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ISL 2025-26: Golui’s late header rescues point for Jamshedpur against Mumbai City  A dramatic late equaliser from substitute Sarthak Golui cancelled out Brandon Fernandes’ first-half strike as Jamshedpur FC held Mumbai City FC to a 1-1 draw in a top-of-the-table clash in Indian Super League 2025-26 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Thursday, April 9.The result keeps Mumbai City FC at the top of the standings with 18 points, while Jamshedpur FC moves to second with 15 points after a hard-fought contest at the Furnace. Brandon Fernandes was adjudged Player of the Match.The match began at a high tempo, with both sides showing attacking intent early on. Mumbai City had the first attempt in the fourth minute through right winger Vikram Partap Singh, while Jamshedpur responded with a series of forward moves led by left winger Mohammed Sanan, striker Raphael Messi Bouli, and Ritwik Kumar Das.As the half progressed, Mumbai began to assert control in the final third. Hmingthanmawia Ralte’s effort took a deflection and went just wide, while Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung forced a sharp save from keeper Albino Gomes. The visitor continued to threaten from set-pieces, with Akash Mishra and captain Lallianzuala Chhangte both going close with headers.Jamshedpur, however, remained dangerous on the counter. Bouli came close with a header, while Lalhriatpuia Chawngthu and Nikola Stojanović combined well but failed to find the finishing touch. Bouli produced a moment of brilliance in the 31st minute, controlling a long ball on his chest before unleashing a powerful strike that was carried away by the Islanders’ keeper Phurba Lachenpa.Despite Jamshedpur’s sustained pressure, it was Mumbai City which struck on the brink of half-time with a well-worked move. Joni Kauko initiated the attack on the left flank before finding Noufal PN, who squared the ball into the box for Brandon Fernandes.The midfielder showed great composure, turning swiftly before firing a shot that took a heavy deflection off Jamshedpur skipper Stephen Eze, wrong-footing Albino Gomes and rolling into the far corner to give the Islanders the lead at the interval.ALSO READ: Going back to an old club is always special: WestwoodJamshedpur thought it had equalised early in the second-half when Bouli found the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside. The hosts continued to push forward with intent, with Sanan and Ritwik combining to create space for Stojanović, whose effort sailed narrowly over the bar.The Men of Steel maintained relentless pressure, dominating possession and pinning Mumbai City deep inside its own half. Eze came close when Lachenpa ventured off his line, while Vincy Barretto saw his effort blocked by Nuno Reis in a crucial defensive intervention.Mumbai, meanwhile, looked to hit on the counter and nearly doubled its advantage in the 72nd minute through a fluid team move. Noufal PN carved open the defence before squaring it to Lallianzuala Chhangte, but the captain’s effort drifted wide.As the match entered its closing stages, Jamshedpur intensified its search for an equaliser. Lachenpa produced a vital save from a long throw, but the pressure finally told in the 90th minute.From a corner delivered by Stojanović, the ball travelled towards the far post where Sarthak Goloui rose to meet it, guiding a header that struck the underside of the crossbar and crossed the line, sending the home crowd into delirium; Jamshedpur had just levelled the score at 1-1.Jamshedpur pushed for a winner in stoppage time, but Mumbai City held firm to secure a point in a gripping contest between two contenders.Published on Apr 09, 2026  #ISL #Goluis #late #header #rescues #point #Jamshedpur #Mumbai #City

ISL 2025-26: Golui’s late header rescues point for Jamshedpur against Mumbai City

A dramatic late equaliser from substitute Sarthak Golui cancelled out Brandon Fernandes’ first-half strike as Jamshedpur FC held Mumbai City FC to a 1-1 draw in a top-of-the-table clash in Indian Super League 2025-26 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Thursday, April 9.

The result keeps Mumbai City FC at the top of the standings with 18 points, while Jamshedpur FC moves to second with 15 points after a hard-fought contest at the Furnace. Brandon Fernandes was adjudged Player of the Match.

