LeBron, Luka tout supporting cast in Lakers’ OT win over Knicks
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James’ and Luka Doncic’s 30-point double-doubles might have jumped off the box score after the Los Angeles Lakers’ 113-109 overtime win over the New York Knicks on Thursday, but L.A.’s stars said the victory belonged to their supporting cast.
“I think Gabe [Vincent] won the game with those three 3s in the fourth quarter,” Doncic said of the team’s backup point guard.
The Lakers trailed by as many as 10 in the fourth quarter — only the second time during their eight-game winning streak they were down double-digits to an opponent — when Vincent caught fire.
Vincent, who missed nearly all of last season with a knee injury, hit his first 3 of the fourth to cut the Knicks’ lead to five with 5:59 remaining. His next 3, with 2:55 left, cut L.A.’s deficit to one. His third, with 1:21 to go, gave the Lakers a 99-96 advantage, the first time they were up since the second quarter.
“It’s part of why I’m here,” Vincent said. “Part of why I’m here is what I’ve done at those moments late in the season. So just try and take the experience I’ve had and built and just try to continue to keep up with winning games.”
The Lakers signed Vincent to a three-year contract in the summer of 2023 when he was coming off an NBA Finals run with the Miami Heat. While injuries derailed the start to his Laker tenure, he’s been a valuable performer to the Lakers’ turnaround this season on the defensive end — ranking No. 1 in defensive efficiency in the league since Jan. 30.
Doncic finished with 32 points, 12 assists, 7 rebounds and 4 steals and scored L.A.’s first five points in overtime. James had 31 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists and played 44 of 53 minutes at 40 years old.
But it was Vincent’s 12 points, rookie Dalton Knecht’s 11 points, backup center Trey Jemison III’s seven points and four rebounds and starting center Jaxson Hayes’ eight points, five rebounds, two blocks and two clutch free throws to give L.A. a two-point lead with less than a minute left in overtime that received the most praise in the locker room.
“There’s no such thing as non-key players on this team,” James said. “Everybody is key. And everybody who steps on the floor has a role and they go in and match that. And I thought our bench gave us a great lift once again and Gabe was — I’ll single him out — he was spectacular. His play both on the defensive end and obviously his shooting, we needed it.”
L.A. (40-21) begins a four-game road trip Saturday against the defending champs and franchise rival Boston Celtics.
Austin Reaves, who returned from a two-game absence from a right hamstring injury and struggled with a 2-for-13 shooting night, said that the nature of the win speaks volumes to what kind of team the Lakers are becoming.
“We probably shouldn’t have won that game,” Reaves said. “It’s special to not play the way you want to and still come out and win.”
In a continuation of criticism of the league office over the better part of two years, New York Knicks owner James Dolan called for a resolution to be voted on at this month’s NBA board of governors meetings that asks for clearer accounting of the league’s finances, according to a letter received this week by the league office and the board of governors.
Dolan, who said ahead of the September meeting that he wouldn’t be voting on the 2024-25 budget, nor the election of a new chair of the board of governors, laid out in the letter, which was obtained by ESPN, why he believes the NBA needs to add a resolution to its agenda for this month’s meeting as part of an ongoing attempt to seek out “increased financial transparency and operating efficiency.”
The proposed resolution would begin with the 2025-26 NBA fiscal year and would ask the league to “adopt a zero-based method of budgeting operating costs, headcount, and capital expenditures for all League and Affiliate League operations” and “adopt a process to present and distribute the League’s annual proposed budgets inclusive of all underlying account detail summarized by department and type of expense, headcount, and fully allocated costs against each League revenue stream.”
In the letter, which was co-signed by both Dolan and the team’s alternate governor, Madison Square Garden chief operating officer Jamaal Lesane, the Knicks detailed how the league’s operating budget rose nearly 8% from the year before, and pointed out specific increases in a variety of areas, as well as an increase in “League office headcount” by more than 800 people.
“Despite the League’s swelling costs and headcount, the budget materials provided by the League during its annual September budget review are limited in scope,” the letter said. “Accordingly, to improve the League’s financial transparency and operating efficiency, the Knicks propose that the League adopts a zero-based method of budgeting operating costs, capital expenditures, and headcount for all League operations and initiatives (including Affiliate Leagues, such as the Basketball Africa League, WNBA, and G League).
The letter went on to ask for further underlying details — “summarized by department and type of expense-including headcount, capital expenditures, and fully-loaded budgeted costs with respect to the League and each of its subsidiaries and Affiliate Leagues” — and for all costs and head counts related to both the league’s upcoming new national media deals, which kick in next season, and “any contemplated NBA Europe league operations.”
