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The Season That Was: Dylan Cease

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Dylan Cease #84 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Athletics in the bottom of the first inning at Sutter Health Park on September 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Each year, I look at how each Jays player performed during the season.

We signed Dylan Cease on December 2nd last year. He got a seven-year, $210 million contract. I read a few baseball commentators call it the worst free-agent signing of the off-season. Right now, they appear very wrong.

We disagreed. 42.9% of us were ‘Kind of Happy’, 41.8% were Very Happy. Only 5.1% were Kind of or Very Unhappy.

Cease spent the previous two seasons with the Padres. He had a very good season in 2024, a 3.47 ERA and a 4.0 bWAR and a less good 2025 season, with a 4.55 ERA and a 1.0 bWAR.

The Jays thought they saw something in him that they could ‘fix’. I’m always dubious of teams thinking that. But it seems like the Jays were right.

Standard Pitching Table
AgeWARWLERAGGSCGSHOIPHRERHRBBIBBSOHBPBKWPBFERA+SO9
305.71162.40292911169.010854451178023931568518412.7
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 9/27/2026.

Baseball Reference has him at 5.7 WAR, and Fangraphs has him at 5.5, valuing him at $43.9 million to the Blue Jays.

Dylan had a 2.56 FIP and 2.93 xFIP.

He had a .274 BABIP (down from .320 last year). 77.8% of the base runners he allowed were stranded (up from 69.0% last year).

Cease’s line drive rate was 20.4% (down from 21.8% last year). His ground ball rate was 42.1% (up from 36.6). And the fly ball rate was 37.5% (down from 41.5). 8.1% of his fly balls left the park (down from 11.9).

His strikeout rate was 34.9% (up from 29.8), while his walk rate was up 11.4% from 9.8.

Dylan’s soft contact rate was up (21.6% from 17.2). Hard contact was down (29.0% from 33.8).

He was slightly better vs. LHB (.167/.267/.271) than RHB (.198/.289/.270). Career, he has been a fair bit better vs. right-handed batters.

Cease was better on the road (batters hit.162/.257/.234, with a 1.94 ERA) than at home (.198/.295/.305 with a 2.85 ERA).

He was slightly better in the second half (2.17, .167/.265/.285) than in the first half (2.56, .190/.284/.261).

Cease by month:

  • April: 6 starts, 1-1, 2.87. Batters hit .220/.326/.246 with 0 home runs, 17 walks and 49 strikeouts.
  • May: 5 starts, 2-2, 3.23. Batters hit .209/.275/.373 with 5 home runs, 9 walks and 43 strikeouts.
  • June: 4 starts, 1-1, 2.95. Batters hit .182/.308/.221 with 0 home runs, 14 walks and 36 strikeouts..
  • July: 5 starts, 3-1, 1.00. Batters hit .125/.198/.217 with 2 home runs, 11 walks and 46 strikeouts.
  • August: 5 starts, 2-0, 2.03. Batters hit .144/.242/.260 with 3 home runs, 14 walks and 43 strikeouts.
  • September: 4 starts, 2-1, 2.89. Batters hit .214/.333/.314 with 1 home run, 13 walks and 22 strikeouts.

The Jays were 18-11 in his starts. They averaged 4.56 runs per game in his starts. They scored 3 or fewer runs in 11 of his starts.

Days of rest:

  • 4 days, 13 starts: 5-3, 2.75 ERA, batters hit .178/.280/.280.
  • 5 days, 10 starts: 5-1, 1.96 ERA, batters hit .167/.263/.234.
  • 6 or more days: 6 starts, 1-2, 2.38 ERA, batters hit .206/.291/.310.

By Catcher:

  • Tyler Heineman: 5 games, 4.23 ERA, batters hit .230/.350/.310.
  • Alejandro Kirk: 15 games, 2.44 ERA, batters hit .173/.276/.256.
  • Brandon Valenzuela: 9 games, 1.43 ERA, batters hit .167/.236/.273.

Times through the order:

  • 1st: Batters hit .160/.257/.255.
  • 2nd: Batters hit .174/.251/.230.
  • 3rd: Batters hit .224/.346/.366.
  • 4th: Batters hit ..250/.400/.250 in just 5 PA.

Dylan was good with RISP, holding batters to a .200/.255/.255 line.

In high-leverage spots, batters hit .233/.284/.291. Low leverage .157/.259/.252.

His best start, according to GameScore, was a 94 on July 25th, in Boston. He went 9 innings, allowing 1 hit, 3 walks, and 12 strikeouts. He also posted an 88 on July 8th in San Francisco, allowing 1 hit in 8 innings, with 3 walks and 11 strikeouts.

The worst start was a 38 GameScore. September 18th, going 2.2 innings, allowing 3 hits, 4 runs, 1 earned run, 6 walks and 6 strikeouts against the Rangers. You likely remember it.

José averaged 5.8 innings per start.

Cease had a super season. He tired a bit near the end. I didn’t think the Jays really worked him all that hard; he threw 169 innings. In 2024, he threw 189 innings. But then different innings cause different stresses.

It was a nice way to start a seven-year contract. Odds are his last couple of seasons won’t be as good, but we have a while until then. He’s clearly our opening-day starter next year. When 77% of your outs are strikeouts or groundouts, it is a good season.

I’m not going to worry (much) about his ‘tired arm’ at the end of the season. If they suddenly schedule surgery, then I’ll worry, but a tired arm does happen.

Before the season, Steamer projected him to make 32 starts, throw 185 innings with a 3.61 ERA, a 12-10 record, and a 3.8 fWAR. The 185 innings was overly hopeful, but the rest they undershot the target.

By Baseball Savant, his fastball was a little slower than last year: 96.8 mph this year, 97.1 last year, but it got hit harder last year: .204 this year, .241 last. His slider was also harder, 89.1 to 88.7 this year. Batters hit his slider at .145 this year, .228 last year.

We changed his pitch usage some:

Four Seamer: 37.0% this year, 42.1% last year.

Slider: 30.1% this year, 40.8 last year.

Change-up: 11.5% this year, 1.2 last.

Knuckle Curve: 10.1% this year, 8.3 last.

Sinker: 7.9% this year, 3.9 last.

Sweeper: 3.5% this year, 3.5 last.

Before the season we asked:

If the over/under on Dylan’s innings is 180, I’d take the…..33.81% of us were right. If he hadn’t tired at the end, it would have been very close.

We also asked, “If the over/under on Dylan’s wins in his seven-year contract was 77”. 52.9% of us picked the over. We also asked who would be the opening-day starter. 9.3 said, Cease. Most were right in picking Gausman.tarter. 9.3 said Cease. Most were right picking Gausman.

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Lakers feel they have pieces in place to make NBA Finals run. Can they?

For all the drama that surrounded the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, you wouldn't have known it judging by all the smiles at the podium during media day on Monday, Sept. 28.

The Lakers are coming off a second consecutive 50-win season under head coach JJ Redick and went with a complete roster overhaul in the wake of LeBron James' exit. President of basketball operations Rob Pelinka swung big, landing Walker Kessler to be their center of the future in a trade that sent two first-round draft picks and two unprotected first-round pick swaps back to the Utah Jazz. That move was followed up by filling out the roster around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves with supporting players who can dribble, pass and shoot. And after an offseason trip to Ljubljana, Slovenia, the new-look Lakers feel bought in.

USA TODAY Sports predicts the Lakers record in 2026-27 at 48-34, in large part due to the uncertainty surrounding so many new faces and the growing pains that are sure to come up at some point. Reaves acknowledged that on Monday.

"We're a very new team to one another," Reaves told reporters. "And there's gonna be some growing periods where things aren't going the way that we want them to go. But that doesn't change the goal at the end of the day, and that's to be as competitive as we can every single night."

"I think we're all underrated, if that makes sense, in different aspects," Collin Sexton added. "We're competitors. I feel like we added people that are willing to compete and we added guys that don't back down to anyone. I know for myself, I'm somebody that's not gonna back down to any challenge. I'm not gonna back down to anyone.

"... We're here."

Ziaire Williams took it one step further.

"We have a bunch of great passers on this team, great shooters, great defensive versatility," he told reporters. "I think we have everything we need to win an NBA championship."

Here are the five biggest takeaways from Lakers media day on Monday Sept. 28:

Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves ready to take on leadership role

While Dončić pointed out that he's been in leadership positions for most of his life and career, that role is a new one for Reaves. But as the longest tenured Laker and the unquestioned No. 2 option, the former undrafted free agent from Newark, Arkansas, is embracing the added responsibility. More importantly, Reaves is leading in his own way.

"I'm not someone that's gonna sit out here and scream at people," he told reporters. "I like to talk to people one-on-one, have real conversation. That way, people never feel like I'm trying to embarrass them in front of people."

Instead, Reaves pulls a teammate off to the side whenever there's a down period in practice to offer his input. He's a conversationalist, not a drill sergeant.

" …There will be times I need to speak up in group settings, and I'll do that when the time comes," he continued. "But I think you just got to be true to yourself and do what's comfortable for you."

Reaves is following the challenge JJ Redick laid out for him and Dončić. This is now their team, and they need to find their own way to show leadership.

