Luka Doncic has been one of the hottest topics in the NBA at the moment. With the 25-year-old getting traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, fans and critics are still trying to wrap their heads around what exactly went down. With all the focus on Jimmy Butler vs. Miami Heat fiasco, the trade between Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis came out of the blue. However, now that the deal is done, there has been a surge of curiosity about how soon Doncic will don the gold and purple jersey.

Luka Doncic (Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez/ Imagn Images)

And, well, the exact timeline is much sooner than anybody imagined. As per reports, Luka Doncic is all set to make his debut on Monday against the Utah Jazz.

According to an X post from Marc Stein, “Luka Dončić is targeting Monday against Utah for his Lakers debut, @TheSteinLine has learned. He returned to 5-on-5 play in practice this week and is said to be progressing well in his ramp up from his left calf strain on Christmas.”

This is surely an exciting prospect for the newly signed Lakers star. Meanwhile, commenting on the blockbuster trade, Shaquille O’Neal chimed in with an interesting take.

Shaquille O’Neal Declares Clear Winner Of The Luka Doncic Trade

Ever since the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade took place, there has been a surge of speculation. Many renowned athletes have joined in, and Shaquille O’Neal is one of them. Chiming in with his take, O’Neal declared a clear winner of the trade.

“I think Dallas got better of the trade, for the next two years anyway,” O’Neal stated on ‘NBA on TNT.’

This was a rather surprising take, as the general consensus is quite the opposite. Fans are opining that Davis lacks the star power of Doncic. And with LeBron James, the Lakers might as well become a champion. Thus, with rumors galore, it remains to be seen how things pan out.

Will Luka Doncic Sign An Extension With The LA Lakers Or Keep His Options Open?

Luka Doncic (Image Credit: Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers are almost sorted for the coming season after the shocking Luka Doncic trade. But it has hardly a week passed since the blockbuster shuffle that they are in with another concern. Will Luka Doncic sign an extension with the Lakers or keep his options open?

Well, the short term answer to this question is vague. But the long-term answer is- maybe. If the former Dallas Mavericks sensation’s decision carries significant implications for both the franchises. While the Lakers have snagged a superstar, the max contract he’s eligible for this summer is not a guaranteed sign-off, as ESPN’s Brian Windhorst pointed out. This uncertainty opens up various avenues for Doncic to assess, including financial benefits and team fit.

“They can offer him $100 million less, so I would say to you it’s not a guarantee for sure that Luka’s gonna rip off a five-year deal in July. He may want to see how things play out. He may take a shorter deal because he no longer has the financial incentive to do it. So, the Lakers have to do some work over the next few months to convince him he wants to get locked in,” Windhorst said.

Currently under contract through the 2025-26 season, Doncic holds a lucrative $48.9 million player option for the following year. The Lakers can propose a four-year, $229 million contract, but the sizable financial gap has to be taken care of. And as Windhorst said, Luka will take some time to envision what the Lakers camp holds for him. And then only he could make any firm decisions.

More Details Emerge On Luka Doncic Trade

After the dust has settled a bit, details about the shocking Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade emerge. Initially, when the news broke, many, including insiders, suspected a hacking incident concerning ESPN’s Shams Charania, who first reported the trade. Speculation ran rampant as media members scrambled to understand how a player of Doncic’s caliber could be on the move.

It was also speculated that he had initiated the request. However, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison clarified that the decision to trade Doncic was entirely his own. And Doncic reportedly was unaware that negotiations were even happening.

The trade involved the Mavericks sending Doncic and two other players to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round draft pick. The secrecy surrounding the negotiations is perhaps the most surprising aspect. And especially in a league known for its chatter and gossip.

Not even Danny Ainge, the Jazz’s GM who played a pivotal role in facilitating the transaction, was fully informed until shortly before the deal’s completion. However, some analysts believe the Mavericks may have a better chance of winning a championship this season with Davis.

It’s only been a few hours since Luka Doncic landed on the soil of Los Angeles. But that does not separate him from the openness at the camp. The Los Angeles Lakers clinched the Golden State Warriors for 120-112 in their latest victory. But it was the former Mavericks superstar’s reaction that caught the wind.

