Matthew Adams
Assistant Editor

The NBA has witnessed a significant shift with a trade that many will talk about for years to come. Luka Doncic, former Dallas Mavericks superstar has been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a four-team trade.

Players, sports personalities, and the whole internet were collectively in shock as NBA reporter Shams Charnia announced the news. 

The initial report stated, “BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading Luka Doncic, and Maxi Kleber to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Three-team trade deal that includes Utah.”

As part of the trade, the Utah Jazz received Jalen Hood-Schifino from the Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers’ 2025 second-round pick, as well as the Mavericks’ 2025 second-round selection.

Doncic was on pace to reconstruct and possibly sign a supermax contract that would have been upwards of $345 million dollars. He would lose close to 116 million dollars by being traded.

Doncic left the Mavericks averaging a near triple-double with 28.1 points, 7.3 assists, and 8.3 rebounds. As one-star player leaves the Mavericks, another is determined to make his mark on a new team.

Davis joins Kyrie Irving and crew on another Western Conference team. The former Lakers champion left the Lakers averaging 25.7 points, 3.4 assists, and 11.9 rebounds.

Many NBA players were in shock after the trade occurred. Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards articulated what many have been saying during a locker room interview.

Edwards stated, “They say that no one knew about the trade… at 25, they probably traded the best scorer in the NBA at 25, and he didn’t know about it. It’s a lot more digging someone has to do,” said Edwards. “You don’t just trade him at 25, he just went to the finals…I feel bad for Luka.”

ESPNs First Take hosts Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe would join the disbelief. Both would share with an audience of millions the feelings they have towards this trade.

“There has to be so much more to how bad things were between him and the Mavericks organization. If they got love for you or whatever, they (are going) to let your agent know. They (are going) to tip you off. What they are not going to do is cost you over a $100 million dollars.” Smith explained.

The trade sparked major reactions, even Jackson State University students would share the same sentiments as the sports commentators.

Jarrett Brown, a junior graphic design major from Inland Empire, Calif., was initially unimpressed by the trade but later realized Doncic could add immense value to the Lakers organization.

“As a Lakers fan, at first I was a little hurt because of all that Anthony Davis did for the franchise but then I realized when an opportunity to get a generational talent like Luka falls into your lap you gotta take it,” said Brown.  “As a basketball move, this sets the Lakers up for the future when Bron (Lebron) retires… It’s always going to be Lakers in 5.”

Marrion Longino, a freshman management major from Ridgeland Miss. feels as if Doncic was not treated fairly.

Longino stated, “I personally feel like the ownership shipped off prime Luka Doncic out of pure greed and spite. The rich get richer as far as the Lakers are concerned,” said Longino. “I don’t see why the GM (General Manager) of the Mavs is getting so much hate when he is the mere scapegoat of this situation.”

Doncic made his epic Lakers debut on Feb. 10, 2025. 

The NBA preseason is over and the regular season is coming with a full head of steam. Teams have made alterations to their respective lineups and look to put their best foot forward to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy come late June.

This offseason was the most heartbreaking one for me. My Chicago Bulls decided to part ways with one of our top scorers, DeMar DeRozan.

As a long-time Bulls fan, this hurt me. I was not expecting the Bulls to make such a huge move to their roster. What surprised me about this was that we were so indecisive about making the trade and then out of nowhere I got a notification from ESPN that exclaimed, “Breaking News: The Chicago Bulls have traded Demar DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings.”

The trade wasn’t even good. We didn’t get anything of value that could help prepare us for the upcoming season. We obtained Chris Duarte whose production has faltered every year.

Granted, we still have Zach Lavine and Nikola Vucevic, but that just isn’t enough. I believe our record will tank to at least 39-43. One sports publication was giving out projections and they said that we would be lower than 39-43. 

Another thing is that we have Lonzo Ball, who, defensively, will bring some spark to the Bulls. We also have a more improved Coby White, who can score with the best of them. He could be the second option and gain a starting position this season.

A team that has caught my attention is the Sacramento Kings. They are in an interesting situation. With a “Big 3” in Demar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, and De’Aaron Fox, three scorers who can produce at any given point.

The addition of DeRozan is good because he can score at a high clip, especially at the elbow which is his spot. DeRozan can elevate an offense that previously had six double-digit scorers and four that were over 15 points. 

The only downside of this DeRozan trade is that the 2nd option will have to take a slight hit on their scoring. 

Now with this current team, the Kings can make a deep playoff run. I have them going at least to the Western Conference Finals simply off the fact that they can do it They are a team that isn’t far from that feat, especially under Mike Brown who has done wonders for this team since his hiring in 2022. 

I believe that the Kings will have a record of 50-32 with the added production of DeRozan. 

Another team that I am looking forward to this season is the Dallas Mavericks. Their deep run to the Finals was a run that I did not expect. It was great seeing the talent that the Mavericks front office was able to assemble. 