Dončić has been impressed with Reaves' growth both in the two years he's played alongside him. Stepping into the No. 1 role isn't new for Dončić, but he's now the guy on the Lakers now that LeBron James is gone. Hearing his name alongside franchise greats like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Kareem-Abdul Jabbar does add something, he admitted.

"You obviously have all-time great names," Dončić said. "But it's like a new challenge. I like challenges. I wouldn't it feels different, but I would say I feel honored."

Defense, versatility are priorities

When LeBron James decided to leave the Lakers in free agency this summer, Pelinka and Redick outlined three priorities for the offseason: 1. Re-sign Reaves. 2. Find a franchise-caliber center. 3. Get guys who can dribble, pass and shoot.

They checked all three of those boxes. Reaves was brought back on a five-year, $184 million deal. Walker Kessler has been described as the "perfect fit" next to Dončić and Reaves; he steps in as the Lakers' best rim protector since Anthony Davis. And they brought in an almost entirely new supporting cast. Quentin Grimes and Ziaire Williams can defend and space the floor, Matisse Thybulle is a lockdown defender who can't wait to play next to Kessler. The second unit looks solid too, with Collin Sexton expected to run the offense when Dončić and Reaves aren't on the floor. He'll pair up nicely with Sandro Mamukelashvili if the latter doesn't crack the starting five.

Grimes, the Lakers' second biggest signing, told reporters on Monday that he's already discussed his role with Redick.

"Being a point-of-attack defender, bringing that intensity, bringing that nastiness," he said. "OKC and San Antonio, they play really hard defensively. You can get away with a lot more, so we're really trying to set that tone."

Thybulle can't wait to play next to Kessler.

"Just to have someone who can command the paint and protect the rim, it allows me to be more aggressive. And I think a lot of the other guys would speak to that as well," Thybulle told reporters. "... I just feel like I can fully live up to my defensive potential because of having a rim protector like Walker."

Redick said last week that two starting spots are up for grabs. It's clear that they want guys who can space the floor and be aggressive on both sides of the ball.

Bronny James excited for next chapter without LeBron

For the first time in his short career, Bronny James won't be teammates with his dad. He spent much of his availability on Monday addressing that elephant in the room, but the 21-year-old guard said he's ready to chart his own path in the NBA.

"Feels like he's not here," James said matter of factly. "I don't really have an opinion on that. That's my dad, I spent 22 years, almost, with him. Just another experience that I'm gonna be a part of, and I'm excited to see how it's gonna feel during the season, too. Looking forward to it."

James has been locked in on becoming the most consistent version of himself this summer, getting in the weight room every day and working on his ballhandling, playmaking and becoming a point-of-attack defender. With an almost entirely new cast of teammates, he's had to speedrun getting to know them but can already feel that they'll be a more free-flowing, high-energy offense than they've been in his two previous years.

But more than anything, Bronny is just excited for the chance to make his own name.

"It's just something that I've followed my entire life," James said. "You guys know me as Bronny, my real name is LeBron. I've been doing this for however long, so I think it's a motivating factor for me just getting up every day and trying to prove myself as Bronny instead of LeBron."

Slovenia trip helped kickstart chemistry

Kessler got his first lob from Dončić during a pickup game in Slovenia.

"I don't even think he was looking at me," he told reporters Monday.

But surely enough, Luka threw the ball up and placed it perfectly over Kessler's head. He went up, caught it, dunked it and high-fived Dončić back on the other end of the floor.

"Yup," he thought to himself. "I can get used to this."

The Lakers' offseason trip to Ljubljana was born out of necessity; Dončić was spending time with his daughters and couldn't leave the country, so he brought the team to him instead. They played each other not just in pickup games, but also in rowing, golf and bowling, getting to know each other while also building up a healthy competitiveness heading into training camp.

According to Austin Reaves, his team beat Dončić's in every game.

"But he did host us, so we let him hold the first place trophy for once," Reaves said.

"I beat him in golf two days ago," Dončić later retorted. "He didn't say that, huh?"

The trip was also an opportunity for Dončić to share his home with his teammates. He meticulously planned out everything, showing the Lakers around all his go-to spots from childhood all the way up until now.

"It was an amazing trip," Luka said. "It was very important for me to show them where I'm from. I think everybody liked it. We had some great time and it was very nice that all of them came, which I know is not easy. But that just shows what kind of group we are."

The Lakers are healthy

The Lakers limped towards the end of last season, but a full offseason of rest seems to have done the trick.

One of the lowest points for the Lakers during the 2025-26 season was that month-long stretch in January where they were without Austin Reaves due to a grade 2 calf strain. Not only is Reaves feeling 100%, he's applying what he learned from LeBron James over the past five years on injury prevention and taking care of his body to help him stay on the court for as many games as possible.

"There's a lot more that goes into it than the casual fan sees," Reaves told reporters. "You have to do more every single day, especially the older that you get. He's a perfect example of that. We've had a really good summer and put myself in a really good spot going into this year."

Dončić suffered a grade 2 hamstring at the beginning of April, delivering a huge blow to the Lakers just weeks ahead of the playoffs. He missed the final 15 games of the season, including the entire postseason despite making a trip to Spain to undergo a series of injections in hopes of speeding up his recovery timeline.

But now, Dončić says he's fully healthy and will have no restrictions going into the season.

"Right now, I feel great," he told reporters. "I feel rested mentally. I feel great, so I can't wait for this to start."

Two of the Lakers' additions this summer also dealt with significant injuries last season. Kessler played in just five games after undergoing left shoulder surgery. He says his shoulder feels better than it ever has now and is counting on that added confidence to help him play looser once the season starts.

Matisse Thybulle missed 52 games in 2025-26 after he developed tendinopathy in his right knee while rehabbing from surgery on a torn UCL in his left thumb. The year before that, he underwent surgery on his right knee to address inflammation and suffered a severe grade 2 right ankle sprain that included a torn ligament before he could make his return.

He, too, feels ready to go.

"I feel great now," Thybulle told reporters. "I think this year, from the coaches to the training staff to RP, they all have a good sense of what it is I need to be healthy and available, and I really think that was just the missing piece. Just having the plan around what's needed for my return to play and just to stay on the court.

"Once we got that going almost immediately when I got here, and things have just been moving in the right direction ever since."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lakers feel they have pieces in place to make NBA Finals run. Can they?

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Lakers feel they have pieces in place to make NBA Finals run. Can they?

For all the drama that surrounded the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, you wouldn't have known it judging by all the smiles at the podium during media day on Monday, Sept. 28.

The Lakers are coming off a second consecutive 50-win season under head coach JJ Redick and went with a complete roster overhaul in the wake of LeBron James' exit. President of basketball operations Rob Pelinka swung big, landing Walker Kessler to be their center of the future in a trade that sent two first-round draft picks and two unprotected first-round pick swaps back to the Utah Jazz. That move was followed up by filling out the roster around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves with supporting players who can dribble, pass and shoot. And after an offseason trip to Ljubljana, Slovenia, the new-look Lakers feel bought in.

USA TODAY Sports predicts the Lakers record in 2026-27 at 48-34, in large part due to the uncertainty surrounding so many new faces and the growing pains that are sure to come up at some point. Reaves acknowledged that on Monday.

"We're a very new team to one another," Reaves told reporters. "And there's gonna be some growing periods where things aren't going the way that we want them to go. But that doesn't change the goal at the end of the day, and that's to be as competitive as we can every single night."

"I think we're all underrated, if that makes sense, in different aspects," Collin Sexton added. "We're competitors. I feel like we added people that are willing to compete and we added guys that don't back down to anyone. I know for myself, I'm somebody that's not gonna back down to any challenge. I'm not gonna back down to anyone.

"... We're here."

Ziaire Williams took it one step further.

"We have a bunch of great passers on this team, great shooters, great defensive versatility," he told reporters. "I think we have everything we need to win an NBA championship."

Here are the five biggest takeaways from Lakers media day on Monday Sept. 28:

Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves ready to take on leadership role

While Dončić pointed out that he's been in leadership positions for most of his life and career, that role is a new one for Reaves. But as the longest tenured Laker and the unquestioned No. 2 option, the former undrafted free agent from Newark, Arkansas, is embracing the added responsibility. More importantly, Reaves is leading in his own way.

"I'm not someone that's gonna sit out here and scream at people," he told reporters. "I like to talk to people one-on-one, have real conversation. That way, people never feel like I'm trying to embarrass them in front of people."

Instead, Reaves pulls a teammate off to the side whenever there's a down period in practice to offer his input. He's a conversationalist, not a drill sergeant.

" …There will be times I need to speak up in group settings, and I'll do that when the time comes," he continued. "But I think you just got to be true to yourself and do what's comfortable for you."

Reaves is following the challenge JJ Redick laid out for him and Dončić. This is now their team, and they need to find their own way to show leadership.

Dončić has been impressed with Reaves' growth both in the two years he's played alongside him. Stepping into the No. 1 role isn't new for Dončić, but he's now the guy on the Lakers now that LeBron James is gone. Hearing his name alongside franchise greats like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Kareem-Abdul Jabbar does add something, he admitted.

"You obviously have all-time great names," Dončić said. "But it's like a new challenge. I like challenges. I wouldn't it feels different, but I would say I feel honored."

