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IPL 2026: Move over Mumbai Indians, Wankhede awaits its OG headliner – Virat Kohli  At the Wankhede Stadium, allegiances often blur when Virat Kohli walks out to bat. Over the years, the venue has repeatedly turned into a stage where individual stardom can rival franchise loyalties, with sizeable pockets of red challenging the traditional sea of blue.For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli’s presence has often ensured vocal away support, and on Sunday, Wankhede could feel less like a fortress for Mumbai Indians and more like a theatre awaiting one of the game’s most enduring headliners.A year ago, when Kohli walked out at the iconic venue, the reception was overwhelming. Noise levels reportedly touched 138 decibels, making it among the loudest cheers in the tournament’s history. Coming on the back of the Champions Trophy triumph and still an all-format mainstay then, Kohli lived up to expectations, striking a brisk 67 off 42 balls to power RCB to a 12-run win.ALSO READ | Match Preview: Mumbai Indians battle pesky ‘slow starters’ tag as RCB comes callingWith a packed stadium echoing his name, it scarcely felt like a home game for Mumbai Indians, and little suggests that will change when Kohli takes centre stage again. Despite the defending champion coming into the contest on the back of a defeat to Rajasthan Royals, the spotlight firmly remains on the former RCB captain’s return to Wankhede after a year.The numbers underline his comfort at the venue. Kohli has scored 641 runs at an average of 45.78 at Wankhede, impressive against an attack traditionally built around high-quality pace. His unbeaten 92 in 2016 remains among the most memorable knocks by an RCB batter here.Across formats, he has also crossed 1,000 international runs at the ground, highlighting sustained success in conditions that can aid seam movement early on. Among visiting batters in the IPL, few combine such consistency with a strike rate nearing 140 at this venue.Since the inception of the tournament, Kohli has amassed 922 runs in 34 matches against Mumbai Indians at an average of 31.79. With 8,790 IPL runs in his kitty, he will be keen to extend that tally at one of his favourite venues.Tickets have been sold out for days, and demand in the resale market remains high – a familiar trend whenever Kohli is in town. Having already scored 129 runs in three innings this season, the glimpses of the rhythm the 37-year-old has found are promising.As the two heavyweights clash again, Mumbai’s cricket faithful will hope the Wankhede lights once more frame a Kohli masterclass.Published on Apr 11, 2026  #IPL #Move #Mumbai #Indians #Wankhede #awaits #headliner #Virat #Kohli

IPL 2026: Move over Mumbai Indians, Wankhede awaits its OG headliner – Virat Kohli

At the Wankhede Stadium, allegiances often blur when Virat Kohli walks out to bat. Over the years, the venue has repeatedly turned into a stage where individual stardom can rival franchise loyalties, with sizeable pockets of red challenging the traditional sea of blue.

For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli’s presence has often ensured vocal away support, and on Sunday, Wankhede could feel less like a fortress for Mumbai Indians and more like a theatre awaiting one of the game’s most enduring headliners.

A year ago, when Kohli walked out at the iconic venue, the reception was overwhelming. Noise levels reportedly touched 138 decibels, making it among the loudest cheers in the tournament’s history. Coming on the back of the Champions Trophy triumph and still an all-format mainstay then, Kohli lived up to expectations, striking a brisk 67 off 42 balls to power RCB to a 12-run win.

ALSO READ | Match Preview: Mumbai Indians battle pesky ‘slow starters’ tag as RCB comes calling

With a packed stadium echoing his name, it scarcely felt like a home game for Mumbai Indians, and little suggests that will change when Kohli takes centre stage again. Despite the defending champion coming into the contest on the back of a defeat to Rajasthan Royals, the spotlight firmly remains on the former RCB captain’s return to Wankhede after a year.

The numbers underline his comfort at the venue. Kohli has scored 641 runs at an average of 45.78 at Wankhede, impressive against an attack traditionally built around high-quality pace. His unbeaten 92 in 2016 remains among the most memorable knocks by an RCB batter here.

Across formats, he has also crossed 1,000 international runs at the ground, highlighting sustained success in conditions that can aid seam movement early on. Among visiting batters in the IPL, few combine such consistency with a strike rate nearing 140 at this venue.

