big men, team sources told The Athletic," The Athletic's Dan Woike reported. "They traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position, too. The team could address the position either by trade or signing, like with potentially adding Thybulle. The roster is currently at full capacity."
One player the Lakers have reportedly checked in on is Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington, a former teammate of Luka Doncic.
#former #reportedly
The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to add a starting power forward, even after spending more than a month aggressively pursuing Jonathan **** inga. Since LeBron James' departure, Los Angeles has targeted the former NBA champion, but no deal has come to fruition.
With the **** inga situation continuing to drag on, the Lakers may be exploring other options. The organization is also still looking to strengthen its frontcourt.
"The Lakers are still monitoring the market for big men, team sources told The Athletic," The Athletic's Dan Woike reported. "They traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position, too. The team could address the position either by trade or signing, like with potentially adding Thybulle. The roster is currently at full capacity."
One player the Lakers have reportedly checked in on is Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington, a former teammate of Luka Doncic.
#former #reportedly
3 months ago
The Lakers spent this offseason spending big to revamp their roster to better fit around Luka Doncic and his preferred style of play. Austin Reaves returns as a secondary playmaker on a hefty new contract. They traded for Walker Kessler to be the pick-setting, alley-oop finishing big man Doncic prefers to play with. And they made a host of other moves — including parting ways with LeBron James — to bring in role players who should be a better stylistic fit with Doncic.
All of that only works if Doncic is healthy.
Which he wasn't at the end of last season due to a hamstring injury, he missed all of the Lakers' playoff run. In an email to fans, Doncic told them he is "100% healthy" now and ready for a big season.
Concerns about Doncic's durability were a key reason former Mavericks GM Nico Harrison traded Doncic in the first place. The Lakers have bet big on a more mature Doncic, 27, being in his best condition and staying healthy when it matters. He averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 ***** ists and 7.7 rebounds per game last season — when healthy, he remains one of the game's elite players and was named First-Team All-NBA (he only played 64 games, one below the league's 65-game cutoff, but was given an exemption due to "extraordinary circumstances" because he missed time for the birth of his child).
The Lakers looked to get Doncic some help this season by not only re-signing Reaves but adding ball-handling guards Quentin Grimes and Collin ***** ton. Expect JJ Redick to experiment with some three-guard lineups using that group, although the challenge becomes it forces Doncic (6'8") to guard bigger players, which can take a physical toll.
#healthy #better
All of that only works if Doncic is healthy.
Which he wasn't at the end of last season due to a hamstring injury, he missed all of the Lakers' playoff run. In an email to fans, Doncic told them he is "100% healthy" now and ready for a big season.
Concerns about Doncic's durability were a key reason former Mavericks GM Nico Harrison traded Doncic in the first place. The Lakers have bet big on a more mature Doncic, 27, being in his best condition and staying healthy when it matters. He averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 ***** ists and 7.7 rebounds per game last season — when healthy, he remains one of the game's elite players and was named First-Team All-NBA (he only played 64 games, one below the league's 65-game cutoff, but was given an exemption due to "extraordinary circumstances" because he missed time for the birth of his child).
The Lakers looked to get Doncic some help this season by not only re-signing Reaves but adding ball-handling guards Quentin Grimes and Collin ***** ton. Expect JJ Redick to experiment with some three-guard lineups using that group, although the challenge becomes it forces Doncic (6'8") to guard bigger players, which can take a physical toll.
#healthy #better
3 months ago
According to reports, Luka Doncic is set to hold a minicamp for his Los Angeles Lakers teammates in his native Slovenia. Even better, he will reportedly pay for his teammates to make their way to Slovenia for that minicamp.
This will be an important event for the Lakers, given that they have so many new players on their roster for the upcoming season. One player who could play a key supporting role is Cameron Carr, the promising rookie guard who was the No. 24 pick in June's NBA draft.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, every player on the roster will attend Doncic's minicamp — except Carr, who is required to participate in an official NBA orientation for rookies.
