NBA fines Anthony Edwards, Desmond Bane $25,000 each for throwing ball at opposite basket after buzzer

The NBA is sending a message: After a buzzer, don't take the ball and throw it toward the opposite basket (not as a shot, more of a celebration... or just because).

That message is going to cost the Timberwolves Anthony Edwards and the Magic's $25,000 each as both were fined by the league on Thursday "for throwing the game ball with force into the spectator stands."

What does that look like? Here's what Edwards did at halftime in Portland to earn his fine:

Bane did essentially the same thing at the end of the Magic's dramatic win over the Lakers Tuesday night.

Were those really worth $25,000? The league's concern is that a ball thrown into the stands could hit someone and injure them, but a fine?

Adidas and Ant responded to this perfectly (they must have had this in the can, waiting for the moment).

Canadiens Have 2 Blue Jackets Trade Targets To Consider

The 2026 NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, as it is just over a week away. With this, trade activity around the NHL is certainly going to pick up.

The Montreal Canadiens are undoubtedly a team to keep an eye on, as they should be looking to add to their roster. Due to this, let's look at two players from the Columbus Blue Jackets who the Canadiens should consider targeting if the Metropolitan Division club ends up being sellers.

Charlie Coyle, C

The Canadiens could use another impactful center, and the Blue Jackets have a very solid one in Charlie Coyle. The pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) is an impactful two-way forward who could play in the Canadiens' middle six and on both their penalty kill and power play if acquired. 

Coyle is also having a strong 2025-26 season with the Blue Jackets. In 56 games so far this season, the Massachusetts native has recorded 15 goals, 27 assists, 42 points, 76 hits, and a plus-4 rating. With numbers like these, he would be a strong pickup for the Habs. 

Boone Jenner, C/LW

Boone Jenner is another pending UFA on the Blue Jackets who could be a great addition for the Canadiens. The 32-year-old is well-known for his strong leadership qualities, and it is exactly why he is currently captain of the Blue Jackets. With this, he could be a good mentor for the Canadiens' younger players if they landed him.

Jenner would also give the Canadiens a forward who could play both center and the wing in their top nine. In 42 games this season with Columbus, he has recorded eight goals, 19 assists, 27 points, and 92 hits. 

Canadiens Have 2 Blue Jackets Trade Targets To Consider

The 2026 NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, as it is just over a week away. With this, trade activity around the NHL is certainly going to pick up.

The Montreal Canadiens are undoubtedly a team to keep an eye on, as they should be looking to add to their roster. Due to this, let's look at two players from the Columbus Blue Jackets who the Canadiens should consider targeting if the Metropolitan Division club ends up being sellers.

Charlie Coyle, C

The Canadiens could use another impactful center, and the Blue Jackets have a very solid one in Charlie Coyle. The pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) is an impactful two-way forward who could play in the Canadiens' middle six and on both their penalty kill and power play if acquired. 

Coyle is also having a strong 2025-26 season with the Blue Jackets. In 56 games so far this season, the Massachusetts native has recorded 15 goals, 27 assists, 42 points, 76 hits, and a plus-4 rating. With numbers like these, he would be a strong pickup for the Habs. 

Boone Jenner, C/LW

Boone Jenner is another pending UFA on the Blue Jackets who could be a great addition for the Canadiens. The 32-year-old is well-known for his strong leadership qualities, and it is exactly why he is currently captain of the Blue Jackets. With this, he could be a good mentor for the Canadiens' younger players if they landed him.

Jenner would also give the Canadiens a forward who could play both center and the wing in their top nine. In 42 games this season with Columbus, he has recorded eight goals, 19 assists, 27 points, and 92 hits. 

