ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 07: Sandy León #9 of the Atlanta Braves runs to first during the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Truist Park on June 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was a somewhat surprising return engagement with the big league Atlanta Braves for 37-year-old backstop Sandy León in 2026. When injuries struck Atlanta’s catchers six weeks into the regular season, the veteran was called upon to fill the void.
How Acquired
León was re-signed by the Braves on a minor league contract on October 7, 2025 for a third season in the organization. The long-time MLBer debuted in 2012 and appeared in the big leagues every season until 2024. He made his Braves debut in 2025, seeing action in five games, and served as a presumably important mentor at Triple-A Gwinnett for pitchers and catchers alike.
The Braves granted León his release in late April 2026 to sign in the Liga Mexicana. Three weeks later, the Braves signed him to the active roster, where he’d stay for more than a month after Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy were both placed on the Injured List.
What were the expectations?
With Baldwin, Murphy and a returning Chadwick Tromp, León was the fourth catcher on the organization’s depth chart heading into Spring Training. But with Murphy still recovering from surgery that ended his 2025 season, Jonah Heim was inked in early February as the big league back-up to Baldwin to start the season.
Heim’s addition made it unlikely that León would get a big league opportunity, meaning the he’d be likely to play the mentor role again in Gwinnett.
There wasn’t really anything to expect production-wise, as Leon was an all-glove catcher (career 56 wRC+ coming into 2026) who hadn’t posted an above-replacement season since 2018.
2026 results
When Murphy was ready to be activated from the Injured List, the organization designated Heim for assignment and then traded him to the Athletics, only for Murphy to return to the shelf a week later. That opened the door for León’s return as Baldwin’s backup. A week later, Baldwin landed on the IL and thrust León into a regular role with Tromp for the next month.
In 21 games, León slashed .091/.091/.091 (-59 wRC+) but was able to steady the pitching staff and was a master of the ABS challenge system. That didn’t help him not post -0.5 fWAR in just 44 PAs, but it is what it is.
What went right?
Defensively, despite his age, he was still a fine enough framer and blocker, although his pop time was below average.
Where he excelled was leveraging the ABS challenge system. In only 134 1/3 innings, he led the Braves by being 0.8 Runs Above Average on his ABS challenges. And it wasn’t that he just led the Braves, he was 20th in baseball despite his limited appearances behind the plate based on Savant’s ABS tracking stats. Getting nearly a framing run in less than a month is pretty good.
Given that Leon had four hits, all singles, it’s hard to find a positive offensive contribution. But, he did have slightly positive (0.01) WPA in two games. Unfortunately, these weren’t very interesting: one was a one-out single off Shota Imanaga in the third, that was followed up with another single by a 2026 Braves short-timer (Jose Azocar), but then rendered meaningless by a double play right after. The other was also a one-out single that didn’t go anywhere, against his former team, the Red Sox.
What went wrong?
Offensively, León was cooked, as the kids say. In 44 plate appearances, he had four singles and struck out 18 times. That was it. No extra base hits, no walks, no runs, no RBI. That led to his -59 wRC+ and -0.5 fWAR overall despite some positive defensive value. The Braves also couldn’t quite keep him away from meaningful situations, as he posted seven games with a WPA of -0.06 or worse — basically a third of the time the Braves gave him playing time, he substantially lowered their win expectancy. The worst came in a 3-2 loss on May 16, though he didn’t really do anything especially bad, just going 0-for-3 in a one-run loss with two of the outs leading off an inning.
2027 outlook
This time last year, it looked like León might be done as a big leaguer, but lo-and-behold, he returned and was the ace of the ABS in a tiny sample. He ended the 2026 season on the IL with Gwinnett and he’ll turn 38 in March. He if wants to continue playing, it’s likely an organization would bring him in on a minor league deal to work in the upper minors. The last time he appeared in more than 33 big league games was 2021, so at this stage in his career, any role would be limited. He’s been often mentioned as a future coach or manager, and that future could come as soon as next season.
If this was the end for León, he was a fun addition, proving his excellence behind the plate, while sporting a fantastic beard, to boot. And, if it wasn’t, then he’ll likely produce the same no-bat, some-glove, limited exposure line that he has from 2019-onward.
The Tampa Bay Rays were built into American League champions through savvy trades, budget-friendly signings, and an organizational strength in identifying, developing, and maximizing talent.
They’re four wins from the franchise’s first World Series title thanks to smart decisions by president of baseball operations Erik Neander, manager Kevin Cash, and their scouting and coaching staffs.
Only three players on Tampa Bay’s 26-man roster in the AL Championship Series were drafted by the team, and first baseman Jonathan Aranda was an international signing. Speedy outfielder Chandler Simpson and left-hander Ian Seymour were second-round picks, and shortstop Taylor Walls was a third-round selection.
Two-time All-Stars Junior Caminero and Yandy Díaz are among 16 players acquired in trades. Both came from Cleveland, in separate deals. Each hit a two-run homer to seal a 7-3 victory over the Guardians that clinched the Rays’ third pennant.
Right-hander Nick Martinez heads the list of four players who were signed in free agency. Left-hander Cam Booser signed as a minor league free agent and righty Kevin Kelly was a Rule 5 pick.
The Rays opened the season with a payroll of $90.5 million that ranked 26th in the majors, proof that wise moves can be a path to winning instead of wild spending. The Brewers had MLB’s 19th-highest payroll as of Aug. 31.
“The World Series is about to be two exceptional baseball teams. It’s going to be a blast to watch,” Neander said during a clubhouse celebration. “They deserve it. I’m happy for our staff, unbelievable top to bottom. We all play our little part to help these guys do the heavy lifting. The most special group of guys you can imagine. You want it that much more for them and happy they’ve delivered to this point.”
Cash, a .183 career hitter as a backup catcher for nearly a decade, has managed the Rays since 2015 and twice has won the AL Manager of the Year award. He’s been a steady presence who embraces analytics and fosters strong relationships with his players through effective communication.
“We talk through — I’ll try to hit every scenario, and we’re certainly not going to get them all, but your gut instinct, your analytic information, blend them all together,” Cash said. “But you’d like to have a process to the decisions you’re making and feel good about the decisions you’re making. You really rely on your coaching staff in the game and before the game, whether it’s the coaching staff or talking with our group that I think does such a good job of providing so much quality information that we can kind of bounce off one another and feel good about the direction that we’re going into the game.”
