Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic celebrated the official launch of his new Luka 2 “Lake Bled” shoes from Jordan Brand on Saturday by hosting a 3-on-3 tournament on Lake Bled in Slovenia. Grosbasket Basketball Shop and Jordan Brand co-hosted the event.

Doncic, 24, started his partnership with Jordan Brand after signing a multi-year endorsement deal in December 2019. After signing his latest contract extension, he’s locked in until 2029. Grosbasket released this statement:

“We’re delighted to have partnered with Jordan Brand to bring this event to life in celebration of Luka Doncic and his signature footwear Luka 2 Lake Bled. Luka’s had an incredible impact in Slovenia and we’re thrilled that his latest game shoe is inspired by the country itself.”

Per multiple NBA betting sites, Luka Doncic holds second-best odds behind Nikola Jokic to win MVP next season. Sportsbooks are still showing great odds for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and Jayson Tatum.

Nike

Jordan Brand and Luka Doncic first introduced the Jordan Luka 2s earlier this summer. Prior to the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season, a new all-blue palette color pays tribute to Slovenia’s Lake Bled.

According to the Nike website, sizes are available from 3.5 to 18. “Slovenia — Luka’s home country — is the first nation to be declared a ‘Green Destination of the World’ in its entirety,” the product description reads.

“Celebrate its status with this special-edition Luka 2. The colorway is inspired by picturesque Lake Bled, a famed example of Slovenia’s natural beauty. And the shoe’s mindful construction (each pair is made with at least 20% recycled material) honors the country’s ongoing dedication to sustainability.”

Of course, the 360-degree connected support should help the feet “stay securely contained.” The precise style is DX9013-400.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic launches new Luka 2 “Lake Bled” Jordan Brand shoes during 3-on-3 tournament on floating court on Lake Bled in Slovenia

More importantly, the shoes were designed to enhance athleticism and are cushioned for impact. “When you’re shifting side to side, you need support that’s firm—but not rigid. A wedge of cushioning in the midsole butts up against the medial sidewall so you can bank like a champ, and a thick, molded insole helps you stay grounded.”

The shoes were also made to improve lateral support. “To help your quick stops feel secure, we added a strong, flexible plate that runs up the lateral sidewall, complimented by a firm foam carrier and Formula 23 foam in the midsole.”

Furthermore, the “Lake Bled” edition comes in a polar, bright crimson, psychic blue, diffused blue, university blue, and blue tint color scheme. The shoe’s upper was made with engineered mesh.

Plus, the blue shade is visible throughout both sides of the shoes. Not to mention, crimson accents are featured on the laces, Luka-branded tongues, Jumpman logo, and insoles.

For comfort and sustainability, the Formula 23 foam and Cushlon 3.0 wedge foam on the medial side were added. A Jordan Brand spokesman called it “the best improvement overall.” The white midsole and blue outsole were constructed to complete the bluish appearance.

Additionally, Luka Doncic’s shoes were designed out of “recycled materials from post-consumer and/or post-manufactured waste.” Zero carbon and zero waste was the goal during manufacturing.

“By reusing existing plastics, yarns, and textiles, we significantly reduce our emissions. Our goal is to use as much recycled materials as possible without compromising on performance, durability and style.”

However, the environment-friendly sneakers are expensive. The new Luka 2 “Lake Bled” shoes are now available to purchase at select retailers and online at Nike for $140.

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The 2023 WNBA playoffs’ $500,000 prize pool has been leaked. For the league’s 27th postseason, each WNBA player, who is listed on a team roster on the last day of the regular season, will receive a bonus. Teams eliminated in the first round will receive $1,616 per player.

Next, teams eliminated in the second round are expected to receive $3,123 per player. Of course, runner-up players of the WNBA Finals will each be awarded $7,746. Lastly, each WNBA champ will earn $20,825.

Based on the aforementioned criteria, the prize pool totals $500,000. This is the second straight year the league is using the above structure. The current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) went into effect prior to the 2020 season, and the contract offered $11,356 per player on the championship-winning team.

However, the prize money was negotiated to $20,825 per player, the highest bonus the WNBA can offer each champion. For a reminder, the league MVP receives $15,450, the second-highest bonus.

Ahead of the 2023 WNBA season, the regular season was expanded to 40 games per team, becoming the most games scheduled in a single season. Last season, the schedule increased to 36 games.

In the 2022 season, the league also boasted a 27% increase in viewers and a 16% increase in attendance. This year, the W had its most-watched regular season in 21 years and its highest average attendance since 2018.

2203 WNBA Playoffs’ $500K Prize Pool: How much will each player make in bonuses? Teams eliminated in second round: $3,123 per player; runner-up players of WNBA Finals: $7,746; WNBA champs: $20,825

Moreover, viewership was up 21% over 2022 across its national television partners. Additionally, the league’s average attendance of 6,615 fans was the WNBA’s highest since the 2018 season. The expanded schedule helped the league gain its highest total attendance in 13 years at 1,587,488.

