Lakers star, LeBron James is expected to opt out of the final year of his current contract with the Los Angeles Lakers to become an unrestricted free agent. Now this might not be earth shattering news but according to Dan Woike of The LA Times, the move grants James two significant advantages: the ability to sign with any team and the eligibility to receive a no-trade clause due to his tenure with the Lakers and his overall NBA career length.
Opting out may slightly reduce his potential earnings on a new contract with the Lakers compared to extending his current deal. As a free agent, a three-year max contract would be worth about $162 million, starting at a max salary calculated as 5% above his previous $47.6 million salary and including 8% raises in subsequent years. In contrast, opting in and extending would result in over $164 million, as it would start from his $51.4 million player option figure.
If unfamiliar, the Over-38 Rule limits James to a maximum of a three-year contract. Despite the minor financial difference, the security of a no-trade clause might be more valuable to him. Historically, James has preferred short-term deals to maximize flexibility and take advantage of the rising salary cap, which is expected to increase by the maximum 10% annually starting next offseason.
Don’t get too excited at the prospect of King James donning another uniform to end his career. Remaining with the Lakers is anticipated, other teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and Oklahoma City Thunder might show interest. Sign-and-trade or opt-in and trade scenarios are also possible, with a decision deadline of June 29.
ICYMI, the Lakers, having hired James’ podcast co-host JJ Redick as head coach and expected to draft his son Bronny, are favored to retain him. However, James’ free agency will allow him to explore all potential opportunities before making a final decision.
Boston Celtics Finals MVP Jaylen Brown is enlisting Boston’s help following Friday’s championship parade.
The Celtics star wing shared on social media that he lost a ring during the festivities.
“Reward for whoever finds this ring lost it at the parade ,” Brown wrote in an Instagram story.
Get this, the ring Brown lost had the logo for his personal brand, 7uice, in the center and appears to have diamonds. Brown didn’t share what the reward would be for finding the ring. But one would figure whoever finds it could get a decent payday as Brown is entering the first year of his supermax deal that’s worth nearly $300 million.
“Big reward for whoever find this ring lost it at the parade if you find it lmk please ,” Brown wrote in another post to his Instagram story.
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Just for clarification, the ring isn’t the Celtics’ championship ring. Members of the team will likely get those rings on the opening night of the 2024-25 season, as is tradition in the NBA.
One the brighter side, even though Brown lost a prized possession Friday, he did pick up some more personal hardware earlier in the week. He received the Bill Russell Trophy for Finals MVP, being rewarded for his performance over the Celtics’ five-game series win over the Mavericks.
Brown was second on the team in scoring in the series, averaging 20.8 points per game. He also averaged 5.4 rebounds and five assists per game. Defensively, he had a team-high 1.6 steals per game and was the Celtics’ catalyst in slowing down Luka Doncic. The Mavericks star scored just 21 points on 9 of 22 shooting while committing five turnovers when Brown was the primary defender, per NBA.com’s tracking data.
Outside of losing his personal ring, Brown seemed to enjoy Friday’s parade. I mean he’s the MVP of the finals and just won a chip. Not to mention he quieted all the naysayers after he signed the most lucrative contract in NBA history. He hyped up fans from the duck boat he was on, wearing a shirt that read, “State Your Source.” At one point, he caught a basketball and spun it around his finger. He also paid tribute to his late friend and Dorchester native Terrence Clarke, holding up his jersey.
Brown continued to soak in the celebration of the championship win on social media Saturday. He shared several images from the parade on Instagram, tagging Stephen A. Smith with the caption, “State your source.” He also reposted several posts from the NBA Finals and the Celtics’ celebration on X before posting an image of him hugging his mom after he was named Finals MVP.
Good luck finding the ring but if he doesn’t, he has a new, bigger and better ring coming next season. Just sayin.
The Lakers search for their next head coach is over. The storied Los Angeles franchise just hired former NBA guard JJ Redick as their new head coach. Feels like they got the man they wanted from jump street and Hurley was just a one off exploration that ultimately did not go anywhere.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the hiring, confirming Redick’s four-year deal with the Lakers. Insiders Shams Charania, Sam Amick, and Jovan Buha of The Athletic revealed that Redick’s salary is approximately $8 million per season.
“Redick is signing a four-year deal worth in the neighborhood of $8 million per season with the Lakers, according to sources briefed on the deal,” they reported.