Defense, versatility are priorities

When LeBron James decided to leave the Lakers in free agency this summer, Pelinka and Redick outlined three priorities for the offseason: 1. Re-sign Reaves. 2. Find a franchise-caliber center. 3. Get guys who can dribble, pass and shoot.

They checked all three of those boxes. Reaves was brought back on a five-year, $184 million deal. Walker Kessler has been described as the "perfect fit" next to Dončić and Reaves; he steps in as the Lakers' best rim protector since Anthony Davis. And they brought in an almost entirely new supporting cast. Quentin Grimes and Ziaire Williams can defend and space the floor, Matisse Thybulle is a lockdown defender who can't wait to play next to Kessler. The second unit looks solid too, with Collin Sexton expected to run the offense when Dončić and Reaves aren't on the floor. He'll pair up nicely with Sandro Mamukelashvili if the latter doesn't crack the starting five.

Grimes, the Lakers' second biggest signing, told reporters on Monday that he's already discussed his role with Redick.

"Being a point-of-attack defender, bringing that intensity, bringing that nastiness," he said. "OKC and San Antonio, they play really hard defensively. You can get away with a lot more, so we're really trying to set that tone."

Thybulle can't wait to play next to Kessler.

"Just to have someone who can command the paint and protect the rim, it allows me to be more aggressive. And I think a lot of the other guys would speak to that as well," Thybulle told reporters. "... I just feel like I can fully live up to my defensive potential because of having a rim protector like Walker."

Redick said last week that two starting spots are up for grabs. It's clear that they want guys who can space the floor and be aggressive on both sides of the ball.

Bronny James excited for next chapter without LeBron

For the first time in his short career, Bronny James won't be teammates with his dad. He spent much of his availability on Monday addressing that elephant in the room, but the 21-year-old guard said he's ready to chart his own path in the NBA.

"Feels like he's not here," James said matter of factly. "I don't really have an opinion on that. That's my dad, I spent 22 years, almost, with him. Just another experience that I'm gonna be a part of, and I'm excited to see how it's gonna feel during the season, too. Looking forward to it."

James has been locked in on becoming the most consistent version of himself this summer, getting in the weight room every day and working on his ballhandling, playmaking and becoming a point-of-attack defender. With an almost entirely new cast of teammates, he's had to speedrun getting to know them but can already feel that they'll be a more free-flowing, high-energy offense than they've been in his two previous years.

But more than anything, Bronny is just excited for the chance to make his own name.

"It's just something that I've followed my entire life," James said. "You guys know me as Bronny, my real name is LeBron. I've been doing this for however long, so I think it's a motivating factor for me just getting up every day and trying to prove myself as Bronny instead of LeBron."

Slovenia trip helped kickstart chemistry

Kessler got his first lob from Dončić during a pickup game in Slovenia.

"I don't even think he was looking at me," he told reporters Monday.

But surely enough, Luka threw the ball up and placed it perfectly over Kessler's head. He went up, caught it, dunked it and high-fived Dončić back on the other end of the floor.

"Yup," he thought to himself. "I can get used to this."

The Lakers' offseason trip to Ljubljana was born out of necessity; Dončić was spending time with his daughters and couldn't leave the country, so he brought the team to him instead. They played each other not just in pickup games, but also in rowing, golf and bowling, getting to know each other while also building up a healthy competitiveness heading into training camp.

According to Austin Reaves, his team beat Dončić's in every game.

"But he did host us, so we let him hold the first place trophy for once," Reaves said.

"I beat him in golf two days ago," Dončić later retorted. "He didn't say that, huh?"

The trip was also an opportunity for Dončić to share his home with his teammates. He meticulously planned out everything, showing the Lakers around all his go-to spots from childhood all the way up until now.

"It was an amazing trip," Luka said. "It was very important for me to show them where I'm from. I think everybody liked it. We had some great time and it was very nice that all of them came, which I know is not easy. But that just shows what kind of group we are."

The Lakers are healthy

The Lakers limped towards the end of last season, but a full offseason of rest seems to have done the trick.

One of the lowest points for the Lakers during the 2025-26 season was that month-long stretch in January where they were without Austin Reaves due to a grade 2 calf strain. Not only is Reaves feeling 100%, he's applying what he learned from LeBron James over the past five years on injury prevention and taking care of his body to help him stay on the court for as many games as possible.

"There's a lot more that goes into it than the casual fan sees," Reaves told reporters. "You have to do more every single day, especially the older that you get. He's a perfect example of that. We've had a really good summer and put myself in a really good spot going into this year."

Dončić suffered a grade 2 hamstring at the beginning of April, delivering a huge blow to the Lakers just weeks ahead of the playoffs. He missed the final 15 games of the season, including the entire postseason despite making a trip to Spain to undergo a series of injections in hopes of speeding up his recovery timeline.

But now, Dončić says he's fully healthy and will have no restrictions going into the season.

"Right now, I feel great," he told reporters. "I feel rested mentally. I feel great, so I can't wait for this to start."

Two of the Lakers' additions this summer also dealt with significant injuries last season. Kessler played in just five games after undergoing left shoulder surgery. He says his shoulder feels better than it ever has now and is counting on that added confidence to help him play looser once the season starts.

Matisse Thybulle missed 52 games in 2025-26 after he developed tendinopathy in his right knee while rehabbing from surgery on a torn UCL in his left thumb. The year before that, he underwent surgery on his right knee to address inflammation and suffered a severe grade 2 right ankle sprain that included a torn ligament before he could make his return.

He, too, feels ready to go.

"I feel great now," Thybulle told reporters. "I think this year, from the coaches to the training staff to RP, they all have a good sense of what it is I need to be healthy and available, and I really think that was just the missing piece. Just having the plan around what's needed for my return to play and just to stay on the court.

"Once we got that going almost immediately when I got here, and things have just been moving in the right direction ever since."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lakers feel they have pieces in place to make NBA Finals run. Can they?

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Spencer Jones at center of outfield decisions Yankees face entering wild-card series

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Yankees outfielders Jose Caballero, Spencer Jones, and Heliot Ramos celebrate their victory, Image 2 shows Trent Grisham of the New York Yankees practices batting before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays

There are several Yankees roster questions whose answers will dictate the outfield alignment for the Game 1 lineup. Will Aaron Judge play? And if so, would he be mobile enough to play right field? How about Trent Grisham? Can Heliot Ramos be trusted in right field? 

The only certainty, really, is Cody Bellinger’s presence in left field. But Spencer Jones has made a charge that gives him a strong argument to be 1) in center field and 2) in the middle of the lineup even against a strong lefty in Boston’s Payton Tolle. 

Among the more impressive, and surprising, aspects of Jones’ emergence is how he has done it: A mighty lefty slugger with a notorious whiffing problem in the minors has done the bulk of his major league damage against fellow lefties. 

New York Yankees left fielder Jose Caballero (72), center fielder Spencer Jones (78) and right fielder Heliot Ramos (34) celebrate after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

An outlier of a talent, he has also been an outlier among young lefty hitters in slashing .389/.441/.667 in 59 plate appearances against southpaws. 

“I think we get a lot of times caught up in a smaller sample, but from my watching him, I feel like he’s been really impressive against left-handed [pitching],” manager Aaron Boone said during Monday’s workout day in The Bronx ahead of Tuesday’s wild-card series opener against the Red Sox. “It’s not just, ‘Yeah, he’s gotten hits,’ but he’s faced a lot of tough lefties and not only held his own but kind of thrived.” 

Many young lefty hitters require a platoon complement at least early in their careers. In explaining his success against lefty pitching, Jones mentioned conversations with other “really good left-handed hitters on this team,” with Bellinger among the best in the game at hitting lefty-on-lefty. 

“It’s just about I think making tight turns,” Jones said, “and being ready and preparing yourself for left-handed arms. Kind of just having an idea, visualizing, what you want to do and where you want to hit the ball. It’s a combination of a lot of things.” 

The biggest threat to Jones’ lineup spot is Grisham, who has been sidelined since Sept. 4 with a hamstring strain but has felt healthy enough to be activated for several days, a process delayed by the complications of optioning another player so close to the postseason. 

Boone said Grisham, who was set to take live batting practice Monday, is “very much in play” to be a part of the wild-card roster. 

If Grisham is cleared, it would set up Boone with a decision between a rookie’s potential and a veteran’s experience. Grisham is more sure-handed in center but does not have Jones’ legs. Jones, who has been spotty defensively, does not have Grisham’s years of reps and is probably a bigger risk to misplay a routine ball, even if he has a better chance at making a spectacular play. 

Regardless, Jones — who struck out 200 times at Double-A Somerset in 2024 and who in 2025 could not fight his way to the majors — has positioned himself well for not just a roster spot but playing time. 

New York Yankees’ Trent Grisham (12) takes batting practice before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post

Which is starkly different from his status at this time last year, when he and his girlfriend drove from Triple-A Scranton back home to Nashville, Tenn. They watched Cam Schlittler dominate in Game 3 of the wild-card series on an iPad in the car and during a stop at a Chipotle. 

“What I was thinking about [then] was: being on the team, being in that lineup and being able to play in these games,” Jones said. “Now we get to come in here this week, and I’m excited about it.”