Here’s a look at how the Rays were built:
Lineup
Caminero was acquired from Cleveland when he was 18 years old for reliever Tobias Myers in 2021. Caminero hit 45 homers last year and 42 this season. Myers never pitched for the Guardians and had a 5.53 ERA for the Mets in 2026.
Díaz came from Cleveland in 2018 in a three-way trade that included Seattle and has become the team’s non-traditional leadoff hitter. He won a batting title in 2023 and hit .293 with 22 homers and 85 RBIs this year.
Catcher Liam Hicks joined the Rays from Miami at the Aug. 3 trade deadline. He hit .284 with 18 homers and 82 RBIs between the two clubs in his second year in the majors.
Infielder Richie Palacios, who hit a two-run double in Game 6 against the Guardians, came from St. Louis in 2024. Outfielders Jonny DeLuca, Victor Mesa Jr. and Ryan Vilade also were acquired in trades, and Cedric Mullins was signed in free agency last offseason.
Starting rotation
Ace starter Drew Rasmussen originally was drafted by the Rays in the first round in 2017 but did not sign with them due to concerns following his first Tommy John surgery. He was selected by the Brewers in the sixth round in 2018, made his debut with them in 2020 and was eventually traded to Tampa Bay in 2021.
Freddy Peralta, the ALCS MVP, joined the Rays at the trade deadline this year after a rough first half with the Mets and turned things around in Tampa Bay. He was traded from Milwaukee to New York last offseason after winning 17 games.
Martinez signed a one-year, $13 million contract in free agency a few days before spring training opened. He won 15 games, had a 3.10 ERA and made his first All-Star team.
Right-hander Griffin Jax came from Minnesota at the 2025 trade deadline. He had a 3.53 ERA in 34 games, including 23 starts.
Bullpen
Bryan Baker had three career saves in four seasons when the Rays got him from Baltimore in a July 2025 trade. Pitching coach Kyle Snyder and his staff turned Baker into a dominant closer who had 41 saves in the regular season and has five more in seven scoreless appearances this postseason.
Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James drives against New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby during the second half of an NBA regular-season opener at Madison Square Garden. (Frank Franklin II / Associated Press)
The New York Knicks celebrated their NBA championship Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, yet hardly anything went according to plan. And LeBron James found himself smack dab in the swirl of the fierce and funny festivities.
James made his Philadelphia 76ers debut memorable, helping his new team defeat the Knicks, 106-100. Asked by NBC sideline reporter Zora Stephenson if he was enjoying spoiling the Knicks’ ring night, James grinned and said, “Yeah, I do. It’s pretty special.”
Last seen in Los Angeles bidding a hasty farewell after eight seasons with the Lakers — Times columnist Bill Plaschke wrote that “He left before the door could hit him in the butt” — James, 41, began his 24th NBA season by contributing 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in the 76ers’ victory.
LeBron James of the 76ers exchanges words with fans during a regular-season opener against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. (Sarah Stier / Getty Images)
And James did so even while jawing with courtside Knicks fans about using a helicopter to commute from his new home in New York to Philadelphia. Of course, famed director and Knicks fan fixture Spike Lee couldn’t stay out of it.
“Hey, LeBron, just because you have a helicopter and you live in New York doesn’t mean we’re gonna cheer for you,” one fan yelled, according to NBC broadcaster Mike Tirico. Another fan dinged James for being soft simply because he lived in L.A. for so long.
James couldn’t let that one go, yelling back, “Ain’t nothing soft in the Midwest. I don’t know what the f—- you talking about. I’m not from the West Coast, I’m from Ohio, baby.”
Lee, resplendent in a bright orange and blue pinstriped suit with matching hat, stood from his front-row seat, seemingly serving as conciliator. Much of the exchange was caught on camera by NBC, with Tirico and fellow broadcaster Reggie Miller providing commentary.
“[James] said hello to somebody over here,” Tirico said. “Spike Lee is over for a look and a chat. ... LeBron is taking the helicopter rides back and forth from Philadelphia to New York and engaged here in some front-row convo.”
Miller chimed in, “That’s the last thing you wanna do is get LeBron going here in this building.... And guess who’s playing peacemaker? Spike Lee! He’s over here playing peacemaker. Boy, I have seen everything.”
Fanatics is supplying James with the helicopter as part of a multiyear, exclusive trading card and collectibles contract signed in 2024. Although the deal raised the antenna of investigative reporter Pablo Torre — who won a Pulitzer Prize for uncovering the Clippers’ salary-cap circumvention with Kawhi Leonard — NBA commissioner Adam Silver called the helicopter arrangement “perfectly appropriate.”
LeBron James performs a pregame ritual before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. (Caleb Bowlin / Getty Images)
Silver was at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night. The Knicks celebrated their first NBA championship in 53 years with a ring ceremony and raising a banner to the rafters. They did their best to laugh off a typo on the T-shirts fans received that proclaimed the team as the 2026-2027 champions.
Despite the testy exchange with fans and enduring their “We don’t want you” chant while he shot free throws, James softened what he had said to Stephenson, sidestepping a suggestion by a reporter that the 76ers ruined the Knicks’ celebration.
“I wouldn’t say that,” James said. “It was a great night for New York fans. Fifty-plus years. I was a part of that at one point where we hadn’t won a major championship in Cleveland in over 50 years. The fans will never forget this moment.”
But it’s a reality Green and the basketball world might have to reckon with. The 36-year-old, four-time NBA champion will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason after signing a one-year deal over the summer.
The Warriors signed Steph Curry to a two-year deal this past offseason, proving their intention of ensuring Curry retires with them.
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors looks on during a game against the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., Wednesday, April 15, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
But Green and Curry aren’t in the same boat. Green knows this, and explained as much during a recent interview with CNBC.
“I would love to retire a Golden State Warrior. However, I’m also not Steph Curry, right? So I don’t have every luxury that Steph Curry has, and that’s okay. It’s such a rare thing to be on one team your entire career. And if I can accomplish that feat, I would love to,” Green said.