This contract is fairly standard for an NBA head coach, but it is considered a good deal for a first-time coach with no prior experience. So basically the Lakers aren’t breaking the bank but are still paying fair market value for Redick.
Despite the risk, the Lakers’ front office is confident in Redick’s potential. His name surfaced as a candidate after the dismissal of former head coach Darvin Ham. Although other teams had shown interest in Redick over the years, the Lakers secured him for his debut coaching position.
Redick’s immediate challenges include navigating the upcoming NBA Draft and preparing for free agency. While the Lakers face significant tasks ahead, they now have a new leader to guide them.
Now, we all want to know. What does LeBron feel about the deal that many think he pushed for and how does this move affect his future as the 4-time champion winds down his career. Time will tell.
This past weekend, the first day of Black Music Month was celebrated by the San Francisco Giants by honoring the legendary Wu Tang Clan with “Wu Tang Night”. The Giants were joined by Bay Area artist Larry June and Wu Tang co-founder and producer the RZA, who participated in a ceremonial jersey swap before the game.
The San Fran artist and the Abbott displayed a moment of unity and respect from the West Coast to the East Coast, with June putting on RZA’s yankees jersey while the founding member of the Clan donned June’s Giants jersey.
Below, you can check out the sit down the RZA had with YES Networks’ own Meredith Marakovits, where he discusses his history as a Yankees fan, his Mets vs. Yankees household growing up and his favorite Yankee, “Mr. October”, Reggie Jackson.
The Yanks beat the Giants Saturday night 7-3, maintaining their top spot in the AL East while San Fran is still fighting to keep their third slot in the NationaL League West standings
The history of baseball has changed forever after today(May 29), when the the decision was made by Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred that statistics from the Negro Leagues will now be integrated into the MLB database, changing the record holders of several major categories, with Negro Leaguer Josh Gibson becoming the new all-time MLB leader in three major categories.
The records of more than 2,300 Negro League baseball players were incorporated into Major League Baseball’s database, creating major shifts in longstanding records of professional baseball. One of the most obvious, yet controversial changes caused by the database update is Josh Gibson becoming the new career and season batting average leader over Ty Cobb, with Cobb ending his career at a stellar .367, but Gibson all-time batting average edged Cobb with .372. Gibson also became the career leader in slugging percentage (.718) and OPS (1.177), moving ahead of Babe Ruth (.690 and 1.164).
“This initiative is focused on ensuring that future generations of fans have access to the statistics and milestones of all those who made the Negro Leagues possible,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Their accomplishments on the field will be a gateway to broader learning about this triumph in American history and the path that led to Jackie Robinson’s 1947 Dodger debut.”
A baseball records “special committee” made a decision in 1969 to recognize six major leagues dating back to 1876: the National (which launched in 1876), the American (1901), the American Association (1882-1891), Union Association (1884), Players’ League (1890), and Federal League (1914-1915). It excluded the National Association (1871-75), citing an “erratic schedule and procedures.”
Major League Baseball announced during the pandemic (December 2020) that the organization would be “correcting a longtime oversight” and include the records of the Negro Leagues, dating back to its inception in 1920 by the “Father of Black baseball” Andrew “Rube” Foster.
John Thorn, MLB’s official historian, hold position as chairman to a 17-person committee that includes Negro Leagues experts and statisticians. Thorn estimated that 72% of Negro Leagues records from 1920-1948 are included, with additional research that might lead to future stat changes. Thorn said a four-homer game by Gibson in 1938 and a home run by Mays in August 1948 could not be included because complete game accounts have not been found.
An updated version of MLB’s database will become public before the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants play a tribute game to the Negro Leagues on June 20 at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama.
Gibson jumped to leader in season slugging percentage as well, dropping Barry Bonds .863 record in 2001 to fifth, trailing Mules Suttles .877 in 1926, Gibson’s .871 in 1943 and Chralie “Chino” Smith’s .870 in 1929. Bonds’ prior OPS record of 1.421 in 2004 dropped to third behind Gibson’s 1.474 in 1937 and 1.435 in 1943.
Willie Mays gained 10 hits from the 1948 Birmingham Black Barons, increasing his total to 3,293. Minnie Minoso surpassed 2,000 hits, credited with 150 for the New York Cubans from 1946-1948 that boosted his total to 2,113. Jackie Robinson, who broke MLB’s color barrier with the 1947 Dodgers, was credited with 49 hits with the 1945 Kansas City Monarchs that increased his total to 1,567.