The match began at a high tempo, with both sides showing attacking intent early on. Mumbai City had the first attempt in the fourth minute through right winger Vikram Partap Singh, while Jamshedpur responded with a series of forward moves led by left winger Mohammed Sanan, striker Raphael Messi Bouli, and Ritwik Kumar Das.

As the half progressed, Mumbai began to assert control in the final third. Hmingthanmawia Ralte’s effort took a deflection and went just wide, while Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung forced a sharp save from keeper Albino Gomes. The visitor continued to threaten from set-pieces, with Akash Mishra and captain Lallianzuala Chhangte both going close with headers.

Jamshedpur, however, remained dangerous on the counter. Bouli came close with a header, while Lalhriatpuia Chawngthu and Nikola Stojanović combined well but failed to find the finishing touch. Bouli produced a moment of brilliance in the 31st minute, controlling a long ball on his chest before unleashing a powerful strike that was carried away by the Islanders’ keeper Phurba Lachenpa.

Despite Jamshedpur’s sustained pressure, it was Mumbai City which struck on the brink of half-time with a well-worked move. Joni Kauko initiated the attack on the left flank before finding Noufal PN, who squared the ball into the box for Brandon Fernandes.

The midfielder showed great composure, turning swiftly before firing a shot that took a heavy deflection off Jamshedpur skipper Stephen Eze, wrong-footing Albino Gomes and rolling into the far corner to give the Islanders the lead at the interval.

ALSO READ: Going back to an old club is always special: Westwood

Jamshedpur thought it had equalised early in the second-half when Bouli found the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside. The hosts continued to push forward with intent, with Sanan and Ritwik combining to create space for Stojanović, whose effort sailed narrowly over the bar.

The Men of Steel maintained relentless pressure, dominating possession and pinning Mumbai City deep inside its own half. Eze came close when Lachenpa ventured off his line, while Vincy Barretto saw his effort blocked by Nuno Reis in a crucial defensive intervention.

Mumbai, meanwhile, looked to hit on the counter and nearly doubled its advantage in the 72nd minute through a fluid team move. Noufal PN carved open the defence before squaring it to Lallianzuala Chhangte, but the captain’s effort drifted wide.

As the match entered its closing stages, Jamshedpur intensified its search for an equaliser. Lachenpa produced a vital save from a long throw, but the pressure finally told in the 90th minute.

From a corner delivered by Stojanović, the ball travelled towards the far post where Sarthak Goloui rose to meet it, guiding a header that struck the underside of the crossbar and crossed the line, sending the home crowd into delirium; Jamshedpur had just levelled the score at 1-1.

Jamshedpur pushed for a winner in stoppage time, but Mumbai City held firm to secure a point in a gripping contest between two contenders.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#ISL #Goluis #late #header #rescues #point #Jamshedpur #Mumbai #City

A dramatic late equaliser from substitute Sarthak Golui cancelled out Brandon Fernandes’ first-half strike as Jamshedpur FC held Mumbai City FC to a 1-1 draw in a top-of-the-table clash in Indian Super League 2025-26 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Thursday, April 9.

The result keeps Mumbai City FC at the top of the standings with 18 points, while Jamshedpur FC moves to second with 15 points after a hard-fought contest at the Furnace. Brandon Fernandes was adjudged Player of the Match.

The match began at a high tempo, with both sides showing attacking intent early on. Mumbai City had the first attempt in the fourth minute through right winger Vikram Partap Singh, while Jamshedpur responded with a series of forward moves led by left winger Mohammed Sanan, striker Raphael Messi Bouli, and Ritwik Kumar Das.

As the half progressed, Mumbai began to assert control in the final third. Hmingthanmawia Ralte’s effort took a deflection and went just wide, while Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung forced a sharp save from keeper Albino Gomes. The visitor continued to threaten from set-pieces, with Akash Mishra and captain Lallianzuala Chhangte both going close with headers.

