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LSG vs KKR, IPL 2026: ‘Pant is a bowlers’ captain,’ says Lucknow Super Giants bowling coach Crowe Lucknow Super Giants spin bowling coach Carl Crowe on Wednesday hailed seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami for his keenness to learn and improve.Citing the example of how Shami prepared with fast bowling coach Bharat Arun to scalp dangerous Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma, Crowe said, “Bharat and Shami worked on a new ball four days before the match and Shami bowled that ball to dismiss Abhishek. You’re never too old to learn a new skill. It’s testament to not only Bharat but also Shami’s mindset that as a senior player he’s still very willing to develop new skills, trying to push his game.”ALSO READ: KKR vs LSG, IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders aims for turnaround in form against Lucknow Super GiantsAhead of LSG’s Indian Premier League encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens here, Crowe praised captain Rishabh Pant for being a bowlers’ captain. “He definitely empowers his bowlers. He is someone that is very keen to hear their views in team meetings and he’ll be interested to see what their perspective is and what their plans are.When he enters the room as captain, he says hello to every single person, shakes their hand and as a leader it makes you feel like you’re welcome and you belong.”Crowe spoke enthusiastically about spinner Digvesh Rathi. “His skills are exciting. He’s capable of playing for India in the future. When you’re working with those types of players, what you want to do is guide them rather than restrict them. It’s clear that his energy, his passion, drives his game,” said Crowe.Published on Apr 08, 2026 #LSG #KKR #IPL #Pant #bowlers #captain #Lucknow #Super #Giants #bowling #coach #Crowe

LSG vs KKR, IPL 2026: ‘Pant is a bowlers’ captain,’ says Lucknow Super Giants bowling coach Crowe

Lucknow Super Giants spin bowling coach Carl Crowe on Wednesday hailed seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami for his keenness to learn and improve.

Citing the example of how Shami prepared with fast bowling coach Bharat Arun to scalp dangerous Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma, Crowe said, “Bharat and Shami worked on a new ball four days before the match and Shami bowled that ball to dismiss Abhishek. You’re never too old to learn a new skill. It’s testament to not only Bharat but also Shami’s mindset that as a senior player he’s still very willing to develop new skills, trying to push his game.”

ALSO READ: KKR vs LSG, IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders aims for turnaround in form against Lucknow Super Giants

Ahead of LSG’s Indian Premier League encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens here, Crowe praised captain Rishabh Pant for being a bowlers’ captain. 

“He definitely empowers his bowlers. He is someone that is very keen to hear their views in team meetings and he’ll be interested to see what their perspective is and what their plans are.

When he enters the room as captain, he says hello to every single person, shakes their hand and as a leader it makes you feel like you’re welcome and you belong.”

Crowe spoke enthusiastically about spinner Digvesh Rathi. “His skills are exciting. He’s capable of playing for India in the future. When you’re working with those types of players, what you want to do is guide them rather than restrict them. It’s clear that his energy, his passion, drives his game,” said Crowe.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#LSG #KKR #IPL #Pant #bowlers #captain #Lucknow #Super #Giants #bowling #coach #Crowe

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Lucknow Super Giants spin bowling coach Carl Crowe on Wednesday hailed seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami for his keenness to learn and improve.

Citing the example of how Shami prepared with fast bowling coach Bharat Arun to scalp dangerous Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma, Crowe said, “Bharat and Shami worked on a new ball four days before the match and Shami bowled that ball to dismiss Abhishek. You’re never too old to learn a new skill. It’s testament to not only Bharat but also Shami’s mindset that as a senior player he’s still very willing to develop new skills, trying to push his game.”

ALSO READ: KKR vs LSG, IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders aims for turnaround in form against Lucknow Super Giants

Ahead of LSG’s Indian Premier League encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens here, Crowe praised captain Rishabh Pant for being a bowlers’ captain. 

“He definitely empowers his bowlers. He is someone that is very keen to hear their views in team meetings and he’ll be interested to see what their perspective is and what their plans are.

When he enters the room as captain, he says hello to every single person, shakes their hand and as a leader it makes you feel like you’re welcome and you belong.”