Luka Doncic (Image Credit: X/@LADEig)

During Thursday night’s Lakers-Warriors game in Los Angeles, cameras captured a memorable moment on the sideline. Draymond Green of the Warriors was up for a wide-open layup, but his misery ended up in missing the juicy shot. However, the cameraman had one assignment, and he executed it with near perfection. Just after Green’s blunder missed the nets, the camera zoomed in on Doncic, and the poor new joinee was seen hiding his monstrous laughter.

Well, visibly, it was hard for Luka to control his laughter. But the team had more reasons to smile, to say the least. LeBron James put on a spectacular show on game night. The Ackron-born superstar scored 42 points while grabbing 17 rebounds in LA’s victory.

Despite the Lakers establishing a commanding 26-point lead, they faced a fierce rally from the Warriors. Stephen Curry made his most for the Bay Area team with his impressive 37-point performance. However, James’s outstanding play, including three quick 3-pointers in the second quarter, helped secure the win. It also allowed the Lakers to extend their winning streak to four games.

The excitement didn’t stop with the game. When Luka Doncic was introduced before the game, the crowd received a warm welcome. Fans cheered loudly, eager to see the star guard make his debut with the Lakers, which is expected this coming Monday.

Luka Doncic’s Arrival Is A Win-Win Situation For The Lakers

While the years are still to come when Luka Doncic will prove his mettle at the camp, the Lakers are already high with hope. The trade, which sent Luka from the Mavs to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, has revitalized LA’s title hopes while ushering in a new era.

Doncic, the 25-year-old international superstar, brings an exceptional skill set that blends perfectly with LeBron James. As the team positions itself as a formidable contender in pursuit of its 18th championship, the duo would be deadly.

Off the court, the repercussions of the trade are equally remarkable, with substantial financial implications for the Lakers. Merchandise sales are soaring, as demonstrated by the rapid sellout of Doncic’s jerseys and a staggering 1,150% increase in searches for his collectibles on platforms like eBay.

The pricing of his rookie cards and team jerseys has nearly doubled post-trade. However, this surge in merchandise and memorabilia sales will collectively increase revenue for the team and its partners.

While Doncic sacrifices a potential $117 million difference in contract value by joining the Lakers, the endorsement opportunities in Hollywood are expected to offset this loss.

A blockbuster trade proposal has the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors agreeing to a historic deal involving 40-year-old superstar LeBron James.

LeBron James and Stephen Curry (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Just after midnight on Sunday, the Lakers and Dallas Mavericks stunned the world by agreeing to a jaw-dropping blockbuster involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis. The three-team trade — also involving the Utah Jazz — saw the Mavs send their franchise star to Los Angeles, with Davis heading to Dallas.

There’s no indicator that LeBron James and the Lakers want to end their successful partnership, but Sunday’s unexpected transaction is a reminder that there are no untouchables in the NBA.

The Lakers now have their long-term franchise face in place for the post-LeBron years. But what if the Purple and Gold decided to break the internet again by trading another Hall of Famer to a conference rival?

Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus proposed a massive trade idea that has the Lakers trading LeBron James, Bronny James, Christian Wood and Cam Reddish to the Warriors in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Field, Kevon Looney, Dennis Schröder, Gary Payton II, Kyle Anderson and a first-round pick:

“The Lakers may not have the best team in the West, but this would be a better squad to surround Dončić with. Only Hield and Anderson have salaries beyond the season, but they’re at team-friendly figures. L.A. gets a first-round pick in June (and any other considerations it can add beyond the suggested deal). And if some pieces don’t fit perfectly, the Lakers can try to add in a third team.

It’s entirely up to James, who can block any trade this week or over the summer if he opts in. San Francisco is a short flight away from Los Angeles, and he’ll gain the opportunity to finish his career alongside the greatest shooter in NBA history (and with his son).”

As crazy as a James-to-Warriors scenario sounds, Pincus’ proposal actually makes sense for both sides here. Going to Golden State would give LeBron a better chance to win a fifth ring in the short term, while the Lakers would get significant assets to rebuild their roster around Doncic.

It’s highly unlikely, but crazier things have happened (see the Doncic trade three nights ago).

LeBron James Can Opt Out Again In The Summer

The four-time NBA champion signed a two-year extension last season that included a no-trade clause, but the second year of the deal carries a player option. So if James wants to leave the Lakers, he can do so and consider free agency for the fourth time in his career.

