Luka Doncic gives a bold message to his hatersLuka Doncic (Image Credits: Imagn)
Luka Doncic is not backing down. After signing a three-year, $165 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, the All-NBA guard is making it clear that he is ready to lead by avoiding unnecessary noise. As critics continue to question his leadership style or physical shape, Doncic sets the tone for the Lakers’ new era.

Since his February trade from the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic has taken firm control of the Lakers’ future. Last season, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in 28 games while suffering from a calf injury. Doncic, as a loyal player, helped the Lakers rebuild not only on the court but also by recruiting DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart.

The Slovenian superstar’s recent comments show how determined and focused he is on his goal.“Everyone wants to say, or people think that they know me, or I’m not a leader, or I’m this way, or I’m that way, I don’t care,” Doncic told The New York Times. “They can think and say whatever they want. I’m gonna show them who I am.”

The Lakers view Doncic as their cornerstone, especially with LeBron James entering the final year of his deal. With a reshaped roster and a healthier frame, Doncic enters this season with more work and responsibilities on his shoulders. He has something bigger to prove, not to his critics, but on the court.

Luka Doncic Responds To Early Fitness Criticism

Luka Doncic's gesture after signing an extensionLuka Doncic (Image Credits: Imagn)

Doncic rejoined the Slovenian national team just days after signing a new three-year deal with the Lakers. He will suit up on Friday in Ljubljana as Slovenia begins its international preparations. Doncic is feeling good despite some jet lag and played full five-on-five practices.

The 26-year-old also improved his fitness and believes he had more time to train and a better plan this summer. He also acknowledged his early fitness journey and the criticism he faced by saying, “There have always been questions about my fitness, but I thought I was playing great before, too.”

However, Doncic confirmed that the Lakers fully support him playing and that he is entirely ready to meet the franchise’s expectations.

Brittney Griner Finally Breaks Her Silence Over Alleged Caitlin Clark Comments That The WNBA Refused To Investigate

Brittney Griner speaking to reporterBrittney Griner (Photo via Twitter)
WNBA star Brittney Griner was at the center of a new debate over what she allegedly said in a game against basketball phenom Caitlin Clark.

The Atlanta Dream center found herself at the center of social media controversy last month when some fans thought she disparaged Indiana Fever star guard Caitlin Clark upon fouling out.

The game’s broadcast focused on an upset Griner saying something as she returned to the Dream bench after fouling out of the game. While there’s no audio of this moment, some who tried to read Griner’s lips thought she called Clark a “trash f–king white girl.”

However, there’s no proof of Griner saying those actual words since others thought she stated something else.

It took weeks for someone to finally get a quote from her, and she provided much of nothing.

Brittney Griner was asked about this moment before her team’s June 15 game against the Washington Mystics and said, “I remember fouling out, being mad. I remember fouling out on, I believe it was [Natasha] Howard driving to the basket. They said I put my hand in.”

WNBA Chooses Not To Investigate Brittney Griner

Griner Drops F-Bomb, Apologizes Amid Clark Slur RowBrittney Griner (Photo By Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)
Moments before the conclusion of the Indiana Fever’s 81-76 victory over the Dream at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta weeks ago, cameras seemingly caught Atlanta Dream star center Brittney Griner labeling Caitlin Clark “trash” before calling her a “f***ing white girl” in frustration over a foul on Natasha Howard.

The clip of Griner speaking on the bench, lacking context, spread on social media and went viral.

Griner, who won a gold medal for Team USA at the Summer Olympics in Paris in 2024, essentially got aw@y with whatever came out of her mouth because the league basically ignored the controversy.

This incident is not the only time Griner vocalized her frustrations this season. Following another game, she stormed off mid-interview, yelling at the referees to “be f—ing better.