"The aforementioned Dončić has chartered a plane and is paying the full bill to fly and host every single Lakers teammate in his native Slovenia later this month. I'm told that 16 of the 17 players on the Lakers' roster not named Dončić — from Austin Reaves to Walker Kessler to Bronny James to two-way signees Arthur Kaluma, Chris Mañon and AK Okereke --have all committed to attend.
"League sources say it would have been 17 of 17 if just drafted swingman Cameron Carr wasn't required to participate in an official NBA rookie orientation that conflicts with what Dončić is calling a 'team bonding trip.'"
#carr
This will be an important event for the Lakers, given that they have so many new players on their roster for the upcoming season. One player who could play a key supporting role is Cameron Carr, the promising rookie guard who was the No. 24 pick in June's NBA draft.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, every player on the roster will attend Doncic's minicamp — except Carr, who is required to participate in an official NBA orientation for rookies.
"The aforementioned Dončić has chartered a plane and is paying the full bill to fly and host every single Lakers teammate in his native Slovenia later this month. I'm told that 16 of the 17 players on the Lakers' roster not named Dončić — from Austin Reaves to Walker Kessler to Bronny James to two-way signees Arthur Kaluma, Chris Mañon and AK Okereke --have all committed to attend.
"League sources say it would have been 17 of 17 if just drafted swingman Cameron Carr wasn't required to participate in an official NBA rookie orientation that conflicts with what Dončić is calling a 'team bonding trip.'"
#carr
3 months ago
There are question marks about how capable the Los Angeles Lakers' new-look roster will be on the defensive end, especially on the perimeter, after they were 20th in defensive rating last season. New starting center Walker Kessler could improve their overall defense by himself, but there still seems to be an overall lack of high-level perimeter defenders.
But when it comes to the other end of the floor, there is a feeling that the Lakers will be very good and perhaps even elite. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves give them an outstanding foundation offensively, and the additions of Quentin Grimes, Collin **** ton, Sandro Mamukelashvili and even Matisse Thybulle will give the team the ability to hit from the outside and score in transition more than it has in a while.
Per Keith Smith of spotrac.com, a rival NBA scout raved about the Lakers' ability and potential on offense this coming season.
"Well, there's certainly a lot of offense. And I think it's offense that all fits together pretty well. They have way more shooting this year than last year. More off-the-dribble creation too. They should be a really good passing team also," a rival scout said. "Defensively…well, they'll score a lot of points! (laughs) If (head coach) JJ (Redick) can get this group in the top-20 on defense, give him Coach of the Year, because they'll probably be awesome."
Last season, L.A. was first in overall field-goal percentage, but just 10th in offensive rating, 14th in 3-point accuracy and 16th in fast-break points. Its offensive rating, 3-point shooting and fast-break points should increase now that it has a roster that is younger, more athletic, more fluid and more offensively well-rounded. Grimes and Mamukelashvili can not only hit from the outside but also operate off the dribble, and **** ton will help a bench that was starving for offense last season.
#well #Lakers #points
But when it comes to the other end of the floor, there is a feeling that the Lakers will be very good and perhaps even elite. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves give them an outstanding foundation offensively, and the additions of Quentin Grimes, Collin **** ton, Sandro Mamukelashvili and even Matisse Thybulle will give the team the ability to hit from the outside and score in transition more than it has in a while.
Per Keith Smith of spotrac.com, a rival NBA scout raved about the Lakers' ability and potential on offense this coming season.
"Well, there's certainly a lot of offense. And I think it's offense that all fits together pretty well. They have way more shooting this year than last year. More off-the-dribble creation too. They should be a really good passing team also," a rival scout said. "Defensively…well, they'll score a lot of points! (laughs) If (head coach) JJ (Redick) can get this group in the top-20 on defense, give him Coach of the Year, because they'll probably be awesome."
