Mateo Navarrette, Editor, Author at CrownHoops

The 2020 NBA Draft, like the rest of the world, adapted to the limitations of the pandemic. Draftees weren’t able to walk across the stage to shake hands with Adam Silver. They had to tune in via video with their families at their side as

Nov 19, 2020 by Mateo Navarrette, Editor in NBA

With the regular season in the rear-view, the Los Angeles Lakers were ready to prove all doubters wrong. Perceptions for this title favorite were more varied than expected. Plenty of oddsmakers, insiders, and fans gave them the appropriate respect. Though even with Anthony Davis and

Oct 20, 2020 by Mateo Navarrette, Editor in Los Angeles Lakers

The “NBA Bubble” resulted in a viewing experience unlike anything ever seen. Title favorites such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers wilted under traditional postseason pressure compounded by the strange, new circumstances. That gave way to unprecedented runs by gritty teams like the

Oct 14, 2020 by Mateo Navarrette, Editor in Los Angeles Lakers

Game 7 of the 1999-2000 Western Conference Finals was responsible for turning me into not only a Los Angeles Lakers fan, but also a sports fan in general. After being down by as much as 15 in the fourth quarter, Kobe Bryant tossed an alley-oop

Jan 27, 2020 by Mateo Navarrette, Editor in NBA

Bogdan Bogdanovic has been coming up in trade rumors as of late, particularly linked with the Los Angeles Lakers. He would be an amazing fit next to LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and company, but it’s unclear how the Sacramento Kings would benefit from letting him

Jan 09, 2020 by Mateo Navarrette, Editor in NBA

LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers have busted out of the gate guns blazing. Preseason critics have eaten a ton of crow as the team sits atop the Western Conference with a 24-3 record. Their offense has only recently rounded into form.

Dec 17, 2019 by Mateo Navarrette, Editor in Los Angeles Lakers

The NBA world was almost certain that Carmelo Anthony would never suit up again. His last two chances in the league were short, ineffective stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets. He came in as a man who was expected to provide a complimentary

Nov 29, 2019 by Mateo Navarrette, Editor in NBA

A small quote from Spencer Dinwiddie caused a lot of conversation recently in the NBA universe. When questioned by The Athletic’s Travonne Edwards about which state/region has produced the greatest haul of today’s NBA players, Dinwiddie remarked it was Southern California (SoCal) by a longshot.

Nov 12, 2019 by Mateo Navarrette, Editor in NBA

The NBA is back in full swing. Each team has only played a few games. If you haven’t caught yourself overreacting, you’re simply lying to yourself. The Los Angeles Clippers were the preseason favorite to win the championship by a slim margin. Two games were

Oct 26, 2019 by Mateo Navarrette, Editor in Los Angeles Clippers

Hoops fans can rejoice, as the NBA’s Dog Days are officially coming to an end. The Los Angeles Lakers preseason contests have provided us with a glimpse into one of the league’s most intriguing teams. They’ve played four games so far. Two were wins against

Oct 16, 2019 by Mateo Navarrette, Editor in Los Angeles Lakers