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Deadspin | Finding ways to win, Padres face another challenge in Mariners’ pitching Apr 15, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill celebrates after hitting a walk-off double during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. All MLB players are wearing number 42 today to honor Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images San Diego Padres’ first-year manager Craig Stammen can explain his team’s five-run, ninth-inning rally Wednesday night that produced a 7-6 win over the visiting Seattle Mariners on Wednesday. “Just a never-say-die mentality,” he said. “We just battled and came away with the crazy victory.” That stretched San Diego’s winning streak to seven games and gives the Padres a chance to sweep Seattle and the seven-game homestand if they can prevail Thursday night. For 8 1/2 innings, it looked like Thursday night’s game would be a rubber game. The Mariners led 6-0 after 5 1/2 innings and starter Emerson Hancock was dealing. Even after Hancock lost his shutout in the sixth on the 200th homer of Xander Bogaerts’ career, Seattle and its lockdown bullpen still had a four-run lead with nine outs to get. The first six came pretty easily. But the last three never happened as the Padres’ recent offensive surge continued. They have scored 47 runs during the winning streak and have collected 66 hits as well, including at least 10 in four straight games. “We don’t give up,” Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill said. “We have so much heart in that clubhouse, a lot of different personalities.” Merrill is one of those personalities who drives the clubhouse and the team. His two-run double in the ninth won the game, but his home run robbery of Julio Rodriguez in the third was one reason Merrill could be the hero at the plate later. The dramatic comeback overshadowed more injury concerns for San Diego. Catcher Freddy Fermin left the game in the third inning after being struck in the mask by a foul ball for the second time on the night. Stammen said Fermin didn’t suffer a concussion but will be re-evaluated on Thursday. Walker Buehler (0-1, 4.97 ERA) gets the ball for the Padres after his best outing of the young season. The right-hander tossed six scoreless innings Friday night against Colorado and left with a 2-0 lead but settled for a no-decision in the team’s 5-2 triumph. Buehler is 1-1 with a 7.08 ERA in four career starts against Seattle. Luis Castillo (0-0, 6.92) will oppose Buehler, hoping for better results than he got Saturday night during his team’s 8-7 home victory over Houston. Castillo was pounded for 10 hits and seven runs over 3 1/3 innings with a walk and three strikeouts. The right-hander is 3-3 with a 3.71 ERA in nine career starts against San Diego. Consecutive losses aside, the Mariners have gotten good starting pitching. That unit ranks eighth in Major League Baseball in ERA at 3.42 and has put up four straight quality starts, including Hancock’s six-inning outing Wednesday night. “The potential for all of us, it’s just endless,” right-hander George Kirby said. “There’s so much you learn from each guy going out there. It’s just cool everyone’s healthy and we’re all doing our thing.” Seattle’s team ERA of 3.24 ranks third in MLB and the Mariners’ bullpen largely has done the job, save for Andres Munoz’s ninth-inning implosion Wednesday night that saw him allow all five runs and bloated his ERA to 9.45. Wasted in the loss was a stellar game by right fielder Luke Raley, who went 4-for-5 with a two-run homer and upped his average to .339. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Finding #ways #win #Padres #face #challenge #Mariners #pitching