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Cam Schlittler facing Red Sox in playoffs couldn’t be more different this time as he builds Yankees legacy

New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler throwing a pitch.
New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler throws a pitch during the first inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026.

Cam Schlittler had made 14 major league starts before taking the ball in Game 3 of last year’s wild-card series against the Red Sox in The Bronx. 

“I thought [the Yankees] were in trouble when they lost the first game of that series,’’ an American League scout said Monday. “I didn’t know yet that Cam Schlittler was Cam Schlittler.” 

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Now, it’s no secret. 

And instead of asking the right-hander to save their season, as they did in 2025, the Yankees are looking for Schlittler to get them out of the gate fast. 

It’s why the 25-year-old, who is certain to win his first AL Cy Young Award this offseason, was tabbed to pitch Tuesday night’s opener at the Stadium by Aaron Boone and the pitching department. 

“For him to put faith in me to go out there and put a good performance in in Game 1, that’s definitely a great feeling,’’ Schlittler said before the Yankees worked out in The Bronx on Monday. 

In that decisive Game 3 against Boston, Schlittler tossed eight shutout innings — striking out 12 and walking none — to knock off the Red Sox. 

He wasn’t as dominant against the Blue Jays in the ALDS, but that was before Schlittler established himself as one of the top pitchers in the game. 

And the Walpole, Mass., native will be facing his hometown Red Sox, a franchise — and fanbase — he’s developed a long history with. 

He hasn’t shied away from all aspects of the rivalry — both good and bad — in this age of social media. 

Last year, Schlittler said he was disappointed by how some Red Sox fans went after not only him but his family during the postseason, calling it “personal.” 

New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler throws a pitch during the first inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post

This time around, Schlittler said he knows what to expect. 

“I wouldn’t say I’m always on my phone looking for that stuff,’’ Schlittler said. “At the same time, I don’t really live under a rock. I’ve found ways to use that to my advantage. I think I’m good at keeping receipts. At the end of the day, I’m locked into going in there [Tuesday] and doing my job.” 

He’s done that better than just about anyone in the American League in his first full season in the majors, finishing with an AL-best 1.95 ERA, as well as 239 strikeouts over 33 starts. 

While that won’t be forgotten if Tuesday night doesn’t go Schlittler’s way, those accomplishments will certainly look less impressive. 

And he knows that what happens in these playoffs will go a long way in defining his legacy. 

Still, in a rotation that includes high-priced free agents like Gerrit Cole, Max Fried and Carlos Rodón, Schlittler has clearly stood apart. 

But he’s not ready to put himself in their category — yet. 

“I think an ace is someone that has longevity [and] success in their career over a handful of seasons and they’ve shown consistency,’’ Schlittler said. “I think I’ve shown consistency over a year and a half, but I still think we’ve got a long way to go. We’ve got a lot of guys in this rotation that have a lot of experience and have proven to be an ace. I have confidence in myself to kind of treat myself like an ace, but I wouldn’t really define that yet.’’ 

Boone is ready to take that leap. 

“He’s turned into an ace in the sport,’’ the manager said. “He’s obviously super talented and really skilled, but he’s also really tough and able to focus. And it seems like the bigger the game, the better he seems to be here in his young career.’’

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The Utah Jazz Hierarchy of Needs through quotes: Media Day 2026

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - SEPTEMBER 28: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz speaks during the Utah Jazz media day at Zions Bank Basketball Campus on September 28, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Are you familiar with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs? It’s a concept that the needs of a human being fall into five distinct layers, typically visualized in the shape of a pyramid, with the most fundamental items required for survival at the bottom (air, food, water, shelter, etc.), and the least essential items (respect, status, and reaching one’s potential) near the top. It’s essentially the scale between a person’s wants and needs, and it illustrates that one cannot reach self-actualization without first supporting that ideal with a foundation of the needs below.

NBA basketball teams are built in mostly the same way.

At the base are the things a team needs to exist: players, a court, goals, equipment, rules, etc.

Then you have items like uniforms, coaches, and referees.

Closer to the top come the flashier things. An adoring fanbase, endorsements, fame, success, stardom, etc.

But in the case of the Utah Jazz, historical failure to win an NBA championship means that Utah has never reached basketball self-actualization — consistently falling short of their ultimate potential. This is why Ryan Smith’s first course of action with the franchise was to tear it down to its most fundamental level. The star players were the first to go. Then the veteran coach. Then the supporting cast of talent. He even sucked the life and color from Utah’s uniforms, leaving them with a bare-bones and hideous appearance as a visual representation of the team’s self-inflicted serfdom.

In order to climb the ladder to self-actualization, the Jazz first had to fortify their most fundamental needs.

And they’ve done exactly that, drafting and nurturing young players who could develop into future stars, adding established talent to blaze the trail to a brighter tomorrow, and replacing the team’s neon rags with robes of purple.

We’re witnessing the twilight of a revolution, but ushering in a new age of greater competition is the easy part — converting potential into wins is harder.

Thankfully, we got a glimpse into the Utah Jazz’s organizational direction at media day, and using what I’ve learned, I proudly present to you Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Much like the work of Maslow, Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs outlines the biggest developments of Utah’s offseason and how crucial they are to reach the team’s ultimate goal.

And best of all, I’ve illustrated Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs by my own hand, for your scientific reference. Would you believe me if I told you that zero artificial intelligence was involved in the creation of the image below?

Base: Hard work and character

When asked what he’s looking for in the starting lineup, Will Hardy didn’t talk about ability, positions, or even mention any player names. Instead, he put an emphasis on players’ mindsets; he focused on character.

“I’m looking for competitors,” Hardy explained.

“I’m looking for people that want to win. I’m looking for people that are willing to give themselves to the group. If everybody on our team can take ten percent of their self and put it in the middle, we’ll have the ability to have those learnings happen faster. If we have to navigate through the choppy waters of big ego, it can be harder.”

Then instead of issuing a warning to his players, or tempering the expectations of those in attendance, he took a moment to vouch for the roster Utah had meticulously constructed over the offseason.

“If there’s one thing I am sure of today, it’s the character of the guys we have on the team.”

Josh Okogie, who arrived in Utah via free agency this Summer, really likes what he’s seen in the Jazz’s approach. There is a lot of space for mediocrity in the National Basketball Association, but with his experience, Okogie sees potential embodied through action when he observes his teammates, his coaches, and the direction of the organization as a whole.

In every controllable metric, the Jazz are doing what is necessary to win at a high level.

“This is a very unique team,” Okogie began. “I’ve played on a lot of different teams, and I’ve seen the habits of good teams and the habits of bad teams. … I would say this team is unique because their style of play is different than what you would see in the modern game today.”

Okogie chose to sign with Utah despite a comparable offer from the Denver Nuggets because the trajectory of the Jazz is incredibly attractive. This is no longer a start-up building from the ground floor; Utah is already on the ascent.

“I think we have all the tools and ingredients to be a pretty good team.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. doubled down on the endorsement of his coach and veteran teammate, highlighting the hard work and positive attitude of his younger peers and the approach they took during the offseason.

“These guys work! That’s what stands out for sure — they work all the time,” Jackson excitedly shared when asked his observations of the youngsters in Utah. “Darryn, Key, Ace, they’re always shooting right here after we’re done playing. They’re always working out together, they’re always going over stuff — they just never want to stop working.”

“They should be proud of themselves for the work they’ve put in. I don’t ever have to say that to them, because they always want so much more for themselves.”

Which leads us perfectly to the next level of Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and it’s all about the improvements made in Utah’s young core.

Center: Self-Improvement

Utah took a very traditional approach when it came to rebuilding. Tearing the team down to nothing and rebuilding through the draft is textbook for a small-market franchise, and the Jazz did just that.

And the reward for their labors is one of the more intriguing batches of young talent in basketball.

Keyonte George, obviously, took a massive leap in his third year, turning himself from a mid-first-round draft pick into a fundamental piece of Utah’s future. Look no further than his freshly inked 5-year, $157.5 million extension for evidence of the organization’s faith in him.

But to shift the prevailing narrative and turn the page of his career from that of a promising up-and-comer to a certifiable star, his defense needs to improve. He knows it, and he wasn’t shy when acknowledging the focus he’s put into growing as a defender.

“Whether it’s learning personnel, being a good help-side defender, being a good one-on-one defender, being one of the guys that you don’t really want to hunt towards the end of the game, that’s what I’ve been focused on. So that’s the strength, different footwork, and different technical stuff.”

Keyonte’s development isn’t all hypothetical, either. He made it clear that he’s made observable improvement in two specific facets of the game.

“I’m able to move better — stay in front. This year, the main thing for me is really focusing on personnel, because once you start to pick up on players’ go-to moves and you figure out how teams want to play, you can play the game within the game on that side, so that’s what I’ve been focusing on.”

Ace Bailey possesses clear potential to bloom into stardom, and is building muscle onto his slender frame — a much-needed development for a player whose height will likely match him up against the full-grown men who terrorize the NBA from their perch on the wings.

The rest of the original young core, Filipowski, Sensabaugh, and Collier, are all pursuing internal improvement to earn a permanent place with this team before the winning train is soaring down the tracks.

Filipowski revealed a lingering injury — a herniated disc — that had been hindering his performance a season ago but has since fully recovered.