Last season, L.A. was first in overall field-goal percentage, but just 10th in offensive rating, 14th in 3-point accuracy and 16th in fast-break points. Its offensive rating, 3-point shooting and fast-break points should increase now that it has a roster that is younger, more athletic, more fluid and more offensively well-rounded. Grimes and Mamukelashvili can not only hit from the outside but also operate off the dribble, and **** ton will help a bench that was starving for offense last season.
#well #Lakers #points
3 months ago
Lakers predicted to trade Jarred Vanderbilt, major draft capital for $88M Luka Doncic rim runner originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to continue what has already been a successful offseason after making several major acquisitions during free agency. Los Angeles immediately made a splash by acquiring Walker Kessler in a trade to begin the summer.
Now, the Lakers are looking to add more depth, whether that means finding another backup center behind Kessler or strengthening the power forward position.
"The Lakers are still monitoring the market for big men, team sources told The Athletic," The Athletic's Dan Woike reported. "They traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position, too. The team could address the position either by trade or signing, like with potentially adding Thybulle. The roster is currently at full capacity."
Los Angeles has several trade ***** ets it could use to improve the roster. One name the Lakers have reportedly been looking to move throughout the summer is veteran forward Jarred Vanderbilt.
#Lakers #vanderbilt #walker
The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to continue what has already been a successful offseason after making several major acquisitions during free agency. Los Angeles immediately made a splash by acquiring Walker Kessler in a trade to begin the summer.
Now, the Lakers are looking to add more depth, whether that means finding another backup center behind Kessler or strengthening the power forward position.
"The Lakers are still monitoring the market for big men, team sources told The Athletic," The Athletic's Dan Woike reported. "They traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position, too. The team could address the position either by trade or signing, like with potentially adding Thybulle. The roster is currently at full capacity."
Los Angeles has several trade ***** ets it could use to improve the roster. One name the Lakers have reportedly been looking to move throughout the summer is veteran forward Jarred Vanderbilt.
#Lakers #vanderbilt #walker
3 months ago
The Los Angeles Lakers made a few polarizing moves this offseason to upset fans hoping to have an easier path towards NBA Championship contention. One common criticism comes from Lakers fans unsure of why the team paid one of their bigger contracts to Collin ******* ton. The team already has Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as starters who will dominate the guard minutes.
Sexton likely knows of the criticism surrounding his name and shared the following promise to Lakers fans:
"I'm super excited to be a part of this organization and this team. You can expect someone who's going to come in every single day with energy and juice, ready to give it my all. You'll know you've got a dog on the court.
It's the Lakers, you know, it's so much going on here, so much history in the building. I feel like they're the best fans in the world. So, being able to go out there and put that jersey on each and every night, it's going to be a good time for sure."
The quote shows that ******* ton wants Lakers fans to know he is taking this opportunity seriously and wants to give his all. Winning is most important to ******* ton, and this will be one of his most noteworthy roles yet. ******* ton, Quentin Grimes, and Walker Kessler are the biggest additions needed to pan out for success.
#Lakers #sexton #going #criticism
Sexton likely knows of the criticism surrounding his name and shared the following promise to Lakers fans:
"I'm super excited to be a part of this organization and this team. You can expect someone who's going to come in every single day with energy and juice, ready to give it my all. You'll know you've got a dog on the court.
It's the Lakers, you know, it's so much going on here, so much history in the building. I feel like they're the best fans in the world. So, being able to go out there and put that jersey on each and every night, it's going to be a good time for sure."
The quote shows that ******* ton wants Lakers fans to know he is taking this opportunity seriously and wants to give his all. Winning is most important to ******* ton, and this will be one of his most noteworthy roles yet. ******* ton, Quentin Grimes, and Walker Kessler are the biggest additions needed to pan out for success.
