Lakers Assistant Credits LeBron for Doncic’s Off-Season Push; Porter Jr. Talks Shooting Hierarchy; Clippers Reject Cap Workaround Claim
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Los Angeles — Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean says Luka Doncic’s summertime body remake was fueled by daily interaction with LeBron James, calling the four-time MVP a major catalyst for the guard’s stricter diet and training plan.
“When you’re around really good players, you can’t help but be motivated to get better at your craft,” St. Jean told BasketNews, adding that Doncic has long admired James. Their regular workouts, he said, benefitted both stars.
Doncic has carried that form into EuroBasket, averaging 31.3 points, 8.3 assists and 3.3 steals through four games with Slovenia. Los Angeles has positioned the 25-year-old as its new focal point after acquiring Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia this off-season. Doncic signed a three-year maximum extension last month worth up to $165.3 million.
Nets Bank on Porter’s Confidence
New Brooklyn forward Michael Porter Jr. said only Stephen Curry stands clearly above him among NBA shooters, placing Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Trae Young, Damian Lillard and Duncan Robinson on what he called “my level.” Porter made the remark during an interview with influencer PlaqueBoyMax.
The Nets traded for the 26-year-old and the remaining $80 million on his contract after he shot 50.4 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three with Denver last season.
Clippers Deny Pay-to-Play Allegations
The Clippers released a lengthy statement Wednesday disputing reports that owner Steve Ballmer used a $28 million endorsement deal between Kawhi Leonard and the now-bankrupt financial firm Aspiration to sidestep salary-cap rules.
“Neither the Clippers nor Steve Ballmer circumvented the salary cap,” the team said, calling the suggestion “absurd.” The organization blamed fraud committed by Aspiration co-founder Joseph Sanberg, saying Ballmer was one of several investors misled about the company’s finances.
The NBA has launched an investigation. Journalist Pablo Torre, who first detailed the allegations, has maintained the accuracy of his reporting and challenged the Clippers’ rebuttal.
Source: Hoops Wire