Brice Sensabaugh understands that he may have to wait until restricted free agency to re-sign with the Jazz, but plans to utilize this season as a method to cement his place on the roster.

“I’m just keeping my head on straight,” Sensabaugh resolved. “And you know, whatever happens happens.”

Development of the young core is essential to raising the ceiling of this team, but there’s one figure who stands atop it all. His performance, his growth, and his rise will be the biggest difference-maker for a franchise anxious to become an undeniable threat to those who sit atop the NBA.

Peak: DP

No, that DP doesn’t stand for Dr Pepper (which coincidentally is at the top of my personal hierarchy of needs); I’m referring to Darryn Peterson. The final draftee of Utah’s tanking era. The prize for the Jazz’s years of anguish. The player whose arrival marks a great shift in the Jazz’s future.

He needs no further introduction — Darryn Peterson is practically all that Jazz fans have talked about since June — but a few quotes from media day are drenching Peterson’s already blazing flame of hype and converting it into a fireball monstrous enough to send Smokey Bear into retirement on sight.

And the most notable quote of all belongs to Mo Bamba, of all people.

Having played for 7 different NBA franchises in his 8-year career, Bamba has shared the court with many exceptional players. When asked if Peterson reminds him of any players across the league, Bamba laughed as he drew a gargantuan comparison.

“This is going to sound crazy, but I see a lot of Kawhi in him,” said Bamba. “Quiet, bucket-getter, mid-range… Obviously two very different positions, but I see a lot of Kawhi.”

“I was talking to Nurk a couple of weeks ago, and he sees a lot of Dame, and I think that one is a little more comparable, because position-wise, scoring-wise, pull-up game, offensive talent-wise, and capability-wise.”

“I hate that Darryn is going to see this,” he laughed.

But if the Kawhi comparisons make you concerned about Peterson’s personality, Keyonte George’s declaration of friendship should put any anti-social allegations to bed.

“We sit next to each other in the locker room. We hang out with each other off the court. I go to his house and he comes to my house. We got the same dog. So, like, I mean… that’s my dog!”

It may take Darryn Peterson a few years to truly become a star for the Utah Jazz, but if you direct your attention to Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a clear and reliable foundation sits beneath him.

Utah’s path to self-actualization is not hypothetical — this is a team built to reach that peak.

Calvin Barrett is the Associate Editor for SLC Dunk. Originally from Springville, Utah, he currently lives in Japan and has covered the NBA and college athletics since 2024.

Posted on

The Utah Jazz Hierarchy of Needs through quotes: Media Day 2026

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - SEPTEMBER 28: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz speaks during the Utah Jazz media day at Zions Bank Basketball Campus on September 28, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Are you familiar with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs? It’s a concept that the needs of a human being fall into five distinct layers, typically visualized in the shape of a pyramid, with the most fundamental items required for survival at the bottom (air, food, water, shelter, etc.), and the least essential items (respect, status, and reaching one’s potential) near the top. It’s essentially the scale between a person’s wants and needs, and it illustrates that one cannot reach self-actualization without first supporting that ideal with a foundation of the needs below.

NBA basketball teams are built in mostly the same way.

At the base are the things a team needs to exist: players, a court, goals, equipment, rules, etc.

Then you have items like uniforms, coaches, and referees.

Closer to the top come the flashier things. An adoring fanbase, endorsements, fame, success, stardom, etc.

But in the case of the Utah Jazz, historical failure to win an NBA championship means that Utah has never reached basketball self-actualization — consistently falling short of their ultimate potential. This is why Ryan Smith’s first course of action with the franchise was to tear it down to its most fundamental level. The star players were the first to go. Then the veteran coach. Then the supporting cast of talent. He even sucked the life and color from Utah’s uniforms, leaving them with a bare-bones and hideous appearance as a visual representation of the team’s self-inflicted serfdom.

In order to climb the ladder to self-actualization, the Jazz first had to fortify their most fundamental needs.

And they’ve done exactly that, drafting and nurturing young players who could develop into future stars, adding established talent to blaze the trail to a brighter tomorrow, and replacing the team’s neon rags with robes of purple.

We’re witnessing the twilight of a revolution, but ushering in a new age of greater competition is the easy part — converting potential into wins is harder.

Thankfully, we got a glimpse into the Utah Jazz’s organizational direction at media day, and using what I’ve learned, I proudly present to you Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Much like the work of Maslow, Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs outlines the biggest developments of Utah’s offseason and how crucial they are to reach the team’s ultimate goal.

And best of all, I’ve illustrated Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs by my own hand, for your scientific reference. Would you believe me if I told you that zero artificial intelligence was involved in the creation of the image below?

Base: Hard work and character

When asked what he’s looking for in the starting lineup, Will Hardy didn’t talk about ability, positions, or even mention any player names. Instead, he put an emphasis on players’ mindsets; he focused on character.

“I’m looking for competitors,” Hardy explained.

“I’m looking for people that want to win. I’m looking for people that are willing to give themselves to the group. If everybody on our team can take ten percent of their self and put it in the middle, we’ll have the ability to have those learnings happen faster. If we have to navigate through the choppy waters of big ego, it can be harder.”

Then instead of issuing a warning to his players, or tempering the expectations of those in attendance, he took a moment to vouch for the roster Utah had meticulously constructed over the offseason.

“If there’s one thing I am sure of today, it’s the character of the guys we have on the team.”

Josh Okogie, who arrived in Utah via free agency this Summer, really likes what he’s seen in the Jazz’s approach. There is a lot of space for mediocrity in the National Basketball Association, but with his experience, Okogie sees potential embodied through action when he observes his teammates, his coaches, and the direction of the organization as a whole.

In every controllable metric, the Jazz are doing what is necessary to win at a high level.

“This is a very unique team,” Okogie began. “I’ve played on a lot of different teams, and I’ve seen the habits of good teams and the habits of bad teams. … I would say this team is unique because their style of play is different than what you would see in the modern game today.”

Okogie chose to sign with Utah despite a comparable offer from the Denver Nuggets because the trajectory of the Jazz is incredibly attractive. This is no longer a start-up building from the ground floor; Utah is already on the ascent.

“I think we have all the tools and ingredients to be a pretty good team.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. doubled down on the endorsement of his coach and veteran teammate, highlighting the hard work and positive attitude of his younger peers and the approach they took during the offseason.

“These guys work! That’s what stands out for sure — they work all the time,” Jackson excitedly shared when asked his observations of the youngsters in Utah. “Darryn, Key, Ace, they’re always shooting right here after we’re done playing. They’re always working out together, they’re always going over stuff — they just never want to stop working.”

“They should be proud of themselves for the work they’ve put in. I don’t ever have to say that to them, because they always want so much more for themselves.”

Which leads us perfectly to the next level of Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and it’s all about the improvements made in Utah’s young core.

Center: Self-Improvement

Utah took a very traditional approach when it came to rebuilding. Tearing the team down to nothing and rebuilding through the draft is textbook for a small-market franchise, and the Jazz did just that.

And the reward for their labors is one of the more intriguing batches of young talent in basketball.

Keyonte George, obviously, took a massive leap in his third year, turning himself from a mid-first-round draft pick into a fundamental piece of Utah’s future. Look no further than his freshly inked 5-year, $157.5 million extension for evidence of the organization’s faith in him.

But to shift the prevailing narrative and turn the page of his career from that of a promising up-and-comer to a certifiable star, his defense needs to improve. He knows it, and he wasn’t shy when acknowledging the focus he’s put into growing as a defender.

“Whether it’s learning personnel, being a good help-side defender, being a good one-on-one defender, being one of the guys that you don’t really want to hunt towards the end of the game, that’s what I’ve been focused on. So that’s the strength, different footwork, and different technical stuff.”

Keyonte’s development isn’t all hypothetical, either. He made it clear that he’s made observable improvement in two specific facets of the game.

“I’m able to move better — stay in front. This year, the main thing for me is really focusing on personnel, because once you start to pick up on players’ go-to moves and you figure out how teams want to play, you can play the game within the game on that side, so that’s what I’ve been focusing on.”

Ace Bailey possesses clear potential to bloom into stardom, and is building muscle onto his slender frame — a much-needed development for a player whose height will likely match him up against the full-grown men who terrorize the NBA from their perch on the wings.

The rest of the original young core, Filipowski, Sensabaugh, and Collier, are all pursuing internal improvement to earn a permanent place with this team before the winning train is soaring down the tracks.

Filipowski revealed a lingering injury — a herniated disc — that had been hindering his performance a season ago but has since fully recovered.

Brice Sensabaugh understands that he may have to wait until restricted free agency to re-sign with the Jazz, but plans to utilize this season as a method to cement his place on the roster.

“I’m just keeping my head on straight,” Sensabaugh resolved. “And you know, whatever happens happens.”

Development of the young core is essential to raising the ceiling of this team, but there’s one figure who stands atop it all. His performance, his growth, and his rise will be the biggest difference-maker for a franchise anxious to become an undeniable threat to those who sit atop the NBA.

Peak: DP

No, that DP doesn’t stand for Dr Pepper (which coincidentally is at the top of my personal hierarchy of needs); I’m referring to Darryn Peterson. The final draftee of Utah’s tanking era. The prize for the Jazz’s years of anguish. The player whose arrival marks a great shift in the Jazz’s future.