The Mavericks acquired Klay Thompson in the first-ever six-team trade which included the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Golden State Warriors.

With this trade, I am not sure what will be the outcome for the Dallas Mavericks. They are a very unpredictable team that can be bad and then flourish into a team that can make the finals.

These teams are the ones to watch out for. I don’t think any of them will be in the Finals. My prediction is that the Boston Celtics will tear up the East and make another Finals appearance. It’s tough to say if they will win the Finals at the moment but they have the team and coaching staff to do so.

The Western Conference has a large variety of talent as well but the team that will come out victorious and make it to the Finals is the Los Angeles Lakers. I just have a feeling that in his 22nd year, Lebron James and the Lakers are going to make this season special. 

The NBA season starts on Oct, 22. Who do you have winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy?

Kendrick Lamar was announced as the headliner of the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show on Sept. 8. 

The 37-year-old entertainer from Compton, Calif., has 17 Grammy wins, is the only rapper to win a Pulitzer Prize, and has already graced the stage in Super Bowl 56’s halftime show alongside an iconic lineup of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige. 

In a news release, Lamar expressed his excitement, proclaiming that “rap music is still the most impactful genre to date and I’ll be there to remind the world why.”

This announcement follows his rap feud with Aubrey “Drake” Graham earlier this year, which resulted in a significant win for Lamar, who has continued to impact the hip-hop world. 

Since his major label debut in 2012 with “Good Kid, m.A.A.d City,” Lamar has become arguably the most influential and respected rapper in the industry.

Shawn “Jay Z” Carter, founder of Roc Nation, praised Lamar’s artistry and influence in hip-hop and culture. 

Carter stated, “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”

However, Lamar has faced backlash from prominent figures in the hip-hop world, particularly Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., aka “Lil Wayne” associates like Birdman, Nicki Minaj, and Cam’ron who have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the selection on Twitter. 

The source of their outrage is the belief that Wayne should have been chosen to headline the Super Bowl due to the upcoming event’s location in New Orleans, a city closely associated with Lil Wayne’s musical roots.

“God forbid if Wayne was to leave this earth right now, the culture would be in mourning,” Minaj wrote on Twitter. “That’s why so many ppl keep saying to give our legends their flowers while they are still around to smell them.”

Both Minaj and Cam’ron suggested that Jay-Z, who is partnered with the NFL, intentionally snubbed Lil Wayne in favor of Lamar. 

Birdman, CEO of Cash Money, has a well-known feud with Lil Wayne that dates back to 2009. 

This has led to speculation that Jay-Z favored Lamar due to the ongoing conflict. 

However, it’s important to note that, according to www.BusinessInsider.com,  Jay-Z does not solely decide who performs at the Super Bowl. The NFL board, which includes Jay-Z, considers a list of artists proposed by the hosting city.

On Sept. 12, Wayne expressed his disappointment on Instagram regarding not performing at the Super Bowl in New Orleans. 

In a video shared on his Instagram account, he said, “That hurt. A lot. You know what I’m talking about. It hurt a lot. I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a let-down.” 

Wayne added, “It broke me, and I’m just trying to put me back together. I feel like I let all of y’all down by not getting that opportunity.” 

According to TMZ, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed enthusiasm about the selection of Lamar as the headliner for the Super Bowl. 

Goodell declared, “I’m feeling great about it.”

Several Jackson State University students shared their thoughts on the Super Bowl selection.

Joshua Hall, a senior criminal justice major from Chicago, Ill., mentioned that Lil Wayne is iconic.

“I feel like Wayne should have headlined the show, but how Kendrick changed the culture during the summer is something that should be recognized and I believe Kendrick deserves his spot,” Hall stated.

Damien Teroy, a sophomore bio-medical engineering major from Houston, Texas, emphasized that the Super Bowl involves marketing. 

“People should have the decency to accept who the Superbowl chooses because it doesn’t matter what city it is in, especially since they’re a business first,” Terry stated.

Despite the mixed reactions, the choice has sparked conversation and heightened anticipation for the upcoming event, which will air on Fox.

Super Bowl LIX is scheduled to take place on Feb. 9, 2025 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. 

Imagine walking into a world where New York’s streets become runways, and every garment tells a story—welcome to New York Fashion Week 2024, when innovation meets elegance in the most stunning exhibition of imagination.

New York Fashion Week 2024, which kicks off fashion week, has found itself at a turning point in recent seasons, while rivals in Milan and Paris have maintained supremacy on the industry’s calendar with desired shows and splashy celebrity guest invites.

This year, the event coincided with the U.S. Open, drawing a slew of A-list celebrities to view the events and participate on the runway.

At New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024, a breathtaking assortment of designers filled the runway, each expressing their distinct perspectives. Influences, celebrities, and industry insiders flocked to New York City’s streets to see the reveal of the Spring/Summer collections.

The city was buzzing with excitement as everyone anticipated what amazing things the fashion industry would roll out.

