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Deadspin | Tigers put RHP Casey Mize (adductor), SS Javier Baez (ankle) on IL Apr 17, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize (12) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images Detroit Tigers’ right-hander Casey Mize and shortstop Javier Baez were placed on the injured list on Wednesday after both were hurt during Tuesday’s loss to the Atlanta Braves. Mize, 27, is on the 15-day IL with a right adductor strain. The 2025 All-Star appeared to be in pain after a second-inning strikeout, then departed in the third after a throw to first base. He is the Tigers’ eighth pitcher to join the IL and second piece of the team’s Opening Day rotation, joining Justin Verlander (left hip inflammation). On the IL since April 4, Verlander threw a bullpen session Wednesday. “Probably the most optimistic news we can get on Casey, that it’s a Grade 1,” Detroit A.J. Hinch told reporters before Wednesday’s game in Atlanta. Baez, a three-time All-Star, landed on the 10-day IL after his right cleat appeared to stick in the dirt as he slid feet-first into first base in the fifth after hitting a slow ground ball. In obvious pain, the 33-year-old veteran was lifted from the game. “Javy’s (injury) is a pretty significant ankle sprain, so I don’t know what that means in terms of timeline, other than it’s a minimum of 15 days and if he’s back by then, that’s great. If it takes longer, it’s because of swelling and soreness,” Hinch said. Mize is 2-2 with a 2.90 ERA in six starts in 2026, striking out 35 with 11 walks and posting a 1.194 WHIP over 31 innings. Over six seasons with the Tigers, who selected him No. 1 overall in the 2018 draft, Mize is 25-27 with a 4.11 ERA over 95 games (93 starts). In 471 innings, he has 400 strikeouts, 132 walks and a 1.282 WHIP. In 2026, Baez is hitting .256 with a pair of homers and six RBIs in 24 games. Drafted No. 9 overall by the Chicago Cubs in the 2011 draft, he is a .252 hitter with 195 home runs, 691 RBIs and 116 stolen bases over a 13-year career. Along with the Cubs (2014-21) and Tigers (2022-present), Baez has also played for the Mets (2021). With Baez out, rookie prospect Kevin McGonigle is the lone healthy shortstop on the Tigers’ roster until Zach McKinstry (left hip/abdominal inflammation) returns. The team’s No. 6 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Hao-Yu Lee, is another short-term option with Baez and McKinstry sidelined. In corresponding moves, the Tigers recalled left-hander Enmanuel De Jesus and third baseman Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo. Jung, 25, was in Wednesday’s lineup against the Braves as the designated hitter in his season debut, with McGonigle getting the start at shortstop. Jung was a first-round pick (12th) of the Tigers in 2022 and debuted in 2024. In 55 games over two seasons entering Tuesday, Jung hit .190 with six RBIs. De Jesus, 29, made the Opening Day roster as a reliever, posting a 1-0 record and a 10.13 ERA in six appearances spanning eight innings. He made his MLB debut in 2023 with the Miami Marlins, posting an 11.37 ERA in two relief appearances. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Tigers #put #RHP #Casey #Mize #adductor #Javier #Baez #ankle

