LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic finished fourth in 2025-26 NBA Most Valuable Player voting, a respectable but somewhat disappointing result for the Lakers superstar who battled a nagging hamstring injury throughout much of the season, limiting his availability and impacting his statistical dominance as the franchise fell short of championship expectations.

The Slovenian guard, widely regarded as one of the league’s most talented players, received significant first-place votes but ultimately placed behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the final tally released by the NBA on Monday. Despite missing 18 games due to the hamstring strain suffered in early April, Doncic still posted impressive averages of 28.7 points, 8.9 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game in 64 appearances, showcasing his elite playmaking and scoring ability when healthy.

Lakers coach JJ Redick expressed pride in Doncic’s resilience. “Luka played through significant discomfort for much of the season,” Redick said. “To put up those numbers while managing an injury that would sideline most players shows the kind of competitor he is. Fourth in MVP voting is still an honor, and we’re excited about what’s ahead once he’s fully healthy.”

The hamstring injury, initially diagnosed as Grade 2, kept Doncic out for the Lakers’ playoff run, where the team was eliminated in the second round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. His absence was widely cited as a major factor in the team’s inability to advance further, despite strong contributions from LeBron James and supporting pieces.

Injury Timeline and Recovery Update

Doncic first felt the injury during a late regular-season game against the Houston Rockets on April 2. He attempted to play through it initially but was eventually shut down for the postseason after further imaging revealed more significant damage than first thought. The Lakers took a conservative approach, prioritizing long-term health over a rushed return.

As of mid-May 2026, Doncic has restarted the same strict high-protein diet and conditioning program that produced dramatic physical improvements last offseason. Sources close to the team say he is pain-free, has resumed light on-court work and is expected to participate in five-on-five scrimmages within the next two to three weeks.

The 27-year-old has been diligent in his rehabilitation, working closely with his personal training staff and Lakers medical personnel. His commitment to the recovery process has impressed the organization, which views a fully healthy Doncic as essential for maximizing the team’s contention window alongside the 41-year-old James.

MVP Voting Breakdown

Gilgeous-Alexander claimed his second straight MVP award after leading the Thunder to the top seed in the West. Jokić finished second in his bid for a fourth MVP, while Antetokounmpo placed third. Doncic’s fourth-place finish marks the second time in his career he has finished in the top five, a strong achievement considering the injury-limited campaign.

Voters cited Doncic’s per-game efficiency and ability to elevate teammates even while not at full strength. His advanced metrics, including player efficiency rating and win shares, remained elite among qualified players. However, the missed games and reduced availability in the final stretch likely cost him higher placement.

Doncic has historically thrived in the MVP conversation when healthy, finishing as runner-up in 2024. This season’s injury served as a reminder of the physical toll the position can take, particularly for a player of his size who absorbs significant contact while creating offense.

Lakers’ Offseason Plans

The Lakers front office faces critical decisions this summer. With James entering his 24th season at age 41, the window for contention is narrowing. A fully healthy Doncic paired with James and Austin Reaves could form one of the league’s most potent offensive trios. General manager Rob Pelinka is expected to target shooters and defenders in free agency and trades to better complement the two stars.

Doncic’s injury recovery will be closely monitored. The team has emphasized long-term durability in his training regimen, focusing on core strength, flexibility and load management to reduce future injury risk. If the strict diet and conditioning program delivers similar results to last offseason, Doncic could enter 2026-27 in the best shape of his career.

Expert Analysis and League-Wide Reaction

Analysts largely viewed Doncic’s fourth-place finish as fair given the circumstances. “Injury-limited seasons make MVP voting tricky,” said ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “When healthy, Luka is absolutely a top-three player in this league. The fact he still finished fourth while missing significant time shows how highly regarded he is.”

League insiders expect Doncic to use the snub as motivation heading into next season. His competitive fire and work ethic have been consistent themes throughout his career. Teammates describe him as quietly driven, someone who internalizes setbacks and responds with improved performance.