For those on the mound, the great Leroy “Satchel” Paige gained 28 wins that raised his total to 125. For those in the baseball know, Paige pitched his last professional game in 1966, just two weeks shy of his 60th birthday.
Bob Kendrick, the President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which is in Kansas City, made a statement about the statistics update, saying, “Thanks to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred for his embracing of the importance of the Negro Leagues and an incredible team of historians and researchers who have dedicated themselves to pull this groundbreaking data together. This is a major milestone in baseball history.”
While most of Colorado is talking about the Denver Nuggets’ dominance over the Lakers in the NBA playoffs, Ryan Garcia and Deion Sanders are reminding the state that Jokic and Murray still have to share the spotlight.
Ryan Garcia braved the cold and rainy mountain weather to show up at Colorado University’s spring football game on Saturday and then joined the team in the facility afterwards as a guest of head coach Deion Sanders.
Garcia was seen mingling with the staff and players at the spring game and then afterward joining the team at their facility while rocking a Colorado jersey and shaking Sanders’ hand before showing off some boxing moves with the Buffs’ head coach. Sanders proceeds to give Garcia a hug and congratulate him on his recent success while the two talk about the influence of Jesus in their lives. In the video, Garcia says: “It says in the Bible, any time you’re going to boast about anything, boast about the Lord.”
However, the real performance came when Garcia performed in front of a sold-out crowd in Colorado, not just rapping his song, “Blessed, Highly Favored,” mixing in push-ups with his performance.
As for his trip to the Rocky Mountains, Garcia seemed to be pleased, taking to X to share his excitement about his performance and also joking about joining the team, posting:
“Getting signed to Colorado im eligible
Pretty cool let’s see if I pull this off
LETS GO”
The Colorado Buffaloes begin their season on August 29 against North Dakota State. While it is doubtful that Garcia will actually be on the roster, it will be interesting to see what Coach Prime does in his second season as the head coach of the team.
After more than 40 years, racing made its return to Las Vegas and in true Vegas style, it was a spectacle on and off the track. The Las Vegas Grand Prix, which forms part of the Formula One World Championship, took place on Saturday with celebs gathering to watch some of the top racers in the world on a specially-designed track, which included parts of the Las Vegas strip.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky joined the Ferrari team where they wore headphones to hear the drivers communication with their teams. Justin Bieber had the honor of waving the checkered lap for the final lap of the race, which was won by Max Verstappen of Team Red Bull.
Other A-listers in attendance included Anthony Mackie, Steve Aoki,Chad Ochocinco, Axl Rose, Brad Pitt, Paris Hilton, David Beckham, Wayne Newton,Heidi Klum, Donny Osmond,Shaquille O’Neal, Cara Delevingne, and Patrick Dempsey, and more.
And even though Tom Brady, an avid racing fan, could not be there in person, he Facetimed some words of encouragement to Logan Sargeant, a rookie driver for Williams Racing.
The last Formula One race, the Caesars Palace Grand Prix, was held in Las Vegas in 1982 while the last street race held in the city since was the Vegas Grand Prix Champ Car in 2007. The race came with a great deal of controversy including construction costs and delays and interruptions to other Las Vegas businesses and residents. In addition to reports that fans also tore down view-blocking screens to get a glimpse of the race, others who actually purchased tickets are also upset that they did not get their money’s worth. The race has already been hit with a class-action lawsuit on behalf of the 35,000 people who bought tickets for Thursday’s practice session that was cancelled when Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari was damaged by a loose drain cover.
In a dazzling display of sportsmanship and star power, living legends David Beckham and Shaquille O’Neal, both Authentic shareholders, took center stage as hosts of Sports Illustrated’s Club SI during the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix. The three-day premium hospitality lounge, strategically positioned overlooking the race’s straightaway, became a hub of excitement, attracting a constellation of athletes and celebrities.
The guest list for the exclusive event read like a who’s who of the sports and entertainment world, with notable attendees including Cruz Beckham, Emitt Smith, Shakur Stevenson, Myles O’Neal, Shareef O’Neal, Dax Shepard, Tyga, Roddy Rich, Christian Combs, Rob McElhenney, Druski, Eric Andre, Brandon Lee, Jason Oppenheim, Matt Irving, Todd English, Aljamain Sterling, Wax Motif, Brooks Nader, Nicole Williams English, Camille Kostek, Ellie Thurman, Amanda Sorenson, Blake Grey, Kierstan Bell, and many more.