#Lakers #sexton #going #criticism
3 months ago
Kevon Looney, a veteran the Los Angeles Lakers signed this summer, will play a key role for them this coming season. He will likely be their primary backup center behind Walker Kessler, and the team will be counting on him to put in lots of work on the boards, play aggressive defense, set picks and do other types of dirty work.
After a frustrating 2025-26 season with the New Orleans Pelicans, Looney was a free agent this summer, and there were other teams he could've chosen this summer. But he said during an appearance on the "Mason & Ireland Show" on ESPN LA radio that the Lakers were his top choice.
"Being a free agent this year, I didn't know what was going to happen. Lots of moving parts to this offseason with a lot of teams. Once the Lakers made a few moves and they had a need for a center, this was my top destination and I was able to make it happen and I'm super excited."
Looney, who played one season at the University of California, Los Angeles, also said during a recent interview with Mark Medina of Fadeaway World that he couldn't turn down the opportunity to play for the Lakers, especially since he has friends and family in the area.
His offensive numbers dropped last season, but he still produced on the boards. The 30-year-old has a career average of 5.7 rebounds in 17.1 minutes a game, and he won three NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors, which means he can provide some invaluable experience to a Lakers team that has gotten significantly younger.
#play #angeles #lots #team
After a frustrating 2025-26 season with the New Orleans Pelicans, Looney was a free agent this summer, and there were other teams he could've chosen this summer. But he said during an appearance on the "Mason & Ireland Show" on ESPN LA radio that the Lakers were his top choice.
"Being a free agent this year, I didn't know what was going to happen. Lots of moving parts to this offseason with a lot of teams. Once the Lakers made a few moves and they had a need for a center, this was my top destination and I was able to make it happen and I'm super excited."
Looney, who played one season at the University of California, Los Angeles, also said during a recent interview with Mark Medina of Fadeaway World that he couldn't turn down the opportunity to play for the Lakers, especially since he has friends and family in the area.
His offensive numbers dropped last season, but he still produced on the boards. The 30-year-old has a career average of 5.7 rebounds in 17.1 minutes a game, and he won three NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors, which means he can provide some invaluable experience to a Lakers team that has gotten significantly younger.
#play #angeles #lots #team
3 months ago
Just days after acquiring center Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz, the Los Angeles Lakers traded Deandre Ayton, their starting 5 last season, to the Washington Wizards for two second-round draft picks and guard Jaden Hardy.
While some understood the reasoning behind the trade, others felt it was ill-advised. To them, Ayton would've made an outstanding backup center behind Kessler, although Ayton has never averaged fewer than 27 minutes a game in eight NBA seasons and would've likely gotten no more than about 15 minutes a game on this new-look Lakers squad.
Jovan Buha, who covers the team on his "Buha's Block" podcast, revealed during a recent episode an interesting reason why L.A. jettisoned Ayton, and according to him, it wasn't just to recoup a bit of the draft capital it gave up to get Kessler.
"My understanding with the Ayton situation is it's not just that they traded him to replenish the cupboard. I mean, they needed to save some money, and they got some ****** ets back. So I think those were the two driving forces of that move. Remember, they needed to save some money to get under the cap to execute several of their moves. However, it wasn't just that."
"There was also an element of Ayton and Luka [Doncic] sharing an agent, and they wanted to put Ayton in a position where he could continue to play and rehab his value. He's not going to be playing a ton. He's not going to be starting, but maybe AD (Anthony Davis) gets traded."
#kessler #Lakers #center #starting
While some understood the reasoning behind the trade, others felt it was ill-advised. To them, Ayton would've made an outstanding backup center behind Kessler, although Ayton has never averaged fewer than 27 minutes a game in eight NBA seasons and would've likely gotten no more than about 15 minutes a game on this new-look Lakers squad.
Jovan Buha, who covers the team on his "Buha's Block" podcast, revealed during a recent episode an interesting reason why L.A. jettisoned Ayton, and according to him, it wasn't just to recoup a bit of the draft capital it gave up to get Kessler.