Deadspin | Tigers put RHP Casey Mize (adductor), SS Javier Baez (ankle) on IL
Deadspin | Tigers put RHP Casey Mize (adductor), SS Javier Baez (ankle) on IL Apr 17, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize (12) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images Detroit Tigers’ right-hander Casey Mize and shortstop Javier Baez were placed on the injured list on Wednesday after both were hurt during Tuesday’s loss to the Atlanta Braves. Mize, 27, is on the 15-day IL with a right adductor strain. The 2025 All-Star appeared to be in pain after a second-inning strikeout, then departed in the third after a throw to first base. He is the Tigers’ eighth pitcher to join the IL and second piece of the team’s Opening Day rotation, joining Justin Verlander (left hip inflammation). On the IL since April 4, Verlander threw a bullpen session Wednesday. “Probably the most optimistic news we can get on Casey, that it’s a Grade 1,” Detroit A.J. Hinch told reporters before Wednesday’s game in Atlanta. Baez, a three-time All-Star, landed on the 10-day IL after his right cleat appeared to stick in the dirt as he slid feet-first into first base in the fifth after hitting a slow ground ball. In obvious pain, the 33-year-old veteran was lifted from the game. “Javy’s (injury) is a pretty significant ankle sprain, so I don’t know what that means in terms of timeline, other than it’s a minimum of 15 days and if he’s back by then, that’s great. If it takes longer, it’s because of swelling and soreness,” Hinch said. Mize is 2-2 with a 2.90 ERA in six starts in 2026, striking out 35 with 11 walks and posting a 1.194 WHIP over 31 innings. Over six seasons with the Tigers, who selected him No. 1 overall in the 2018 draft, Mize is 25-27 with a 4.11 ERA over 95 games (93 starts). In 471 innings, he has 400 strikeouts, 132 walks and a 1.282 WHIP. In 2026, Baez is hitting .256 with a pair of homers and six RBIs in 24 games. Drafted No. 9 overall by the Chicago Cubs in the 2011 draft, he is a .252 hitter with 195 home runs, 691 RBIs and 116 stolen bases over a 13-year career. Along with the Cubs (2014-21) and Tigers (2022-present), Baez has also played for the Mets (2021). With Baez out, rookie prospect Kevin McGonigle is the lone healthy shortstop on the Tigers’ roster until Zach McKinstry (left hip/abdominal inflammation) returns. The team’s No. 6 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Hao-Yu Lee, is another short-term option with Baez and McKinstry sidelined. In corresponding moves, the Tigers recalled left-hander Enmanuel De Jesus and third baseman Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo. Jung, 25, was in Wednesday’s lineup against the Braves as the designated hitter in his season debut, with McGonigle getting the start at shortstop. Jung was a first-round pick (12th) of the Tigers in 2022 and debuted in 2024. In 55 games over two seasons entering Tuesday, Jung hit .190 with six RBIs. De Jesus, 29, made the Opening Day roster as a reliever, posting a 1-0 record and a 10.13 ERA in six appearances spanning eight innings. He made his MLB debut in 2023 with the Miami Marlins, posting an 11.37 ERA in two relief appearances. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Tigers #put #RHP #Casey #Mize #adductor #Javier #Baez #ankleApr 17, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize (12) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Detroit Tigers’ right-hander Casey Mize and shortstop Javier Baez were placed on the injured list on Wednesday after both were hurt during Tuesday’s loss to the Atlanta Braves.

Mize, 27, is on the 15-day IL with a right adductor strain. The 2025 All-Star appeared to be in pain after a second-inning strikeout, then departed in the third after a throw to first base. He is the Tigers’ eighth pitcher to join the IL and second piece of the team’s Opening Day rotation, joining Justin Verlander (left hip inflammation). On the IL since April 4, Verlander threw a bullpen session Wednesday.

“Probably the most optimistic news we can get on Casey, that it’s a Grade 1,” Detroit A.J. Hinch told reporters before Wednesday’s game in Atlanta.

Baez, a three-time All-Star, landed on the 10-day IL after his right cleat appeared to stick in the dirt as he slid feet-first into first base in the fifth after hitting a slow ground ball. In obvious pain, the 33-year-old veteran was lifted from the game.

“Javy’s (injury) is a pretty significant ankle sprain, so I don’t know what that means in terms of timeline, other than it’s a minimum of 15 days and if he’s back by then, that’s great. If it takes longer, it’s because of swelling and soreness,” Hinch said.


Mize is 2-2 with a 2.90 ERA in six starts in 2026, striking out 35 with 11 walks and posting a 1.194 WHIP over 31 innings. Over six seasons with the Tigers, who selected him No. 1 overall in the 2018 draft, Mize is 25-27 with a 4.11 ERA over 95 games (93 starts). In 471 innings, he has 400 strikeouts, 132 walks and a 1.282 WHIP.

In 2026, Baez is hitting .256 with a pair of homers and six RBIs in 24 games. Drafted No. 9 overall by the Chicago Cubs in the 2011 draft, he is a .252 hitter with 195 home runs, 691 RBIs and 116 stolen bases over a 13-year career. Along with the Cubs (2014-21) and Tigers (2022-present), Baez has also played for the Mets (2021).

With Baez out, rookie prospect Kevin McGonigle is the lone healthy shortstop on the Tigers’ roster until Zach McKinstry (left hip/abdominal inflammation) returns. The team’s No. 6 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Hao-Yu Lee, is another short-term option with Baez and McKinstry sidelined.

In corresponding moves, the Tigers recalled left-hander Enmanuel De Jesus and third baseman Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo.

Jung, 25, was in Wednesday’s lineup against the Braves as the designated hitter in his season debut, with McGonigle getting the start at shortstop. Jung was a first-round pick (12th) of the Tigers in 2022 and debuted in 2024. In 55 games over two seasons entering Tuesday, Jung hit .190 with six RBIs.