Deadspin | Finding ways to win, Padres face another challenge in Mariners’ pitching
Deadspin | Finding ways to win, Padres face another challenge in Mariners’ pitching Apr 15, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill celebrates after hitting a walk-off double during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. All MLB players are wearing number 42 today to honor Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images San Diego Padres’ first-year manager Craig Stammen can explain his team’s five-run, ninth-inning rally Wednesday night that produced a 7-6 win over the visiting Seattle Mariners on Wednesday. “Just a never-say-die mentality,” he said. “We just battled and came away with the crazy victory.” That stretched San Diego’s winning streak to seven games and gives the Padres a chance to sweep Seattle and the seven-game homestand if they can prevail Thursday night. For 8 1/2 innings, it looked like Thursday night’s game would be a rubber game. The Mariners led 6-0 after 5 1/2 innings and starter Emerson Hancock was dealing. Even after Hancock lost his shutout in the sixth on the 200th homer of Xander Bogaerts’ career, Seattle and its lockdown bullpen still had a four-run lead with nine outs to get. The first six came pretty easily. But the last three never happened as the Padres’ recent offensive surge continued. They have scored 47 runs during the winning streak and have collected 66 hits as well, including at least 10 in four straight games. “We don’t give up,” Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill said. “We have so much heart in that clubhouse, a lot of different personalities.” Merrill is one of those personalities who drives the clubhouse and the team. His two-run double in the ninth won the game, but his home run robbery of Julio Rodriguez in the third was one reason Merrill could be the hero at the plate later. The dramatic comeback overshadowed more injury concerns for San Diego. Catcher Freddy Fermin left the game in the third inning after being struck in the mask by a foul ball for the second time on the night. Stammen said Fermin didn’t suffer a concussion but will be re-evaluated on Thursday. Walker Buehler (0-1, 4.97 ERA) gets the ball for the Padres after his best outing of the young season. The right-hander tossed six scoreless innings Friday night against Colorado and left with a 2-0 lead but settled for a no-decision in the team’s 5-2 triumph. Buehler is 1-1 with a 7.08 ERA in four career starts against Seattle. Luis Castillo (0-0, 6.92) will oppose Buehler, hoping for better results than he got Saturday night during his team’s 8-7 home victory over Houston. Castillo was pounded for 10 hits and seven runs over 3 1/3 innings with a walk and three strikeouts. The right-hander is 3-3 with a 3.71 ERA in nine career starts against San Diego. Consecutive losses aside, the Mariners have gotten good starting pitching. That unit ranks eighth in Major League Baseball in ERA at 3.42 and has put up four straight quality starts, including Hancock’s six-inning outing Wednesday night. “The potential for all of us, it’s just endless,” right-hander George Kirby said. “There’s so much you learn from each guy going out there. It’s just cool everyone’s healthy and we’re all doing our thing.” Seattle’s team ERA of 3.24 ranks third in MLB and the Mariners’ bullpen largely has done the job, save for Andres Munoz’s ninth-inning implosion Wednesday night that saw him allow all five runs and bloated his ERA to 9.45. Wasted in the loss was a stellar game by right fielder Luke Raley, who went 4-for-5 with a two-run homer and upped his average to .339. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Finding #ways #win #Padres #face #challenge #Mariners #pitchingApr 15, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill celebrates after hitting a walk-off double during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. All MLB players are wearing number 42 today to honor Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres’ first-year manager Craig Stammen can explain his team’s five-run, ninth-inning rally Wednesday night that produced a 7-6 win over the visiting Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.

“Just a never-say-die mentality,” he said. “We just battled and came away with the crazy victory.”

That stretched San Diego’s winning streak to seven games and gives the Padres a chance to sweep Seattle and the seven-game homestand if they can prevail Thursday night.

For 8 1/2 innings, it looked like Thursday night’s game would be a rubber game. The Mariners led 6-0 after 5 1/2 innings and starter Emerson Hancock was dealing. Even after Hancock lost his shutout in the sixth on the 200th homer of Xander Bogaerts’ career, Seattle and its lockdown bullpen still had a four-run lead with nine outs to get.

The first six came pretty easily. But the last three never happened as the Padres’ recent offensive surge continued. They have scored 47 runs during the winning streak and have collected 66 hits as well, including at least 10 in four straight games.

“We don’t give up,” Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill said. “We have so much heart in that clubhouse, a lot of different personalities.”

Merrill is one of those personalities who drives the clubhouse and the team. His two-run double in the ninth won the game, but his home run robbery of Julio Rodriguez in the third was one reason Merrill could be the hero at the plate later.

