Washington Wizards’ rookie Carlton “Bub” Carrington has etched his name into NBA history, joining an exclusive club alongside legends Kobe Bryant and Luka Doncic.

In Monday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, Carrington became just the third player in league history to record over 250 assists and 100 three-pointers before turning 20 years old.

Despite the Wizards’ 104-119 loss in Toronto, the 19-year-old added to his impressive resume by dishing out five assists and knocking down a three-pointer in 26 minutes of action.

His latest feat not only places him in elite company with Bryant and Doncic but also cements his place in Wizards history. Carrington is now the second-fastest rookie in franchise history to reach 100 three-pointers, achieving the milestone in 62 games.

The only player to do it faster? Bradley Beal, who hit the mark in 60 games during the 2012-13 season.

Carrington was originally selected 14th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2024 NBA Draft before being traded to Washington, along with Malcolm Brogdon, in exchange for Deni Avdija. Since joining the Wizards, he has steadily carved out a key role on the team.

So far this season, Carrington has played in 62 games, starting in 42 of them. He is averaging 9.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across 29.3 minutes per game, while shooting 40.3% from the field and 34.7% from beyond the arc.

For a young player still finding his footing in the league, Carrington’s rapid rise and record-breaking performances suggest a bright future ahead in Washington.

The Dallas Mavericks have been dealing with a seemingly endless string of injuries ever since their shocking decision to trade Luka Doncic just over a month ago.

What was already a challenging transition period has only gotten tougher, as the team continues to lose key players to various ailments.

The most significant blow came almost immediately after the blockbuster deal when Anthony Davis, the centerpiece of the trade package received from the Los Angeles Lakers, suffered an adductor injury in his very first game with the team.

As if that wasn’t enough, Daniel Gafford, an essential piece in the frontcourt, went down with an MCL sprain, which is expected to keep him sidelined until at least late March.

Just as the Mavericks were trying to regain their footing, they suffered what may be the most devastating injury yet—Kyrie Irving, the team’s primary star and offensive leader, tore his ACL, ending his season prematurely and leaving a massive void in their lineup.

On Friday, the Mavericks’ injury misfortunes continued, with Shams Charania reporting that forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper sustained a wrist injury and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

With so many key players out, the Mavericks now find themselves in a difficult position as they try to navigate the remainder of the season.

What was once a promising campaign has quickly turned into a battle for survival, as they struggle to stay competitive amid a roster plagued by injuries.

“Another injury blow to Dallas: Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper has a serious right wrist injury and is expected to require season-ending surgery, sources tell ESPN,” Charania posted.

Prosper, originally selected 24th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings, was quickly traded to the Dallas Mavericks as part of a deal that also brought in Richaun Holmes.

Over two seasons, the power forward has posted modest numbers, averaging 3.5 points and 2.2 rebounds in 10.0 minutes per game, while shooting 39.6% from the field.

Following the Doncic trade, some believed the Mavericks could be a dark horse contender in the Western Conference, thanks to the arrival of Anthony Davis and their strong frontcourt depth.

However, injuries have derailed those hopes, and the team has now lost five of its last six games heading into Friday’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Los Angeles is already playing at a championship-caliber level.

Life has been nothing short of fantastic for Los Angeles Lakers fans recently. Everything changed for the franchise on February 1, when the team shocked the basketball world by pulling off an unthinkable blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks.

With this move, JJ Redick’s squad instantly landed one of the NBA’s top-five players, a proven playoff performer, and perhaps most importantly the perfect running mate for LeBron James in the final stretch of his legendary career.

While Doncic’s arrival has undoubtedly secured the Lakers’ future, their present is just as promising. The basketball world now fully recognizes that Los Angeles has a legitimate shot at reaching the NBA Finals this season, simply because of Luka’s postseason brilliance.

Overnight, LA transformed from a top-six hopeful in the Western Conference to a team with a strong chance of securing a top-four seed.