The broader Lakers roster will also factor into next season’s outlook. Adding depth and defensive versatility around Doncic and James remains a priority. The team’s cap flexibility and draft assets provide tools for meaningful improvements if the right opportunities arise.

Broader Implications for Doncic’s Career

At 27, Doncic is entering what should be the prime of his career. His skill set — elite passing, scoring versatility and improving defense — positions him to be a perennial MVP candidate for years to come. The hamstring injury, while concerning, appears manageable with proper care and conditioning.

Doncic has expressed a strong desire to win a championship in Los Angeles. His partnership with James offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the greatest players ever while establishing himself as the franchise’s long-term face. The coming seasons will test whether this duo can deliver another title for the Lakers.

For now, the focus remains on full recovery and preparation for the 2026-27 campaign. Doncic’s fourth-place MVP finish, while not the outcome he or the Lakers hoped for, still underscores his elite status and the bright future ahead once healthy.

As the NBA offseason begins, all eyes will be on Doncic’s rehabilitation progress and the Lakers’ efforts to build a more complete roster around their two stars. The hamstring injury may have cost him higher MVP placement this season, but it has also highlighted his toughness and commitment to returning stronger. Lakers fans and the broader NBA community will be watching closely to see how the Slovenian superstar rebounds in what could be a pivotal year for both him and the franchise.

Negotiations haven’t reopened the Strait of Hormuz, causing an 11 mbd oil supply loss, mimicking COVID’s demand shock. Prices rise, impacting economies; emergency reserves offer only temporary relief.

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Key Points

• Ongoing US-Iran negotiations haven’t reopened the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a loss of about 11 million barrels per day (mbd) in global oil supply, which is over 10% of the total. Prices are rising, echoing the economic effects seen during COVID.
• Unlike the demand shock of 2020, today’s situation is a significant supply shock, causing reduced travel and higher transport costs. Both oil supply and demand remain inflexible, forcing prices to rise sharply.
• While emergency oil stocks provide temporary relief, they are not a long-term solution. Extended conflict could deplete reserves in countries like the US, China, and Japan.

Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have failed to reopen the critically important Strait of Hormuz, resulting in a substantial disruption in oil supply. Currently, only a limited number of oil tankers are permitted to navigate this crucial route, causing an estimated loss of approximately 11 million barrels per day (mbd) of oil and petroleum liquids to the global market. This accounts for more than 10% of the world’s total oil supply, a seemingly manageable figure that belies its potential catastrophic economic implications within oil markets.

The situation is reminiscent of the demand shock experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic when global oil demand fell dramatically due to widespread lockdowns, reducing consumption by around 8 mbd—the most significant drop in history. Today, however, rather than a decline in demand, the world is confronted with a severe supply shock from Iran, leading to increased oil prices, reduced travel, and higher transportation costs, which in turn compress household budgets and slow economic growth.

Both oil supply and demand exhibit considerable inflexibility in the short term; people still need to commute and goods need transportation, which means that when supply diminishes, prices must escalate sharply to curtail demand. To alleviate the immediate economic fallout from this supply disruption, emergency oil reserves are being tapped. Countries such as the U.S., China, and Japan, which are members of the International Energy Agency (IEA), have stockpiled reserves that equate to at least 90 days of consumption. This measure provides temporary mitigation, especially for developed economies.

However, these emergency stocks are not sustainable solutions. Should the conflict persist for an extended period, the reserves will ultimately be consumed, intensifying the economic strain on global markets. The ongoing instability underscores the intricate balance of supply and demand in the oil sector and the far-reaching implications of geopolitical tensions on the global economy.

Read the original article : Could this energy crisis be worse for the global economy than COVID?

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SAN FRANCISCO — Elon Musk announced Sunday that X has officially surpassed 1 billion downloads worldwide, marking a major milestone for the social media platform he acquired and rebranded in 2022 as it continues its evolution into an all-in-one “everything app” featuring payments, video streaming, hiring tools, real-time news and advanced AI capabilities.