“The significant rise in key business metrics is a testament to the captivating games being played and the WNBA’s expanding appeal,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “This surge in interest not only showcases the immense talent and athleticism on the court but also highlights the compelling narratives that continue to emerge about the players and the league.”

This postseason will also be the second straight year that the playoffs will be an all-series format after returning to it in 2022. The first round will use a 2-1 format, and the higher seed is set to host the first two games. Plus, the semifinals and the WNBA Finals will remain a best-of-five series.

The WNBA Playoffs start tonight. The W continued its growth trajectory in 2023 with TV ratings up 27% and attendance up 16%.

The WNBA last year posted its best postseason viewership in 15 years and should break that this year.

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— Alex Onaindia (@AlexOnaindia) September 13, 2023

Furthermore, the biggest change this season was the enforcement of the “prioritization clause” in the CBA. For this season, players with more than two WNBA seasons of experience who did not report to their teams by the designated start of training camp or May 1, faced mandatory fines.

Those who missed the start of the regular season were suspended for the season. Players who miss the start of training camp will be suspended for the season.

The first round of the 2023 WNBA playoffs began last Wednesday night. On Tuesday, the New York Liberty (1-0) host Game 2 against the Washington Mystics (0-1) at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Atlanta Dream (1-0) taking on the Dallas Wings (1-0) in the second matchup at 9 p.m.

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Ex-NBA player Iman Shumpert, 33, and singer Teyana Taylor, 32, have separated after seven years of marriage. The couple tied the knot on Oct. 1, 2016.

The “Google Me” singer denied rumors that the former Cleveland Cavaliers guard had been cheating on her.

“AHT AHT! Not too much on my bestie! In all fairness, Iman and I are separated and have been for a while,” Taylor wrote Sunday on Instagram in a lengthy caption next to a picture of her and Shumpert dressed as Wayne and Garth from Wayne’s World.

“In all fairness, Iman and I are separated and have been for a while. To be 1000% clear, ‘infidelity’ ain’t one of the reasons for our departure.

“We are still the best of friends, great business partners and are one hell of a team when it comes to co-parenting our 2 beautiful children. Most importantly we are FAMILY & in the 10yrs together, 7yrs married, we ain’t ever played with or about THAT.”

In her post, Teyana Taylor added that she and Shumpert kept their separation private at first, which was why “we’ve been able to successfully & peacefully separate without all of the outside noise.”

“The only reason I’m even sharing THIS part of the chat is because the narratives are getting a little out of hand & it’s unfair to all parties involved,” she continued. “I hope this provided some clarity for y’all. Okay AunTey taking y’all back out the chat bye!”

Shumpert did not discuss the news on his own Instagram, nor did he comment on Taylor’s.

Before announcing their separation, Taylor’s last post featuring her husband was on his birthday in June. She called him a “king” at the end of the caption as she described him as “one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received.”

“Your birthday will always be one of my favorite days…Because on this day 33 years ago a super dope human being was born. My best friend, my husband, my children’s dad, my other half,” she continued. “Crazy how ya bday feels like my day cause you a gift.”

Ex-Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert, singer Teyana Taylor are no longer together after 7 years of marriage

Meanwhile, Shumpert’s last Instagram post about his wife came on Mother’s Day in May. He praised the mother of his two kids, writing, “Your strength, persistence and patience has never ceased to amaze me. As we continue to celebrate you year in and year out for being all you can be I love that we take time every year for this holiday.

“Your lil head fits all of the hats no matter the size…but there’s something so beautiful about that mommy hat, so pure and so forever! Keep on pushing the love and creating the memories that remind us what this life is about. We love you.”

The couple plans to continue raising their two children — Iman “Junie” Shumpert, 7, and Rue Rose Shumpert, 3. Their top priority has always been taking care of Junie and Rue.

In April, Taylor told People that her “babies are good,” also saying they’re “getting big,” especially Rue. “My youngest is talking too much,” she added. “I can’t believe she’s a talking two. She is a talking two, for sure!”

Taylor went into early labor in 2015, and Iman Shumpert assisted in her delivery. On June 12, 2020, Taylor confirmed her second pregnancy in her music video for her 2020 single “Wake Up Love.”

Additionally, Shumpert was selected 17th overall by the New York Knicks in the 2011 NBA Draft out of Georgia Tech. After four seasons (2011-15) with the Knicks, the Illinois native was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He helped Cleveland win its first NBA championship in 2016.

Following four seasons (2015-18) with the Cavs, Shumpert went on to play for the Sacramento Kings (2018-19), Houston Rockets (2018-19 season), and Brooklyn Nets (2019-20 season, 2020-21 season).

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