He needs no further introduction — Darryn Peterson is practically all that Jazz fans have talked about since June — but a few quotes from media day are drenching Peterson’s already blazing flame of hype and converting it into a fireball monstrous enough to send Smokey Bear into retirement on sight.

And the most notable quote of all belongs to Mo Bamba, of all people.

Having played for 7 different NBA franchises in his 8-year career, Bamba has shared the court with many exceptional players. When asked if Peterson reminds him of any players across the league, Bamba laughed as he drew a gargantuan comparison.

“This is going to sound crazy, but I see a lot of Kawhi in him,” said Bamba. “Quiet, bucket-getter, mid-range… Obviously two very different positions, but I see a lot of Kawhi.”

“I was talking to Nurk a couple of weeks ago, and he sees a lot of Dame, and I think that one is a little more comparable, because position-wise, scoring-wise, pull-up game, offensive talent-wise, and capability-wise.”

“I hate that Darryn is going to see this,” he laughed.

But if the Kawhi comparisons make you concerned about Peterson’s personality, Keyonte George’s declaration of friendship should put any anti-social allegations to bed.

“We sit next to each other in the locker room. We hang out with each other off the court. I go to his house and he comes to my house. We got the same dog. So, like, I mean… that’s my dog!”

It may take Darryn Peterson a few years to truly become a star for the Utah Jazz, but if you direct your attention to Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a clear and reliable foundation sits beneath him.

Utah’s path to self-actualization is not hypothetical — this is a team built to reach that peak.

Calvin Barrett is the Associate Editor for SLC Dunk. Originally from Springville, Utah, he currently lives in Japan and has covered the NBA and college athletics since 2024.

Posted on

NBA Media Day 2026 news and notes: Nikola Jokic says 'I'm gonna sign next year'

Usually, NBA media days can feel scripted and sterile — but this year we got some actual news. Jalen Duren was a no-show in Detroit, and he will not be there for the start of training camp. There was news about Kristaps Porzingis with the Warriors and Brandon Ingram with the Clippers. And if you want to know what LeBron James said in Philadelphia, Jalen Brunson in New York, or Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio, we've got you covered.

That was not all that happened, here is more news from around the NBA as most teams had their media days.

Nikola Jokic not going anywhere

When Nikola Jokic chose not to sign an extension with the Nuggets this summer — which was a smart financial move if he wants to sign for more next summer — it raised a few eyebrows around the league, and teams decided to monitor the situation. Then the league's rumor mongers jumped in and ran with it.

Jokic shot all that down at media day in Denver. As he does every time he is asked about this.

"I'm gonna sign next year, if they want me."

This summer, Jokic could have extended for four years, $276 million. Next summer, Jokic can sign for five years and a projected $357 million, with a no-trade clause. This new contract would take him through age 36.

Ben Simmons has chip on shoulder

One might have thought star rookie Darius Acuff would have been the talk of Sacramento Kings media day, but much of the attention was on a guy on a non-guaranteed minimum contract: Ben Simmons.

Simmons was out of the NBA last season and with that heard a lot of "he doesn't love the game" comments, but Simmons pushed back on that speaking to the media.

"I think that was more so my body. It wasn't about if I wanted to play. All these people talk about, I don't love the game. That's bulls***. I love this game. If I didn't, I wouldn't have taken that year to focus on myself and get back to where I'm at...

"I miss playing the game a lot, but it's hard to do when you're not physically right. I'm healthy, and I'm able to compete every day."

Sacramento is looking for a reliable veteran backup to play behind Acuff. Can Simmons be that guy? He is going to get a chance.

Other news, notes from media days

• San Antonio's Dylan Harper is one of the pre-season favorites to win Sixth Man of the Year (he has the second shortest odds at DraftKings, behind OKC's Ajay Mitchell). Harper told GQ’s Cam Wolf he wants no part of that.

"What's the political answer here? I'm going to do whatever the team needs me to do, man. If that's come off the bench…. That's crazy. F*** no. I ain't coming off no bench."

• Telling Stephen Curry that many pundits do not expect the Warriors to make the playoffs had him leaving the podium.

• While we're in Golden State, Jimmy Butler did not go with a new hairstyle for media day this year, but check out those earrings.

• Anthony Davis said he is going to play out this season in Washington on his current ($58.5 million) contract, and "when the season is over. I'm going to go through the season, and kind of do what I do at a high level, and then, when it's over, you know, sit down and have those key conversations again with the front office." Davis has a player option for next season of $62.8 million,

• In Portland, Damian Lillard will start at one of the guard spots, but who starts at the other spot? Ja Morant? Jrue Holiday? Scoot Henderson. Morant said he would be fine coming off the bench.

"I think winning is the most important thing for me. So whatever role I have to play to get that done, I don't think anybody would be mad after a win. As a starter, if I'm starting, if I'm not, it's the same thing. It's day one right now, I feel like that's coach's questions, but for me I have no problem with either."

• As expected, the Charlotte Hornets waived former No. 8 pick Rob Dillingham, who is now a free agent.

Posted on

NBA Media Day 2026 news and notes: Nikola Jokic says 'I'm gonna sign next year'

Usually, NBA media days can feel scripted and sterile — but this year we got some actual news. Jalen Duren was a no-show in Detroit, and he will not be there for the start of training camp. There was news about Kristaps Porzingis with the Warriors and Brandon Ingram with the Clippers. And if you want to know what LeBron James said in Philadelphia, Jalen Brunson in New York, or Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio, we've got you covered.

That was not all that happened, here is more news from around the NBA as most teams had their media days.

Nikola Jokic not going anywhere

When Nikola Jokic chose not to sign an extension with the Nuggets this summer — which was a smart financial move if he wants to sign for more next summer — it raised a few eyebrows around the league, and teams decided to monitor the situation. Then the league's rumor mongers jumped in and ran with it.

Jokic shot all that down at media day in Denver. As he does every time he is asked about this.

"I'm gonna sign next year, if they want me."

This summer, Jokic could have extended for four years, $276 million. Next summer, Jokic can sign for five years and a projected $357 million, with a no-trade clause. This new contract would take him through age 36.

Ben Simmons has chip on shoulder

One might have thought star rookie Darius Acuff would have been the talk of Sacramento Kings media day, but much of the attention was on a guy on a non-guaranteed minimum contract: Ben Simmons.

Simmons was out of the NBA last season and with that heard a lot of "he doesn't love the game" comments, but Simmons pushed back on that speaking to the media.

"I think that was more so my body. It wasn't about if I wanted to play. All these people talk about, I don't love the game. That's bulls***. I love this game. If I didn't, I wouldn't have taken that year to focus on myself and get back to where I'm at...

"I miss playing the game a lot, but it's hard to do when you're not physically right. I'm healthy, and I'm able to compete every day."

Sacramento is looking for a reliable veteran backup to play behind Acuff. Can Simmons be that guy? He is going to get a chance.

Other news, notes from media days

• San Antonio's Dylan Harper is one of the pre-season favorites to win Sixth Man of the Year (he has the second shortest odds at DraftKings, behind OKC's Ajay Mitchell). Harper told GQ’s Cam Wolf he wants no part of that.

"What's the political answer here? I'm going to do whatever the team needs me to do, man. If that's come off the bench…. That's crazy. F*** no. I ain't coming off no bench."

• Telling Stephen Curry that many pundits do not expect the Warriors to make the playoffs had him leaving the podium.

• While we're in Golden State, Jimmy Butler did not go with a new hairstyle for media day this year, but check out those earrings.

• Anthony Davis said he is going to play out this season in Washington on his current ($58.5 million) contract, and "when the season is over. I'm going to go through the season, and kind of do what I do at a high level, and then, when it's over, you know, sit down and have those key conversations again with the front office." Davis has a player option for next season of $62.8 million,

• In Portland, Damian Lillard will start at one of the guard spots, but who starts at the other spot? Ja Morant? Jrue Holiday? Scoot Henderson. Morant said he would be fine coming off the bench.

"I think winning is the most important thing for me. So whatever role I have to play to get that done, I don't think anybody would be mad after a win. As a starter, if I'm starting, if I'm not, it's the same thing. It's day one right now, I feel like that's coach's questions, but for me I have no problem with either."

• As expected, the Charlotte Hornets waived former No. 8 pick Rob Dillingham, who is now a free agent.

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Giancarlo Stanton tried to prove he’s healthy and ready for playoffs in final Yankees test

New York Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton (27) takes live batting practice during a workout day before their Wild Card Series with the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.

Is it possible that the postseason fate of Giancarlo Stanton — at least for the first round — came down to a bunch of at-bats against Ryan Weathers, Elmer Rodríguez and prospect Kyle Carr at an empty Yankee Stadium? 

It certainly sounded as if the day’s live batting practice, on the eve of Game 1 against the Red Sox, would matter, with the slugger attempting to show team brass both that he is healthy enough to play and that his bat is ready enough to perform. 

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If manager Aaron Boone & Co. were judging purely on what they saw Monday, Stanton could more easily argue the former than the latter. 

He stepped to the plate five times and was able to take his vicious hacks without betraying discomfort. Afterward, he made his way to the outfield and ran curves. Finally, as other Yankees hitters stepped into the box, Stanton took a lead off first base and several times ran to second. He was not going 100 percent, but this version of Stanton is never going all out because he is purposeful with each step to try to avoid injury. If he needed to demonstrate that he could make it through a game without a setback, perhaps he accomplished as much. 