Crowe spoke enthusiastically about spinner Digvesh Rathi. “His skills are exciting. He’s capable of playing for India in the future. When you’re working with those types of players, what you want to do is guide them rather than restrict them. It’s clear that his energy, his passion, drives his game,” said Crowe.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

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#LSG #KKR #IPL #Pant #bowlers #captain #Lucknow #Super #Giants #bowling #coach #Crowe

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Deadspin | After string of 1-run losses, M’s determined to snap slump in clash vs. Rangers <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28671943.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28671943.jpg" alt="MLB: Seattle Mariners at Texas Rangers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 6, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) rounds the bases after he hits a home run against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Seattle Mariners desperately need a win Wednesday afternoon and are asking starting pitcher Bryan Woo to deliver it.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The Mariners will try to salvage the final game of their three-game series against the Texas Rangers, whose 3-2 victory Tuesday clinched their first series victory over Seattle since September 2023. </p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Mariners enter Wednesday’s game in Arlington, Texas, as losers of four consecutive games — all by one run — and six of their past seven contests.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The lack of offense helped the Mariners to sqander a quality start Tuesday from George Kirby, who pitched a complete game and gave up three runs on six hits in eight innings in a 3-2 loss. </p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Seattle pounded out eight hits but went only 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“As opposed to last night, where we weren’t able to get traffic, tonight we got some traffic out there,” manager Dan Wilson said after the Tuesday game. “We were able to work a couple walks and get a couple base hits, but not able to get the significant runs across tonight.”</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>In the opener of the series on Monday, Seattle had just two hits and lost 2-1.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>“Sometimes we get a little anxious and sometimes we try to do too much in those situations,” Wilson said. “The guys in there are trying so hard to break it open. That’s what everybody wants in there. Sometimes in those situations, we need to be able to relax a little bit. But that will come. I think it’s coming. The at-bats were better tonight.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>Woo (0-0, 1.38 ERA) has made two starts this season, getting two no-decisions. Against the Rangers, the right-hander is 2-2 with a 4.46 ERA in seven career starts.</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>The Rangers will counter with left-hander MacKenzie Gore (1-0, 3.97) who has pitched at least 5 1/3 innings in each of his first two starts and has not given up more than three runs in either. Against Seattle, he has a career record of 1-9 with an 0.69 ERA in two starts.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Texas catcher Kyle Higashioka said he is grateful to have won the series already. </p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>“It’s hugely important,” he said. “[The Mariners] and the Astros are definitely our biggest rivals. Anytime we can beat these guys, it feels good, because they played us really tough, especially the last couple years. It gets tiring losing to the same team.”</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>The Rangers have not been very productive on offense this season, with nine total runs over their past five games but two wins in that stretch. Each of their past five games has been decided by two or fewer runs, and Texas has won two straight on the heels of a four-game losing streak.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“They’re just coming in, trying to execute and trust their process, doing what we talked about in spring training,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker told The Dallas Morning News. “Seattle is a really tough team. They execute all facets of the game. They’re really well-coached and managed, and they pitch as well as anybody, and they have a dangerous lineup.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>The Mariners are still looking for their first series win of the season after splitting four games with Cleveland, then losing two of three games each to the Yankees and Angels and two to the Rangers.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Seattle needs the offense to ride to the level of the pitching. Slugger Cal Raleigh is batting just .156, and two cogs in their lineup, Josh Naylor and Julio Rodriguez, are off to miserable starts at the plate.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Naylor is batting .104 and Rodriguez .152, and neither has an extra base this season.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-18"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #string #1run #losses #determined #snap #slump #clash #Rangers