The Yankees’ bullpen is benefiting from internal competition

DUNEDIN, FL - FEBRUARY 24: Jake Bird #59 of the New York Yankees pitches during the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark on February 24, 2026 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Yankees’ bullpen has a little bit of everything. It has All-Star fireballers, sinker specialists, a splitter maestro, a couple of guys who rely on finesse rather than pure stuff, a pitch-to-contact lefty, and a few flawed, but talented arms vying for a couple of spots. It’s not hard to see that a few guys, barring an unexpected turn of events, have a spot locked up already. This is the case of David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Fernando Cruz, and Tim Hill. One has to think that Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn will be in there, as well.

After that, there are as many as six or seven pitchers with at least an outside chance of making the roster, not to mention the fact that the team usually takes a long look at the post-spring training cuts to add names, as well. The likes of Jake Bird, Cade Winquest, Kervin Castro, Osvaldo Bido, Ángel Chivilli, Brent Headrick, and Yerry De Los Santos are actively competing to see who makes the roster, and most of them are looking good if we combine their offseason, their early-camp work, and the first few days of Grapefruit League games.

It’s still February, though, so it’s too early to even think about who makes the roster of this group and who gets left behind. What we are seeing, however, is that at least a couple of interesting names from that list could be on the outside looking.

Just because of the assets invested in them, one can conclude that Winquest, as a Rule 5 Draft pick, and Bird and Chivilli, as trade pieces that required the organization to give away prospects, could have a leg up in the competition. It’s important not to rule out a guy like Headrick, though, owner of a 3.13 ERA and 30 strikeouts in just 23 innings with the Bombers last year. His swing-and-miss stuff could definitely boost the Yankees’ bullpen and give it another lefty to complement Hill.

Yes, there is still the feeling that the Yankees are one or two quality relievers short of boasting a high-flying bullpen, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t talented hurlers in the organization with enough juice to win a spot and contribute.

Bird himself is a solid bounce-back candidate after last year’s disaster, and he has thrown 2.1 scoreless innings this spring with no walks and three strikeouts. Chivilli has big fastball velocity and two breaking balls, his changeup and slider, that had a whiff rate over 40 percent last year. Sometimes, it’s a matter of bringing in guys one or two adjustments away from unlocking the full extent of their potential, and Chivilli could be that guy.

And if the Grapefruit League ends and the Yankees are still not happy with their group of arms for the bullpen, they can always review other teams’ cuts and bring in a useful pitcher. That’s exactly how they got Yarbrough last year, and he went on to put up a 4.36 ERA in 64 frames in 2025 with long stints of dominance. On top of it all, the Yankees’ relief corps could also get some reinforcements in the form of starters, if and when Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt rejoin the rotation. The first two are expected back in April, while Schmidt is more of a second-half play.

Other unexpected names might join the bullpen mix eventually, such as Carlos Lagrange. Yes, pitching coach Matt Blake revealed on Wednesday that moving him to relief is a possibility later down the road.

There are multiple avenues for a great bullpen, and having several talented guys taking the ball in spring training and showing off the improvements they made in the postseason in a healthy competition is definitely one of them. The Yankees may not have a top-five bullpen this year, but internal competition is strong and that’s always a positive.

Atlanta Hawks' 'Magic City Monday' to feature NSFW local institution

Welcome to Atlanta, where the players play and the gentlemen's clubs have the best wings in town.

The Atlanta Hawks are leaning into the city's famed hip-hop culture and history, featuring what the team is calling an "iconic cultural institution" that's definitely NSFW in an upcoming promotional night.

The team announced Wednesday it will collaborate with prominent Atlanta strip club Magic City for a one-night only, in-game celebration of hip-hop called "Magic City Monday" against the Orlando Magic on March 16.

“From the food to the music and the exclusive merchandise, we are excited to team up with Magic City to create an authentic, True to Atlanta-inspired game experience,” Hawks Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Proctor said in a news release.

Magic City Kitchen will serve two versions of their "world famous" lemon pepper wings, Louwill Lemon Pepper BBQ, named after Atlanta-native and three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year-winner Lou Williams.

What else is planned for 'Magic City Monday'?