The Lakers Are on Fire

As of now, the Lakers are in red-hot form. They are currently riding an eight-game winning streak and have won 14 of their last 16 matchups.

Their only two losses in that stretch came last month, in back-to-back games against the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets a time when Doncic was still adjusting to his new surroundings.

LA’s Defensive Strategy Is Making All the Difference

The Lakers’ recent dominance isn’t just about Luka Doncic and his incredible individual performances.

Yes, he is averaging 30.3 points per game in March, while shooting 40% from three and dishing out 12.0 assists per night.

But what’s truly propelling the team’s momentum is their highly effective defensive strategy daring poor shooters to take open shots and letting them fire away.

JJ Redick has implemented this tactical approach to perfection, and the results speak for themselves. Over their last five games, the Lakers have held each of their opponents to 30% or worse from beyond the arc.

The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, LA Clippers (twice), and Minnesota Timberwolves have collectively shot just 26.8% from three-point range against LA from February 27 to March 6.

This defensive philosophy typically reserved for the playoffs is already paying dividends in the regular season.

It further reinforces the belief that this Lakers team is built for postseason success and could be an unstoppable force when April, May, and June roll around.

If Luka and the Lakers maintain this level of play, championship aspirations in Los Angeles will be more than justified.

Lakers News: Jayson Tatum Doesn’t Think LeBron James Gets Talked About Enough

Anytime the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics face off, it’s a must-watch event. But this Saturday night’s primetime showdown carries even more weight than usual, as LeBron James and Luka Doncic lead LA into Boston to take on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in a battle between two of the hottest teams in the NBA.

The Lakers enter the matchup riding an eight-game winning streak, having won 18 of their last 21 games, while the Celtics have been nearly as dominant, claiming victory in 13 of their last 16 contests.

Both teams are clicking, with LeBron playing at an unreal level and Tatum firmly in the MVP conversation. This is a matchup the Celtics superstar is particularly excited for.

Tatum on LeBron: “We Probably Don’t Talk About Him Enough”

Ahead of the big game, Tatum took a moment to praise James, calling it an honor to continue competing against him while marveling at his ability to dominate the league in his 22nd season.

Speaking to Noa Dalzell of Celtics Blog, Tatum shared his admiration for the Lakers’ leader:

“As much as we probably talk about LeBron, we probably don’t talk about him enough. Being 40, in his 22nd season, playing at an All-NBA level is an incredible testament to the work ethic that he’s put in. His game, his body, to stay in the best shape to be able to compete and perform at the highest level for over two decades now. Something that we should all strive to do, even if it might be unlikely. But it’s a joy to be able to compete against him in these matchups for however long we get to do it for.”

Tatum’s words ring true what LeBron is accomplishing at this stage of his career is unprecedented.

No player in NBA history has maintained this level of excellence two decades into their career, let alone at 40 years old. His ability to still be one of the league’s elite players is a testament to his discipline, work ethic, and love for the game.

This isn’t the first time Tatum and LeBron have squared off on a big stage. Their battles date back to Tatum’s rookie season, when he and the Celtics fell to James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Now, LeBron has the Lakers firing on all cylinders, and if they can pull off a statement road win over the NBA Championship favorites, it would solidify their status as legitimate contenders.

LeBron James Emphasizes the Importance of Every Laker

While LeBron and Luka will undoubtedly need to play at a high level to take down the Celtics, James understands that success requires contributions from every player on the roster.

Fortunately for LA, their role players have been stepping up in crucial moments, and LeBron made it clear that everyone on the team matters.

Following the Lakers’ win over the New York Knicks, James stressed that every Laker plays a key role, while also shouting out Gabe Vincent for his standout performance.

“There’s no such thing as non-key players on this team,” James said after the victory. “Everybody is key, and everybody that steps on the floor has a role and they go in and match that. I thought our bench gave us a great lift once again, and Gabe [Vincent], single him out. He was spectacular his play both on the defensive end and obviously with his shooting that we needed. We were not making any outside shots.”