The dramatic comeback overshadowed more injury concerns for San Diego. Catcher Freddy Fermin left the game in the third inning after being struck in the mask by a foul ball for the second time on the night. Stammen said Fermin didn’t suffer a concussion but will be re-evaluated on Thursday.


Walker Buehler (0-1, 4.97 ERA) gets the ball for the Padres after his best outing of the young season. The right-hander tossed six scoreless innings Friday night against Colorado and left with a 2-0 lead but settled for a no-decision in the team’s 5-2 triumph.

Buehler is 1-1 with a 7.08 ERA in four career starts against Seattle.

Luis Castillo (0-0, 6.92) will oppose Buehler, hoping for better results than he got Saturday night during his team’s 8-7 home victory over Houston. Castillo was pounded for 10 hits and seven runs over 3 1/3 innings with a walk and three strikeouts.

The right-hander is 3-3 with a 3.71 ERA in nine career starts against San Diego.

Consecutive losses aside, the Mariners have gotten good starting pitching. That unit ranks eighth in Major League Baseball in ERA at 3.42 and has put up four straight quality starts, including Hancock’s six-inning outing Wednesday night.

“The potential for all of us, it’s just endless,” right-hander George Kirby said. “There’s so much you learn from each guy going out there. It’s just cool everyone’s healthy and we’re all doing our thing.”

Seattle’s team ERA of 3.24 ranks third in MLB and the Mariners’ bullpen largely has done the job, save for Andres Munoz’s ninth-inning implosion Wednesday night that saw him allow all five runs and bloated his ERA to 9.45.

Wasted in the loss was a stellar game by right fielder Luke Raley, who went 4-for-5 with a two-run homer and upped his average to .339.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Finding #ways #win #Padres #face #challenge #Mariners #pitching

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Apr 15, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill celebrates after hitting a walk-off double during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. All MLB players are wearing number 42 today to honor Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres’ first-year manager Craig Stammen can explain his team’s five-run, ninth-inning rally Wednesday night that produced a 7-6 win over the visiting Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.

“Just a never-say-die mentality,” he said. “We just battled and came away with the crazy victory.”

That stretched San Diego’s winning streak to seven games and gives the Padres a chance to sweep Seattle and the seven-game homestand if they can prevail Thursday night.

For 8 1/2 innings, it looked like Thursday night’s game would be a rubber game. The Mariners led 6-0 after 5 1/2 innings and starter Emerson Hancock was dealing. Even after Hancock lost his shutout in the sixth on the 200th homer of Xander Bogaerts’ career, Seattle and its lockdown bullpen still had a four-run lead with nine outs to get.

The first six came pretty easily. But the last three never happened as the Padres’ recent offensive surge continued. They have scored 47 runs during the winning streak and have collected 66 hits as well, including at least 10 in four straight games.

“We don’t give up,” Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill said. “We have so much heart in that clubhouse, a lot of different personalities.”

Merrill is one of those personalities who drives the clubhouse and the team. His two-run double in the ninth won the game, but his home run robbery of Julio Rodriguez in the third was one reason Merrill could be the hero at the plate later.

The dramatic comeback overshadowed more injury concerns for San Diego. Catcher Freddy Fermin left the game in the third inning after being struck in the mask by a foul ball for the second time on the night. Stammen said Fermin didn’t suffer a concussion but will be re-evaluated on Thursday.

Walker Buehler (0-1, 4.97 ERA) gets the ball for the Padres after his best outing of the young season. The right-hander tossed six scoreless innings Friday night against Colorado and left with a 2-0 lead but settled for a no-decision in the team’s 5-2 triumph.

Buehler is 1-1 with a 7.08 ERA in four career starts against Seattle.

Luis Castillo (0-0, 6.92) will oppose Buehler, hoping for better results than he got Saturday night during his team’s 8-7 home victory over Houston. Castillo was pounded for 10 hits and seven runs over 3 1/3 innings with a walk and three strikeouts.