But in the tiny sampling of five plate appearances against Weathers (the first two), Rodríguez (the next two) and Carr (the final one), Stanton walked; fought a nine-pitch at-bat that included four foul balls before swinging through a breaking ball for a strikeout; hit a hot-shot ground ball to the shortstop area; chopped another, more softly, to the left side; and swung through an offspeed pitch for his second strikeout of the late afternoon session. 

New York Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton (27) takes live batting practice during a workout day before their Wild Card Series with the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post

Boone, who watched the entire live BP, had earlier branded the workout day “important” and said the club had not made the final decisions, such as determining whether Stanton would be on or off the roster. 

“I want to see another day here [from Stanton],” Boone said before the workout ahead of Tuesday’s Game 1 of the wild-card series. “Again, I don’t know if there’s one definitive [moment] like, ‘Ooh, there he is, he’s on.’ It’s more just letting the day unfold, seeing where we’re at, and making a final call one way or the other.” 

New York Yankees’ Trent Grishman, left, Giancarlo Stanton, center, and Aaron Judge wait to take live batting practice at Yankees Stadium in The Bronx, New York, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. The practice comes a day before Game 1 of the 2026 American League Wild Card game against the Boston Red Sox. JASON SZENES FOR NEW YORK POST

While a series of strikeouts or a few home runs may have made the decision easier, it is likely that the Yankees will wrestle all night with a call that will have to officially be made Tuesday morning. 

Stanton has not played in more than five months — since all the way back on April 24, a game so long ago that after Stanton suffered his initial injury, his pinch runner was Randal Grichuk — and in total this season has incurred three separate calf strains. 

He was on the verge of returning from that strain in June, when he had graduated to running the bases and hurt his right calf again. And then he was on the verge of returning from that strain in August when he was running the bases and suffered a strain to his left calf. 

Still chasing his first title, the 36-year-old brings a prodigious October résumé, including 18 home runs in 202 plate appearances. By showing he can fill a valuable niche — a right-handed pinch hitter to deploy against a lefty-heavy Boston staff — he has successfully made his case for a roster spot.

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Golden Knights Starting Over, but Fueled by ‘Unfinished Business’

A certain energy has crackled in the air at City National Arena throughout training camp and the preseason. There is a hunger, a sense of urgency that has nothing to do with the shortened preseason. And everyone in the Vegas Golden Knights organization, from the players to the head coach to the general manager, speaks of unfinished business. 

By now, everyone knows the story of the 2025-26 Vegas Golden Knights. After a regular season full of struggles that led to a late-season coaching change, they went on an improbable Cinderella run in the playoffs. With John Tortorella at the helm, the Golden Knights dispatched the Utah Mammoth, breezed by the Anaheim Ducks, and swept the President’s Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche.

Winning their second Stanley Cup in franchise history would have been the perfect ending to an unbelievable story; ultimately, the Golden Knights fell just two wins short of the ultimate goal. 

“The belief of our organization is there’s unfinished business,” said first-year head coach Ryan Craig at the start of training camp. “When I use the words starting over, it’s because we don’t get back to that point without starting at zero again in the regular season and earning our way back to having that opportunity. 

“When I say we’re starting over, we are,” Craig continued. “We started over today. But the guys that were on this team last year have unfinished business; our organization has unfinished business in the sense of where our standards are and what we hope to accomplish.”

Summer is over now, and while the pain of losing is no longer raw, it left scars that can only be healed by the joy of winning. 

“Obviously, it was disappointing last year to go as far as we did and not come out victorious,” said Golden Knights captain Mark Stone on Monday. “It’s the first time I’ve been that far without winning.”

Monday morning marked the first official practice of the regular season, and the sense of urgency only increased. The Golden Knights host the Chicago Blackhawks for their home opener on Tuesday night, and they know that they have to start strong to reach the top of the summit once more.

“Every year is a new challenge, and this year’s no different,” Stone said following Monday’s practice. “We’ll have to try and dial in a good start to the season, to bank points, because they all matter at the end of the day. If you can get off to a good start, those lulls in the middle of the season that you’re gonna have are less magnified.”

Saying that players want to play games that matter isn’t anything new. But this year, for the Golden Knights, the start of the regular season isn’t just an end to meaningless preseason hockey. 

It’s a shot at redemption.

“We’re starting at game one,” said head coach Ryan Craig on Monday. “So, how are we going to build ourselves back to… an opportunity to take care of business? I want to see the group continue to play to their strengths and understand who they are. To figure that out, we’re gonna have to go through the highs and lows of the season. 

“There’s lots of stuff for us to figure out as a group,” Craig continued. “It’s a long journey that we’re excited about. We’re gonna learn a lot about each other individually and then as a group… I’m excited to see the urgency level rise from exhibition to game one. I think it’s gonna jump here quite a bit because, you know, even though we’ve only been in camp for 11 days, the guys are ready to play. I’m happy that we’re playing game one.”

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Built for October, Padres plan on World Series return after 28 years

SAN DIEGO — The last time the Chicago Cubs laid eyes on the San Diego Padres they had to refrain from laughing aloud in their faces.

It was July 1 at Wrigley Field.

And the Cubs humiliated the Padres, winning 23-3, with No. 9 hitter Dansby Swanson hitting three home runs and driving in eight runs, handing the Padres their worst loss in the 58-year history of the franchise.

It was the Cubs’ fifth consecutive victory, and the Padres’ fifth consecutive loss, leaving the Padres’ season on the brink.

Well, here they are meeting again, and, oh, how so much has changed.

The Padres these days just so happen to be the hottest team in baseball, winning 17 of their last 20 games, to not only storm into the postseason, but clinch the top wild-card spot, hosting the Cubs in the best-of-three wild-card series.

It’s a rematch of the wild-card series a year ago, only this time the games will all be played at raucous Petco Park and not Wrigley Field.

The Padres (91-71) are in the postseason for the third consecutive year, fifth time in the last seven years, and believing this time around they could go where they have never gone before in franchise history.

That’s winning a World Series.

They’ve been to the big stage twice, back in 1984 when they knocked off the Cubs in the NLCS before losing in five games to the Detroit Tigers, and again in 1998 when they were swept by the New York Yankees.

They’re ready to give it another go.

The Padres might have a rotation held together by duct tape, but they have the nastiest bullpen in all of the land. No team can shorten games like the Padres with All-Star closer Mason Miller, setup man Adrian Morejon, and rookie Bradgley Rodriguez.

“We played them in a playoff series last year and understand how their bullpen is going to work and how they're going to use Miller and Morejon,’’ Cubs manager Craig Counsell says, “and this year Bradgley Rodriguez has been added to that group as somebody who is pretty darn good.

“We've got to have good at-bats. We've got to make ourselves tough outs, and we're going to have to score against the bullpen, too, and we have scored against their bullpen. So I think we're confident.’’

MLB PLAYOFF POWER RANKINGS: All 12 teams by chances to win World Series

The Padres, who keep knocking on the playoff door without getting through, still are haunted by not putting away the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024. They were up two games to one in the best-of-five division series, had Game 4 at home, and were shut out in the next two games. They lost in three games to the Cubs last year at Wrigley Field in the wild-card round.

But this time around, they truly believe their fate will be different.

“I think we're firing on all cylinders,’’ says Padres ace Michael King, who will start Game 1 against Cubs starter Matthew Boyd. “I think the last two months, two and a half months, the offense has possibly been the best in baseball. We've really come together as a starting rotation, and the bullpen is obviously a strong piece.

“I think that, when you look at us, we don't really have many weaknesses. ... We're very confident in what we've been doing the last few weeks, and we're very happy that this is the time that we got hot, and we've just got to continue it throughout all this postseason.’’

CUBS VS PADRES PREDICTIONS: Who do experts think will win NL wild-card series?

Padres star third baseman Manny Machado, who produced his lowest OPS (.711) in his career, batting just .217, still managed to hit 30 homers and drive in 91 runs. Fernando Tatis Jr., who didn’t homer until May 30, still hit .289 with 25 homers and 83 RBI. And they got huge production out of first baseman Ty France, signed to a minor-league contract this spring, who hit 21 homers with 72 RBI.

This is why Machado believes this version of the Padres is the best since his arrival in 2019, and could finally be the one that knocks off their mighty neighbors to the north, the Dodgers.

The San Diego Padres' Manny Machado celebrates after hitting a three-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park on Sept. 26, 2026.

Machado might already have his sights set on the Dodgers. He asked a reporter on Monday, Sept. 28 why he was wearing a bright blue suit that resembled Dodger colors.

“Are you for San Diego,’’ he asked the local reporter.

Reporter: “I am.’’

Machado: “Why are you wearing blue?

Reporter: “Do you like it?’’

Machado: “Obviously not. I'm just asking.’’

So why does Machado believe this team has its best chance to be playing in late October?

“I mean, experience,’’ he said. “At the end of the day, it goes back to experience. We have a lot of the same group that was here last year. Hopefully we get a lot further. But ultimately, I think it's just believing in ourselves, believing in the group that we have in there and go out there and just continue to do what we've been doing.’’