Since the inception of the tournament, Kohli has amassed 922 runs in 34 matches against Mumbai Indians at an average of 31.79. With 8,790 IPL runs in his kitty, he will be keen to extend that tally at one of his favourite venues.

Tickets have been sold out for days, and demand in the resale market remains high – a familiar trend whenever Kohli is in town. Having already scored 129 runs in three innings this season, the glimpses of the rhythm the 37-year-old has found are promising.

As the two heavyweights clash again, Mumbai’s cricket faithful will hope the Wankhede lights once more frame a Kohli masterclass.

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#IPL #Move #Mumbai #Indians #Wankhede #awaits #headliner #Virat #Kohli

At the Wankhede Stadium, allegiances often blur when Virat Kohli walks out to bat. Over the years, the venue has repeatedly turned into a stage where individual stardom can rival franchise loyalties, with sizeable pockets of red challenging the traditional sea of blue.

For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli’s presence has often ensured vocal away support, and on Sunday, Wankhede could feel less like a fortress for Mumbai Indians and more like a theatre awaiting one of the game’s most enduring headliners.

A year ago, when Kohli walked out at the iconic venue, the reception was overwhelming. Noise levels reportedly touched 138 decibels, making it among the loudest cheers in the tournament’s history. Coming on the back of the Champions Trophy triumph and still an all-format mainstay then, Kohli lived up to expectations, striking a brisk 67 off 42 balls to power RCB to a 12-run win.

ALSO READ | Match Preview: Mumbai Indians battle pesky ‘slow starters’ tag as RCB comes calling

With a packed stadium echoing his name, it scarcely felt like a home game for Mumbai Indians, and little suggests that will change when Kohli takes centre stage again. Despite the defending champion coming into the contest on the back of a defeat to Rajasthan Royals, the spotlight firmly remains on the former RCB captain’s return to Wankhede after a year.

The numbers underline his comfort at the venue. Kohli has scored 641 runs at an average of 45.78 at Wankhede, impressive against an attack traditionally built around high-quality pace. His unbeaten 92 in 2016 remains among the most memorable knocks by an RCB batter here.

Across formats, he has also crossed 1,000 international runs at the ground, highlighting sustained success in conditions that can aid seam movement early on. Among visiting batters in the IPL, few combine such consistency with a strike rate nearing 140 at this venue.

Since the inception of the tournament, Kohli has amassed 922 runs in 34 matches against Mumbai Indians at an average of 31.79. With 8,790 IPL runs in his kitty, he will be keen to extend that tally at one of his favourite venues.

Tickets have been sold out for days, and demand in the resale market remains high – a familiar trend whenever Kohli is in town. Having already scored 129 runs in three innings this season, the glimpses of the rhythm the 37-year-old has found are promising.

As the two heavyweights clash again, Mumbai’s cricket faithful will hope the Wankhede lights once more frame a Kohli masterclass.

Published on Apr 11, 2026

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#IPL #Move #Mumbai #Indians #Wankhede #awaits #headliner #Virat #Kohli

Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich scored through Michael Olise with the last ​kick of the game to snatch a 3-3 draw against ‌bottom club Heidenheim in the league on ​Saturday, after battling back from two goals ⁠down.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany rotated his side heavily after Tuesday’s 5-4 loss to Paris St Germain in its Champions ‌League semi-final first leg and ahead of next week’s return match in Munich.

Treble-chasing Bayern, which ‌has already secured the league title, quickly found ‌itself ⁠two goals down with Budu Zivzivadze and ⁠Eren Dinkci finding far too much space to beat keeper Jonas Urbig.

ALSO READ: Germany delays its FIFA World Cup 2026 squad reveal by nine days to give injured players more time

The Bavarians, who last week came from 3-0 down to beat ​Mainz 05 4-3 in ‌the Bundesliga and cut the deficit against PSG from 5-2 to 5-4 on Tuesday, pulled back a goal with Leon Goretzka’s superb freekick just before ‌the break.

The midfielder, who will be leaving Bayern ​at the end of the season, volleyed in from close range in the 57th to ⁠level but Heidenheim, desperate for points to have a shot at reaching the relegation playoff spot in the ‌last two remaining matchdays, hit back once more.

Zivzivadze curled a shot into the top far corner after shaking off Olise in the 76th to put his team 3-2 up and set a club record for scoring for a fourth successive league match. Substitute ‌Olise then grabbed a point for the hosts with a long-range ​effort that went in off the back of Heidenheim keeper Diant Ramaj 10 minutes into ⁠stoppage time.