Talking about life after leaving the hot seat of The Voice, Adam Levine proudly boasted: “Now, I’m just a father who likes to stay home and take care of the children!”.

It’s been 5 months since Adam Levine left the hot seat of The Voice. Adam Levine made fans curious about his new life after taking a break from the spotlight.

On the famous TV show The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Adam Levine did not hesitate to share that he is spending most of his time with his young family.

“I really appreciate this time because I can spend a lot of time with my family as well as my children. This is a wonderful time!” – “father of two children” shared.

“Now I spend most of my time at home. I minimize the time I spend at work,” Adam added.

Adam Levine holds his daughter up to receive a star on the Walk of Fame.

Admitting to being a family man, the former “The Voice” coach said he enjoys spending more time with his daughters, taking them out and seeing the world.

Adam Was Once A Man Who Had Lost Faith In Love And Family. His Negative Impression Of Family Life Stemmed From His Parents’ Divorce When He Was Just Seven Years Old.

For A Long Time, Adam Firmly Believed In Love But Rejected The Idea Of Marriage. He Once Justified His Stance By Saying, “If You Don’t Get Married, You Won’t Have To Get Divorced. Why Can’t People Learn From The Alarming Statistics On The Rising Divorce Rate?”

Previously, He Also Made A Controversial Statement About Marriage, Saying, “In Reality, Monogamy Is Not In Our Nature. Everyone Cheats. I’ve Cheated Before,” He Told Cosmopolitan Magazine In 2009.

Known For His High-Profile Romances With Stunning Women Such As Jane Herman Bishop, Maria Sharapova, Rebecca Ginos, Arielle Vandenberg, Angela Bellotte, And Anne Vyalitsana, The Maroon 5 Frontman Had Publicly Declared That He Would Never Get Married.

However, Everything Changed. During An Interview On Oprah’s Next Chapter, The 34-Year-Old Singer Revealed That He Had A Change Of Heart And Now Wanted To Get Married.

The Person Who Shifted Adam’s Perspective Was None Other Than Blake Shelton, A Fellow Coach On The Voice USA. The Two Became Close Friends Over Four Seasons Of Working Together On The Show.

Adam Confessed, “Listening To Blake Talk About Marriage, It Sounds Incredible. I’m A Fan Of Marriage. People Think I Disrespect It, But I Actually Love It.”

The Maroon 5 Leader Also Stated That He Did Not Feel Pressured About Settling Down. For Him, Marriage Was Simply A Matter Of Timing, And He Would Take That Step When It Truly Felt Right.

Not Long After, In June 2012, Adam Met Namibian Supermodel Behati Prinsloo. Many Assumed Their Relationship Would End Just Like His Previous Romances—A Short-Lived Affair Between A Rock Star And A Supermodel.

However, a Behati Prinsloo with a bubbly and sweet personality entered Adam Levine’s life and shook all of his previous views on love and marriage.

Nearly 2 years after dating, in July 2014, Adam Levine got down on one knee and proposed, wanting Behati Prinsloo to tie him into a marriage contract.

In an exclusive interview with Details, the Maroon 5 leader proudly said: “You know, I always think it’s not necessary to get married unless I meet someone who makes me want to do it. And when I get married, everything is wonderful!”.

A Close Source Confirmed, “Adam Truly Feels That Marriage Suits Him.”

A Friend Of The Couple Added, “It’s Surprising That A Free-Spirited Music Star Like Adam Loves Married Life. He Always Radiates Happiness When He’s With Behati. He Feels Completely At Ease And Can’t Stop Smiling Around His Wife.”

His Close Friend, Actor Jonah Hill, Sweetly Remarked, “Somehow, He Managed To Find Such An Incredible Woman—Someone Truly Special… When You Win The Lottery, You Know You’ll Never Win Again, And That’s How Adam Feels. He Knows There’s No One More Amazing Than Her In This World.”

Reflecting On His Life Now, Adam Shared, “I Think Being A Father, A Mother, Or Just A Human Being In This World Is Extremely Challenging. But I Feel Like I’ve Figured Out How To Live. No Matter What Happens, I Know I’m Doing It Right. Every Morning, I Wake Up Filled With Joy.”

The Milwaukee Bucks are set to face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Milwaukee heads into the game as the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference standings with a 27-22 record. They currently rank behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers.

