Facing pressure to perform for his NBA franchise and the fans in New Orleans this upcoming season, Williamson put on a show in Melbourne, Australia, during his team's preseason trip, marking the first time an NBA team ever played in the country.
Basketball originated as a distinctly American game. It had international roots, though, as the game's inventor, James Naismith, was Canadian. In the years since, the NBA has been flooded with league-defining international talent.
The Lakers made two high-profile signings this summer in Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, and Deandre Ayton, a former No. 1 overall pick. But it's the under-the-radar signing of Jake LaRavia that might have the most significant long-term impact.
Brooklyn has been mired in a rebuild for a while now, and seeing some steps forward would do wonders for the overall confidence level regarding the franchise's blueprint.
While the WNBA awaits the crowning of a 2025 champion, MVP Napheesa Collier made it clear that there is growing resentment between WNBA players and league leadership.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert's supposed comment about Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark highlights why she's losing favorability within the league.