“I would love to play basketball next year… if that’s not here, I’m not going to retire. If I don’t [retire with the Warriors], great. But I’m extremely grateful for the journey that I’ve been on here. I don’t know how many years I have left in the NBA, let alone at this place. For me, it’s all about enjoying what’s in front of us.”
Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors is greeted by Draymond Green (23) after Curry hit a 3-point shot to pass Ray Allen for the NBA’s all-time 3-point record with 2,974 3-pointers made in his career during the first quarter of a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021. Charles Wenzelberg/New York PostDraymond Green (23) of the Golden State Warriors points to the Los Angeles Lakers bench during the first half of a preseason game at Chase Center on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in San Francisco. Getty Images
Green is guaranteed one more season in Golden State. Perhaps his performance this season will determine whether he ends his career in the same place he started it.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 4: De'Anthony Melton #8 and Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 4, 2025 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors did not do much to revamp the roster this offseason, but head coach Steve Kerr has spent the summer emphasizing a shift in the team’s approach mentally and tactically. Kerr’s top assistants were replaced and Frank Vogel joined the staff to lead the team’s defensive scheme. On the other side of the ball, Kerr has been emphasizing integrating some new approaches to offense. Guard De’Anthony Melton talked at length to reporters about the changes.
Asked De’Anthony Melton to help explain what’s different this yr in #Warriors’ offense.
“Everybody over here is just so used to split-actions being run constantly. And I think now, it’s not going to be as many splits.”
Melton explained how the team’s new gameplan shifts the team’s emphasis away from split actions, which have been the Dubs calling card under Kerr. Of course, split actions are still going to be a key component of Golden State’s offense, but Melton expects them to be less frequent as the initial setup. Melton also reiterated Kerr’s comments at the end of the preseason that the team has not yet found its complete footing with the new scheme. We’ll see if they are able to find a rhythm early in the season.
Oct 14, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle (30) looks to pass the ball as Miami Heat guard Klay Thompson (11) defends during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Tonight is the night. After going through the dark days of tanking, a disappointing lottery, a promising draft and months of opinions on everything from the court design to the front office from the fan base, October 21 is the start of a new era. With the promise of a backcourt for the future and the addition of veterans including a three-time All-Star, the 2026-27 Brooklyn Nets will make their official debut! We’re glad, almost giddy to be back….
For the first game of the year — and for the second year in a row, the Nets will face the Charlotte Hornets on Opening Night. After completing a promise-filled season last year and trading their franchise star in Lamelo Ball to the Timberwolves this offseason, the Hornets will find where they stand in a newly loaded Eastern Conference. For the Nets, the organization’s long rehuild will head into a new era.
Where To Watch
Catch the action at 7:30 p.m. ET on the YES Network. You can also stream it live on DAZN.
Injury Report
Aside from Tyler Bilodeau (shoulder sprain), everybody is good to go.
For the Hornets, it’s not looking so good. Rookie of the Year runner-up Kon Knueppel will be out with a hamstring injury. Fellow backcourt mate Coby White will be out with a calf injury, along with Grant Williams (hamstring) and rookie Kylan Boswell (knee).
The Game
First and foremost, the Nets will not feature their projected starting lineup in the season opener. Mikel Brown Jr. will not be in the starting lineup. The No. 6 draft pick is still recovering from a rolled left ankle suffered early in camp. Although he played well in his lone preseason game — 15 points in 18 minutes — the Nets performance team is being cautious. MBJ will play with a minutes restriction and off the bench. His first official minutes as an NBA player will begin when he’s introduced not as a starter but from the bench. Think 24 minutes. That should still be enough to get his feet wet against NBA level competition…
Mikel Brown Jr. on starting vs. coming off the bench:
“If I come off the bench or I start, it’s still going to be me regardless. I don’t look at that stuff. If I start, I start. If I come off the bench, I come off the bench. Just continue to do what I do.” pic.twitter.com/2oKiCDJfgu
With that being said, Keon Ellis will likely be the starter for tonight, as his feisty defense mixed with his 40.7% career 3-point percentage should match up well with a stronger and more confident Egor Demin against the weakened Hornets. They sure looked good together every time they played.
Julius Randle will also be making his Nets debut tonight. After playing well during the preseason with averages of 14 points a game on 44% from the field, Randle looks to make his mark as a Brooklyn Net, as he did across the river where he was a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection as well as Most Improved Player. In a number of interviews, he’s spoken about he and his family are happy to be a part of the team.
And with Michael Porter Jr. at the other forward spot, Brooklyn will for the first time since the end of the Big Three era have two proven 20-point scorers on the roster. Combined the two averaged 46 points a game last season in Brooklyn and Minnesota.
Perhaps the most crucial debut in the starting lineup will be Day’Ron Sharpe who after Nic Claxton was dealt to Chicago in the Randle trade, he will be the starting center. He has been one of the NBA’s top offensive rebounders per 36 minutes off the bench. Now, he’ll finally get those 36 minutes!
It will be intriguing to see how the Nets bench will play. With Nolan Traore showing upside in his sophomore year, his ability to set the pace and get to the rim should give the Hornets’ guards trouble as well. Don’t be surprised whether tonight or in the future him combined with his 20-year-old teammates Demin and Brown Jr.
Player to Watch: Mike Brown Jr.
Most game previews, we look at the opponents’ top players, but on a special night like this, we’re going with a member of the home team. Admittedly, the Nets had hoped for a higher pick in the Draft Lottery. Despite the No. 6 pick being mathematically the most likely, fans as well as the organization had hoped for a top four pick.
It’s not that they didn’t like the Louisville product — they had him at No. 5 on their internal mock. They just like others (read Cam Boozer and Caleb Wilson) more. But since the Draft, they and the fans have come to forget the lottery. Brown Jr. is a rare player with multiple tools, including surprising athleticism (39.5” max vertical) and deep range (leading the NCAA in three’s from beyond 25 feet with 27.) More than that though as Sean Marks has said, he doesn’t act like a rookie. Now we’ll see if he plays like one!
Putting aside players to watch, fans should also be watching the head coach. Jordi Fernandez from the time he was hired back in April 2024 has been asked to prioritize getting a top pick, aka tank. Now, it’s only about winning.
The Vault
I mean if you ask me, this is the perfect song to begin a new era.