The right-hander is 3-3 with a 3.71 ERA in nine career starts against San Diego.

Consecutive losses aside, the Mariners have gotten good starting pitching. That unit ranks eighth in Major League Baseball in ERA at 3.42 and has put up four straight quality starts, including Hancock’s six-inning outing Wednesday night.

“The potential for all of us, it’s just endless,” right-hander George Kirby said. “There’s so much you learn from each guy going out there. It’s just cool everyone’s healthy and we’re all doing our thing.”

Seattle’s team ERA of 3.24 ranks third in MLB and the Mariners’ bullpen largely has done the job, save for Andres Munoz’s ninth-inning implosion Wednesday night that saw him allow all five runs and bloated his ERA to 9.45.

Wasted in the loss was a stellar game by right fielder Luke Raley, who went 4-for-5 with a two-run homer and upped his average to .339.

–Field Level Media

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Union Berlin’s Marie-Louise Eta aware of special position in Bundesliga but wants to focus on football <div id="content-body-70869534" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Union Berlin’s new coach Marie-Louise Eta — the first woman to manage a Bundesliga team — is well aware ​of the discussions regarding her appointment last week but said on Thursday ‌she was only focused on getting the side back on ​the winning track.</p><p>Eta was appointed interim head coach on ⁠Saturday for the remainder of the season following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart with Union in 11th place.</p><p>She will oversee the men’s first team through the ‌end of the campaign before moving to the club’s women’s side.</p><p>“I totally understand that in public there is this ‌issue (of the first woman as a Bundesliga coach),” she told a ‌press ⁠conference ahead of her first game on Saturday at ⁠home to strugglers VfL Wolfsburg.</p><p>“I obviously know the issue and it was never about that. It’s always about football, about working with people … and about being successful.</p><p>“I have ​the trust of the club ‌and I am happy about it. The most important thing now is to prepare for the weekend against Wolfsburg,” Eta said.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/bundesliga/bundesliga-2025-26-vincent-kompany-marie-louis-eta-union-berlin-something-special-quotes-latest/article70862338.ece" target="_blank">Kompany hails Marie-Louise Eta’s appointment as ‘something special’</a></b></p><p>Asked if she had any hesitation when getting the job offer last week, ‌Eta added: “There was nothing to consider. I was at home ​on Saturday so I was surprised initially (to get the call) but then I was happy for this trust, ⁠and then things happened quickly.”</p><p>Eta said she was by no means an exception in football with women taking over more and more key positions ‌in many clubs around the world.</p><p>“There are female coaches out there before me. In many other countries as well,” Eta said. “I understand the issue and the interest in it but it would be nice if this issue did not exist and it was only about success on the pitch.”</p><p>Eta has been coaching Union’s Under-19 team.</p><p>She became the ‌first female assistant coach in the German top flight with Union in 2023 ​but her appointment this time has also triggered some derogatory social media comments, which have been condemned by the ⁠club.</p><p>“This (social media comments) does not concern me because it says more about those ⁠posting these things than about me or other people they are talking about,” she said.</p><p>“That my appointment became so big ‌may have surprised us a bit because for us it was not really. I hope in the next few years this ​will be less and less and people will focus on football.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div> #Union #Berlins #MarieLouise #Eta #aware #special #position #Bundesliga #focus #football

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LeBron James Returning to Cleveland Feels More Real Than Ever | Deadspin.com May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the .6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball #LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.comMay 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.

LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.

Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State.

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Channel debug: basketball

The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.

Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.

Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?

Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the $52.6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.

If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.

LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?

Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.

Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

#LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.com">LeBron James Returning to Cleveland Feels More Real Than Ever | Deadspin.com May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the .6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball #LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.com

there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.

Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.

Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.

Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?

Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the $52.6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.

If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.

LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?

Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.

Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

#LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.com">LeBron James Returning to Cleveland Feels More Real Than Ever | Deadspin.com
LeBron James Returning to Cleveland Feels More Real Than Ever | Deadspin.com May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the .6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball #LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.comMay 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.

LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.

Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State.

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Channel debug: basketball

The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.

Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.

Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?

Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the $52.6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.

If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.

LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?

Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.

Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

#LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.com

For decades, Thanksgiving and football have gone together hand in hand.

That annual tradition is going to look a little different this year.

When the NFL expanded the Thanksgiving slate to three games in 2006, adding a primetime game, many fans believed that would end the league’s expansion on the holiday. Then the league added games on Black Friday, arguably the biggest shopping day of the year. And still, the expansion is not done.

Because this year, the NFL has something new in store for us all.

A game on Thanksgiving Eve, one of the biggest “bar nights” of the calendar year.

As the league gets set to roll out the 2026 regular season schedule, we’ll be tracking all the games, including the new-look Thanksgiving slate.

NFL’s Thanksgiving Eve game

According to multiple reports, the NFL is set to unveil a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. This, as many readers will attest, is perhaps the biggest “bar night” of the entire calendar year, as folks gather at the local watering hole in their hometown before spending the holiday with family.

As reported by Puck, the Thanksgiving Eve game will be part of the package of NFL games aired by Netflix this season.

Update: The NFL and Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that the streaming service will air a game on Thanksgiving Eve between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams:

NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games in 2026

Keeping with traditions old and new, the NFL will set three games on Thanksgiving Day itself, an afternoon doubleheader and then a primetime game on that Thursday night.

The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys will be the home teams for the first two games, in a tradition that dates back to both 1934 (when the Lions hosted their first Thanksgiving Day game) and 1966 (when the Cowboys joined the holiday slate).

Then the league will slot in a third game that night, and while the first two games always feature the Lions and the Cowboys, the NFL has rotated teams through the primetime game.

Another new tradition is the branding of the Thanksgiving Day games. Starting in 2001 the league branded the games as the Thanksgiving Classic, but in 2022 that was changed to honor legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden, as the NFL began referring to the games as part of the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.

The first Thanksgiving Day game confirmed by the league is the one hosted by Dallas. The Cowboys will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium that Thursday afternoon:

NFL Black Friday games in 2026

Starting in 2023, the league began scheduling a Black Friday game as part of the NFL’s contract with Amazon Prime Video.

The first Black Friday Game featured the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, while the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders squared off in 2024. Last season saw the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.

This year, the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader.

#NFL #schedule #release #Thanksgiving #showcase #leaks #Black #Friday">NFL schedule release 2026: Thanksgiving showcase leaks, and Black Friday is next For decades, Thanksgiving and football have gone together hand in hand.That annual tradition is going to look a little different this year.When the NFL expanded the Thanksgiving slate to three games in 2006, adding a primetime game, many fans believed that would end the league’s expansion on the holiday. Then the league added games on Black Friday, arguably the biggest shopping day of the year. And still, the expansion is not done.Because this year, the NFL has something new in store for us all.A game on Thanksgiving Eve, one of the biggest “bar nights” of the calendar year.As the league gets set to roll out the 2026 regular season schedule, we’ll be tracking all the games, including the new-look Thanksgiving slate.NFL’s Thanksgiving Eve gameAccording to multiple reports, the NFL is set to unveil a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. This, as many readers will attest, is perhaps the biggest “bar night” of the entire calendar year, as folks gather at the local watering hole in their hometown before spending the holiday with family.As reported by Puck, the Thanksgiving Eve game will be part of the package of NFL games aired by Netflix this season.Update: The NFL and Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that the streaming service will air a game on Thanksgiving Eve between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams:NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games in 2026Keeping with traditions old and new, the NFL will set three games on Thanksgiving Day itself, an afternoon doubleheader and then a primetime game on that Thursday night.The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys will be the home teams for the first two games, in a tradition that dates back to both 1934 (when the Lions hosted their first Thanksgiving Day game) and 1966 (when the Cowboys joined the holiday slate).Then the league will slot in a third game that night, and while the first two games always feature the Lions and the Cowboys, the NFL has rotated teams through the primetime game.Another new tradition is the branding of the Thanksgiving Day games. Starting in 2001 the league branded the games as the Thanksgiving Classic, but in 2022 that was changed to honor legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden, as the NFL began referring to the games as part of the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.The first Thanksgiving Day game confirmed by the league is the one hosted by Dallas. The Cowboys will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium that Thursday afternoon:NFL Black Friday games in 2026Starting in 2023, the league began scheduling a Black Friday game as part of the NFL’s contract with Amazon Prime Video.The first Black Friday Game featured the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, while the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders squared off in 2024. Last season saw the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.This year, the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader. #NFL #schedule #release #Thanksgiving #showcase #leaks #Black #Friday