The Bucks have recently been hit by the injury bug, with star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo nursing a calf injury.

Antetokounmpo has missed the last two games for the Bucks, a 112-102 win over the Charlotte Hornets and a 125-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Ahead of the team’s matchup against the Hawks, the Bucks announced that their All-Star forward is listed as questionable entering the matchup against Atlanta.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34).

Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Antetokounmpo has played himself into the MVP race this season, averaging 31.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game, leading the Bucks in average points and rebounds.

He’s also accompanied by superstar Damian Lillard in Milwaukee and now has a new running mate, Kyle Kuzma, who was recently traded to the Bucks ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline.

If Antetokounmpo were to miss the team’s matchup against the Hawks, his next opportunity will come on Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers at 2 p.m. ET.

Bucks Announce Unfortunate Giannis Antetokounmpo News Amid Warriors Rumor

The NBA’s trade deadline has sent shock waves around the league with a couple of organizations already agreeing to blockbuster trades.

The headliner of the trade deadline, which is Feb. 6, is the swap between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis.

While both Western Conference teams bolstered their rosters to make a run at the NBA title, the Golden State Warriors are also looking to make a splash play.

According to Brett Siegel at ClutchPoints, the Warriors want Giannis Antetokounmpo in a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Siegel’s report was released on Monday ahead of a couple of prime-time games in the NBA, including a contest between the Bucks and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Antetokounmpo was ruled out (knee) for the Bucks’ Monday night matchup against the Thunder, despite playing on Sunday, per Underdog NBA.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Antetokounmpo is one of the leading candidates in the NBA MVP race. He is averaging 31.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game. The second-leading scorer in the NBA has led the Bucks (26-21) to fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

In Milwaukee’s 132-119 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Antetokounmpo posted 30 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.

While the Bucks have yet to comment on Antetokounmpo’s availability in the trade market, the Warriors will need to offer a haul to get a player of his caliber.

It’s quite ironic that the WNBA recorded one of its highest-rated seasons in history while the NBA has been grappling with declining viewership. And at the center of the conversation is a sharpshooter from Iowa named Caitlin Clark.

The 2024 WNBA season shattered records across the board — TV ratings, ticket sales, and merchandise flew off the shelves, all largely credited to Clark’s transition from the NCAA to the pros. Meanwhile, the NBA has seen a dip in national ratings, sparking discussions about whether it lacks a similar mainstream draw.

The race card

The “Caitlin Clark Effect,” mirrors what happened in the 1980s when Larry Bird and Magic Johnson reignited interest in the NBA. Bird, a white superstar from Indiana, helped attract a broader fan base, including white audiences who had historically been less engaged with the league.

“Everybody wanted to put race on it,” said former NBA champion John Salley. “If she was black, they wouldn’t have made such a big thing. But it’s always been when there’s always an anomaly of a white athlete that matches the ability of a black athlete. They, all of a sudden, go to the race card. And go back to it.”

The WNBA playoffs last season saw a viewership drop after the Connecticut Sun eliminated Clark and the Indiana Fever. Before their exit, Clark’s presence had driven massive attention to the league, bringing in longtime Iowa fans and attracting new viewers to women’s basketball.

This has led to a broader discussion of whether both leagues are reliant on a white superstar to captivate a wider audience. And if history is any indication, there is a point.

The numbers don’t lie. The 2024 WNBA season saw an average of 1.32 million viewers per game, nearly 200 percent more than the previous season. Ticket prices soared and Clark’s jersey became the best-selling WNBA jersey of all time.

Salley’s argument hinges on this: when a white superstar emerges and competes at an elite level, they undeniably impact ratings and revenue.

The NBA interest

The NBA’s demographic landscape is vastly different. While white players have historically had legendary figures — Bird, Dirk Nowitzki, and Steve Nash, today’s league is overwhelmingly dominated by Black athletes.

In contrast, the WNBA, despite its majority-Black player base, saw a dramatic increase in white viewership following Clark’s arrival. While many have been quick to racialize this, it doesn’t diminish the fact that she is one of the most talented athletes. She earned her stripe just as a certain legend in the ‘80s.

“When Larry Bird came out,” Salley said. “And I played and tell this to everybody that play and I say this, who’s the best player ever?… Larry was, upon everything was the hardest guy to ever play against white or black. ‘Cause he was that good.”