"My understanding with the Ayton situation is it's not just that they traded him to replenish the cupboard. I mean, they needed to save some money, and they got some ****** ets back. So I think those were the two driving forces of that move. Remember, they needed to save some money to get under the cap to execute several of their moves. However, it wasn't just that."
"There was also an element of Ayton and Luka [Doncic] sharing an agent, and they wanted to put Ayton in a position where he could continue to play and rehab his value. He's not going to be playing a ton. He's not going to be starting, but maybe AD (Anthony Davis) gets traded."
#kessler #Lakers #center #starting
3 months ago
The Los Angeles Lakers had one of the NBA's busiest offseasons, losing 22-time All-Star forward LeBron James at the outset of free agency before replacing him with a hodgepodge of players they felt could complement superstar guard Luka Dončić.
While LA has exhausted most of its resources to appease Dončić, including making an all-in push for a high-level starting center, franchise icon Shaquille O'Neal doesn't see a viable path to the 2027 NBA championship.
Despite its strong 53-win finish to the 2025-26 season, LA's ******* le contention hopes were thwarted by Dončić's absence (hamstring) throughout the 2026 playoffs. The shorthanded squad was forced to put an excessive workload on 41-year-old James en route to a second-round sweep at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Lakers' inability to match up defensively against OKC and lack of complementary scoring options contributed to James seeking greener pastures in free agency. The four-time MVP announced his exit in late June, eventually opting to join the star-studded Philadelphia 76ers out East.
Looking to pick up the pieces, LA had significant money to work with this summer, with James' expiring $52.6 million contract coming off the books. Rob Pelinka and Co.'s biggest move came when they parted with unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030 to land restricted free agent big man Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz on a four-year, $130 million contract.
#star
While LA has exhausted most of its resources to appease Dončić, including making an all-in push for a high-level starting center, franchise icon Shaquille O'Neal doesn't see a viable path to the 2027 NBA championship.
Despite its strong 53-win finish to the 2025-26 season, LA's ******* le contention hopes were thwarted by Dončić's absence (hamstring) throughout the 2026 playoffs. The shorthanded squad was forced to put an excessive workload on 41-year-old James en route to a second-round sweep at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Lakers' inability to match up defensively against OKC and lack of complementary scoring options contributed to James seeking greener pastures in free agency. The four-time MVP announced his exit in late June, eventually opting to join the star-studded Philadelphia 76ers out East.
Looking to pick up the pieces, LA had significant money to work with this summer, with James' expiring $52.6 million contract coming off the books. Rob Pelinka and Co.'s biggest move came when they parted with unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030 to land restricted free agent big man Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz on a four-year, $130 million contract.
#star
3 months ago
Kevon Looney has a chance to become an underrated but key addition to the Los Angeles Lakers' roster. The No. 30 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, he spent his first 10 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he won three championships and made a living as an undersized but high-motor center who gobbled up boards, played effective defense, set screens and did the dirty work.
He just completed a bit of a down year with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he played in just 21 games and saw his shooting percentage plunge. Lakers fans feel he won't be an adequate backup center, especially if starter Walker Kessler suffers an injury, but if Looney is still spry, he could surprise some people.
During a recent appearance on the "Mason & Ireland Show) on ESPN 710 AM L.A. radio, Looney talked about how difficult it is to play against new teammate Luka Doncic and how he's looking forward to learning how to make things easier on the superstar.
"Playing against him sucks, especially being a big man," Looney said on Mason & Ireland on ESPN LA Radio. "You're in a lot of pick-and-rolls, you're getting iso'd, he picks on people and you gotta guard him 1-on-1 and he's probably the toughest guy to guard 1-on-1 in the league. Got to compete against him on the Lakers and in the playoffs when he was in Dallas.
"I'm excited to be on his team, be able to learn from him, be able to play pick-and-roll with him. He's probably the best pick-and-roll player in the league so being able to learn how he wants me to set screens and different things like that I'm excited about it. He's one of the best guys in the league and it makes my life a lot easier playing with him so I'm super excited."