The announcement came via Musk’s own post on X, where he quoted a detailed update from the Tesla Owners Silicon Valley account highlighting the platform’s impressive 4.3-star rating from more than 22.9 million reviews. The post emphasized X’s transformation far beyond traditional social media into a comprehensive ecosystem that users increasingly rely on for daily information, entertainment and financial transactions.

“𝕏 now has over a billion downloads,” Musk wrote, amplifying the news that quickly spread across the platform and beyond. The milestone places X among an elite group of mobile apps that have achieved the billion-download threshold, joining giants like TikTok, Instagram and WhatsApp in global reach and influence.

Since Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of the former Twitter in October 2022, the platform has undergone dramatic changes. Rebranded as X, the service has expanded its ambitions from microblogging to becoming a central hub for communication, commerce and content. Features like X Payments, long-form video, job listings, real-time news feeds and Grok AI integration have been rolled out progressively, reflecting Musk’s vision of a “super app” similar to China’s WeChat.

The billion-download figure represents cumulative installs across iOS and Android devices globally. While exact monthly active user numbers remain private, the milestone underscores X’s enduring popularity despite periods of controversy, advertiser pullouts and intense competition from established social media platforms.

Growth Amid Transformation

The Tesla Owners Silicon Valley post that Musk amplified noted the platform’s rapid evolution under his leadership. “Since Elon Musk’s takeover X has transformed far beyond a traditional social media app with AI video payments hiring and real-time news all being pushed into a single platform,” the account wrote.

X has indeed added layers of functionality. Users can now send money via X Payments in select markets, watch long-form video content with creator monetization, browse job listings directly in the app, and interact with Grok, Musk’s AI chatbot built by xAI. These features aim to increase user engagement time and create new revenue streams beyond traditional advertising.

The 4.3-star rating with over 22.9 million reviews indicates strong user satisfaction despite occasional criticism regarding content moderation policies and platform changes. Many users praise the real-time information flow and reduced censorship compared to pre-Musk Twitter, while others have expressed frustration with algorithmic changes and increased visibility of certain political viewpoints.

Challenges and Controversies

The path to 1 billion downloads has not been without hurdles. Following the acquisition, X faced an advertiser exodus amid concerns over content moderation and brand safety. Musk’s public disputes with regulators, media organizations and activists also generated headlines that sometimes overshadowed product developments.

However, the platform has shown resilience. Organic user growth, particularly in regions with limited access to alternative social media, has helped offset some advertiser losses. Video content and creator tools have attracted new users seeking alternatives to TikTok and YouTube, while the addition of payments and e-commerce features appeals to users in emerging markets.

Musk has repeatedly stated his goal of making X a maximum-truth-seeking platform with minimal censorship. This philosophy has attracted users frustrated with perceived bias on other platforms but has also drawn criticism from those concerned about misinformation and hate speech.

Global Reach and User Demographics

The billion-download milestone reflects X’s truly global footprint. While the United States remains a core market, significant growth has occurred in India, Brazil, Indonesia and other emerging economies where mobile-first users value real-time information and entertainment.

Demographic data from app stores shows strong adoption among younger users interested in news, politics and entertainment. The platform’s appeal to creators has also grown, with many influencers and journalists using X as a primary distribution channel for breaking news and long-form content.

The high number of reviews — more than 22.9 million — provides a rich dataset of user feedback. Positive reviews frequently highlight the platform’s speed, real-time nature and diverse content offerings. Negative reviews often focus on algorithmic changes, account suspensions and perceived increases in certain types of content.

Technical and Product Evolution

Behind the download numbers lies significant technical investment. Musk has prioritized infrastructure improvements, including server relocations, algorithm overhauls and new feature development. The integration of Grok AI, built by Musk’s xAI company, represents one of the most ambitious AI features on any social platform.

Video capabilities have been expanded significantly, with longer upload limits and improved creator tools. Payments infrastructure is being rolled out gradually, starting with peer-to-peer transfers and expanding toward full e-commerce functionality. Hiring tools allow companies to post jobs directly on the platform, creating new utility for both recruiters and job seekers.