The Hawks' celebration of "Magic City Monday" doesn't stop at wings. Atlanta rapper and entrepreneur T.I. is expected to perform at halftime.

Being that Tip is back home in Atlanta, at the State Farm Arena, it'll be interesting to see if he'll perform any recent cuts including diss tracks toward rapper and entrepreneur Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

Keeping it so ATL, the organization tabbed native DJ Esco to provide the pregame tunes.

Before the game, ticketed fans will have a chance to view a recording of the Hawks AF Podcast featuring a conversation with Magic City founder Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney and T.I., hosted by comedian D.C. Young Fly, another Atlanta native.

“We doin’ this one for the city ... Magic City,” T.I. said in a news release.

Why is Magic City famous?

Magic City has become influential not only in Atlanta but as a tourist stop for those who visit the city. Ask NBA players who have a road game against the Hawks about the lore of Magic City wings.

Williams famously couldn't help but visit the spot for its wings in 2020 when he was excused from the NBA Bubble in Orlando to attend a funeral, while everyone was social distancing due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The moment went viral after a photo he snapped with rapper Jack Harlow during the visit that was posted to social media.

"We had our masks on, I thought we did it how we were supposed to do it," Williams said, explaining the incident during a June 2025 episode of Gil's Arena, a podcast hosted by former NBA player Gilbert Arenas with Nick Young, Kenyon Martin, Rashad McCants and Josiah Johnson.

He continued: "I want to put this to bed. I didn't sneak out the bubble to go to Magic City. They excused me from the bubble to go to a funeral. ...The funeral home was a block away from Magic [City]. I've been staying in a hotel [in the NBA bubble in Orlando] eating hotel room service food. Magic got good food, this is my hometown and if you know ATL, we eat in our strip clubs. That's where you can find the best food."

Williams received a 10-day quarantine for violating safety protocols but maintains that the league's focus was on him going to a strip club rather than his real reason for going – the food.

The incident did two things: birthed the nickname "Lemon Pepper Lou" and also cemented Magic City's kitchen's place as the stuff of NBA and Atlanta legend.

But long before Williams's visit, the site was a landmark for Atlanta and its visitors, which is the focus of the documentary "Magic City: An American Fantasy" that discusses the impact of the club on Atlanta music, sports and culture through interviews with Atlanta rappers Big Boi, Killer Mike and T.I., along with other celebrities and artists who they discuss its role in hip-hop and Black culture.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Hawks to feature prominent strip club in upcoming promotion

Crosby Addresses Injury, Talks Olympic Experience

When the Pittsburgh Penguins took to the ice for practice on Wednesday, they did it without captain Sidney Crosby joining them.

And it will be that way for a while. 

Crosby, 38, sustained a lower-body injury while playing for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina, and he is expected to miss four weeks - a critical four weeks for the Penguins, who have a tough schedule in March and currently rank second in the Metropolitan Division with 70 points. 

But despite the knowledge that he won't be able to help his team on the ice during their stretch run to the playoffs, Crosby was in good spirits as he spoke with Pittsburgh media Wednesday at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, Pa. and reflected on his time in Milan. 

"Yeah, it was great. Awesome experience, really, everything," Crosby said. "The hockey, just the setup there, being able to experience the Olympics, it was special.

"Obviously, I was hoping for a different outcome but couldn't be more proud of the team, and just the experience overall was unbelievable."

It comes as no surprise that Crosby is disappointed that his injury will hold him out of the NHL season, and that was the same sentiment in Milan, when he missed Canada's final two games against Finland and Team USA in the medal round and the team came up short, earning the silver medal after an overtime defeat at the hands of the Americans. 

'On Any Given Night, Anybody Can Step Up': With Crosby Out, Penguins Prepared To Elevate Game'On Any Given Night, Anybody Can Step Up': With Crosby Out, Penguins Prepared To Elevate GameWith the news that Pittsburgh Penguins' star center Sidney Crosby will miss four weeks with a lower-body injury, his teammates are ready to step up in a big way to propel the Penguins to the playoffs in his absence.