Even though the Cubs ended the Padres’ season last year, and beat them up during the season by winning five of six games, Machado insists there will be no carry-over effect.

“It's a new year, it's a different year,’’ Machado said. “Obviously, that stung last year for us. They played better ball than us last year. This year's going to be a little bit different.

“Playing in front of our home crowd and playing in front of these fans here, I think it's going to be a lot different. Definitely looking forward to that rematch for sure.’’

The Padres enjoy one of the greatest home-field advantages in baseball, playing in front of fans that pack the joint nearly on a nightly basis. The Padres went a sizzling 26-6 in their last 32 home games this season.

“I think being at home is huge,’’ Machado said. “We love playing here, playing in front of this crowd, playing in the stadium. Obviously sleeping at home and being at home is a big advantage, but I think the biggest one is playing in front of the home crowd. They've brought the energy all year. They're going to continue to do it.

“To have a postseason here at home in front of them, they're definitely going to bring the energy, and I think we all feed off of that.’’

The Cubs realize what a difference it can make playing at home themselves at Wrigley Field, but instead of being intimidated, plan to embrace the hostility.

“They have a great atmosphere,” Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner told reporters in Tampa Bay on Sunday after their regular-season finale. “It’s probably one of the places that’s changed the most over the last 10 years or so. They have a great fan base. It’ll be electric, a lot of fun and challenging.”

The winner of the series will face the Milwaukee Brewers, who won an MLB-leading 103 games, and ended the Cubs’ season a year ago.

This time around, the Padres want to be the ones to take a crack at the powerful Brewers, but first, they’ve got to get past the Cubs, who will have third Alex Bregman back in the lineup who suffered eight fractured bones in his face when hit by foul ball standing near the on-deck circle a week ago.

Bregman, who took a ground ball for the first time in a week on Monday, showed that he was ready with the bat Sunday when he went 4-for-4 with two homers.

“He's the man, to be honest,’’ Cubs reliever Jacob Webb said. “That's tough to do. That's really cool and shows the kind of character that he has going through such a crazy injury. I mean, you're putting your career on the line at that point, but he's always prepared.

“He's a good dude. He knows what he's doing. He has his plan, and I think that's the biggest thing, is he wants to be here. He wants to win.’’

No offense, the Padres say, but they would love to send Bregman home early, giving him all winter to heal.

“We're steady,’’ King said. “We're confident. And we're going to go play Padres baseball.’’

Follow Bob Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Built for October, Padres plan on World Series return after 28 years

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Bronny James adjusts to Lakers' life without LeBron: 'Feels like he's not here'

Bronny James wanted to make it clear who came out on top the last time he played his father in golf.

"I won," James told reporters as he cracked a smile at Los Angeles Lakers media day on Monday, Sept. 28. "He's pretty pissed about this."

It was a quick, lighthearted moment that drew laughs from those in attendance, but it also helped address the elephant in the room: for the first time in his now three-year NBA career, Bronny won't be sharing a locker room with LeBron James.

"Feels like he's not here," James said matter of factly. "I don't really have an opinion on that. That's my dad, I spent 22 years, almost, with him. Just another experience that I'm gonna be a part of, and I'm excited to see how it's gonna feel during the season, too. Looking forward to it."

LAKERS SEASON PREVIEW: Lineup, roster, prediction and biggest question mark

LeBron James left the Lakers for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency this summer, marking an end to the first father-son duo to ever take the court together in an NBA game after two years as teammates. Bronny James spent much of that time in the G League, but he made a leap in year two last season and cracked the rotation in the Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.

Now, with an almost entirely new cast of teammates centered around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, he sees room for even more growth as he sets off on his own path.

"It's just something that I've followed my entire life," James said. "You guys know me as Bronny, my real name is LeBron. I've been doing this for however long, so I think it's a motivating factor for me just getting up every day and trying to prove myself as Bronny instead of LeBron."

Bronny James has been focused on trying to be the most consistent version of himself over the offseason. The 21-year-old guard has been showing up every day to work on his dribbling, playmaking and "being relentless" on both ends of the court. He knows versatility is a priority in coach JJ Redick's new scheme, and his best chance to get minutes is as a secondary ballhandler on offense and a point-of-attack defender when Dončić and Reaves are off the floor.

He's also gotten to know his new teammates pretty well, accompanying them on the team's trip to Slovenia. There, James told reporters, is where he felt the chemistry start to take off.

"We had some runs in practice, figuring out each other's game and just chilling off the court, getting to know each other," he said. "... I think that's going to carry over into the season pretty well."

AUSTIN REAVES: Embraces new role as leader in LA

Not only does this year's Lakers squad look different, they'll be playing differently than they did in JJ Redick's first two years as head coach. Redick has already mentioned he'll be switching up the defensive scheme to more man-on-man with newly acquired Walker Kessler parked near the paint to clean up anything that may come his way. Reaves and several other players also talked about a fast-paced free-flowing offense with less pick-and-roll.

"Everyone's young," James said. "... I feel like we can feed off each other's energy and there's gonna be a lot of guys that can go out, give full effort and turn up the game."

LeBron James, meanwhile, made it clear that he didn't make his free agency decision – possibly the last one of his 24-year NBA career – lightly, telling reporters in Philadelphia that "I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round. I know that for sure. Work needs to be done, and I’m ready to get to work."

While he got the blessing of the entire James family, Bronny said it wasn't cathartic moment by any means.

"We're men of very little words when it comes to talking about business and what we're gonna do and how we feel about each other," James said. "Wasn't really much, to be honest with you. He's got his own path and I've got my own. ... And he knows that I want to focus on that."

Those two paths are set to converge once more on Dec. 25, when the Lakers host the the 76ers at Crypto.com Arena in LeBron's return to Los Angeles.

"I'm excited to see him on Christmas," Bronny said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bronny James adjusts to Lakers' life without LeBron: 'Feels like he's not here'

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Bronny James adjusts to Lakers' life without LeBron: 'Feels like he's not here'

Bronny James wanted to make it clear who came out on top the last time he played his father in golf.

"I won," James told reporters as he cracked a smile at Los Angeles Lakers media day on Monday, Sept. 28. "He's pretty pissed about this."

It was a quick, lighthearted moment that drew laughs from those in attendance, but it also helped address the elephant in the room: for the first time in his now three-year NBA career, Bronny won't be sharing a locker room with LeBron James.

"Feels like he's not here," James said matter of factly. "I don't really have an opinion on that. That's my dad, I spent 22 years, almost, with him. Just another experience that I'm gonna be a part of, and I'm excited to see how it's gonna feel during the season, too. Looking forward to it."

LAKERS SEASON PREVIEW: Lineup, roster, prediction and biggest question mark

LeBron James left the Lakers for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency this summer, marking an end to the first father-son duo to ever take the court together in an NBA game after two years as teammates. Bronny James spent much of that time in the G League, but he made a leap in year two last season and cracked the rotation in the Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.

Now, with an almost entirely new cast of teammates centered around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, he sees room for even more growth as he sets off on his own path.

"It's just something that I've followed my entire life," James said. "You guys know me as Bronny, my real name is LeBron. I've been doing this for however long, so I think it's a motivating factor for me just getting up every day and trying to prove myself as Bronny instead of LeBron."

Bronny James has been focused on trying to be the most consistent version of himself over the offseason. The 21-year-old guard has been showing up every day to work on his dribbling, playmaking and "being relentless" on both ends of the court. He knows versatility is a priority in coach JJ Redick's new scheme, and his best chance to get minutes is as a secondary ballhandler on offense and a point-of-attack defender when Dončić and Reaves are off the floor.

He's also gotten to know his new teammates pretty well, accompanying them on the team's trip to Slovenia. There, James told reporters, is where he felt the chemistry start to take off.

"We had some runs in practice, figuring out each other's game and just chilling off the court, getting to know each other," he said. "... I think that's going to carry over into the season pretty well."

AUSTIN REAVES: Embraces new role as leader in LA

Not only does this year's Lakers squad look different, they'll be playing differently than they did in JJ Redick's first two years as head coach. Redick has already mentioned he'll be switching up the defensive scheme to more man-on-man with newly acquired Walker Kessler parked near the paint to clean up anything that may come his way. Reaves and several other players also talked about a fast-paced free-flowing offense with less pick-and-roll.

"Everyone's young," James said. "... I feel like we can feed off each other's energy and there's gonna be a lot of guys that can go out, give full effort and turn up the game."

LeBron James, meanwhile, made it clear that he didn't make his free agency decision – possibly the last one of his 24-year NBA career – lightly, telling reporters in Philadelphia that "I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round. I know that for sure. Work needs to be done, and I’m ready to get to work."

While he got the blessing of the entire James family, Bronny said it wasn't cathartic moment by any means.

"We're men of very little words when it comes to talking about business and what we're gonna do and how we feel about each other," James said. "Wasn't really much, to be honest with you. He's got his own path and I've got my own. ... And he knows that I want to focus on that."

Those two paths are set to converge once more on Dec. 25, when the Lakers host the the 76ers at Crypto.com Arena in LeBron's return to Los Angeles.

"I'm excited to see him on Christmas," Bronny said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bronny James adjusts to Lakers' life without LeBron: 'Feels like he's not here'