Deadspin | White Sox place OF Austin Hays (hamstring) on IL Mar 13, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox outfielder Austin Hays against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Chicago White Sox placed veteran outfielder Austin Hays on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday with a right hamstring strain. Chicago called up outfielder Dustin Harris from Triple-A Charlotte ahead of its game with the visiting Baltimore Orioles. The White Sox also transferred right-hander Mike Vasil, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, to the 60-day IL in a corresponding transaction. Hays, 30, sustained the injury during the fourth inning of Monday night’s 2-1 loss to the Orioles. The former All-Star is batting .219 (7-for-32) with one homer and six RBIs through nine games this season. Harris, 26, who played in 21 games with the Texas Rangers from 2024-25, is batting .250 with three RBIs in eight games at Charlotte. Vasil, 26, started the season on the injured list with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He is out for the season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #White #Sox #place #Austin #Hays #hamstring

Deadspin | White Sox place OF Austin Hays (hamstring) on IL
Deadspin | White Sox place OF Austin Hays (hamstring) on IL Mar 13, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox outfielder Austin Hays against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Chicago White Sox placed veteran outfielder Austin Hays on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday with a right hamstring strain. Chicago called up outfielder Dustin Harris from Triple-A Charlotte ahead of its game with the visiting Baltimore Orioles. The White Sox also transferred right-hander Mike Vasil, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, to the 60-day IL in a corresponding transaction. Hays, 30, sustained the injury during the fourth inning of Monday night’s 2-1 loss to the Orioles. The former All-Star is batting .219 (7-for-32) with one homer and six RBIs through nine games this season. Harris, 26, who played in 21 games with the Texas Rangers from 2024-25, is batting .250 with three RBIs in eight games at Charlotte. Vasil, 26, started the season on the injured list with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He is out for the season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #White #Sox #place #Austin #Hays #hamstringMar 13, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox outfielder Austin Hays against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Chicago White Sox placed veteran outfielder Austin Hays on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday with a right hamstring strain.

Chicago called up outfielder Dustin Harris from Triple-A Charlotte ahead of its game with the visiting Baltimore Orioles.

The White Sox also transferred right-hander Mike Vasil, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, to the 60-day IL in a corresponding transaction.


Hays, 30, sustained the injury during the fourth inning of Monday night’s 2-1 loss to the Orioles. The former All-Star is batting .219 (7-for-32) with one homer and six RBIs through nine games this season.

Harris, 26, who played in 21 games with the Texas Rangers from 2024-25, is batting .250 with three RBIs in eight games at Charlotte.

Vasil, 26, started the season on the injured list with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He is out for the season.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #White #Sox #place #Austin #Hays #hamstring

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Mar 13, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox outfielder Austin Hays against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Chicago White Sox placed veteran outfielder Austin Hays on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday with a right hamstring strain.

Chicago called up outfielder Dustin Harris from Triple-A Charlotte ahead of its game with the visiting Baltimore Orioles.

The White Sox also transferred right-hander Mike Vasil, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, to the 60-day IL in a corresponding transaction.

Hays, 30, sustained the injury during the fourth inning of Monday night’s 2-1 loss to the Orioles. The former All-Star is batting .219 (7-for-32) with one homer and six RBIs through nine games this season.

Harris, 26, who played in 21 games with the Texas Rangers from 2024-25, is batting .250 with three RBIs in eight games at Charlotte.

Vasil, 26, started the season on the injured list with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He is out for the season.