Historically, major American sports leagues have seen spikes in viewership when a white superstar reaches the top. The NFL saw it with Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. The NBA had it with Bird. Now, the WNBA is experiencing it with Clark.

This isn’t to say race is the sole reason behind these ratings boosts — talent, charisma and marketability all play massive roles. But from a business perspective, leagues thrive when they can appeal to a broader audience and in a predominantly Black league like the NBA, the presence of an elite white superstar often draws in casual fans who might not otherwise tune in.

After 12 years with Khris Middleton at the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo is moving on

Before emerging as a late scratch from the game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, Giannis Antetokounmpo opened up about the trade involving longtime teammate Khris Middleton.

“I’ve played with Khris for 12 years. I spent incredible moments with him. At the end of the day, things like this, from what they’ve told us, you don’t know if it’s going to go through, so at the end of the day, until it’s official, Khris is like still our teammate. But if the trade goes through, obviously I’m going to miss Khris,” he mentioned during the morning shootaround in Charlotte.

“It’s a little bit bigger than business, it’s family,” he continued referring to the nature of the league and teams trading players, “With a guy that I’ve won a championship with – it’s not only that I’ve won, I’ve lost a lot of times with him. I’ve been in a dark place a lot of times with him. I’ve been in the bus going to a lot of pressure situations with him. It’s almost like I’ve been to war with him.”

Lessort among additions to trade

As part of the trade sending Middleton to the Washington Wizards and Kyle Kuzma to the Bucks, the New York Knicks are packing Jericho Sims to the Bucks for Delon Wright and cash considerations, according to ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania.

In addition, the draft rights of Mathias Lessort, currently on the injury list of the defending Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion Panathinaikos Aktor, are moved from the Knicks to the Bucks in exchange for those of fellow French player Hugo Besson, currently a member of Basketball Champions League outfit Manisa, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.

Giannis Antetokounmpo knows how to cause a stir if he wants, and playful comments after the Milwaukee Bucks’ loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday caught the attention of NBA fans.

“OK, let’s say something funny because I took it and spoke very serious,” Antetokounmpo said after meditating on the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, with Anthony Davis heading to Dallas.

“Now that a European will be, I believe, the face of the Lakers, this is something new for Europe. It’s never happened before. We had Pau Gasol. Obviously, he was a great player. And how do you say — Vujačić? Sasha Vujačić? — great guy, one of my close friends, but I mess up his name all the time. Now, I just love it. You know what I want? I want Luka to the Lakers, I want Jokić to the Knicks. I want all the Europeans to go to all the big markets to see something incredible. This is what I want. This is my dream. But again, I wish both teams the best of luck, wish all the players best of luck with their journey moving forward.”

Despite the light-hearted tone, it didn’t entirely stop onlookers from wondering if there’s any seriousness underneath, including whether that means Antetokounmpo himself would someday seek an opportunity in a bigger market. The native of Greece has signed two maximum contract extensions in Milwaukee already, and league salary provisions incentivize players to remain with their current team by allowing them to offer the most money.

The three-time MVP Jokić, a native of Serbia, has also signed two massive deals to remain with Denver.

Antetokounmpo’s more serious thoughts on the Mavericks-Lakers trade included an admission of shock when he heard news of the exchange, and he called attention to the different reactions he perceived between a team making a bold move and a player doing the same.

“When the teams make the best moves for them and they believe they can get another player to win now … when a player believes that he can go to a different team and he believes he can have a chance to win a championships, we cannot crucify that person and say that he’s not loyal and he didn’t do the right thing and he let everybody down,” Antetokounmpo said. “Because history has shown you, you have to do what is best for you and your family. You have to do what’s best, most important to win.”

https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1886492836155056621

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s NBA Record Broken After Monster Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander Game

In just a little over three weeks, Oklahoma City Thunder superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has already racked up three 50-point games. Something akin to what Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks has accomplished before.

Feb 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) gestures after a play against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of a game at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The former Kentucky Wildcats star dropped 54 points in a 123-114 win over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Jan. 22. Then he exploded for 52 points on Jan. 29 during a 116-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors on the road.