These features align with Musk’s vision of X as an everything app that reduces users’ reliance on multiple separate applications. The strategy mirrors successful models in Asia while adapting to Western regulatory and user expectations.

What the Milestone Means for the Future

Reaching 1 billion downloads positions X as a mature, mainstream platform with significant scale. This scale enhances its attractiveness to advertisers, creators and developers building on the platform’s API and tools.

For Musk, the milestone validates his decision to acquire and transform the company despite significant financial and reputational costs. X serves as both a personal communication channel for Musk and a testing ground for technologies developed by his other companies, including xAI.

The platform’s growth also has broader implications for social media. As traditional platforms face increasing scrutiny over content moderation and data privacy, X’s approach of prioritizing free speech and transparency offers a contrasting model that resonates with certain user segments.

As X continues evolving, the focus will likely remain on deepening user engagement through new features while maintaining the core experience that attracted its billion users. The coming months may bring further announcements regarding payments expansion, AI enhancements and additional creator tools.

For users, the billion-download milestone serves as a reminder of X’s growing importance in daily digital life. Whether checking real-time news, connecting with friends, discovering content or exploring new features, the platform has become an essential part of the modern internet experience for a vast global audience.

Elon Musk’s announcement marks more than just a number — it represents the culmination of years of transformation and the beginning of X’s next chapter as a mature, multifaceted platform. As the platform continues to innovate and expand its capabilities, its billion users will determine whether X truly becomes the everything app Musk has long envisioned.

LOS ANGELES — HBO has officially confirmed that “Euphoria” Season 3 will consist of eight episodes, setting the stage for what many fans and critics expect to be the most ambitious and emotionally charged chapter yet in the groundbreaking teen drama series starring Zendaya.

The network announced the episode count and production updates Thursday, ending months of speculation about the final season’s length and creative direction. Production is now well underway in Los Angeles, with filming expected to wrap by late summer 2026 ahead of a likely winter premiere. The eight-episode order matches the length of Season 1 while falling short of Season 2’s 10 episodes, a decision sources say was made to maintain tight storytelling focus and higher per-episode budgets.

Creator Sam Levinson, who has guided the series since its 2019 debut, described the upcoming season as both a culmination and evolution of the show’s core themes. “We’re diving deeper into the characters’ psyches and the long-term consequences of their choices,” Levinson said in a statement. “Eight episodes allow us to tell this story with the intensity and intimacy it deserves.”

Zendaya returns as Rue Bennett, the complex and often self-destructive protagonist whose journey has anchored the series. The Emmy-winning actress has been heavily involved in shaping Season 3’s narrative, with insiders noting she pushed for more grounded storytelling after the heightened drama of Season 2. Joining her are core cast members Hunter Schafer as Jules, Jacob Elordi as Nate, Sydney Sweeney as Cassie, and Maude Apatow as Lexi. New cast additions are expected to be announced in the coming months, with rumors of major guest stars circulating in Hollywood circles.

What Fans Can Expect from Season 3

Early details shared by production sources suggest Season 3 will pick up roughly one year after the chaotic events of Season 2’s finale. The characters, now navigating early adulthood, will face new challenges including college pressures, career ambitions, fractured relationships and the lingering impact of addiction and trauma.

Rue’s recovery journey is expected to take center stage, with Zendaya’s performance likely to explore the long-term realities of sobriety and mental health. Jules will grapple with identity and independence, while Nate’s storyline may delve deeper into toxic masculinity and family dynamics. The series is also expected to expand its ensemble focus, giving more screen time to supporting characters whose stories resonated strongly with viewers.

Levinson has promised a more mature tone while retaining the show’s signature visual style and emotional rawness. Cinematographer Marcell Rév is returning, and the production team is incorporating more practical effects and location shooting to enhance authenticity. Music supervision remains a key element, with expectations of another eclectic soundtrack featuring both established artists and emerging talent.

Production Challenges and Creative Evolution

Filming “Euphoria” has always been an intense process, and Season 3 is no exception. The cast has spoken about the emotional demands of the roles, with several actors working closely with therapists and intimacy coordinators to navigate difficult scenes. Zendaya, in particular, has been vocal about the importance of mental health support on set.