Jamshedpur, however, remained dangerous on the counter. Bouli came close with a header, while Lalhriatpuia Chawngthu and Nikola Stojanović combined well but failed to find the finishing touch. Bouli produced a moment of brilliance in the 31st minute, controlling a long ball on his chest before unleashing a powerful strike that was carried away by the Islanders’ keeper Phurba Lachenpa.

Despite Jamshedpur’s sustained pressure, it was Mumbai City which struck on the brink of half-time with a well-worked move. Joni Kauko initiated the attack on the left flank before finding Noufal PN, who squared the ball into the box for Brandon Fernandes.

The midfielder showed great composure, turning swiftly before firing a shot that took a heavy deflection off Jamshedpur skipper Stephen Eze, wrong-footing Albino Gomes and rolling into the far corner to give the Islanders the lead at the interval.

ALSO READ: Going back to an old club is always special: Westwood

Jamshedpur thought it had equalised early in the second-half when Bouli found the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside. The hosts continued to push forward with intent, with Sanan and Ritwik combining to create space for Stojanović, whose effort sailed narrowly over the bar.

The Men of Steel maintained relentless pressure, dominating possession and pinning Mumbai City deep inside its own half. Eze came close when Lachenpa ventured off his line, while Vincy Barretto saw his effort blocked by Nuno Reis in a crucial defensive intervention.

Mumbai, meanwhile, looked to hit on the counter and nearly doubled its advantage in the 72nd minute through a fluid team move. Noufal PN carved open the defence before squaring it to Lallianzuala Chhangte, but the captain’s effort drifted wide.

As the match entered its closing stages, Jamshedpur intensified its search for an equaliser. Lachenpa produced a vital save from a long throw, but the pressure finally told in the 90th minute.

From a corner delivered by Stojanović, the ball travelled towards the far post where Sarthak Goloui rose to meet it, guiding a header that struck the underside of the crossbar and crossed the line, sending the home crowd into delirium; Jamshedpur had just levelled the score at 1-1.

Jamshedpur pushed for a winner in stoppage time, but Mumbai City held firm to secure a point in a gripping contest between two contenders.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

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Brandon Holtz is one of the better stories happening around the Masters <div><div class="g6j1tz1 g6j1tz2"><div class="_1nfb3k4n _1nfb3k4x"><img alt="The Masters - Round One" data-chromatic="ignore" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" data-nimg="fill" class="w91vxg0" style="position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url("data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='/%3E%3C/svg%3E")" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 700px" srcset="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269951381.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.8659611992945%2C100%2C94.268077601411&w=376 376w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269951381.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.8659611992945%2C100%2C94.268077601411&w=384 384w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269951381.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.8659611992945%2C100%2C94.268077601411&w=415 415w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269951381.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.8659611992945%2C100%2C94.268077601411&w=480 480w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269951381.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.8659611992945%2C100%2C94.268077601411&w=540 540w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269951381.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.8659611992945%2C100%2C94.268077601411&w=640 640w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269951381.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.8659611992945%2C100%2C94.268077601411&w=750 750w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269951381.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.8659611992945%2C100%2C94.268077601411&w=828 828w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269951381.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.8659611992945%2C100%2C94.268077601411&w=1080 1080w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269951381.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.8659611992945%2C100%2C94.268077601411&w=1200 1200w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269951381.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.8659611992945%2C100%2C94.268077601411&w=1440 1440w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269951381.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.8659611992945%2C100%2C94.268077601411&w=1920 1920w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269951381.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.8659611992945%2C100%2C94.268077601411&w=2048 2048w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269951381.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.8659611992945%2C100%2C94.268077601411&w=2400 2400w" src="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269951381.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.8659611992945%2C100%2C94.268077601411&w=2400"/></div><div class="_1nfb3k4m _1nfb3k4x"><img alt="The Masters - 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(Photo by Logan Whitton/Augusta National/Getty Images)</figcaption> <cite class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup ls9zuh2 rzoxl55">Augusta National/Getty Images</cite></p></div> #Brandon #Holtz #stories #happening #Masters

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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