The Knicks also asked for the 2025-26 budget to be presented in July at the league’s annual Las Vegas meeting so that it could be ratified in September when the owners convene again before the start of the season.
Dolan and the Knicks have repeatedly questioned the league office on a variety of topics dating back multiple years. The team sued the Toronto Raptors in August 2023 over the alleged theft of thousands of files, with an arbitration hearing scheduled for the week of July 21 to resolve it. That same summer, Dolan resigned from the advisory/finance and media committees, and wrote in a memo obtained by ESPN that “given all that has occurred lately, I have come to the conclusion that the NBA neither needs nor wants my opinion.”
Last year, he sent another letter criticizing the league for its new television deal, which he said would render regional sports networks as “unviable” moving forward.
“The NBA has made the move to an NFL model — deemphasizing and depowering the local market,” Dolan wrote in the letter, which was obtained by ESPN. “Soon, your only revenue concern will be the sale of tickets and what color next year’s jersey will be. Don’t worry, because due to revenue pooling, you are guaranteed to be neither a success nor a failure.
“Of course, to get there, the league must take down the successful franchises and redistribute to the less successful. This new media deal goes a long way to accomplishing that goal.”
On Monday, Sphere Entertainment said in an earnings release that it could look at entering MSG Networks, which broadcasts Knicks and New York Rangers games, into bankruptcy protection if it’s unable to work out a deal to refinance its debt. That announcement came shortly after the company reached an agreement with Altice to get the networks back onto one of the biggest cable providers in the country, and one that serves much of the tri-state area.
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EDITOR’S PICKS
Is LeBron the unluckiest player in the NBA? An investigation
8dZach Kram
The Dallas Mavericks’ season continues to reach new lows. Luka Dončić is gone. Anthony Davis has yet to return. And now Kyrie Irving is done for the season. Here’s a timeline of the Mavericks’ miserable season, starting on Christmas Day.
The Mavericks star left the team’s 105-99 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half on Christmas Day due to a left calf injury — an injury that would sideline Dončić for more than a month.
Lively was diagnosed with a fractured foot, sidelining the Mavs’ breakout star indefinitely. In 32 games, including 25 starts this season, Lively had averaged 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.7 blocks while shooting 70.1% from the field in 24 minutes per game.
In perhaps the most shocking trade in NBA history, Dallas sent Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round draft pick in a three-team deal that also included the Jazz.
Following the news of the trade, which broke after midnight on the East Coast, Mavs GM Nico Harrison told ESPN: “I believe that defense wins championships. I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”
At the introductory news conference for Dončić, Lakers executive Rob Pelinka thanked Nico Harrison for trading Dončić to Los Angeles, calling it “a gift.”
Dončić, who still looked stunned two days after the trade, said he would “take the high road” in response to comments made about him from the Mavericks after the trade was made.
Ahead of the Dallas’ first home game after the trade, Mavericks fans protested outside of American Airlines Center. Some signs called for Nico Harrison to be fired. Other fans called for the team to be sold.
In his first game with the Mavericks, Davis was impressive, totaling 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in only 31 minutes. But, in the third quarter, he exited the game with a lower-body injury. After the game, Davis told reporters that it was “nothing serious.” But the next day it was reported that Davis had suffered an adductor strain and would miss weeks.
In his first public comments about the trade in an interview with The Dallas Morning News, Dumont cited “character” and “culture” as reasons for the trade. Dumont also said, “If you look at the greats in the league, the people you and I grew up with — [Michael] Jordan, [Larry] Bird, Kobe, Shaq [O’Neal] — they worked really hard, every day, with a singular focus to win. And if you don’t have that, it doesn’t work. And if you don’t have that, you shouldn’t be part of the Dallas Mavericks.”
Dončić made his Lakers debut against the Jazz, draining his first points with the Lakers on a 3-pointer from the top of the key just a few minutes into the contest. Dončić finished with 14 points in a 132-113 win. He added five rebounds and four assists in what was his first game back after the calf injury he suffered on Christmas.
During a home game against the Sacramento Kings, Mavericks fans were ejected from their seats at American Airlines Center after calling for the firing of general manager Nico Harrison. A fan drew the attention of the video board’s producers during a karaoke segment. But instead of singing along, he appeared to mouth the words “Fire Nico.” Another video showed what appeared to be the same fan and his neighbor holding up signs that distinctly read: “Fire Nico.” They were escorted out of the arena by security.
During the game against the Kings, Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford had to be helped off the court in the second quarter after his right knee buckled while he tried to set a screen. It marked the latest big man to go down with an injury for the Mavs, who were also without Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II and Dwight Powell.
At the NBA’s All-Star Weekend, the trade was still the talk of the league, even among the stars. “Two weeks later, it’s still the craziest trade I’ve ever seen,” said the San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama.