Steinbrenner was asked what changes the Yankees have to make to “get over the hump.”
“I was disappointed, frankly, with the offense throughout the course of the year as a whole,” Steinbrenner said Wednesday morning during a Zoom session,
Hal Steinbrenner (l) and Brian Cashman (r) during their Zoom session Wednesday. @TalkinYanks/X
“As a whole, they were very inconsistent and for long periods of time. This has been twice now where the offense hasn’t lived up to their end of the bargain and got the job done. The offense was a big disappointment for me and it has to be better.”
Steinbrenner went so far as to call the Yankee offense “detrimental.”
He admitted that losing star sluggers Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton for over 80 games certainly affected them — with Judge not playing in the postseason — but he stated that he and the Yankees will be evaluating everything “from the top” when figuring out where their offseason priorities lie.
The team scored 739 runs in 2026, down from 849 in 2025.
Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) walks back to the dugout as the Tampa Bay Rays celebrate after the final out of the ninth inning of Game 3 of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium, Oct. 7, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
They batted .235 compared to .251 the year prior.
The absences of Judge and Stanton were clear with a decline in home runs from 274 in 2025 to 223 in 2026.
On-base percentage also fell from .332 to .311.
Even with these struggles, the team plans to move forward with manager Aaron Boone, who’s heading into the final year of his contract, and has a new deal in place with general manager Brian Cashman.
Montreal Canadiens coach Martin St-Louis surprised many by giving Jakub Dobes the nod ahead of the game against the San Jose Sharks. Most thought that he would run the hot hand Jacob Fowler until he lost a game, but the bench boss didn’t want his goalie to be inactive for too long; the team wants them to have a certain rhythm, and that’s what led to Dobes getting another chance after a 5-4 loss to the Washington Capitals the week before. Unlike in Washington, though, Dobes did well Tuesday night.
It wasn’t perfect; you could tell he was nervous. There were shots glove side that he normally would have caught and froze, but the early jitters prevented him from doing so. Still, when that happened, his defense was there to clean the front of the net. The glove hand improved as the game went on and he gained in confidence. His positioning was much better, too, and he didn’t look like he was breakdancing in his crease, meaning he was much more in control than he has been lately.
His puck tracking was good, too, and he stayed square to the shots, which let him make a few saves through traffic even though he didn’t see the vulcanized piece of rubber. Overall, it was a good outing for Dobes. The first goal he allowed came from a Jake Evans turnover; granted, his stick was tapped as he tried to make a pass, but he had a safer option than throwing the puck toward the middle just inside the blueline. As luck would have it, Macklin Celebrini collected the errant pass and came at Dobes with speed, and there wasn’t much he could do against one of the league's best players coming in alone.
The Sharks scored their second goal on a perfectly executed two-on-one after they picked Lane Hutson’s pocket. Dobes was playing the shooter, expecting Kiefer Sherwood to shoot, but because Noah Dobson didn’t close the passing lane, he found Michael Misa for an easy goal. The defenseman isn't exactly off to a great start this season. Through nine games, he has two assists and is minus-4.
The third marker came on the power play after Xhekaj was baited into taking an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Celebrini fed Tyler Toffoli in the high slot for a one-timer; no one pressured the Sharks winger as he wound up and beat Dobes clean.
However, Dobes can be blamed for the fourth and final goal, as he took an awful penalty in overtime, inexplicably leaving his crease to get in Collin Graff’s way while the Canadiens had the puck in their own zone. Those calls aren't always made, but you can’t risk them being made, as St-Louis keeps repeating: you can’t give the ref the opportunity to call a penalty. Celebrini scored his second of the game off a one-timer from the faceoff circle on Dobes’ left. Four-on-three power plays are hard to defend and often a death sentence in overtime, as they were on Tuesday night.
Jakub Dobes gets called for interference in OT... the Sharks head to the power-play. pic.twitter.com/f9F5TkbUv6
Dobes surrendered four goals on 30 shots for an .867 save percentage, and had he not taken his inexplicable interference penalty in overtime, the result could have been different. Had the Habs won, this could have been a building block toward rebuilding Dobes’ confidence, but that possibility went out the window when he handed the Sharks the win on a golden platter. The press wasn’t told why Dobes was unavailable to meet the media despite being requested, but it could mean he was too rattled to face the music.
At this stage, it seems a given that Jacob Fowler will be back in net on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks, and if he puts on a great performance, it wouldn’t be surprising if he also gets the net for the Heritage Classic against the Winnipeg Jets.
Aday Mara needed just one game to suddenly make the Thunder seem much better suited to handle Victor Wembanyama this season.
The Thunder’s 7-foot-3 rookie had a strong debut Tuesday and helped Oklahoma City hold the Spurs’ phenom to a career-worst shooting night in a 116-104 road win in a Western Conference finals rematch.
Mara scored seven points while adding two rebounds and one block in 12 minutes, including a pivotal third-quarter sequence where he blocked Wembanyama and then scored on the other end.
“He was awesome,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “Great poise, great impact. He had probably one of the stretches of the game — it’s a critical thing there when he blocked the shot and went down and finished the other end. He didn’t seem overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the game.
“I’m not really surprised by how he’s performed in preseason. I think he’s proven to be a very impactful player. His minutes weren’t high tonight but his impact was. Clearly, somebody we trust, put him in that game and we’re only going to trust him more after seeing how he performed in a high-level game.”
The Thunder and Spurs are both stocked with talent and seem destined to clash in the playoffs for years to come, meaning they both can build rosters with the other team in mind.
In last year’s conference finals, Wembanyama had his way against Oklahoma City to the tune of 27.3 points per game, 10.9 rebounds per contest and 2.7 blocks per game to eliminate the reigning champions.
Oklahoma City’s big-man duo of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein proved helpless in the series, with Holmgren particularly being ineffective.
The Thunder responded by using the No. 12 pick in the draft to select Mara out of Michigan after he helped the Wolverines win the national title.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Aday Mara (15) blocks the shot of San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) during an NBA basketball game on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. NBAE via Getty Images
Adding the 262-pounder suddenly gave Oklahoma City another weapon to throw at Wembanayama, and he provided encouraging results Tuesday.
His highlight sequence came in the third quarter with Oklahoma City leading 82-70 when Mara blocked Wembanyama while he attempted to score on an alley-oop.