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Why Jeremiyah Love brings top-5 value to NFL Draft as a RB <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The 2026 NFL Draft class is replete with fascinating evaluations.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love might be at the top of that list.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">While Love is a running back, a fact that carries all sorts of questions about positional value, he is entering a league at a time when the <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/natetice.bsky.social/post/3mitw4cqy7k27">running game may be coming back into vogue</a>. The NFL world just saw the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl featuring a surging run game down the stretch, and while the league is still dominated by the passing game, the influx of two-high defenses have seen offenses turn to the run game as at least a powerful complement to their passing attacks.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">But timing is just one aspect of Love’s evaluation that has seen his draft stock rise as the real thing approaches, as the Notre Dame RB has gone from a potential top-ten pick in mock drafts to now a player <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1108615/nfl-mock-draft-2026-jeremiyah-love-rises-first-round-qbs">viewed in the top five</a>. There is something else.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Love is pure speed at the running back position, a trait that showed up on the field this fall and translated to his workout in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he laid down a 4.36-second 40-yard dash. And what makes Love’s evaluation all the more impressive is how that trait shows up regardless of scheme, and even in the passing game.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Take this touchdown against Syracuse, coming on a zone design:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This is an outside zone design flowing to the right, but first Love has the vision to identify the inside lane that develops. From there, this is pure speed from the running back, who explodes into the second level before the Syracuse defense has a chance to react. Then keep an eye on the free safety. This is an example of a running back not just erasing an angle, but obliterating it.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">And yes, safeties in the NFL will take better angles, but the thing about Love’s game is that even if you think you have a shot at him, you often do not. His contact balance and spin move are elite traits, traits that turn potential tackles into even bigger gains. Like on this run against Pittsburgh which comes on a gap/power design:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Several things stand out about this one play. First is the scheme, a gap/power design in contrast to the previous example. Love is a schematically-diverse running back, who can hit home runs regardless of the play design.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Second is again the speed, as well as the awareness. After cutting upfield and behind the two pulling blockers, Love rockets into the second level. But this time, the safety has a much better angle on him, with a chance to cut him down for a minimal gain.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Instead, Love anticipates the angle and unleashes his almost-violent spin move, blowing by the safety en route to a 56-yard touchdown. That spin move shows up throughout his film, and will be a weapon for him at the next level.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Here’s another example of this trait, coming on a counter design against USC. Keep an eye on No. 7 in the Trojans’ secondary:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">While the safety has a decent angle on Love, the RB’s pure speed erases that on this 63-yard run.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Love might not be a pure power back, but that does not mean he gets cut down at the initial sign of contact. What he might lack in pure lower-body power he more than makes up for with contact balance. Would-be tacklers need to be sure at the contact point, and technically sound.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Otherwise, things like this happen:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">On the first play against Stanford, you see Love run through several tackle attempts, erasing angles not with his speed, but with his contact balance. The moment a defender mistimes a tackle attempt, or fails to hit the perfect strike point, Love runs through contact, keeping his legs moving and showing enough power to extend plays with balance and strength.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">And on that second example against Pittsburgh, you again see that angle-erasing speed. After making the first defender miss behind the line of scrimmage, Love simply outruns the second defender to the edge, turning what could have been — or should have been — a loss into another explosive run.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">As noted at the outset, while the running game may be slowly coming back into style, the NFL remains a passing-dominated league.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">So when any running back is discussed as an early pick, the question over what they can contribute in the passing game rises to the top of the evaluation. Can that player be a “three-down” back? Can they offer something as a receiver out of the backfield?</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There may even be some untapped potential in what Love can do as a pass catcher, but when he comes off the board early in the first round, you can expect to see these two plays. First, a wheel route against Texas A&M where the defense loses him in coverage, but you see what he can do with his hands as he extends for this catch, and then get another look at that game-breaking ability to erase angles:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">And then there is this play, a corner route run from a slot alignment:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Love is working against a linebacker on this play, but it illustrates what he can do as a route-runner when aligned outside. The Notre Dame RB uses two different gears off the line, including a second gear that erases the cushion and stresses the linebacker’s leverage. From there he simply loses the linebacker, leaving him crashing to the turf as Love makes his cut towards the sideline.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Again, expect to see this play highlighted when Love comes off the board on draft night.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">When it comes down to it, Love is the complete package as a running back. A schematically-diverse player who can deliver explosive plays in the running game regardless of scheme, and whose speed and route-running could make him an even more explosive player in the NFL in the passing game.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">When you think about positional value, that sounds pretty valuable to me.</p></div></div> #Jeremiyah #Love #brings #top5 #NFL #Draft

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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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