But, even as he weighed whether or not he could play, he admits that playing in the gold medal game was all he had his mind set on - and not necessarily the ramifications for his NHL season. 

"I'll be honest with you... all I cared about was playing that game and focusing on that," Crosby said. "That's not any disrespect to our team or what I feel about this season or anything like that. We all put a lot of work in to try to be as successful as possible here. But, given the opportunity to play in the Olympics and in that game, I think trying to play was all my focus was on." 

He maintains that he made the right decision to hold out knowing that he wouldn't have been able to operate close to 100 percent and that there was a healthy player who could take his spot instead. But, that said, he also mentioned that he was very close to playing. 

"Close. A lot closer than I thought. A day or two after, I thought that I might be... yeah, I didn't think it was necessarily going to be an option, so the fact that I even had a chance or was close to it... yeah, the staff there was unbelievable in trying to go through that whole process."

He added: "If you can't go out there and do a job and be relied upon with the team and the guy next to you, then you can't force it. And that's what it came down to."

Penguins' Players React To Gold Medal Game, Crosby's InjuryPenguins' Players React To Gold Medal Game, Crosby's InjuryOn Sunday, Sidney Crosby's Penguins' teammates reacted to the captain's inability to appear for Team Canada in their gold medal game against Team USA, which the Americans won, 2-1, in overtime to capture their first Olympic gold medal since 1980.

Given his injury, it's fair to wonder whether he things the risk outweighs the benefit of NHL players going to the Olympics.  But he knows how much it means to the players to have the chance to go represent their countries on the biggest stage and how much it means to himself.

And that is especially true for Crosby, as Milan could very well have been his final Olympic appearance.

So, what about 2030? Is Crosby thinking ahead?

"Yeah, I try not to think that far ahead," Crosby said. "My mind was just on trying to play, and you can't let that creep into your head. When you're trying to overcome something or when you have something that's challenging, I think the worst thing you can do is think of worst-case scenarios... it's still a long ways away, but that wasn't really something I tried to think about too much."

Well, that's just about the answer one should expect from a two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time Stanley Cup champion, especially with his team in the midst of a playoff stretch run and his production refusing to slow down. Crosby is still hungry as ever to win, and he has a chance to do so with the Penguins this season. 

With Latest Trade, Kyle Dubas Continues To Create Something Out Of NothingWith Latest Trade, Kyle Dubas Continues To Create Something Out Of NothingPittsburgh Penguins' general manager Kyle Dubas traded for Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Girard on Tuesday, which was the latest in a string of moves that show why he's one of the best in the business

He believes in the group that the Penguins have, especially since they've already dealt with a lot of adversity this season

"I'm confident," Crosby said. "I think we've shown all year, we've had injuries, and guys have stepped up. To get to where we're at at this point, I think it's because of our team play. I don't think it's been any one person. It's because, collectively as a group, we've found different ways to win, and different guys have stepped up. So, as long as we continue to do that and understand that, I think we give ourselves a good chance."

And Crosby very much wants to be back in the Stanley Cup playoffs once again. 

"That's why we play," Crosby said. "Obviously, the Olympics was a great opportunity and an experience, but I think you shift your focus to [playing] in the playoffs. It's so special and so fun to be in those big games and play for that.

"So, that's where my mind's at."

New Jersey Devils At Pittsburgh Penguins Preview: Lineup Changes, Where To WatchNew Jersey Devils At Pittsburgh Penguins Preview: Lineup Changes, Where To WatchThe Pittsburgh Penguins will try to bank two points in the standings against a team that is going through it.

Crosby Addresses Injury, Talks Olympic Experience

When the Pittsburgh Penguins took to the ice for practice on Wednesday, they did it without captain Sidney Crosby joining them.

And it will be that way for a while. 

Crosby, 38, sustained a lower-body injury while playing for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina, and he is expected to miss four weeks - a critical four weeks for the Penguins, who have a tough schedule in March and currently rank second in the Metropolitan Division with 70 points. 