The decision to limit the season to eight episodes reflects a strategic shift. HBO executives believe tighter storytelling will deliver higher impact and better pacing. Budgets per episode are reportedly higher than previous seasons, allowing for more ambitious sequences and guest talent.

The series continues to break new ground in its portrayal of contemporary teen and young adult experiences. Its unflinching look at mental health, sexuality, substance abuse and social media has made it both celebrated and controversial. While some critics argue the show glamorizes dangerous behaviors, supporters praise its honesty and the important conversations it has sparked among young viewers and parents.

Cultural Impact and Fan Anticipation

Since its debut, “Euphoria” has become a cultural touchstone for Generation Z and younger millennials. Its influence extends beyond television into fashion, music and social discourse. Zendaya’s portrayal of Rue has been widely praised for its complexity and vulnerability, earning her multiple Emmy awards and establishing her as one of Hollywood’s most respected young talents.

Fan excitement for Season 3 is already building rapidly. Social media platforms are filled with theories, casting wishes and countdowns. The official “Euphoria” accounts have seen significant engagement since the episode count announcement, with many fans expressing relief that the wait will soon be over.

The series has also faced scrutiny over its mature content and impact on younger viewers. HBO has maintained strong content warnings and parental guidance resources, while Levinson has defended the show’s artistic choices as reflections of real teenage experiences.

Broader Context for HBO and Max

“Euphoria” remains one of HBO’s flagship original series and a major driver for the Max streaming platform. Its success has helped establish the network’s reputation for bold, boundary-pushing storytelling. The eight-episode order for Season 3 aligns with HBO’s strategy of focusing on quality over quantity in its prestige drama slate.

The show’s global popularity has also boosted international subscriptions for Max, with particularly strong viewership in Europe, Latin America and Asia. Merchandise, soundtrack albums and live events tied to the series have created additional revenue streams for HBO’s parent company Warner Bros. Discovery.

What We Know So Far About Season 3

While plot details remain closely guarded, several elements have leaked through casting notices and set photos. Expect deeper exploration of Rue’s sobriety journey, complicated romantic entanglements, and the long-term consequences of Season 2’s dramatic events. New characters are expected to introduce fresh dynamics, potentially shifting power balances within the group.

The season is also likely to address broader societal issues including social media’s impact on mental health, the opioid crisis, and the challenges of transitioning to adulthood. Levinson has hinted at a more hopeful tone in places while maintaining the series’ signature emotional intensity.

As production continues, anticipation continues to build. For fans who have followed Rue, Jules, Nate and the rest of the East Highland High crew through two turbulent seasons, Season 3 promises to deliver the answers, conflicts and character growth they have been waiting for.

The eight-episode structure may ultimately benefit the storytelling, allowing for tighter pacing and more focused character arcs. Whether “Euphoria” Season 3 becomes the show’s strongest chapter or a satisfying conclusion to an iconic run remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — when it finally arrives, the cultural conversation will once again be dominated by the students of East Highland.

HBO has yet to announce an official premiere date, but late 2026 or early 2027 remains the most likely window. Until then, fans will continue dissecting every rumor, set photo and casting announcement, counting down the days until they can once again immerse themselves in the raw, beautiful and often painful world of “Euphoria.”

This article was written by

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Indian equity markets ended last week under pressure, with benchmark indices struggling to hold gains despite brief recovery attempts during the previous two sessions. Weak technical indicators, continued selling in broader markets, and pressure in heavyweight banking and energy stocks kept sentiment cautious heading into the new trading week.

Speaking to ET Now, Rupak De, Sr Tech Analyst, LKP Securities highlighted that the undertone of the market continues to remain weak, especially after the Nifty once again failed to sustain above key resistance levels.

Responding to the weakness, Rupak De said, “So, definitely, after two green days we are back in the red again. And it found resistance around the previous low of around 23,800 and then it came back to the lower level. And also, it found resistance around its 20 EMA on the daily time frame and 50 EMA on the hourly time frame.”