Bayern is on 83 points with second-placed Borussia ⁠Dortmund, on 67, in action at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Sunday.

Heidenheim is in last place on 23, ‌two behind VfL Wolfsburg, and three off St Pauli in the relegation playoff spot. Both the ​Wolves and St Pauli play on Sunday.

Published on May 02, 2026

#Bundesliga #Olises #late #goal #snatches #draw #Bayern #Heidenheim">Bundesliga 2025-26: Olise’s late goal snatches draw for Bayern against Heidenheim  Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich scored through Michael Olise with the last ​kick of the game to snatch a 3-3 draw against ‌bottom club Heidenheim in the league on ​Saturday, after battling back from two goals ⁠down.Bayern coach Vincent Kompany rotated his side heavily after Tuesday’s 5-4 loss to Paris St Germain in its Champions ‌League semi-final first leg and ahead of next week’s return match in Munich.Treble-chasing Bayern, which ‌has already secured the league title, quickly found ‌itself ⁠two goals down with Budu Zivzivadze and ⁠Eren Dinkci finding far too much space to beat keeper Jonas Urbig.ALSO READ: Germany delays its FIFA World Cup 2026 squad reveal by nine days to give injured players more timeThe Bavarians, who last week came from 3-0 down to beat ​Mainz 05 4-3 in ‌the Bundesliga and cut the deficit against PSG from 5-2 to 5-4 on Tuesday, pulled back a goal with Leon Goretzka’s superb freekick just before ‌the break.The midfielder, who will be leaving Bayern ​at the end of the season, volleyed in from close range in the 57th to ⁠level but Heidenheim, desperate for points to have a shot at reaching the relegation playoff spot in the ‌last two remaining matchdays, hit back once more.Zivzivadze curled a shot into the top far corner after shaking off Olise in the 76th to put his team 3-2 up and set a club record for scoring for a fourth successive league match. Substitute ‌Olise then grabbed a point for the hosts with a long-range ​effort that went in off the back of Heidenheim keeper Diant Ramaj 10 minutes into ⁠stoppage time.Bayern is on 83 points with second-placed Borussia ⁠Dortmund, on 67, in action at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Sunday.Heidenheim is in last place on 23, ‌two behind VfL Wolfsburg, and three off St Pauli in the relegation playoff spot. Both the ​Wolves and St Pauli play on Sunday.Published on May 02, 2026  #Bundesliga #Olises #late #goal #snatches #draw #Bayern #Heidenheim

Germany delays its FIFA World Cup 2026 squad reveal by nine days to give injured players more time

The Bavarians, who last week came from 3-0 down to beat ​Mainz 05 4-3 in ‌the Bundesliga and cut the deficit against PSG from 5-2 to 5-4 on Tuesday, pulled back a goal with Leon Goretzka’s superb freekick just before ‌the break.

The midfielder, who will be leaving Bayern ​at the end of the season, volleyed in from close range in the 57th to ⁠level but Heidenheim, desperate for points to have a shot at reaching the relegation playoff spot in the ‌last two remaining matchdays, hit back once more.

Zivzivadze curled a shot into the top far corner after shaking off Olise in the 76th to put his team 3-2 up and set a club record for scoring for a fourth successive league match. Substitute ‌Olise then grabbed a point for the hosts with a long-range ​effort that went in off the back of Heidenheim keeper Diant Ramaj 10 minutes into ⁠stoppage time.

Bayern is on 83 points with second-placed Borussia ⁠Dortmund, on 67, in action at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Sunday.

Heidenheim is in last place on 23, ‌two behind VfL Wolfsburg, and three off St Pauli in the relegation playoff spot. Both the ​Wolves and St Pauli play on Sunday.

Published on May 02, 2026

#Bundesliga #Olises #late #goal #snatches #draw #Bayern #Heidenheim">Bundesliga 2025-26: Olise’s late goal snatches draw for Bayern against Heidenheim

Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich scored through Michael Olise with the last ​kick of the game to snatch a 3-3 draw against ‌bottom club Heidenheim in the league on ​Saturday, after battling back from two goals ⁠down.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany rotated his side heavily after Tuesday’s 5-4 loss to Paris St Germain in its Champions ‌League semi-final first leg and ahead of next week’s return match in Munich.

