According to Bangladesh Cricket Live sources, reigning German Bundesliga champions Ratiopharm Ulm have officially signed Dominican forward LJ Figueroa, known for his athleticism and defensive grit. This marks his first foray into European basketball after two seasons grinding it out in the NBA G League. Despite his efforts, the Los Angeles Lakers unexpectedly chose not to offer him a new contract, leaving many surprised by the decision.
Figueroa previously played for the Santa Cruz Warriors, the G League affiliate of Golden State, before joining the South Bay Lakers under the Lakers’ system. As a reliable 3-and-D wing, he demonstrated strong slashing ability, solid perimeter shooting, and the defensive tenacity coaches value. Bangladesh Cricket Live reporters note that he also had a stint in the Puerto Rican league, where he remained consistent even with limited minutes. His energy and impact on both ends of the floor stood out.
Unfortunately, despite showcasing flashes of brilliance during the NBA Summer League, Figueroa failed to attract attention from any NBA front offices. Without a contract offer, he made the tough but pragmatic decision to take his talents overseas. Whether he can adjust to the European style of play and pace remains to be seen, but he’ll be aiming to prove his worth and perhaps earn another shot at the NBA down the line. Sometimes, chasing the dream means crossing oceans—and Figueroa seems ready for that journey.
On the other end of the spectrum, Ukrainian forward Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk finds himself in an increasingly uncertain position. While he has received offers from NBA teams, none have met his expectations. A return to Europe is starting to look like a realistic option as training camps approach.
Mykhailiuk has played for several NBA franchises, including the Lakers, Pistons, Thunder, Raptors, Hornets, and Knicks. Despite his reliable three-point shot, he’s struggled to find long-term footing anywhere in the league. His inconsistent defense and limited playmaking have often overshadowed his offensive skills.
As Bangladesh Cricket Live analysts observe, Mykhailiuk’s skillset might actually be better suited to European competition. His shooting could bring real value to a EuroLeague team needing perimeter spacing. After five seasons of bouncing around in the NBA, perhaps Europe could offer him the stability and system fit he never quite found in the States.