–Field Level Media

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ISL 2025-26: Planas punishes Chennaiyin errors to give Inter Kashi much-needed win <div id="content-body-70835547" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Defensive errors were at the forefront as Chennaiyin FC fell to a 1-2 loss against Inter Kashi in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday.</p><p>Coming off three consecutive losses, Kashi snapped back and proved critical when it mattered as Alfred Planas grabbed a brace early in the second half while Daniel Chima Chukwu scored a consolation goal in stoppage time for CFC.</p><p>With a loss sure to deepen the worries of relegation, both sides began the game on a cautious note, with CFC maintaining long but fruitless spells of possession. On the other hand, despite CFC head coach Clifford Miranda predicting his counterpart, Antonio Lopez Habas, to be direct, the Spaniard’s players appeared satisfied sitting back and letting the game come to them.</p><p><b>CFC vs IKFC</b> – <b><a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/matchcentre/indian-super-league/2626393/chennaiyin-vs-inter-kashi/750/2025/" target="_blank">As it happened</a></b></p><p>Mohammed Ali Bemammer’s return to the starting 11 after being out injured in the previous match aided CFC as he combined with skipper Alberto Noguera to continuously win possession in the middle of the park. However, the duo’s periodical long balls over the top went largely unattended by his forward line.</p><p>CFC’s frontmen Farukh Choudhary and Ingio Martinez were mere spectators in the first 45, apart from attempting a couple of long-range strikes that carried no real threat.</p><p>For all of CFC’s possession, it was Kashi that registered the first shot on target in the first minute of the first half added time, after Sergio Llamas whipped in a corner. CFC’s defence, which had been solid until then, failed to clear away the ball, allowing Wayne Vaz to poke the ball from close range. CFC custodian Mohammad Nawaz went down quickly to his right to scoop the ball away only as far as Rohit Danu, whose chip back into the middle was heroically cleared off the line by Imran Khan.</p><p>It was warning sign as the visitor managed to break the deadlock before the spectators could return to their seats after the interval. Less than a minute after the restart, Danu won the ball deep in CFC’s half and played it into the middle from the left. Llamas’ poor first touch seemed to have given CFC some reprieve, but Bemmamer failed to clear his lines as the ball fell to Planas, who produced a gorgeous sidefoot volley on the edge of the area to send the ball past a diving Nawaz.</p><p>Smelling blood, Kashi continued to keep its foot on the pedal, and eight minutes later, it was leading by two. Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, who received his first start of the season, kicked the air while attempting a standard clearance, handing the ball on a plate to Ashish Jha. The winger held off pressure to lay it off to Planas, who took a couple of touches forward before effortlessly slotting it into the back of the net.</p><p>The abrupt deficit prompted Miranda to bring on Maheson Singh Tongbram and Daniel Chima Chukwu, among others, with the latter’s introduction bringing out hopeful cries from the home support.</p><p>There was a sudden shift in tempo, and CFC finally forced a save out of Shubham Das on the hour mark after Farukh tried his luck with his left-footed strike from outside the box.</p><p>CFC’s dominance on the ball continued, this time primarily in the opposition half, with fullbacks Laldinliana R and Mandar Rao Dessai overloading the Kashi box with their deliveries. However, Habas’ backline was equally up for the challenge, stopping the opposition from having any clear sight at goal.</p><p>A mix-up in the box, however, allowed the host to get one back in the fifth minute of added time with Chukwu smashing the ball in from close range. But it was too little too late as Kashi saw the game out to walk away with all three points and climb to eighth in the standings while CFC dropped one place to 11.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 07, 2026</p></div> #ISL #Planas #punishes #Chennaiyin #errors #give #Inter #Kashi #muchneeded #win

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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
#Wimbledon #Sinner #cruises #straight #sets #victory #Borges">Wimbledon 2026: Sinner cruises to second round with straight sets victory over Borges iDefending champion Jannik Sinner progressed to the third round of Wimbledon with a straight sets victory over Portugal’s Nuno Borges on Centre Court on Wednesday.The World No.1 had to dig deep in the first round to overcome Miomir Kecmanovic in a five-set thriller but got past his opponent in the second round without much trouble to defeat Borges 7-6, 7-6, 6-4.Sinner will face fellow Italina Matteo Berretini in the third round.Published on Jul 01, 2026 #Wimbledon #Sinner #cruises #straight #sets #victory #Borges

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