Treble-chasing Bayern, which ‌has already secured the league title, quickly found ‌itself ⁠two goals down with Budu Zivzivadze and ⁠Eren Dinkci finding far too much space to beat keeper Jonas Urbig.

ALSO READ: Germany delays its FIFA World Cup 2026 squad reveal by nine days to give injured players more time

The Bavarians, who last week came from 3-0 down to beat ​Mainz 05 4-3 in ‌the Bundesliga and cut the deficit against PSG from 5-2 to 5-4 on Tuesday, pulled back a goal with Leon Goretzka’s superb freekick just before ‌the break.

The midfielder, who will be leaving Bayern ​at the end of the season, volleyed in from close range in the 57th to ⁠level but Heidenheim, desperate for points to have a shot at reaching the relegation playoff spot in the ‌last two remaining matchdays, hit back once more.

Zivzivadze curled a shot into the top far corner after shaking off Olise in the 76th to put his team 3-2 up and set a club record for scoring for a fourth successive league match. Substitute ‌Olise then grabbed a point for the hosts with a long-range ​effort that went in off the back of Heidenheim keeper Diant Ramaj 10 minutes into ⁠stoppage time.

Bayern is on 83 points with second-placed Borussia ⁠Dortmund, on 67, in action at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Sunday.

Heidenheim is in last place on 23, ‌two behind VfL Wolfsburg, and three off St Pauli in the relegation playoff spot. Both the ​Wolves and St Pauli play on Sunday.

Published on May 02, 2026

#Bundesliga #Olises #late #goal #snatches #draw #Bayern #Heidenheim

When Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were both ruled out ahead of Round 1’s Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets playoff matchup, many had written off the purple and gold.

But LeBron James pulled off another unthinkable playoff victory, defeating the Rockets in six games.

Of course, the Rockets only had superstar Kevin Durant for one game this series. But James only had Reaves for one game, and new reports indicate that Doncic isn’t anywhere near a return for the Lakers.

“I’m kicking (Father Time’s) ass,” James told the Prime Video studio crew following Game 6.

He’s not wrong.

James averaged 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds against the Rockets in the first round. Without Doncic and Reaves, James proved that he’s still capable of winning in the NBA Playoffs almost singlehandedly. The 41-year-old averaged 38.7 minutes per game in this series.

We’ve never seen longevity like this in the history of the NBA.

Until the end of time, basketball fans will debate if James was better than Michael Jordan, who won six championships and was undefeated in the NBA Finals. But one thing that’s not up for debate is that Jordan was not doing this. At 41, Jordan was retired. He took on a management position with the Washington Wizards and only served a few seasons as President of Basketball Operations.

At 41, James isn’t playing a Udonis Haslam role for the Lakers. This isn’t an old man at the end of his career holding onto the glory days. Sure, it might be an old man at the end of his career. But even though James isn’t the same player that dragged teams to eight consecutive NBA Finals, he’s playing some damn good basketball and looks to have a lot more in the tank.

His actual son is playing meaningful minutes in this series, as Bronny James has gotten some run due to Doncic’s absence. Around the NBA, “great” teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are struggling against lower-seeded opponents. At 41, James is dragging an undermanned Lakers team through the first round somewhat easily.

After a reverse dunk earlier in the series, James said he “needed to sit down somewhere.” After handling business against the Rockets in six games, James thanked the Toronto Raptors for forcing a Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, buying the Lakers an extra day of rest.

There’s no denying that James is probably physically dealing with the taxes of playing elite basketball into his 40s. But hopefully he understands how much this greatness is being appreciated from basketball fans everywhere.

What’s next for LeBron?

The Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the NBA, await James and the Lakers.

It’s a good thing Reaves is back, because the Thunder will pose more of a challenge than the Durant-less Rockets did.

Even if the Thunder take down the Lakers, LeBron’s future in the NBA will be under a microscope. Recent reports have indicated that he doesn’t want to deal with the pressure of a farewell tour. However, he just displayed that he’s capable of playing at a very high level. He has nothing left to prove, but walking away from the game now would somehow feel premature, even at age 41.

Prediction markets like Kalshi are giving the Thunder a 91% chance of winning this series. A contract on Los Angeles to upset this series would payout 10.4x the initial stake.