De Jesus, 29, made the Opening Day roster as a reliever, posting a 1-0 record and a 10.13 ERA in six appearances spanning eight innings. He made his MLB debut in 2023 with the Miami Marlins, posting an 11.37 ERA in two relief appearances.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Tigers #put #RHP #Casey #Mize #adductor #Javier #Baez #ankle

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Apr 17, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize (12) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Detroit Tigers’ right-hander Casey Mize and shortstop Javier Baez were placed on the injured list on Wednesday after both were hurt during Tuesday’s loss to the Atlanta Braves.

Mize, 27, is on the 15-day IL with a right adductor strain. The 2025 All-Star appeared to be in pain after a second-inning strikeout, then departed in the third after a throw to first base. He is the Tigers’ eighth pitcher to join the IL and second piece of the team’s Opening Day rotation, joining Justin Verlander (left hip inflammation). On the IL since April 4, Verlander threw a bullpen session Wednesday.

“Probably the most optimistic news we can get on Casey, that it’s a Grade 1,” Detroit A.J. Hinch told reporters before Wednesday’s game in Atlanta.

Baez, a three-time All-Star, landed on the 10-day IL after his right cleat appeared to stick in the dirt as he slid feet-first into first base in the fifth after hitting a slow ground ball. In obvious pain, the 33-year-old veteran was lifted from the game.

“Javy’s (injury) is a pretty significant ankle sprain, so I don’t know what that means in terms of timeline, other than it’s a minimum of 15 days and if he’s back by then, that’s great. If it takes longer, it’s because of swelling and soreness,” Hinch said.

Mize is 2-2 with a 2.90 ERA in six starts in 2026, striking out 35 with 11 walks and posting a 1.194 WHIP over 31 innings. Over six seasons with the Tigers, who selected him No. 1 overall in the 2018 draft, Mize is 25-27 with a 4.11 ERA over 95 games (93 starts). In 471 innings, he has 400 strikeouts, 132 walks and a 1.282 WHIP.

In 2026, Baez is hitting .256 with a pair of homers and six RBIs in 24 games. Drafted No. 9 overall by the Chicago Cubs in the 2011 draft, he is a .252 hitter with 195 home runs, 691 RBIs and 116 stolen bases over a 13-year career. Along with the Cubs (2014-21) and Tigers (2022-present), Baez has also played for the Mets (2021).

With Baez out, rookie prospect Kevin McGonigle is the lone healthy shortstop on the Tigers’ roster until Zach McKinstry (left hip/abdominal inflammation) returns. The team’s No. 6 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Hao-Yu Lee, is another short-term option with Baez and McKinstry sidelined.

In corresponding moves, the Tigers recalled left-hander Enmanuel De Jesus and third baseman Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo.

Jung, 25, was in Wednesday’s lineup against the Braves as the designated hitter in his season debut, with McGonigle getting the start at shortstop. Jung was a first-round pick (12th) of the Tigers in 2022 and debuted in 2024. In 55 games over two seasons entering Tuesday, Jung hit .190 with six RBIs.

De Jesus, 29, made the Opening Day roster as a reliever, posting a 1-0 record and a 10.13 ERA in six appearances spanning eight innings. He made his MLB debut in 2023 with the Miami Marlins, posting an 11.37 ERA in two relief appearances.