But despite the knowledge that he won't be able to help his team on the ice during their stretch run to the playoffs, Crosby was in good spirits as he spoke with Pittsburgh media Wednesday at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, Pa. and reflected on his time in Milan. 

"Yeah, it was great. Awesome experience, really, everything," Crosby said. "The hockey, just the setup there, being able to experience the Olympics, it was special.

"Obviously, I was hoping for a different outcome but couldn't be more proud of the team, and just the experience overall was unbelievable."

It comes as no surprise that Crosby is disappointed that his injury will hold him out of the NHL season, and that was the same sentiment in Milan, when he missed Canada's final two games against Finland and Team USA in the medal round and the team came up short, earning the silver medal after an overtime defeat at the hands of the Americans. 

'On Any Given Night, Anybody Can Step Up': With Crosby Out, Penguins Prepared To Elevate Game'On Any Given Night, Anybody Can Step Up': With Crosby Out, Penguins Prepared To Elevate GameWith the news that Pittsburgh Penguins' star center Sidney Crosby will miss four weeks with a lower-body injury, his teammates are ready to step up in a big way to propel the Penguins to the playoffs in his absence.

But, even as he weighed whether or not he could play, he admits that playing in the gold medal game was all he had his mind set on - and not necessarily the ramifications for his NHL season. 

"I'll be honest with you... all I cared about was playing that game and focusing on that," Crosby said. "That's not any disrespect to our team or what I feel about this season or anything like that. We all put a lot of work in to try to be as successful as possible here. But, given the opportunity to play in the Olympics and in that game, I think trying to play was all my focus was on." 

He maintains that he made the right decision to hold out knowing that he wouldn't have been able to operate close to 100 percent and that there was a healthy player who could take his spot instead. But, that said, he also mentioned that he was very close to playing. 

"Close. A lot closer than I thought. A day or two after, I thought that I might be... yeah, I didn't think it was necessarily going to be an option, so the fact that I even had a chance or was close to it... yeah, the staff there was unbelievable in trying to go through that whole process."

He added: "If you can't go out there and do a job and be relied upon with the team and the guy next to you, then you can't force it. And that's what it came down to."

Penguins' Players React To Gold Medal Game, Crosby's InjuryPenguins' Players React To Gold Medal Game, Crosby's InjuryOn Sunday, Sidney Crosby's Penguins' teammates reacted to the captain's inability to appear for Team Canada in their gold medal game against Team USA, which the Americans won, 2-1, in overtime to capture their first Olympic gold medal since 1980.

Given his injury, it's fair to wonder whether he things the risk outweighs the benefit of NHL players going to the Olympics.  But he knows how much it means to the players to have the chance to go represent their countries on the biggest stage and how much it means to himself.

And that is especially true for Crosby, as Milan could very well have been his final Olympic appearance.

So, what about 2030? Is Crosby thinking ahead?

"Yeah, I try not to think that far ahead," Crosby said. "My mind was just on trying to play, and you can't let that creep into your head. When you're trying to overcome something or when you have something that's challenging, I think the worst thing you can do is think of worst-case scenarios... it's still a long ways away, but that wasn't really something I tried to think about too much."

Well, that's just about the answer one should expect from a two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time Stanley Cup champion, especially with his team in the midst of a playoff stretch run and his production refusing to slow down. Crosby is still hungry as ever to win, and he has a chance to do so with the Penguins this season. 

With Latest Trade, Kyle Dubas Continues To Create Something Out Of NothingWith Latest Trade, Kyle Dubas Continues To Create Something Out Of NothingPittsburgh Penguins' general manager Kyle Dubas traded for Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Girard on Tuesday, which was the latest in a string of moves that show why he's one of the best in the business

He believes in the group that the Penguins have, especially since they've already dealt with a lot of adversity this season

"I'm confident," Crosby said. "I think we've shown all year, we've had injuries, and guys have stepped up. To get to where we're at at this point, I think it's because of our team play. I don't think it's been any one person. It's because, collectively as a group, we've found different ways to win, and different guys have stepped up. So, as long as we continue to do that and understand that, I think we give ourselves a good chance."