But if James has one more miracle in him, this could be a series for the ages. Literally.

#LeBron #James #Hes #Kicking #Father #Times #Ass #Hes #Deadspin.com">LeBron James Says He’s Kicking Father Time’s Ass – And He’s Right | Deadspin.com   When Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were both ruled out ahead of Round 1’s Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets playoff matchup, many had written off the purple and gold.But LeBron James pulled off another unthinkable playoff victory, defeating the Rockets in six games.Of course, the Rockets only had superstar Kevin Durant for one game this series. But James only had Reaves for one game, and new reports indicate that Doncic isn’t anywhere near a return for the Lakers.“I’m kicking (Father Time’s) ass,” James told the Prime Video studio crew following Game 6.He’s not wrong.James averaged 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds against the Rockets in the first round. Without Doncic and Reaves, James proved that he’s still capable of winning in the NBA Playoffs almost singlehandedly. The 41-year-old averaged 38.7 minutes per game in this series.We’ve never seen longevity like this in the history of the NBA.Until the end of time, basketball fans will debate if James was better than Michael Jordan, who won six championships and was undefeated in the NBA Finals. But one thing that’s not up for debate is that Jordan was not doing this. At 41, Jordan was retired. He took on a management position with the Washington Wizards and only served a few seasons as President of Basketball Operations.At 41, James isn’t playing a Udonis Haslam role for the Lakers. This isn’t an old man at the end of his career holding onto the glory days. Sure, it might be an old man at the end of his career. But even though James isn’t the same player that dragged teams to eight consecutive NBA Finals, he’s playing some damn good basketball and looks to have a lot more in the tank.His actual son is playing meaningful minutes in this series, as Bronny James has gotten some run due to Doncic’s absence. Around the NBA, “great” teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are struggling against lower-seeded opponents. At 41, James is dragging an undermanned Lakers team through the first round somewhat easily.After a reverse dunk earlier in the series, James said he “needed to sit down somewhere.” After handling business against the Rockets in six games, James thanked the Toronto Raptors for forcing a Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, buying the Lakers an extra day of rest.There’s no denying that James is probably physically dealing with the taxes of playing elite basketball into his 40s. But hopefully he understands how much this greatness is being appreciated from basketball fans everywhere.What’s next for LeBron?The Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the NBA, await James and the Lakers.It’s a good thing Reaves is back, because the Thunder will pose more of a challenge than the Durant-less Rockets did.Even if the Thunder take down the Lakers, LeBron’s future in the NBA will be under a microscope. Recent reports have indicated that he doesn’t want to deal with the pressure of a farewell tour. However, he just displayed that he’s capable of playing at a very high level. He has nothing left to prove, but walking away from the game now would somehow feel premature, even at age 41.Prediction markets like Kalshi are giving the Thunder a 91% chance of winning this series. A contract on Los Angeles to upset this series would payout 10.4x the initial stake.But if James has one more miracle in him, this could be a series for the ages. Literally.   #LeBron #James #Hes #Kicking #Father #Times #Ass #Hes #Deadspin.com

only had superstar Kevin Durant for one game this series. But James only had Reaves for one game, and new reports indicate that Doncic isn’t anywhere near a return for the Lakers.

“I’m kicking (Father Time’s) ass,” James told the Prime Video studio crew following Game 6.

He’s not wrong.

James averaged 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds against the Rockets in the first round. Without Doncic and Reaves, James proved that he’s still capable of winning in the NBA Playoffs almost singlehandedly. The 41-year-old averaged 38.7 minutes per game in this series.

We’ve never seen longevity like this in the history of the NBA.

Until the end of time, basketball fans will debate if James was better than Michael Jordan, who won six championships and was undefeated in the NBA Finals. But one thing that’s not up for debate is that Jordan was not doing this. At 41, Jordan was retired. He took on a management position with the Washington Wizards and only served a few seasons as President of Basketball Operations.

At 41, James isn’t playing a Udonis Haslam role for the Lakers. This isn’t an old man at the end of his career holding onto the glory days. Sure, it might be an old man at the end of his career. But even though James isn’t the same player that dragged teams to eight consecutive NBA Finals, he’s playing some damn good basketball and looks to have a lot more in the tank.

