Another set of news from the past week or so, another batch of headlines that made us cheer, cringe, and chuckle. From contract joy to questionable takes, here’s what earned our thumbs up and thumbs down.

👍 Thumbs Up – Luka Dončić Getting Fit

Luka Dončić has taken plenty of heat over the years—not for his game, but for his conditioning. Each season, he seemed to show up looking a little softer, and it finally caught up with him when the Mavericks shockingly traded him to the Lakers last February. But it looks like Luka took it personally, a la the MJ meme. He’s now on the cover of Men’s Health, noticeably slimmer and more toned. If this version of Luka is here to stay, the rest of the league better be on notice. The question now: can he keep it up?

👍 Thumbs Up – Coach LA Tenorio

LA Tenorio is officially the new head coach of the Magnolia Hotshots, stepping in for Chito Victolero, who led the team for nine seasons and delivered a Governor’s Cup title back in 2018. This move feels like a natural progression for Tenorio, one of the most beloved and accomplished point guards in PBA history. Point guards are often seen as coaches on the floor, and now he gets to bring that leadership to the sidelines. With a solid roster already in place, Tenorio has a strong foundation to start his coaching journey.

👍 Thumbs Up – Dylan Harper’s Priceless Reaction

Dylan Harper, the 2025 second overall pick, just signed his four-year, $56 million rookie deal with the San Antonio Spurs—and his reaction was pure gold. Caught on camera, Harper’s face lit up in euphoric disbelief, a perfect mix of joy, shock, and gratitude. Moments like these are why fans love the draft—not just for the basketball potential, but for the human stories. For a young man to realize his dreams in real time? You absolutely love to see it.

👎Thumbs Down – Daryl Morey Discrediting the Bubble Championship

Here we go again with the tired takes, this time courtesy of Sixers president Daryl Morey, who decided to downplay the legitimacy of the Lakers’ 2020 Bubble championship. Every so often, someone brings this up as if it’s some kind of mic-drop argument, when really, it’s just lazy and salty. Sure, there were no fans, but that doesn’t make it easier. If anything, it made the basketball purer – no noise, no distractions, just you vs. them. Add the mental grind of isolation, strict protocols, and being away from home for months, and that title arguably took more resilience, not less. Enough already.

👎 Thumbs Down – Kahleah Copper Being Baffled for No Good Reason

Kahleah Copper was genuinely confused—baffled, even—that DeWanna Bonner was booed in her first game back in Indiana. But… why? Bonner signed with the Fever to be a veteran presence for good money, then asked out after just nine games. Fans felt let down, and they voiced it. That’s how sports work. The shock coming from Copper, a Philadelphia Eagles fan no less – whose team probably invented booing – makes it even more bizarre. Being surprised by fan backlash in this situation feels completely out of touch. This isn’t rocket science.