On Wednesday, Gilgeous-Alexander hammered the Phoenix Suns for 50 points on 18-for-29 shooting from the floor, this time in a win, 140-109, at home. Making his performance against the Suns even more impressive was the fact that he buried all those buckets in just 34 minutes. That seems to be the trend when Gilgeous-Alexander is going off. In the Utah game, he saw action for just 37 minutes and 39 minutes versus the Warriors.

According to OptaSTATS, that is an NBA record for the shortest span a player has collected at least three 50-point, under-40-minute games.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander within the last 15 days:

54 points in 37:28 vs. Utah

52 points in 39:06 at Golden State

50 points in 34:15 vs. Phoenix

No one else in NBA history has scored 50+ points while playing under 40 minutes 3 times in a span of 30 days or less (let alone 15).

Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander breaks Giannis Antetokounmpo’s NBA record

Mar 8, 2022; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes to the basket ahead of Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Previously, the record was held by Milwaukee Bucks superstar and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The next-shortest span for a player to score 50+ points in under 40 minutes 3 times is 31 days by Giannis Antetokounmpo from January 3 to February 2, 2023.

Gilgeous-Alexander is indeed having a spectacular season, making him one of the top contenders for the 2025 NBA MVP. The same can also be said about Antetokounmpo, who will face off against the Thunder again on Mar. 16 at home.

Mar 8, 2022; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Bucks forward Antetokounmpo (34) goes to the basket against Oklahoma City guard Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half at Paycom Center. Milwaukee won 142-115. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

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The singer was up against Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, and Post Malone in the category.

Beyoncé made history Sunday night when she became the first Black artist to win a Grammy in the Best Country Album category for her album Cowboy Carter, but it seems not everyone was impressed with her history-making win. Fans watching the 2025 Grammy Awards from home slammed Lainey Wilson and Kacey Musgraves after they spotted the two country singers in the crowd with “unimpressed” reactions as the winter was announced.

Taylor Swift presented Beyoncé the award. Along with beating out Musgraves for her album Deeper Well and Wilson for Whirlwind, the singer was also up against Chris Stapleton for his album Higher and Post Malone for F-1 Trillion.

After Swift read off the winner and the camera showed Beyoncé’s shocked reaction, the camera panned to the crowd as the winner made her way to the stage, and fans couldn’t help but notice the apparent reactions from Musgraves and Wilson.

“The facial expressions of Lainey Wilson and Kacey Musgraves when Beyoncé won Country Album of The Year,” one person wrote on X, adding a skull emoji as they shared a clip of the two singers’ reactions.

Many viewers agreed that Musgraves and Wilson looked unenthused by Beyoncé’s win, one viewer writing, “Kacey Musgraves is pissed that Beyonce beat her for best country album, look at her face expression.” Somebody else said that Wilson “did a much better job of hiding her disappointment about not winning the Grammy than” Musgrave, whom they said “looked extra salty. No poker face.” A fourth person commented, “Lainey Wilson and Kacey Musgraves were not happy,” as somebody else wrote “the eyes of Lainey Wilson and Kacey Musgraves said everything.”

Neither Wilson nor Musgraves have commented on the chatter at this time.

Taking the stage to accept the award for Best Country Album, Beyoncé said she “really was not expecting this.” The musician went on to “thank God that I’m still able to do what I love after so many years” and “all of the incredible country artists that accepted album. We worked so hard on it.”

“I think sometimes genre is a cold word to keep us in our place as artists, and I just want to encourage people to do what they’re passionate about and to stay persistent,” she continued, before thanking her family, the artists she collaborated with on Cowboy Carter, and her fans. “I’m still in shock. Thank you so much for this honor.”

Beyoncé made history for more reasons than just her Best Country Album win. The singer, who was nominated in another 10 categories, extended her title as the most-awarded Grammy artist in history when she won a total of three awards.

She also took home the Grammys for Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “II MOST WANTED” featuring Miley Cyrus. Accepting the award for Album o the Year, the singer said she felt “very full and very honored… I hope we just keep pushing forward, opening doors.”

Although a top name in country music, Miranda Lambert once dreamed about standing on stage in front of a sea of fans. Besides just dreaming, the singer moved to make that dream a reality when she appeared on the show Nashville Star.

While gaining praise, she ended her time on the show, coming in third place. But again, not letting it stop her, Lambert eventually landed in the spotlight. And her dreams couldn’t compare to reality when she received the chance to perform at the ACM Awards alongside country legend George Strait.