And Crosby very much wants to be back in the Stanley Cup playoffs once again. 

"That's why we play," Crosby said. "Obviously, the Olympics was a great opportunity and an experience, but I think you shift your focus to [playing] in the playoffs. It's so special and so fun to be in those big games and play for that.

"So, that's where my mind's at."

New Jersey Devils At Pittsburgh Penguins Preview: Lineup Changes, Where To WatchNew Jersey Devils At Pittsburgh Penguins Preview: Lineup Changes, Where To WatchThe Pittsburgh Penguins will try to bank two points in the standings against a team that is going through it.

Nottingham Forest v Fenerbahce: Europa League knockout round playoff, second leg – as it happens

Two goals from Kerem Akturkoglu put Forest under pressure, but Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goal calmed things and they saw out a 4-2 aggregate win

On the telly, they’ve just been discussing James McAtee, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he does tonight. City are now in that spot United were under Alex Ferguson, where clubs buy their players because they know the standard can be too high for good ones to make it and respect the managers who keep them around. He’s got a lovely touch and decent vision, but does he have the ability to impose that? We don’t yet know.

Forest actually did pretty well to keep as many players as they did after last season – and getting £52m+£3m for Anthony Elanga was a remarkable piece of business. I’m not sure Anderson will still be around after the summer, whereas Gibbs-White has a contract – but there surely comes a point at which players don’t trust Marinakis with their careers and just want to up sticks from the upheaval.

Continue reading...

Deandre Ayton doesn’t seem thrilled about his role with the Lakers

Oct 26, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) reacts to a call during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images | Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Deandre Ayton has gained a reputation for being something of an enigma during his relatively brief time in the NBA. The latest feature story on him is going to do nothing to change any of that.

On Thursday, a story by Dave McMenamin of ESPN profiling Ayton with the Lakers this season had some of the most insane anecdotes imaginable. While we’ll dive into those shortly, the most notable on-court takeaway from the article was Ayton’s reaction to his role with the Lakers.

When he was finished speaking to the group, Ayton made his way back toward the showers and said what he really felt — loud enough for anyone still in the locker room to hear.

“They’re trying to make me Clint Capela,” Ayton said, referring to the Houston Rockets’ now backup center, who a decade ago made his impact as a lob-catching, rim-running big on a team that made it to two conference finals.

“I’m not no Clint Capela!”

Well, Deandre, therein lies the problem.

Luka needs a lob-catching partner at center. He went to the NBA Finals with two of them on the Mavs. Everyone knew the Lakers were searching for one this summer.

Ayton hasn’t ever been that player, even in his college days. No one expected him to become Clint Capela this season. But, like, you understand why they’d want him to be more like that, right?

No only is it beneficial to Luka to have a lob-catching center, but the centers get paid, too! Ask Derrick Lively II and Daniel Gafford about their stats, success and payday playing with Luka.

On one hand, it’s great awareness from Ayton that he sees the Lakers trying to turn him into Capela. On the other hand, it’s incredible awareness to understand why they would do that.

The wild stories of Deandre Ayton

Now, for the real meat and potatoes of this article: the anecdotes about Ayton.

The first one begins with a reference to the shirts the team wore early in the season that donned half of Ayton’s face and half of a lion. But it flows into an insane detail that hardly feels real.

The Lakers have stoked that ego, too: Rob Pelinka, team president of basketball operations and general manager, commissioned a black T-shirt with a gold screen print depicting half of a lion’s face and half of Ayton’s face that he presented to the 27-year-old. Members of the training staff wrap Ayton’s water bottle in athletic tape and write “DA’s Crunk Juice — Drink this to unleash the beast” in black marker on it before games.

DA’s Crunk Juice.