According to multiple reports, the NFL is set to unveil a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. This, as many readers will attest, is perhaps the biggest “bar night” of the entire calendar year, as folks gather at the local watering hole in their hometown before spending the holiday with family.

As reported by Puck, the Thanksgiving Eve game will be part of the package of NFL games aired by Netflix this season.

Update: The NFL and Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that the streaming service will air a game on Thanksgiving Eve between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams:

NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games in 2026

Keeping with traditions old and new, the NFL will set three games on Thanksgiving Day itself, an afternoon doubleheader and then a primetime game on that Thursday night.

The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys will be the home teams for the first two games, in a tradition that dates back to both 1934 (when the Lions hosted their first Thanksgiving Day game) and 1966 (when the Cowboys joined the holiday slate).

Then the league will slot in a third game that night, and while the first two games always feature the Lions and the Cowboys, the NFL has rotated teams through the primetime game.

Another new tradition is the branding of the Thanksgiving Day games. Starting in 2001 the league branded the games as the Thanksgiving Classic, but in 2022 that was changed to honor legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden, as the NFL began referring to the games as part of the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.

The first Thanksgiving Day game confirmed by the league is the one hosted by Dallas. The Cowboys will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium that Thursday afternoon:

NFL Black Friday games in 2026

Starting in 2023, the league began scheduling a Black Friday game as part of the NFL’s contract with Amazon Prime Video.

The first Black Friday Game featured the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, while the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders squared off in 2024. Last season saw the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.

This year, the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader.

#NFL #schedule #release #Thanksgiving #showcase #leaks #Black #Friday">NFL schedule release 2026: Thanksgiving showcase leaks, and Black Friday is next

For decades, Thanksgiving and football have gone together hand in hand.

That annual tradition is going to look a little different this year.

When the NFL expanded the Thanksgiving slate to three games in 2006, adding a primetime game, many fans believed that would end the league’s expansion on the holiday. Then the league added games on Black Friday, arguably the biggest shopping day of the year. And still, the expansion is not done.

Because this year, the NFL has something new in store for us all.

A game on Thanksgiving Eve, one of the biggest “bar nights” of the calendar year.

As the league gets set to roll out the 2026 regular season schedule, we’ll be tracking all the games, including the new-look Thanksgiving slate.

NFL’s Thanksgiving Eve game

According to multiple reports, the NFL is set to unveil a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. This, as many readers will attest, is perhaps the biggest “bar night” of the entire calendar year, as folks gather at the local watering hole in their hometown before spending the holiday with family.

As reported by Puck, the Thanksgiving Eve game will be part of the package of NFL games aired by Netflix this season.

Update: The NFL and Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that the streaming service will air a game on Thanksgiving Eve between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams:

NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games in 2026

Keeping with traditions old and new, the NFL will set three games on Thanksgiving Day itself, an afternoon doubleheader and then a primetime game on that Thursday night.

The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys will be the home teams for the first two games, in a tradition that dates back to both 1934 (when the Lions hosted their first Thanksgiving Day game) and 1966 (when the Cowboys joined the holiday slate).