When it comes to hit songs, there are few who compare to Strait. Throughout his career, the singer released songs like “I Cross My Heart”, “Check Yes or No”, and “Amarillo by Morning.” With so many hit songs, the country singer holds the record for most No. 1 songs on all charts by an artist. And that achievement is across all genres of music. Again, carving out his own space in country music, Strait and Lambert appeared to make history when they performed “Run.”

Receiving millions of views since making its way online, fans showered both Strait and Lambert with praise, labeling them the “most magical duo” of all time.

“George Strait is the definition of country music,” one fan wrote. Another added, “My two favorite artists singing my favorite song?!?! Doesn’t get any better than that!”

George Strait Helped Miranda Lambert When It Came To Her Father

Outside of sharing the stage together, Lambert once discussed how Strait helped her get over an argument with her father Rick Lambert. “When I was on tour with George, I was 22 and my dad was on the road with us. And I had gotten a tattoo, and it ruffled my dad’s feathers pretty good, and he was really, really mad. We rode the same bus together on the Strait tour, and so I had to wear long sleeves for two weeks and he wouldn’t talk to me.”

With word about the argument getting to Strait, the singer had a wonderful idea that featured the entire crew wearing temporary tattoos for a group photo. Following through with his idea, Lambert recalled, “When we took our group picture, everyone that was in the photo, which was like 60 people, rolled up their sleeve and they all had a tattoo exactly where my tattoo was, even my dad. So I have to thank George for helping me get back to talking to my father again after I got my horrid, hideous tattoo. So thanks George, for mending our relationship.”

Behind the Meaning of George Strait and Alan Jackson’s “Murder On Music Row”

Anyone with a vested interest in the music industry will have opinions on it. Every artist has their own opinion about how best to serve their genre. Those myriad opinions can often be at odds with one another. Enter George Strait and Alan Jackson’s “Murder On Music Row.”

Though many artists have thrived on the popification of country music–moreover it has given the genre more ears–Strait and Jackson have seen that shift as a damning departure from the soul of country. They said as much in this 2000 release. Uncover the meaning behind this seething berate towards the country machine, below.

Behind the Meaning of George Strait and Alan Jackson’s “Murder On Music Row”

Nobody saw him runnin’
From sixteenth avenue
They never found the fingerprint
Or the weapon that was used
But someone killed country music
Cut out its heart and soul
They got away with murder
Down on Music Row

Many traditionalists in the country camp look to artists from an age gone by as the standard to which all other artists are measured. Hank Williams. Johnny Cash. Loretta Lynn. These classic country artists still have a firm foothold in the genre’s fandom today. As with all things, progress comes raring its head–whether you deem it positive progress or not.

In 2000, country music was experiencing a shift. Pop and rock tones were being introduced into the genre at impressive rates. Long gone were the dulcet tones of acoustic instrumentation and simple rhythms–i.e. the “Three Chords and the Truth” mentality. Strait and Jackson reckoned someone should pay for that trend. Though they weren’t sure of the exact culprit, they knew the scene of the crime: Nashville’s Music Row.

The almighty dollar
And the lust for worldwide fame
Slowly killed tradition
And for that someone should hang (Oh, you tell them Alan)
They all say “Not guilty!”
But the evidence will show
That murder was committed
Down on Music Row

The Nashville sound started to gain traction in the ’50s. It was polished and removed the authentic grit that the genre formed around back when it was an oral tradition. It became deeply popular for country singers of that era. Mostly, we have to think, because it earned them stardom on a level the genre hadn’t seen before. Though it wears a different face, that same sentiment is continued in Nashville today. Pop-friendly melodies, picture-perfect vocals, and catchy refrains run rampant in Music City.

Strait and Jackson attributed that to a chase of the almighty dollar. He blamed the songwriters and artists on Music Row (an area of town with recording studios and labels lining the street) for proliferating that chase. They felt the genre had lost its pursuit of the truth, no matter the cost.

Many fans agreed with Strait and Jackson’s perspective, making this song a certified hit. Revisit “Murder On Music Row,” below.

For the steel guitars no longer cry
And the fiddles barely play
But drums and rock ‘n’ roll guitars
Are mixed up in your face
Ole Hank wouldn’t have a chance
On today’s radio
Since they committed murder
Down on Music Row

Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ATLive