Moments later, Mara scored on an alley-oop.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, in San Antonio. AP Photo/FR115 AP
Mara told a Spanish outlet that he received a game ball for his efforts.
“I’m happy it’s official now,” he told CARTV, as reported by eurohoops.net. “I felt good playing, and I felt like I helped the team, so I’m happy.”
The trio of Mara, Holmgren and Hartenstein ultimately held Wembanyama to 13 points on 1 of 12 shooting to allow the Thunder to exact revenge for last year’s playoffs exit.
Aday Mara (15) of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket during a game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
“There’s always a variance to it,” Daigneault said of slowing down Wembanyama. “I thought he missed shots that he can normally make from the floor. I thought Chet did a great job on him. I thought Mara did a great job on him the possessions he had tonight.
“I thought we collectively had the right amount of response to him.”
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13: Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to the national anthem on October 13, 2026 at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Between a maddening lack of available bodies and a shortened preseason — and a questionable approach to it — the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t exactly entering the new year with the amount of reps and on-court chemistry most expected or wanted.
The new trio of Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler logged just one half together over the course of five unofficial games. Reaves entered training camp with a tweaked right ankle and Kessler suffered a jammed finger before games started. The lack of real reps as a squad is less than ideal for a team looking to hit the ground running, but the Lakers’ early-season schedule may end up working in their favor.
Their first ten games consist of the Warriors, Clippers and Trail Blazers twice each and matchups against the Jazz, Raptors, Heat and Kings. Although the league is much more competitive than it was even last season, the Lakers are projected to be better than every Western Conference team on this slate.
“I believe, as we are right now, we’re good enough to win a lot of games,” Reaves said after practice on Tuesday. “But I don’t think that we’re as good as we can be. I think that with the reps and the in-game competition and going through adversity will only build us to be better in the long haul. Trying to compete and win games early, especially while we’re still building that, everybody’s going to have to have a winning mentality.”
Asked Austin Reaves how the Lakers can remain competitive early in the season despite not getting a ton of reps together in the preseason.
Role players like Ziaire Williams, Adou Thiero, Collin Sexton and Cameron Carr wound up missing some, if not all, of the preseason games. Thiero (left knee effusion) and Carr (right oblique strain) are officially out for the season-opener against the Warriors, while Sexton (right soleus strain) is questionable.
Health will always be a concern over the course of an 82-game season, but with the opportunity to get out ahead in the wins column, how are the Lakers going to balance ramping up their connectivity and remaining competitive enough to win games?
“That’s what it is, it is a balance,” JJ Redick said. “Because, again, you have to keep the perspective of the whole. But these guys know, we had a conversation the other day, every time we step on the floor the expectation is [that] you’re going to compete to win and you’re going to try and win a basketball game and you’re going to do it to our standards.
“The guys understand that. So, I don’t think that’s a difficult balance to find.”
Los Angeles enters the season with the 18th-toughest schedule in the NBA, a ranking that is only going to rise as the season winds on. That generous start, then, could help the Lakers make up for what they missed in the preseason.
Whatever tiny amount of doubt there might have been about Brian Cashman coming back can now be squashed.
The Yankees general manager has agreed to a new contract to remain in his post, he revealed on Wednesday, with next year marking Cashman’s 30th year on the job as the franchise hopes the continuity in leadership will finally lead to its 28th World Series championship.
“We just have to bang out some minor stuff at the back end of it, but yeah, we’re locked and loaded,” Cashman said during a joint Zoom press conference with Hal Steinbrenner from Tampa.
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner (l.) and general manager Brian Cashman (r.) during a press conference on Oct. 21, 2026. X/SNYYankees
Cashman’s job status was not in as much question as Aaron Boone’s, but the manager will also be coming back next year for his 10th season, which is the last on his current contract. Steinbrenner defended the job that both of them did this season despite a similar ending, with the Yankees getting swept by the Rays in the ALDS.
Cashman, 59, has built a winning team every year of his tenure, but the Yankees have not won the ultimate prize since 2009. Another early October exit this season had much of the fanbase up in arms about the club’s leadership, but Steinbrenner has instead opted for stability instead of any kind of housecleaning.
Now, Cashman will once again be tasked with finding the right formula in roster building, which will look a little different this offseason with a lockout looming, during which all player transactions (involving the 40-man roster) will be frozen.
The Yankees have a strong core of players to build around, especially a deep rotation led by soon-to-be AL Cy Young winner Cam Schlittler. But they also have holes in their lineup, one that largely cratered without Aaron Judge, who missed over half of the season with a broken rib and then the playoffs with a calf strain and will play next year at the age of 35.
Cashman will also face some difficult decisions including what to do with veteran DH Giancarlo Stanton (whom the Yankees owe $15 million next season in the final year of his contract) and third baseman Ryan McMahon ($16 million).
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 16: Head Coach Thom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks watches his team play against the Chicago Bulls on December 16, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. New York defeated Chicago 114-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As Kenny Atkinson and the Cleveland Cavaliers gear up for arguably their most consequential season of this era, they are soliciting any and all advice. Former NBA head coach Thom Thibodeau attended the Cavs’ practice on Tuesday, according to Atkinson, to gather his feedback. There has not been any indication that the Cavs have hired Thibodeau in any capacity.
“We’re a continuous learning organization, seeing who can we learn from,” Atkinson said after practice. “I’ll ask for his feedback, what he thought of practice.”
Kenny on Thibs visit:
"We're a continuous learning organization, who can we learn from. … I'll ask his feedback what he thought of practice. … I pretty much feel comfortable with anybody in our coaching circle just to invite or go visit them. … It's great to get feedback." https://t.co/gphOb1GWeypic.twitter.com/N6tiD7yjJS
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the comfortable Cavs hoodie HERE. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE.
Thibodeau, 68, did not coach in the NBA last year after being fired by the New York Knicks. Prior to that, he spent five seasons with the Chicago Bulls (2010-2015) and another three years with the Minnesota Timberwolves (2016-2019).
Atkinson said he “pretty much feels comfortable” with anybody in the coaching circle visiting or going to visit them. While the exact reason for Thibodeau’s visit was not explained, it is not uncommon for teams to ask for information from former coaches — or even bring them on board. The Cavs also hired former Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings head coach Dave Joerger as a consultant in 2023-24, before being whisked away to join Doc Rivers in Milwaukee.