At Adam Silver’s press conference, the commissioner also addressed the trade and concern about the Mavericks’ future in Dallas. “Whether or not history will judge this as a smart trade, they did what they thought was in the best interest of the organization,” said Silver. “I have absolutely no knowledge or belief that there were any ulterior motives. There is no doubt in my mind that the Dumont and Adelson families bought that team to keep it in Dallas. I have no doubt whatsoever that they are committed to the long-term future there.”
During an appearance at 96.7 The Ticket’s Ticketstock event, Mavs legend Dirk Nowitzki shared his reaction upon first hearing that Dončić had been traded. He also discussed what it was like seeing Luka in a Lakers uniform: “I’ll never be a Lakers fan, but I must always be a Luka fan.”
Dončić reunited with the Mavericks and recorded his first triple-double as a member of the Lakers in a 107-99 win against his old team. He finished with 19 points on 6-of-17 shooting, 15 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals and two blocks. After the game, Doncic said: “I am just glad it’s over.”
Grimes, whom the Mavericks also traded away at the deadline, scored a career-high 44 points for the Philadelphia 76ers. The 24-year-old guard, who will be a restricted free agent, had averaged 10.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in 22.8 minutes over 47 games for Dallas. That has jumped to 16.5 points and 5.5 rebounds with Philly.
The team announced it was raising ticket prices for next season, citing “ongoing investments in the team.” The price hike will result in an average overall price increase of 8.61%, WFAA reported. As expected, season ticket-holders were not happy about the increase.
Mavericks star Kyrie Irving will miss the rest of the NBA season after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Irving went down early in the team’s 122-98 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Monday night. Irving was driving to the hoop late in the first quarter at the American Airlines Center when his left knee bent awkwardly as he attempted a layup.
Dec. 25: Luka Dončić gets hurt
Jan. 22: Dereck Lively II fractures foot
Feb. 2: Mavericks trade Luka Dončić
Feb. 4: Dončić is introduced as a Laker
Feb. 8: Fans protest outside of Mavericks’ arena
Feb. 8: Anthony Davis makes his Dallas debut, gets hurt
Feb. 9: Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont explains the trade
Feb. 10: Luka makes his Lakers debut
Feb. 11: Fans thrown out in Dallas
Feb. 11: Daniel Gafford injures knee
Feb. 15: ‘Craziest trade I’ve seen’
Feb. 21: Dirk shares his first reaction to the trade
Feb. 25: Luka faces Mavericks for the first time
March 2: Quentin Grimes scores 44 points … for Philly
March 3: Mavericks raise ticket prices
March 4: Mavericks lose Kyrie Irving for the season
Luka Doncic Has Realization Lakers Fans Have Known For A While
The Los Angeles Lakers’ trade for Luka Doncic was over a month ago, which means he is starting to get comfortable with his new team both on and off the court.
Doncic is coming off two of his better games with the Lakers, averaging 30 points in back-to-back home victories over the L.A. Clippers.
While Doncic was understandable upset when he was shockingly traded, those feelings appear to have worn off and the vibes couldn’t be any higher within the Lakers after six straight wins.
What Doncic is also learning though is that when you play for the Lakers, you have to be ready to go every night as every team is ready to give L.A. its best shot. There’s a running joke on Lakers social media about players returning from injury just to play against them, although Doncic is starting to realize that it isn’t a joke.
The latest example is Norman Powell, who returned against the Lakers on Sunday after missing a few weeks with a knee injury. Unfortunately for Powell, he was able to play just nine minutes before leaving the game with a hamstring injury.
Doncic was asked about it after the game and is realizing what it means to play for the purple and gold.
“I think so. I think I didn’t believe it before, but they say, like if somebody’s out a long time, they play against the Lakers. I didn’t believe it that long time, but obviously it’s the Lakers,” Doncic said.
Luka has had a rivalry with the Clippers going back to his time in Dallas when he squared off with them in the playoffs in two different years. Things have gotten a little chippy between him and the other L.A. team, but that is what he likes.
“Maybe, obviously, we went back and forth a lot with the Clippers. That’s what I like. For me, that’s fun, and that’s how I get going, especially on the basketball court,” Doncic said.
Doncic talking smack shows that he is getting back to his old self, which is great news as the Lakers continue their second half surge.
Luka Doncic was forced back to the locker room in the first quarter against the Clippers after getting fouled hard by Kris Dunn. He revealed that they bumped knees and even though he was laboring a bit to finish out the game, Doncic is not concerned.
“It was on the fall, I think,” Doncic said, referring to when he was fouled has by Dunn late in the first quarter. “Just a little tight. But then I got kneed in the knee. Third straight game in the same spot, so kind of struggle on that right leg. But I’m good.”
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