His actual son is playing meaningful minutes in this series, as Bronny James has gotten some run due to Doncic’s absence. Around the NBA, “great” teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are struggling against lower-seeded opponents. At 41, James is dragging an undermanned Lakers team through the first round somewhat easily.

After a reverse dunk earlier in the series, James said he “needed to sit down somewhere.” After handling business against the Rockets in six games, James thanked the Toronto Raptors for forcing a Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, buying the Lakers an extra day of rest.

There’s no denying that James is probably physically dealing with the taxes of playing elite basketball into his 40s. But hopefully he understands how much this greatness is being appreciated from basketball fans everywhere.

What’s next for LeBron?

The Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the NBA, await James and the Lakers.

It’s a good thing Reaves is back, because the Thunder will pose more of a challenge than the Durant-less Rockets did.

Even if the Thunder take down the Lakers, LeBron’s future in the NBA will be under a microscope. Recent reports have indicated that he doesn’t want to deal with the pressure of a farewell tour. However, he just displayed that he’s capable of playing at a very high level. He has nothing left to prove, but walking away from the game now would somehow feel premature, even at age 41.

Prediction markets like Kalshi are giving the Thunder a 91% chance of winning this series. A contract on Los Angeles to upset this series would payout 10.4x the initial stake.

But if James has one more miracle in him, this could be a series for the ages. Literally.

#LeBron #James #Hes #Kicking #Father #Times #Ass #Hes #Deadspin.com">LeBron James Says He’s Kicking Father Time’s Ass – And He’s Right | Deadspin.com

When Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were both ruled out ahead of Round 1’s Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets playoff matchup, many had written off the purple and gold.

But LeBron James pulled off another unthinkable playoff victory, defeating the Rockets in six games.

Of course, the Rockets only had superstar Kevin Durant for one game this series. But James only had Reaves for one game, and new reports indicate that Doncic isn’t anywhere near a return for the Lakers.

“I’m kicking (Father Time’s) ass,” James told the Prime Video studio crew following Game 6.

He’s not wrong.

James averaged 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds against the Rockets in the first round. Without Doncic and Reaves, James proved that he’s still capable of winning in the NBA Playoffs almost singlehandedly. The 41-year-old averaged 38.7 minutes per game in this series.

We’ve never seen longevity like this in the history of the NBA.

Until the end of time, basketball fans will debate if James was better than Michael Jordan, who won six championships and was undefeated in the NBA Finals. But one thing that’s not up for debate is that Jordan was not doing this. At 41, Jordan was retired. He took on a management position with the Washington Wizards and only served a few seasons as President of Basketball Operations.

At 41, James isn’t playing a Udonis Haslam role for the Lakers. This isn’t an old man at the end of his career holding onto the glory days. Sure, it might be an old man at the end of his career. But even though James isn’t the same player that dragged teams to eight consecutive NBA Finals, he’s playing some damn good basketball and looks to have a lot more in the tank.

His actual son is playing meaningful minutes in this series, as Bronny James has gotten some run due to Doncic’s absence. Around the NBA, “great” teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are struggling against lower-seeded opponents. At 41, James is dragging an undermanned Lakers team through the first round somewhat easily.

After a reverse dunk earlier in the series, James said he “needed to sit down somewhere.” After handling business against the Rockets in six games, James thanked the Toronto Raptors for forcing a Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, buying the Lakers an extra day of rest.

There’s no denying that James is probably physically dealing with the taxes of playing elite basketball into his 40s. But hopefully he understands how much this greatness is being appreciated from basketball fans everywhere.

What’s next for LeBron?

The Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the NBA, await James and the Lakers.

It’s a good thing Reaves is back, because the Thunder will pose more of a challenge than the Durant-less Rockets did.

Even if the Thunder take down the Lakers, LeBron’s future in the NBA will be under a microscope. Recent reports have indicated that he doesn’t want to deal with the pressure of a farewell tour. However, he just displayed that he’s capable of playing at a very high level. He has nothing left to prove, but walking away from the game now would somehow feel premature, even at age 41.

Prediction markets like Kalshi are giving the Thunder a 91% chance of winning this series. A contract on Los Angeles to upset this series would payout 10.4x the initial stake.

But if James has one more miracle in him, this could be a series for the ages. Literally.

#LeBron #James #Hes #Kicking #Father #Times #Ass #Hes #Deadspin.com

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