In his time as both an assistant and head coach, Thibodeau gained a reputation for building elite defenses. In his first four seasons with Chicago, the Bulls posted a top-six defensive rating. The Knicks teams he coached also consistently finished in the upper tiers of most defensive metrics, despite not having a traditional anchor center. The Cavs, after losing their edge on that end last season, are looking to get back to being a top defense.
Like those Bulls teams that had Joakim Noah at center, the Cavs have a traditional big in Jarrett Allen. And, again, like the Chicago teams of that era, the Cavs do not have a strong defensive backcourt. Atkinson, mostly known for his offensive scheming, very well could be looking to Thibodeau for tips on upgrading the defensive game plan. Thibodeau ran a heavy help defense with aggressive pick-and-roll coverage, a real “hair-on-fire” mentality that relies on disciplined rotations and strong closeouts. The Cavs, many times last season, were one or two steps late on rotations and looked slack in getting back on defense after a miss. With an upgraded Eastern Conference, the Cavs must be better on defense if they not only want to advance to the NBA Finals, but just get back to the Conference Championship as well.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates with Tyrese Maxey #0 after scoring a basket to end the third quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There was plenty of digital ink spilled breaking down the new-look Sixers this summer.
On Tuesday night, the time for words was over as we got our first look at LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and the 2026-27 Sixers — and the early returns were impressive. They spoiled banner night at MSG, taking down the defending champion New York Knicks 106-100.
There are things to iron out, but we’ll focus more on the positives from a gritty opening night win.
Defense wins …
The biggest question surrounding this iteration of the Sixers is how things would work defensively. It’s just one game, but if it’s any indication, pretty damn good.
There were unsurprising aspects, like VJ Edgecombe and Jaylen Brown doing a terrific job on Jalen Brunson. The reigning Finals MVP scored 21 points but needed 19 shots to get there. Though he might not be the elite defender he was in his prime, the 41-year-old James showed off his elite basketball IQ and physicality, spending a lot of time defending Karl-Anthony Towns.
The biggest surprises on that end might’ve been the two longest-tenured Sixers.
Tyrese Maxey was the best player on the floor and not just because of his game-high 28 points. Maxey posted three steals and three blocks. Opponents routinely picked on Maxey throughout the early stages of his career. We’re at a point now where teams will pay the price for doing so. When he was drafted by the Sixers, Maxey said Jrue Holiday was one of his favorite players because of his two-way ability. As Maxey has gotten bigger, stronger and smarter, he’s been way more impactful on that end.
But there was no bigger pleasant surprise than the way Joel Embiid moved defensively. Brunson relentlessly picked on Embiid last year in the playoffs. Embiid was much more spry, varying the looks like he showed Brunson in the pick-and-roll, even hanging tough on a couple switches. In the second half, the Sixers put James on KAT and Embiid on Josh Hart. That type of strategy wasn’t physically possible for Embiid the last couple seasons.
In his prime, Embiid was a Defensive Player of the Year finalist and one of the best rim protectors in the sport. This was the first time in at least two years where he looked like that guy.
Knicks are 12-31 in the paint with Joel on the floor tonight. Had a couple of big blocks on Drummond.
It’s just one game (and it’s fair to be skeptical of Embiid keeping this up over the long haul), but what a tremendous effort on the defensive end.
Mad Maxey
I’ve been saying all offseason I believed Maxey would be this team’s leading scorer. On opening night, he scored 28 and was the only Sixer to score 20-plus. Now, matchups will dictate things on many nights, but Maxey being able to blend his elite off-ball scoring with the on-ball experience he’s gotten over the past two seasons is going to make him lethal.
Maxey scored the first two baskets of the game on a pair of threes — one off an Embiid screen and the other off the dribble in transition after a steal. This team talked all summer about wanting to get out in transition. Maxey led that charge in a big way. His speed paired with his shooting ability make him nearly impossible to guard, especially with the gravity of guys like Embiid, James and Brown.
As mentioned, what stood out even more was Maxey’s work on the defensive end. I’d argue this was the best two-way performance of Maxey’s career. Hell of a night.
Anfernee and KCP for three
It was an abysmal shooting night for both teams. Along with defense, three-point shooting was looked at as a possible sore spot for this loaded roster. That’s likely why Mike Gansey signed Anfernee Simons early in free agency, a move that showed dividends on opening night.
Simons showed off his microwave scoring ability in the first half with a slick finish off a drive and a midrange pull-up off a screen. In the second half, Simons helped the Sixers flip the game, nailing three threes in the third quarter. He has such a quick release and flawless form. I also love the way Nurse used him coming off screens like a true movement shooter — something Nurse didn’t really do for Jared McCain. Credit to Nurse and credit to Simons for being ready when his number was called, despite missing the entire preseason.
Most of the game was a mixed bag for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, but like Simons, the veteran wing hit big shots. A pair of KCP threes in the fourth quarter helped the Sixers stay on top. It’s nice for the Sixers to have a stabilizing player. Nobody expects KCP to go off for 30, but he’s going to be where he’s supposed to be and will (hopefully) make open shots.
The Sixers’ bench was a glaring weakness last season. This type of production from Simons and KCP (and hopefully Dean Wade when he’s healthy) could make a huge difference in the postseason.
Offensive rebounds an issue (evergreen)
You had to just laugh as Andre Drummond took it to his former team in the first half. With Towns in foul trouble, Drummond gave the Knicks great early minutes with 10 points and 12 rebounds, including six offensive boards. New York had eight as a team in the first half.
The Sixers did a better job in the second half. The Knicks had six offensive boards, but they also missed a ton of shots and one of those rebounds was on the final possession with the game already decided.
Rebounding has been an issue for Embiid the past couple years, but he had 11 in a solid effort on the glass. James and Brown are also great rebounders for their positions. James pulled down nine boards while Brown had eight. It’s going to be a group effort.
And the backup center will need to be better there.
Backup center an issue (super duper evergreen)
Speaking of, it was not a banner night for Adem Bona. I won’t crush him here because he did miss basically all of training camp and didn’t play at all in the preseason. It’s a hell of an ask to have him out there guarding KAT and battling Drum on the boards. With that said, the Sixers are going to need way more from the third-year big man.