–Field Level Media

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Lowering the marathon mark: Researcher says sub 2-hour record could be reduced by 5 minutes <div id="content-body-70923407" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Only days after the first sub-2 hour marathon , an Australian university professor who has devoted much of his career to studying times over the 42.195-kilometer (26.2-mile) event says the mark could improve by more than five minutes.</p><p>On Sunday, Sabastian Sawe of Kenya won the London Marathon in 1 hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds, bettering the previous men’s world record by 65 seconds. He held off Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who was running his first official marathon and finished in 1:59.41 — the first two men to complete a marathon in under 2 hours.</p><p>Sawe, who arrived home to a hero’s welcome in Kenya on Wednesday, broke the previous mark held by his countryman, Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a car accident in February 2024.</p><p>Simon Angus of Melbourne’s Monash University, who describes himself as a data scientist and economist, analyses the historical progression of the men’s and women’s world marathon records. He first predicted in a 2019 research paper that the first sub 2-hour men’s time wouldn’t be achieved until 2032.</p><p>In 2023, he revised that prediction to March 2027. With the weekend times in London, Angus says with further modeling, a new benchmark could be 1 hour, 54 minutes – five minutes, 30 seconds faster than Sawe ran in London.</p><p>That kind of time would set a whole new benchmark.</p><p>“I think that should stand a very long test of time. I wouldn’t expect this in my children’s lifetime,” Angus told <i>The Associated Press</i> in an interview Thursday. “We could be running a different kind of marathon, at the hypothecial, theoretical limit.</p><p>“There could be rule changes… what kinds of material in the shoes or singlets, feedback technology. It’s a tussle between technology advances and doping control.”</p><p>Angus added that often the most-talented runners are able to take advantage of improving technologies.</p><p>“In trying to achieve a marathon world record, there are so many different areas of innovation,” Angus said. “There is a huge amount of money being spent on nutrition, training, shoe technology. What it means is that when someone puts their face a little bit in front, they get the benefit of those technological improvements.”</p><p>Angus wrote in an analysis published in <i>The Conversation Australia</i> this week that his “ statistical framework “ uses an assumption that, over time, performance gains become harder to achieve.</p><p>“Any of us who have aimed to improve on our local park run time will know all too well how hard it becomes to eke out more performance gains after the initial euphoria of the first week or two’s improvements is over,” he wrote.</p><p>A record also was established in the women’s race in London on Sunday, with Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa winning in 2:15:41 to defend her title in the fastest-ever time in a women’s-only marathon.</p><p>Angus said that because there have been fewer women’s-only marathons, it has been more difficult to publish data on them.</p><p>“Women’s times are in a gray space,” Angus said, but still predicted a time of 2 hours, 10 minutes — about five minutes faster than Assefa’s time on Sunday — as one that eventually could be established.</p><p>The 47-year-old Angus is a married father of three who has run training marathons most recently in just under three hours.</p><p>He said he received word about the sub-2 hour London result — the time he predicted wouldn’t happen initially for another six years — about 9 p.m. Sunday local time in Melbourne, just after the race finished.</p><p>“A friend texted and the first thing he said is ‘you are going to have a lot of work to do,’” Angus said. “I thought they’ll break the world record but there’s no way they’ll do sub-2. Then I checked and thought, ‘now I probably need to get on to it.’”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 30, 2026</p></div> #Lowering #marathon #mark #Researcher #2hour #record #reduced #minutes

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USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina LIVE Score, World Cup 2026 Round of 32: Lineups out, Pulisic starting; Kick off at 5:30 AM IST Brazilian official Raphael Claus is the referee for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina.An official FIFA referee since 2015, Claus previously featured in the 2022 World Cup, officiating two group stage matches.Additionally, he has refereed in several international competitions, such as the Copa América and the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, notably officiating the high-profile Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia in 2025.This will mark Claus’s second game of the 2026 World Cup, having previously taken charge of the Spain vs Saudi Arabia Group H encounter. #USA #Bosnia #Herzegovina #LIVE #Score #World #Cup #Lineups #Pulisic #starting #Kick #IST

Deadspin | Calais Campbell’s brother charged in mother’s murder Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) stands on the field prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Ciarre Campbell faces murder and aggravated assault charges in the death of his mother, Nateal Campbell, according to Fulton County (Ga.) police records. Ciarre Campbell, 41, is the older brother of NFL defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who has played 18 seasons with multiple teams. The family issued a statement on Tuesday confirming Nateal Campbell’s death. Police records said the 71-year-old woman’s body was discovered in her home in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood and that her throat was cut. Ciarre Campbell’s defense attorney, Jay Abt, issued a statement to WSBTV.com on Wednesday. “We vigorously protest his innocence. We look forward to his day in court. I’m honored to defend him and, most importantly, the Campbell family, I’m asking on their behalf that the public respect their privacy at this time,” Abt said. Calais Campbell, 39, was a second-round pick out of Miami in 2008. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2019 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year. In partnership with his mother, he launched the Charles Richard Campbell (CRC) Foundation focused on “inspiring youth to chase their dreams.” Campbell signed a one-year, .5 million contract in April to play his 19th NFL season in 2026 with the Baltimore Ravens. He has recorded 117 sacks and 960 tackles in 278 games (259 starts). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Calais #Campbells #brother #charged #mothers #murderDec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) stands on the field prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Ciarre Campbell faces murder and aggravated assault charges in the death of his mother, Nateal Campbell, according to Fulton County (Ga.) police records.