Then the league will slot in a third game that night, and while the first two games always feature the Lions and the Cowboys, the NFL has rotated teams through the primetime game.

Another new tradition is the branding of the Thanksgiving Day games. Starting in 2001 the league branded the games as the Thanksgiving Classic, but in 2022 that was changed to honor legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden, as the NFL began referring to the games as part of the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.

The first Thanksgiving Day game confirmed by the league is the one hosted by Dallas. The Cowboys will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium that Thursday afternoon:

NFL Black Friday games in 2026

Starting in 2023, the league began scheduling a Black Friday game as part of the NFL’s contract with Amazon Prime Video.

The first Black Friday Game featured the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, while the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders squared off in 2024. Last season saw the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.

This year, the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader.

#NFL #schedule #release #Thanksgiving #showcase #leaks #Black #Friday
LIVE — Cincinnati vs Inter Miami: CIN v MIA updates; Messi, Suarez start for Herons; form guide Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will look for a fifth consecutive away victory on Wednesday night when they visit an FC Cincinnati side that has been settling too often for ‌draws.Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches.The Herons, who come into the match after a 4-2 win over Toronto, are third in the Eastern Conference standings, while Cincinnati, which drew its previous clash with Charlotte, sits sixth on the table.Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches, while Inter Miami is eyeing its fifth consecutive win in Major League Soccer on the road. #LIVE #Cincinnati #Inter #Miami #CIN #MIA #updates #Messi #Suarez #start #Herons #form #guide

Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?

Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches, while Inter Miami is eyeing its fifth consecutive win in Major League Soccer on the road.

#LIVE #Cincinnati #Inter #Miami #CIN #MIA #updates #Messi #Suarez #start #Herons #form #guide">LIVE — Cincinnati vs Inter Miami: CIN v MIA updates; Messi, Suarez start for Herons; form guide Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will look for a fifth consecutive away victory on Wednesday night when they visit an FC Cincinnati side that has been settling too often for ‌draws.Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches.The Herons, who come into the match after a 4-2 win over Toronto, are third in the Eastern Conference standings, while Cincinnati, which drew its previous clash with Charlotte, sits sixth on the table.Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches, while Inter Miami is eyeing its fifth consecutive win in Major League Soccer on the road. #LIVE #Cincinnati #Inter #Miami #CIN #MIA #updates #Messi #Suarez #start #Herons #form #guide

Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?

Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches, while Inter Miami is eyeing its fifth consecutive win in Major League Soccer on the road.

#LIVE #Cincinnati #Inter #Miami #CIN #MIA #updates #Messi #Suarez #start #Herons #form #guide">LIVE — Cincinnati vs Inter Miami: CIN v MIA updates; Messi, Suarez start for Herons; form guide

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will look for a fifth consecutive away victory on Wednesday night when they visit an FC Cincinnati side that has been settling too often for ‌draws.

Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches.

The Herons, who come into the match after a 4-2 win over Toronto, are third in the Eastern Conference standings, while Cincinnati, which drew its previous clash with Charlotte, sits sixth on the table.

LIVE — Cincinnati vs Inter Miami: CIN v MIA updates; Messi, Suarez start for Herons; form guide Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will look for a fifth consecutive away victory on Wednesday night when they visit an FC Cincinnati side that has been settling too often for ‌draws.Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches.The Herons, who come into the match after a 4-2 win over Toronto, are third in the Eastern Conference standings, while Cincinnati, which drew its previous clash with Charlotte, sits sixth on the table.Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches, while Inter Miami is eyeing its fifth consecutive win in Major League Soccer on the road. #LIVE #Cincinnati #Inter #Miami #CIN #MIA #updates #Messi #Suarez #start #Herons #form #guide

Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?

Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches, while Inter Miami is eyeing its fifth consecutive win in Major League Soccer on the road.

#LIVE #Cincinnati #Inter #Miami #CIN #MIA #updates #Messi #Suarez #start #Herons #form #guide

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