Jabari Walker got a quick look, but this probably wasn’t the best matchup for him against two legitimately big centers. Nurse even briefly used LeBron at the five when Embiid picked up his third foul late in the first half.
Embiid was a +13. Bona was a -1 and Walker was a -6. As the great poet once said, same as it ever was.
I know a lot of people think the Sixers should simply try to get to December when they can sign a veteran to a standard deal. A couple more outings like this could test that. This is an all-in team. Gansey can’t mess around for too long.
It won’t get much easier for Bona and Walker — they go up against Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen when the Sixers host the Cleveland Cavaliers in the home opener Thursday.
Bonus fun fact
Jaylen Brown was a game-high +17.
Take that, nerds.
(In all seriousness, Brown was awesome in his Sixers debut. He looked like a two-way stud.)
Seven wins into the season, it's gotten pretty easy to see how light this team is, emotionally that is, compared to recent seasons.
The Edmonton Oilers improved to 7-1-1 with a 4-3 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild, while Evan Bouchard scored the winner on his 27th birthday. Devon Levi was among the first to praise his teammate afterward, having made several important saves himself to get the Oilers into overtime.
“He can sling that thing,” Levi said. “A super special player. I'm so happy for him that he got the overtime winner on his birthday.”
The Oilers have been playing solid defensive hockey under Mike Babcock, their goaltending has improved, and Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are producing at a ridiculous rate. They've also been getting contributions from the rest of the lineup, which has allowed them to win games even when their top players aren't having good nights at even strength.
Tuesday was one of those games. Minnesota's top line of Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek, and, Matt Boldy scored twice at even strength, while the team. itself was all over McDavid's line.
“Every once in a while, you need to get fed your lunch,” Babcock said. “And when that happens to you, you say, ‘What are we going to do to fix it?’”
Babcock has been clear about what he expects from his team, especially on defence, puck protection, and winning battles. The Oilers have responded well to those expectations, and there's some evidence that the accountability they've been talking about is producing results.
“When you play a good team that's organized, there's no room,” Babcock said. “And if you don't look after the puck, if you don't play right, you get frustrated. The great thing about the real good players that have done a lot of winning is, they don't get frustrated. They just keep coming and keep coming, and they know it's a patient game.”
Edmonton certainly had opportunities to get frustrated against Minnesota, however, the Oilers scored three times on the power play, and Draisaitl recording two goals before Bouchard ended the game in overtime. McDavid finished with three assists, becoming the fastest player in NHL history to reach 20 assists in a season.
He now has 26 points through nine games, which is an absurd amount of production even by McDavid's standards.
“Any type of shot that he gets off is extremely dangerous,” Draisaitl said of Bouchard. “Accurate, hard, whatever it is. You name it, he's got it. He's pretty elite.”
By other standards, Levi's has the best start of his NHL career here in Edmonton.
The 24-year-old was traded from Buffalo after getting buried so deep in the Sabres depth chart that everyone forgot he was there. Originally, he was expected to sit behind Frederik Andersen and Tristan Jarry in Edmonton, but now he's getting most of the starts, and he's clearly earned them.
“I'm super grateful to be here,” Levi said. “This city is unbelievable, a true hockey city. I care a lot about these fans, they have welcomed me with open arms and the team here as well. I feel at home. I'm just super grateful for the way that everything kind of unfolded and I'm having a lot of fun every day.”
It's a refreshing attitude from a young goaltender who's finally getting a real chance to compete for a spot in the NHL.
He seems excited to show up to the rink, appreciates the opportunity he's been given, and has been playing up to the expectations placed on him.
The Oilers have been winning games in different ways, and Babcock's defensive system has been a significant part of that. The Oilers know when their offence needs to carry them, when their goaltenders need to make important saves, and when the team can comfortably protect a lead.
There has to be some additional motivation to make sure the same problems that followed the team last season don't continue.
Babcock has brought a different approach to Edmonton, one that the players seem willing to hold themselves accountable for when their performances aren't good enough.
Everybody knows winning cures all, and with seven victories in nine games, it's understandable why the mood around the dressing room has been so positive.
Still, there's something nice about hearing Levi talk about how grateful he is to be here, or watching him get excited about Bouchard scoring an overtime winner on his birthday.
The Oilers have been playing good hockey, they're getting results from the changes Babcock has introduced, and the players are happy for one another.
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So much so that before Kobe Bryant attended a Lakers game as a fan in 2019 alongside his daughter, Gianna, he learned some Slovenian so he could trash-talk the then-Mavericks’ superstar from his courtside seat.
“We can say that it was meant to be,” Dončić told the California Post in an exclusive interview.
Dončić has consistently mesmerized anyone who has watched him play, even a five-time champion with the Lakers who showed his admiration with attempted subterfuge.
None of this is lost on Dončić. In fact, if there’s one thing that’s nearly as important to him as winning his first NBA championship, it’s inspiring anyone who watches him play, something that has long come naturally to him.
Dončić had a cult following when he became the youngest player in EuroLeague history to win the MVP Award at age 19 en route to leading Real Madrid to a championship.
While playing for the Mavericks, he was so beloved that his fans were likened to “Swifties,” the nickname for Taylor Swift’s passionate fanbase. When Dončić was stunningly traded to the Lakers in February 2025, Mavericks fans were so devastated that they protested outside American Airlines Center, canceled season tickets, chanted for then-Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison to be fired (he was nine months later), and even famously brought a casket to the arena to mourn their superstar’s departure.
Now Dončić is in Los Angeles, a city with 12 professional sports teams and Hollywood.
He’s a different type of superstar than the Lakers have ever had: He’s European, he’s a team-first player and he’s shy. So, he’s the opposite of other fan favorites, such as Magic Johnson or Bryant.
The big question?
Can Dončić win over LA?
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) warms up before a game against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It’s something LeBron James struggled with despite playing eight seasons for the Lakers and leading the franchise to its first championship in 10 years in 2020 before he left for the 76ers in free agency in July.
Austin Reaves believes things will play out differently for Dončić.
