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Deadspin | Seeking 7th straight win, Rays send Nick Martinez vs. Pirates Apr 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Nick Martinez (28) throws to the Minnesota Twins in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images In a battle of teams off to strong starts, the Tampa Bay Rays will carry a six-game winning streak into the opener of an interleague three-game set against the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. Veteran right-hander Nick Martinez (0-0, 2.16 ERA) will try to extend the Rays’ winning surge to seven in a row when they face the improved Pirates and rookie right-hander Bubba Chandler (0-1, 3.86). The Rays rallied with three runs in the ninth inning on Thursday to complete their first three-game road sweep of the Chicago White Sox since 2019. This feat came on the heels of Tampa Bay’s first home sweep of the New York Yankees since 2018. The Rays have been finding different ways to produce runs in clutch situations. In Thursday’s win, Junior Caminero tied the game in the ninth with a home run before Tampa Bay loaded the bases on a single, walk and hit by pitch, then scored two runs on consecutive walks drawn by Hunter Feduccia and Taylor Walls. “That’s baseball right there,” right fielder Ryan Vilade said Thursday morning. “Get ’em over, get ’em in. Jonny DeLuca with the big pump (Wednesday) night. But he can also drop one down. So, it’s like, ‘How do you defend it?’ It’s tough. It’s been fun.” Martinez is 2-3 with a 3.16 ERA against the Pirates in nine appearances (four starts). His solid start to the season has also been a factor in keeping the Rays in position to win consistently. Martinez threw 4 2/3 innings last Saturday against the Yankees, allowing one run on five hits and three walks while striking out four. He’ll try to shut down a Pirates lineup performing much better than a year ago, when it finished at or near the bottom of the majors in most offensive categories. However, some of Pittsburgh’s most promising talent is still experiencing growing pains as rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin has during his first taste of the majors. Griffin’s throwing error on what could have been a key inning-ending double play in Thursday’s 8-7 loss to the Washington Nationals led to three costly runs. “I was just trying to make a play for Braxton,” Griffin said. “Fielded it, thought I had a chance to get second, turn and throw, my back leg got stuck under his. At that point, I just tried to hold onto it. It kinda slipped out of my hand and three runs scored. That’s on me. I’ll keep working on that.” Yet Griffin showed signs of his high ceiling with a run-scoring triple two innings later and when he beat a throw to first in the ninth during the Pirates’ comeback to send the game to extra innings. Chandler is another rookie experiencing ups and downs in his second season after pitching 31 1/3 innings last year. Chandler’s most recent start last Sunday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field was his longest this season. He went 5 1/3 innings and struck out four, but ran into some trouble, allowing three runs on three hits, including a pair of home runs, and two walks in a game the Cubs won 7-6 in 11 innings after the Pirates let a 5-0 edge slip away. Chandler will face the Rays for the first time. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Seeking #7th #straight #win #Rays #send #Nick #Martinez #Pirates

Deadspin | Seeking 7th straight win, Rays send Nick Martinez vs. Pirates
Deadspin | Seeking 7th straight win, Rays send Nick Martinez vs. Pirates Apr 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Nick Martinez (28) throws to the Minnesota Twins in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images In a battle of teams off to strong starts, the Tampa Bay Rays will carry a six-game winning streak into the opener of an interleague three-game set against the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. Veteran right-hander Nick Martinez (0-0, 2.16 ERA) will try to extend the Rays’ winning surge to seven in a row when they face the improved Pirates and rookie right-hander Bubba Chandler (0-1, 3.86). The Rays rallied with three runs in the ninth inning on Thursday to complete their first three-game road sweep of the Chicago White Sox since 2019. This feat came on the heels of Tampa Bay’s first home sweep of the New York Yankees since 2018. The Rays have been finding different ways to produce runs in clutch situations. In Thursday’s win, Junior Caminero tied the game in the ninth with a home run before Tampa Bay loaded the bases on a single, walk and hit by pitch, then scored two runs on consecutive walks drawn by Hunter Feduccia and Taylor Walls. “That’s baseball right there,” right fielder Ryan Vilade said Thursday morning. “Get ’em over, get ’em in. Jonny DeLuca with the big pump (Wednesday) night. But he can also drop one down. So, it’s like, ‘How do you defend it?’ It’s tough. It’s been fun.” Martinez is 2-3 with a 3.16 ERA against the Pirates in nine appearances (four starts). His solid start to the season has also been a factor in keeping the Rays in position to win consistently. Martinez threw 4 2/3 innings last Saturday against the Yankees, allowing one run on five hits and three walks while striking out four. He’ll try to shut down a Pirates lineup performing much better than a year ago, when it finished at or near the bottom of the majors in most offensive categories. However, some of Pittsburgh’s most promising talent is still experiencing growing pains as rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin has during his first taste of the majors. Griffin’s throwing error on what could have been a key inning-ending double play in Thursday’s 8-7 loss to the Washington Nationals led to three costly runs. “I was just trying to make a play for Braxton,” Griffin said. “Fielded it, thought I had a chance to get second, turn and throw, my back leg got stuck under his. At that point, I just tried to hold onto it. It kinda slipped out of my hand and three runs scored. That’s on me. I’ll keep working on that.” Yet Griffin showed signs of his high ceiling with a run-scoring triple two innings later and when he beat a throw to first in the ninth during the Pirates’ comeback to send the game to extra innings. Chandler is another rookie experiencing ups and downs in his second season after pitching 31 1/3 innings last year. Chandler’s most recent start last Sunday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field was his longest this season. He went 5 1/3 innings and struck out four, but ran into some trouble, allowing three runs on three hits, including a pair of home runs, and two walks in a game the Cubs won 7-6 in 11 innings after the Pirates let a 5-0 edge slip away. Chandler will face the Rays for the first time. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Seeking #7th #straight #win #Rays #send #Nick #Martinez #PiratesApr 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Nick Martinez (28) throws to the Minnesota Twins in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