#excited #able #ireland
He just completed a bit of a down year with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he played in just 21 games and saw his shooting percentage plunge. Lakers fans feel he won't be an adequate backup center, especially if starter Walker Kessler suffers an injury, but if Looney is still spry, he could surprise some people.
During a recent appearance on the "Mason & Ireland Show) on ESPN 710 AM L.A. radio, Looney talked about how difficult it is to play against new teammate Luka Doncic and how he's looking forward to learning how to make things easier on the superstar.
"Playing against him sucks, especially being a big man," Looney said on Mason & Ireland on ESPN LA Radio. "You're in a lot of pick-and-rolls, you're getting iso'd, he picks on people and you gotta guard him 1-on-1 and he's probably the toughest guy to guard 1-on-1 in the league. Got to compete against him on the Lakers and in the playoffs when he was in Dallas.
"I'm excited to be on his team, be able to learn from him, be able to play pick-and-roll with him. He's probably the best pick-and-roll player in the league so being able to learn how he wants me to set screens and different things like that I'm excited about it. He's one of the best guys in the league and it makes my life a lot easier playing with him so I'm super excited."
#excited #able #ireland
3 months ago
Happy Thursday, everyone. Senators are still working on the Protect College Sports Act. The SEC and Big Ten continue to push for higher caps, which would make it even more difficult for schools in other leagues to compete.
A pair of documents outlining concessions the lawmakers have made in the negotiations were headlined by a $20 million-plus "retention pool" that schools could use to keep players from leaving. It would amount to a doubling of the revenue-sharing "salary cap," which is currently set at $21.3 million for this school year.
The conferences are seeking answers on whether the increase in revenue share would impact rules governing third-party payments to players, the likes of which are largely blamed for spiraling roster costs.
There's also the question of whether such an increase would comport with the House settlement — the $2.8 billion lawsuit settlement that dictates rules around revenue sharing. Jeffrey Kessler, the plaintiffs' attorney, has said he would need to see the language before weighing in on whether it impacts the settlement.
Absent from the documents was any mention of rewrites regarding antitrust protection or preemption of state laws. Those have been core requests surrounding legislation from virtually all the conferences and NCAA since Congress began this process.
#whether #schools #million #conferences
A pair of documents outlining concessions the lawmakers have made in the negotiations were headlined by a $20 million-plus "retention pool" that schools could use to keep players from leaving. It would amount to a doubling of the revenue-sharing "salary cap," which is currently set at $21.3 million for this school year.
The conferences are seeking answers on whether the increase in revenue share would impact rules governing third-party payments to players, the likes of which are largely blamed for spiraling roster costs.
There's also the question of whether such an increase would comport with the House settlement — the $2.8 billion lawsuit settlement that dictates rules around revenue sharing. Jeffrey Kessler, the plaintiffs' attorney, has said he would need to see the language before weighing in on whether it impacts the settlement.
Absent from the documents was any mention of rewrites regarding antitrust protection or preemption of state laws. Those have been core requests surrounding legislation from virtually all the conferences and NCAA since Congress began this process.
#whether #schools #million #conferences
3 months ago
Luka Doncic is reportedly going to welcome his Los Angeles Lakers teammates to Slovenia later this summer.
The Lakers have undergone a major rebuild following LeBron James' departure, with eight new players joining the team.
These new additions include Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin ****** ton, Kevon Looney, and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images
Given the huge roster turnover, the new-look Lakers must focus on building their team chemistry ahead of next season.
#slovenia #james
The Lakers have undergone a major rebuild following LeBron James' departure, with eight new players joining the team.
These new additions include Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin ****** ton, Kevon Looney, and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images
Given the huge roster turnover, the new-look Lakers must focus on building their team chemistry ahead of next season.
#slovenia #james