“I think with the Bron situation it was a little different just because Bron and Kobe were battling for the best player in the NBA for multiple years, so Lakers fans at the time probably hated LeBron,” Reaves told the California Post. “Not that they didn’t accept him when he was here, but they still probably had the ‘Kobe is better’ type of mentality. But they don’t have that with Luka. He was kind of after Kobe. They don’t have a reason not to embrace him like a Kobe or someone else who was a Laker legend.”
Dončić is doing his part to endear himself to Laker fans.
Last season, he led the league in scoring (33.5 points), was third in assists (8.3) and finished fourth in MVP voting.
And off the court, he has poured himself into contributing to the LA community. That includes committing $500,000 to fire recovery efforts through the Luka Dončić Foundation in February 2025, partnering with Jordan Brand to pay for Lakers fans’ parking near Crypto.com Arena before his first home game against the Mavericks, paying for the entire cost of restoring a vandalized mural of Kobe and Gianna in downtown in April 2025 and donating $5 million to 77 young athletes around the world after signing a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers in August 2025.
Ahead of the Lakers’ season opener against the Warriors on Wednesday, Dončić is funding free Metro Bike Share rides for 30 minutes. He also took out a full-page ad in the LA Times in which he promised fans the Lakers will give everything they have this year.
“I think it’s just very important to me to do a lot of connection with the fans,” Dončić told the California Post. “Before every game at home, I sign things and I take pictures. When we go on the road, I take pictures. I think for me, it’s giving back to the fans the way they supported me. The way they care for me. It’s very important to give back to them.”
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers signs memorabilia for a fan against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles. NBAE via Getty Images
In many ways, the Lakers struck gold with Dončić.
Not only do they have someone who’s an impossible-to-solve puzzle for defenders with his constant changing of pace, but they have a player who’s deeply loyal.
Dončić wanted to spend his entire career in Dallas, an increasingly rare sentiment for superstars who are quick to jump franchises while chasing championships. When Dončić was dealt to the Lakers, he threw his phone across the room. He felt hurt. Shocked. Betrayed.
But over the last season and a half, a dramatic shift has occurred.
“After that, at training camp last year, I felt I was where I belonged,” Dončić told the California Post. “I feel very good in LA. I’m very excited. Very happy. Obviously it’s a beautiful place to live. But just being with the Lakers organization, being a part of it, it’s such an honor. It’s amazing to be here.”
Dončić has embraced the whiplash-inducing change he never envisioned.
When asked if he wants to retire as a Laker, he didn’t hesitate.
“Hopefully, yeah,” Dončić told the California Post. “But as you know in this NBA business, you never know what’s going to happen. But I feel like I’ve found something here that’s very comfortable for me. And hopefully [that happens].”
His buy-in was obvious last spring when he had a stunning stretch in March, averaging 37.5 points, 8 rebounds and 7.4 assists while carrying the Lakers to a 15-2 record. And it was undeniable over the summer when he paid for his teammates to fly to Slovenia where he hosted a four-day mini camp so they could build chemistry and get to know the real him.
Luka Doncic (77) of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
“He didn’t choose this,” Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean told the California Post of Dončić getting traded to Los Angeles. “But he’s embracing it. And I think when he looks back on his career, this opportunity is going to be one of the best things that ever happened to him, becoming a Laker.”
Dončić’s popularity boomed overnight when he was dealt to the Lakers. It became one of the biggest national stories at the time — and not just in sports.
Several companies took advantage of the moment, including Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, which wrote on Instagram, “It’s not like we traded Luka,” in response to the backlash it was receiving for ending its free checked bag policy.
Dončić was front and center. He was a buzzword. And he was also the clear No. 1 priority in a locker room he was sharing with James, who’s arguably the greatest player of all-time.
It was a lot.
Especially for someone like Dončić, who prefers hardwood floors over red carpets and sunlight over spotlights. When asked what he wants fans to most know about him, he flashed a shy smile.
“I’m a very simple guy, probably just stay home mostly,” Dončić told the California Post. “I’m just a chill guy, a simple guy.”
He’s not outspoken. He’s not the type of player who advocates for himself. He’s not statuesque. He’s not LA. But ironically, that’s why LA is falling in love with him.
“He’s not the fastest or can’t jump the highest, so people can see themselves in him,” said Michael Morales, a 42-year-old longtime Lakers fan. “And that makes it exciting to watch him score 50 points on the huge guys out there.”
Dončić lets his play do the talking.
Last March, he became the first player to average 40 points over six road games since Michael Jordan in 1986. Yet he fell in NBA.com’s MVP rankings at the time from No. 2 to No. 4. Still, he declined to advocate for himself, saying, “I never did that, so I’m not going to.”
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t deeply want to win an MVP award, especially as the face of one of the most globally celebrated franchises in sports.
“It would definitely mean a lot,” Dončić told the California Post. “Obviously a championship, that’s what you play for every game. That’s what you train for everyday. But obviously it would be nice to win the MVP also. Not everybody can say they have an MVP, so obviously that would be nice.
“But that comes with the team first. If you don’t play good, you’re never going to win championships or MVP. So, we’ve got to play good. I’m very excited to go to war with these people. I think we had a great training camp and we’re ready to go.”
Doncic’s fans have come to appreciate his understated nature as part of his charm. On the court, he’s a trash-talking, offensive wizard. Off it, he’s a quiet guy who loves his friends, family and golf.
Reaves believes it’s inevitable that Doncic will win over Los Angeles as deeply as he won over Dallas.
“He’s going to be here for another 10 years or so, for however long he wants to play,” Reaves told the California Post. “I think just with more time and seeing his brilliance on the court every single night, I think people have no choice but to love what he does and how he does it.”
But there’s no denying that Doncic isn’t the typical superstar Laker fans have idolized.
So, how is somebody like that supposed to win over a fanbase accustomed to charismatic superstars who love cameras as much as A-list actors?
It’s a hard question to answer.
But then again, Doncic got the stamp of approval from Bryant, one of the all-time Laker favorites who was known to be very stingy with his respect.
It’s something Doncic often thinks about as he dons a purple and gold jersey.
“I was playing and he talked to me, it was actually insane,” Dončić told the California Post. “I was a little bit starstruck to get that respect from the guy that Kobe was which was unbelievable to me.”
It’s something that left a deep impression on Doncic.
