Tunnel Style and the Luka Dončić Effect With Alana Champion
The model and NBA obsessive discusses fashion muses and the future of the Lakers.
Luka Dončić is now a Laker. For fans in Los Angeles, these are exhilarating times, yet model and Lakers disciple Alana Champion is well-versed in the art of expecting the unexpected when it comes to the inner workings of the team. Only in Hollywood could a script so wild feel almost inevitable.
Growing up in Los Angeles, Champion has proven herself a first-round creative force, excelling in music (including a co-writing credit with friend Lana Del Rey), modeling for Saint Laurent and walking the runway for Gucci. On Instagram, Champion’s aesthetic brings a wicked, never-overly-serious perspective to daily life as a globetrotting style icon.
Despite such all-consuming pursuits, basketball remains a 24/7 passion, with her armchair punditry taking on a momentum of its own. According to the acclaimed Cookies podcast, Champion is the “prophet of doom” when it comes to predicting her team’s fortunes. Might a certain Slovenian prodigy rid her of that nickname for good?
On the heels of the NBA trade deadline, we caught up with Champion to talk style, sneakers and just what is going on with that Luka deal.
Just when they start to bore you, the Lakers make themselves relevant for another decade.
Alana Champion
What are your earliest memories of basketball?
Dunks, no-look passes, underdogs, fun trades, and when there’s a blowout and the announcers start talking about random things. Also, teams from my hometown, NBA Twitter and watching how refs make calls when they’re excited.
Who are your basketball style muses?
Russell Westbrook was always my tunnel hero.
If you weren’t modeling, what would you be doing instead?
I’d be the next Doris Burke.
What basketball sneaker doesn’t get enough love?
Ron Artest ‘Pandas.’
Who is the most underappreciated player in the NBA right now?
Ty Jerome.
Do the Lakers have a shot this year?
The Lakers are Hollywood magic. Just when they start to bore you, they make themselves relevant for another decade.
What is the Lakers’ ceiling for the 2025 season now that they’ve landed Luka?
Sky’s the limit. Two basketball geniuses—don’t overthink it.
What’s it like to lose Anthony Davis but gain Luka in one of the biggest, most unexpected trades in NBA history?
Anthony Davis was a joy. He’s been a healthy monster for the past two years. He came, he conquered and now he’s going to be really fun elsewhere. Max Christie is already going off.
Such a Lakers trade. Pisses everyone off. My non-LA friends won’t let me hear the end of it, but IDGAF. Hollywood magic.
Alana Champion
What are your crackpot theories on why the Mavericks traded Luka?
It’s obviously insane. For Nico Harrison to initiate those talks just proves that we don’t know any information on the problems with Luka or what they think are problems with him. They know him better than anyone…and we’re gonna find out. But this also has a lot to do with the Mavericks’ ownership not really caring about basketball or the players.
Does trading Luka give hope or concern to other “untouchable” superstars in the NBA?
It definitely shakes things up. If Luka can get moved, anyone can.
What’s the next move for the Lakers?
The Lakers are going to be an absolute treat to watch now, no matter what. But I’m worried about our defense. The last thing I want is to see my boy Reaves go, but we need a shot-blocking, lob-catching, rim-running big. Claxton would be great. Maybe we keep Reaves and trade Hayes and Maxi Kleber instead. We probably need two guys—a stretch five and a classic center—to give Luka and LeBron the spacing they need. Think Kobe and Shaq.
Update: We got Mark Williams. He’s like if Time Lord was taller.
From Magic and Kobe to LeBron and now Luka, the Lakers always seem to land generational talent. Why do you think that is?
Such a Lakers trade. Pisses everyone off. My non-LA friends won’t let me hear the end of it, but IDGAF. Hollywood magic.