In a battle of teams off to strong starts, the Tampa Bay Rays will carry a six-game winning streak into the opener of an interleague three-game set against the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

Veteran right-hander Nick Martinez (0-0, 2.16 ERA) will try to extend the Rays’ winning surge to seven in a row when they face the improved Pirates and rookie right-hander Bubba Chandler (0-1, 3.86).

The Rays rallied with three runs in the ninth inning on Thursday to complete their first three-game road sweep of the Chicago White Sox since 2019. This feat came on the heels of Tampa Bay’s first home sweep of the New York Yankees since 2018.

The Rays have been finding different ways to produce runs in clutch situations. In Thursday’s win, Junior Caminero tied the game in the ninth with a home run before Tampa Bay loaded the bases on a single, walk and hit by pitch, then scored two runs on consecutive walks drawn by Hunter Feduccia and Taylor Walls.

“That’s baseball right there,” right fielder Ryan Vilade said Thursday morning. “Get ’em over, get ’em in. Jonny DeLuca with the big pump (Wednesday) night. But he can also drop one down. So, it’s like, ‘How do you defend it?’ It’s tough. It’s been fun.”

Martinez is 2-3 with a 3.16 ERA against the Pirates in nine appearances (four starts). His solid start to the season has also been a factor in keeping the Rays in position to win consistently.

Martinez threw 4 2/3 innings last Saturday against the Yankees, allowing one run on five hits and three walks while striking out four.


He’ll try to shut down a Pirates lineup performing much better than a year ago, when it finished at or near the bottom of the majors in most offensive categories.

However, some of Pittsburgh’s most promising talent is still experiencing growing pains as rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin has during his first taste of the majors. Griffin’s throwing error on what could have been a key inning-ending double play in Thursday’s 8-7 loss to the Washington Nationals led to three costly runs.

“I was just trying to make a play for Braxton,” Griffin said. “Fielded it, thought I had a chance to get second, turn and throw, my back leg got stuck under his. At that point, I just tried to hold onto it. It kinda slipped out of my hand and three runs scored. That’s on me. I’ll keep working on that.”

Yet Griffin showed signs of his high ceiling with a run-scoring triple two innings later and when he beat a throw to first in the ninth during the Pirates’ comeback to send the game to extra innings.

Chandler is another rookie experiencing ups and downs in his second season after pitching 31 1/3 innings last year. Chandler’s most recent start last Sunday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field was his longest this season.

He went 5 1/3 innings and struck out four, but ran into some trouble, allowing three runs on three hits, including a pair of home runs, and two walks in a game the Cubs won 7-6 in 11 innings after the Pirates let a 5-0 edge slip away.

Chandler will face the Rays for the first time.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Seeking #7th #straight #win #Rays #send #Nick #Martinez #Pirates

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Apr 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Nick Martinez (28) throws to the Minnesota Twins in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

In a battle of teams off to strong starts, the Tampa Bay Rays will carry a six-game winning streak into the opener of an interleague three-game set against the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

Veteran right-hander Nick Martinez (0-0, 2.16 ERA) will try to extend the Rays’ winning surge to seven in a row when they face the improved Pirates and rookie right-hander Bubba Chandler (0-1, 3.86).

The Rays rallied with three runs in the ninth inning on Thursday to complete their first three-game road sweep of the Chicago White Sox since 2019. This feat came on the heels of Tampa Bay’s first home sweep of the New York Yankees since 2018.

The Rays have been finding different ways to produce runs in clutch situations. In Thursday’s win, Junior Caminero tied the game in the ninth with a home run before Tampa Bay loaded the bases on a single, walk and hit by pitch, then scored two runs on consecutive walks drawn by Hunter Feduccia and Taylor Walls.