Ciarre Campbell, 41, is the older brother of NFL defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who has played 18 seasons with multiple teams.

The family issued a statement on Tuesday confirming Nateal Campbell’s death. Police records said the 71-year-old woman’s body was discovered in her home in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood and that her throat was cut.


Ciarre Campbell’s defense attorney, Jay Abt, issued a statement to WSBTV.com on Wednesday.

“We vigorously protest his innocence. We look forward to his day in court. I’m honored to defend him and, most importantly, the Campbell family, I’m asking on their behalf that the public respect their privacy at this time,” Abt said.

Calais Campbell, 39, was a second-round pick out of Miami in 2008. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2019 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year. In partnership with his mother, he launched the Charles Richard Campbell (CRC) Foundation focused on “inspiring youth to chase their dreams.”

Campbell signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract in April to play his 19th NFL season in 2026 with the Baltimore Ravens. He has recorded 117 sacks and 960 tackles in 278 games (259 starts).


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Calais #Campbells #brother #charged #mothers #murder">Deadspin | Calais Campbell’s brother charged in mother’s murder Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) stands on the field prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Ciarre Campbell faces murder and aggravated assault charges in the death of his mother, Nateal Campbell, according to Fulton County (Ga.) police records. Ciarre Campbell, 41, is the older brother of NFL defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who has played 18 seasons with multiple teams. The family issued a statement on Tuesday confirming Nateal Campbell’s death. Police records said the 71-year-old woman’s body was discovered in her home in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood and that her throat was cut. Ciarre Campbell’s defense attorney, Jay Abt, issued a statement to WSBTV.com on Wednesday. “We vigorously protest his innocence. We look forward to his day in court. I’m honored to defend him and, most importantly, the Campbell family, I’m asking on their behalf that the public respect their privacy at this time,” Abt said. Calais Campbell, 39, was a second-round pick out of Miami in 2008. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2019 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year. In partnership with his mother, he launched the Charles Richard Campbell (CRC) Foundation focused on “inspiring youth to chase their dreams.” Campbell signed a one-year, .5 million contract in April to play his 19th NFL season in 2026 with the Baltimore Ravens. He has recorded 117 sacks and 960 tackles in 278 games (259 starts). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Calais #Campbells #brother #charged #mothers #murder

The Los Angeles Lakers are fully committed to building around Luka Doncic with LeBron James departing in free agency. Doncic has been clamoring for the team to add a talented young center, and the Lakers delivered on Wednesday afternoon with an incredibly bold deal that mortgages four years of draft control for an effective if often injured big man.

The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.

This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.

Lakers grade for Walker Kessler trade

Kessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.

Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.

Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.

This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.

Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, $130 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.

The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.

Jazz grade for Walker Kessler trade

Talk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.

Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.

This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least.

#Walker #Kessler #trade #grades #Lakers #Jazz #sends #massive #picks #haul #Utah">Walker Kessler trade grades for Lakers, Jazz after LA sends massive picks haul to Utah The Los Angeles Lakers are fully committed to building around Luka Doncic with LeBron James departing in free agency. Doncic has been clamoring for the team to add a talented young center, and the Lakers delivered on Wednesday afternoon with an incredibly bold deal that mortgages four years of draft control for an effective if often injured big man.The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, 0 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.Lakers grade for Walker Kessler tradeKessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, 0 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.Jazz grade for Walker Kessler tradeTalk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least. #Walker #Kessler #trade #grades #Lakers #Jazz #sends #massive #picks #haul #Utah

according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.

This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.

Lakers grade for Walker Kessler trade

Kessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.

Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.

Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.

This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.

Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, $130 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.

The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.

Jazz grade for Walker Kessler trade

Talk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.

Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.

This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least.

#Walker #Kessler #trade #grades #Lakers #Jazz #sends #massive #picks #haul #Utah">Walker Kessler trade grades for Lakers, Jazz after LA sends massive picks haul to Utah

The Los Angeles Lakers are fully committed to building around Luka Doncic with LeBron James departing in free agency. Doncic has been clamoring for the team to add a talented young center, and the Lakers delivered on Wednesday afternoon with an incredibly bold deal that mortgages four years of draft control for an effective if often injured big man.

The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.

This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.

Lakers grade for Walker Kessler trade

Kessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.

Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.

Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.

This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.

Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, $130 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.

The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.

Jazz grade for Walker Kessler trade

Talk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.

Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.

This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least.

#Walker #Kessler #trade #grades #Lakers #Jazz #sends #massive #picks #haul #Utah

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