He further added that the technical structure of the benchmark index is turning increasingly fragile in the near term.

“So overall, Nifty is forming a lower top on the daily as well as on the hourly chart. The chart setup is a bit descending and a bearish setup is forming for the short term. Negativity might prevail, but we have support. Though the support is a bit fragile, we have support at 23,500. Once the support of 23,500 is broken, then we are good to go towards 23,150 and below that also,” he said.

Banking Stocks Add to the Weakness
The banking pack, which often determines the broader direction of the market, also appears vulnerable according to the analyst. He pointed out that Bank Nifty has repeatedly failed to cross important resistance levels over the past few sessions.
“For Bank Nifty, Bank Nifty is also going to support Nifty as for the last two days it has been finding resistance around its 50 EMA on the hourly chart and the chart is a bit bearish and sentiment might remain negative in the short term or till the time it is remaining below 54,500,” he said.
He expects the banking index to remain under pressure in the near term, adding, “On the lower end I expect Bank Nifty to move towards 52,500 kind of level in the near to short term as all the big boys in the banking space are looking very-very bearish.”

Sharp Correction in Smallcaps Raises Questions
The broader market witnessed deeper cuts compared to frontline indices, especially in the smallcap space. The Nifty Smallcap index registered a steep fall for the week, ending its six-week gaining streak and raising concerns among retail investors.

However, despite the correction, Rupak De believes the structural trend in the midcap and smallcap segment remains healthy after the sharp rally seen earlier.

“Smallcap and midcaps have corrected recently significantly. However, if we consider the preceding rally, the preceding rally was spectacular. In fact, Nifty Midcap made a new all-time high in this recent rally just before the current fall,” he said.

He maintained that selective buying opportunities are emerging in the broader market despite near-term volatility.

“So, I would definitely put my money in midcap as well as in the smallcap and though the larger contribution would remain into the largecap, but I would definitely put my significant capital into mid and smallcap,” he added.

Reliance Industries Fails to Inspire Confidence
Among the major laggards during the last week was Reliance Industries, which remained under selling pressure amid weak technical signals.

Rupak De indicated that the stock currently lacks trading comfort on both the long and short side.

“So, Reliance chart is not very tempting. Chart says me to stay away from it because the stock recently has fallen below all the important moving averages and currently it is good to go to make a new low below 1300,” he said.

He also cautioned traders against aggressive short positions after the recent decline.

“So, I would wait and also on the short side I would not be comfortable taking short because it has already fallen by 150 kind of points. So, long or short I would not trade Reliance in the short term,” he added.

FMCG and Pharma Continue to Offer Stability
While broader market sentiment remains shaky, defensive sectors such as FMCG, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals continue to show resilience.

Sharing his preferred trading idea, Rupak De said that Marico stands out on the charts after a phase of consolidation.

“Yes, definitely. Some of the stock which I am liking are like Marico. For the last few days, FMCG, healthcare, and the pharmaceutical stocks are doing good. So, my pick would be Marico,” he said.

He believes the stock could witness an upside breakout once the current consolidation phase ends.

“After the decent rally, the stock has been consolidating for the last three-four days and I expect once the consolidation ends, it is likely to end on the higher end. Upside breakout is expected and on the higher end the stock might move towards 880 in the short term,” he added.

According to him, the stock can be bought around current levels with a stop loss placed below 824.

Jewellery Stocks Remain Mixed
The jewellery segment, which had seen strong investor interest in recent months, is now showing signs of exhaustion in select counters.

Rupak De expressed caution on Kalyan Jewellers, citing continued weakness in the stock structure.

“So, among the jewellery stocks, they are with a mixed view, like Kalyan Jewellers I find the stock is falling towards its low, currently it has corrected significantly, then there was a consolidation, then again it is getting ready for further fall,” he said.

He advised investors to remain cautious, adding, “So, I would be happy if I exit from the stock at the current level because I expect the stock might move towards 330 in the short term.”