“That’s baseball right there,” right fielder Ryan Vilade said Thursday morning. “Get ’em over, get ’em in. Jonny DeLuca with the big pump (Wednesday) night. But he can also drop one down. So, it’s like, ‘How do you defend it?’ It’s tough. It’s been fun.”

Martinez is 2-3 with a 3.16 ERA against the Pirates in nine appearances (four starts). His solid start to the season has also been a factor in keeping the Rays in position to win consistently.

Martinez threw 4 2/3 innings last Saturday against the Yankees, allowing one run on five hits and three walks while striking out four.

He’ll try to shut down a Pirates lineup performing much better than a year ago, when it finished at or near the bottom of the majors in most offensive categories.

However, some of Pittsburgh’s most promising talent is still experiencing growing pains as rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin has during his first taste of the majors. Griffin’s throwing error on what could have been a key inning-ending double play in Thursday’s 8-7 loss to the Washington Nationals led to three costly runs.

“I was just trying to make a play for Braxton,” Griffin said. “Fielded it, thought I had a chance to get second, turn and throw, my back leg got stuck under his. At that point, I just tried to hold onto it. It kinda slipped out of my hand and three runs scored. That’s on me. I’ll keep working on that.”

Yet Griffin showed signs of his high ceiling with a run-scoring triple two innings later and when he beat a throw to first in the ninth during the Pirates’ comeback to send the game to extra innings.

Chandler is another rookie experiencing ups and downs in his second season after pitching 31 1/3 innings last year. Chandler’s most recent start last Sunday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field was his longest this season.

He went 5 1/3 innings and struck out four, but ran into some trouble, allowing three runs on three hits, including a pair of home runs, and two walks in a game the Cubs won 7-6 in 11 innings after the Pirates let a 5-0 edge slip away.

Chandler will face the Rays for the first time.

–Field Level Media

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IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals manager Bhinder fined Rs 1 lakh, warned by BCCI’s ACSU over dugout phone use <div id="content-body-70873508" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder has been fined Rs 1 lakh and given a warning by the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) for using a mobile phone inside the dugout during his team’s Indian Premier League match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati last week.</p><p>“The BCCI ACSU was not satisfied with the Bhinder’s response (to the showcause notice). As it is his first breach, so under the protocols, he has been fined an amount (of Rs 1 lakh) and also handed a warning, clearly mentioning that he needs to be more careful in the future,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told <i>Sportstar</i>.</p><p>The decision came after the BCCI issued a show-cause notice to Bhinder to explain his position. “The rules are set clearly for all the stakeholders, including the players and the staff, and we hope this incident will be taken as a deterrent by everyone,” Saikia added.</p><p>Footage of the incident, showing Bhinder on his phone with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi seated beside him, quickly went viral on social media, prompting the ACSU to take cognisance.</p><p><b>READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/ipl-2026-wide-yorker-strategy-risk-reward-stats-analysis-arshdeep-singh-lungi-ngidi/article70873054.ece" target="_self">Living on the edge—The risk and reward of the wide yorker</a></b></p><p>According to the IPL’s official guidelines under the PMOA protocol, no one is allowed to use mobile phones in the dugout area. Only the team managers and media managers can use their devices, but even they are restricted to inside the dressing room, not the dugout.</p><p>Ahead of every season, the IPL conducts mandatory briefings for team captains and managers, taking them through the PMOA framework and anti-corruption protocols.</p><p>Bhinder, a long-serving figure with Rajasthan Royals, has been part of that system for years. During the franchise’s suspension between 2016 and 2018, he also worked with Rising Pune Supergiant as team manager before returning to his old franchise in 2018.</p><p>The Royals will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Sunday.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 17, 2026</p></div> #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals #manager #Bhinder #fined #lakh #warned #BCCIs #ACSU #dugout #phone

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Tom Banton ruled out of IPL 2026, Gujarat Titans signs Connor Esterhuizen as replacement <div id="content-body-70873667" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Gujarat Titans has signed Connor Esterhuizen as the replacement of Tom Banton for IPL 2026, the franchise announced on Friday.</p><p>Esterhuizen, a wicketkeeper-batter from South Africa, will join the Titans at his base price of Rs. 75 lakhs.</p><p>Banton was ruled out of the season due to a finger injury. He didn’t feature in any of the four games GT has played so far.</p><p>The 24-year-old recently made his international debut against New Zealand in the five-match T20I series in February. He made an impressive start, winning two Player of the Match awards and was also named Player of the Series, helping his team clinch the series 3-2 after being 2-1 down.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 17, 2026</p></div> #Tom #Banton #ruled #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #signs #Connor #Esterhuizen #replacement

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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.

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

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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