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.