The Club SI lounge provided an unrivaled vantage point for guests to soak in the adrenaline-pumping action of the Las Vegas Grand Prix while indulging in premium hospitality. Attendees reveled in the luxury of the three-day event, surrounded by the glamour and excitement synonymous with both sports and entertainment.
David Beckham and Shaquille O’Neal, known for their achievements on the field and court, seamlessly transitioned into the role of gracious hosts, ensuring that the star-studded gathering was nothing short of spectacular. As Authentic shareholders, their presence added an extra layer of authenticity to the event, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration.
Colorado has been having quite the headline-making season this year, but over the weekend, they unfortunately traded sports’ headlines for crime ones. Several players report that jewelry and other personal items were stolen from the visitor’s locker room while the Buffs played the UCLS Bruins on Saturday.
A video originally posted to Bleacher Report shows many Colorado players shaking their heads and telling the camera that their items were stolen during the game. Many kept emphasizing during the game as if it was impossible to comprehend how such a thing could have happened. One Buffs player can be seen shaking his head and saying, “you come to play football and you know….your s*** is safe…that’s messed up bro.” Another player describes how the visiting Colorado team (which had just lost to the UCLA Bruins 28-16) came back in the locker room to change and go home only to find their items missing.
On Monday, tLisa Derderian of the city of Pasadena, issued a statement in which she stated that the department had initiated a theft investigation involving several players at the stadium. A joint statement from the police and UCLA said that UCLA was cooperating with the police in the investigation, but no further details would be shared at this time.
“This is obviously a terrible violation. The fact that it happened while the contest was in progress, and in a presumably-guarded locker room, is a frustrating revelation that suggests at the very least this theft was pre-meditated by whomever carried it out.
It’s incredibly frustrating not only that this happened in a game against the Bruins, but specifically that this happened at the Bruins’ home stadium.
We at All Bruins sincerely hope that the impacted Colorado players get all their stolen valuables returned to them promptly, and the parties responsible receive due punishment for their reprehensible behavior.
Rooting against a competitor on the field is one of the joys of sports fandom. But it should go without saying that that never needs to extend beyond the confines of competition. It’s appalling that this stuff happened where it did, tainting an otherwise fun occasion for UCLA appreciators.”
Colorado headed home where they will face Oregon State next weekend while UCLA will travel to Arizona.
Njoku’s unwavering commitment to the team inspires all
In a peculiar incident at his residence on Friday night, Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku sustained burns to his face and arm while tending to a firepit. This left fans and the team concerned about his availability for the looming showdown against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. However, Njoku swiftly put any doubts to rest with his unwavering commitment.
In a bold social media post, Njoku declared, “The flesh is weak. See u tomorrow #DawgPound,” underscoring his dedication to the game, even in the face of adversity.
Hailing from New Jersey, Njoku has been a mainstay in the Browns’ lineup this season, amassing 10 receptions on 11 targets for 92 yards, though he’s yet to reach the end zone. Beyond the stats, his veteran presence in his seventh season with Cleveland is invaluable to the team.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski recognizes Njoku’s importance, noting, “He’s made a huge impact for us already… He’s a very, very complete tight end.”
Nevertheless, the Browns’ offensive hurdles persist, exacerbated by the absence of quarterback Deshaun Watson, which adds complexity to their week 4 faceoff with the Ravens.
Njoku’s agent assured concerned fans that the 27-year-old tight end is in good condition post-accident and maintains his determination to take the field.
On Sunday, when Njoku arrived at the stadium, his appearance turned heads. He sported a full-face mask, sparking concerns about his ability to comfortably don his helmet and participate in the game.
With Watson sidelined, rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, stepped up to make his inaugural career start. The Browns faced a formidable challenge ahead, but Njoku’s unwavering resilience symbolized the team’s unwavering commitment to surmounting obstacles and pursuing victory.
Regrettably, Cleveland fell to Baltimore with a score of 28-3, with Watson sidelined due to a shoulder injury, marking a challenging day for the Browns.
Nevertheless, Njoku’s inspirational display of resilience and dedication serves as a beacon of hope for the Browns and their fans. He caught four passes for 42 yards, demonstrating that he is a valuable asset to the team, even when nursing an injury. In the face of adversity, Njoku remained resolute, exemplifying the true spirit of a warrior.
,” Brown wrote in an Instagram story.