Not only was New York Fashion Week 2024 a showcase of fashion, but it also served as a worldwide statement of the transforming power of fashion.

This year, the fashion offerings included a colorful festival of creativity, innovation, and style, with designers from all over the world showcasing their Spring/Summer collection. The event drew a broad crowd, including fashion editors, influencers, celebrities, buyers, and style experts, all having different motivations for going.

Some familiar names that graced the event included Madonna, Kim Kardashian, Kerry Washington, Ice Spice, Colman Domingo, and many more.

Influencers and social media celebrities attended the exhibitions to create platform content and engage with designers and businesses. For fashion enthusiasts, it was a chance to witness the creativity of fashion up close and feel the excitement of viewing the latest creations.

Marc Jacobs, the creator of the famous Tote Bag, wowed viewers with his brightly colored exaggerated designs and colorful patterns that evoked a feeling of nostalgia.

Meanwhile, Tibi introduced a fresh minimalist style with crisp lines and earthy colors, ideal for relaxed chic.

Altuzarra’s collection was a lesson in subtle elegance with elaborate embroidery and flowing materials that were both timeless and contemporary.

Meanwhile, Fear of God, an innovative streetwear brand, has revolutionized casual luxury with its large designs and luxurious materials.

Each designer contributed to a vibrant tapestry of fashion that characterized the season, laying the groundwork for trends that would shape the industry for months to come.

Some fashion-forward Jackson State University students shared how fashion impacts their lives and style.

“Fashion is a way to express myself and connect with others. I’ve had times when people have come up to me and we’ve just bonded off clothes, makeup & shoes,” said Kelise Stevens, a sophomore biology/pre-dental major from Joliet, Ill. “It’s so fun to talk about fashion with shared individuals.

Stevens added, “When you look good, you feel good, so I try to put some type of outfit on every day that was planned out.”

Fashion Week is receiving more attention than ever before because of live-stream footage, Instagram stories, and other forms of social sharing. As a result, more people are paying attention to what is seen on the runways.

“It’s (fashion) a part of my personality. It helps me express myself. My feelings, thoughts, and emotions, but most importantly, it’s about the culture and how fashion can have an economic impact on people as well,” said Dajah Edelin, a healthcare administration major from Washington, D.C.

Movie-goers flocked to theaters for the nostalgia of watching “Coraline” again for the film’s 15th anniversary. Starting in August, “Coraline” was screened in select theaters, with a newly remastered 3D version.

The film begins with 11-year-old Coraline adapting to a new environment. However, she has a hard time adjusting to what her parents are trying to share with her. While adjusting to a new lifestyle, she finds herself in a dangerous predicament.

Coraline discovers a mysterious door to an alternate world with a different set of parents. She quickly realizes the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. 

“Coraline” is a family-based horror stop-motion film. It was originally PG-13 but has recently been changed to Rated R due to the scary theme. Nonetheless, reviews from fans (via Google) range between 4 and 5 stars. 

According to Animation Magazine on oreganlive.com, $11.6 million was made from the 2024 re-release, remaining a classic.

Gregory Underwood, a junior elementary education major from Jackson, Miss., expressed his thoughts on the film.

“The film will always scare me lol, but the film remains a childhood classic,” said Underwood.

Kyle, a Google reviewer, called it a “dark delight.”

The re-debut of “Coraline” brought in over $20 million dollars at the worldwide box office. Old fans gained the nostalgic feeling the movie once brought. New fans got their first time experiencing the film. 

The animation has been compared to the book by Coraline supporters. In 2009, the creators of “Coraline” based the movie on the 2002 published “Coraline” book by Neil Gaiman. 

The creators of “Coraline” made a behind-the-scenes special for the film’s anniversary. During this, the creators explained the direction they took for the film and explained each section’s process. 

The stop-motion film was created with clay and took four years to make. According to Weebly.com, there were 24 frames per second of the movie, so considering the film is 100 minutes long, that’s 144,000 frames to be shot to create this movie.

The behind-the-scenes at the end of the film also showcased the creators making different individual faces for Coraline and other characters. A whopping 15,000 replacement faces were made for each character because of its fragility. 

Over 500 people were involved in the creation of the film. Director Henry Selick and the screenwriter went through a lot of drawings, sculptures, and versions of her hair. 

Selick stated, “The main thing was to let her be a beacon of color.” 

LAIKA Studios shared that 28 identical puppets of the lead character Coraline were created. Each took 10 people four months to build. 

Coraline’s colorful character has had several faces for one piece of dialogue. The tedious process of Coraline gives a new appreciation for the film. 

A Google review from Ray suggests that Coraline, “is a world of imagination that has been sewed up with every possible desire that we all had ever imagined… This movie made me so full of tears and gratitude with its thoughtfulness; I didn’t see that coming.”

Nonetheless, the dedication to the 2009 film did not go unnoticed as a misunderstood blue-haired little girl filled movie screens.