10/10. No notes. I’ve been covering the Lakers for a long time and this ranks near the very top of stories in that time period.

Is this more or less powerful than Michael’s Secret Stuff from Space Jam? The fact the most immediate comparison for this story is an animated movie is really just a perfect summary of the situation.

But on the topic of cartoonish moments…

There was less than an hour before tipoff against the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 13 when Ayton entered the Lakers’ locker room.

Just inside the door, Ayton’s breezy walk slowed down and his gait suddenly stiffened for a few awkward steps before the big man hurtled toward the floor.

What would have been one of the more bizarre pregame injuries in NBA history morphed into something else completely: Ayton caught his fall by placing both hands over his head and gracefully executed a cartwheel, followed by a somersault, to land safely on two feet.

Yeah, what needs to happen for us to see Ayton recreate that on the court. Is he saving that for a potential game-winner? A playoff series win? The Lakers aren’t winning a title this year, so it can’t be saved for that. But I absolutely need to see Ayton go full Willy Wonka.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

Deandre Ayton isn't Clint Capela. But it's what he and Lakers need | Opinion

There was no need for Clint Capela to catch this stray.

Capela, a 12-year center currently on the Rockets, became the target of a dig uttered by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton. According to ESPN, Ayton was speaking with reporters after a frustrating loss Tuesday, Feb. 24 against the Magic. As the interview ended, ESPN reported that Ayton revealed a candid thought loud enough for anyone in the locker room to hear.

“They’re trying to make me Clint Capela,” Ayton said, per ESPN. “I’m not no Clint Capela.”

Ayton is right. He’s not Clint Capela; he’s far more athletically gifted. But, if anything, Ayton should aspire to the consistency and effort Capela has shown in his career. He should embrace the buy-in Capela showed over his stops in Houston and Atlanta. Because that’s just what the Lakers need.

Los Angeles is currently in sixth place in the stacked Western Conference, at 34-23. The Lakers are two games ahead of the No. 7 team, the Phoenix Suns, and it will be essential for L.A. to maintain its position there to avoid the play-in window.

But, going back to games before the NBA All-Star break, the Lakers have lost four of their last six. This comes at a time when Los Angeles is actually enjoying a spell of health, with Austin Reaves returning from a left calf strain. Aside from a few bumps and bruises, the Lakers are as close to full health as they’ve been in some time.

This is where Ayton’s offensive fit becomes an issue. On a team with a pair of ball-dominant playmakers like Luka Dončić and LeBron James, a tertiary option is going to see his usage drop considerably. But, this season, the Lakers have seen the rise of guard Austin Reaves, who’s averaging career highs in points (25.0) and field goal attempts (15.7).

That has reduced opportunities for Ayton, who is 13.2 points on 9.0 attempts per game. Ayton is shooting a career-high 66.7% from the floor and is adding a career-low 8.5 rebounds per game. Often, especially late in games, Ayton becomes more of a threat as a screener than he does as a scorer, which is understandably frustrating.

The question for the Lakers becomes if they feel it’s more efficient and effective to have the offense run through Dončić, James and Reaves (which it is) as opposed to manufacturing targeted touches for Ayton.

At his peak, Capela was a high-effort defensive force in the paint who adapted to his limited jump shot and offensive efficiency, instead becoming an efficient lob threat who found high-percentage buckets by sprinting into position.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) drives to the basket as he is double teamed by Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) and forward De'Andre Hunter (12) Mar 13, 2024 at Moda Center. Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

The thing is, Ayton is far more athletic than Capela ever will be. A 7-foot big with an absurd wingspan and speed and leaping ability, Ayton has the ability to blow past defenders and outwork and outjump rebounders. It’s his effort that has let him down.

Consider this: Ayton’s best statistical season came in his final season in Phoenix, in 2022-23. Capela’s top year was in 2018-19, with the Rockets.

Ayton: 18.0 points on 58.9% shooting, 10.0 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game in 67 appearances.

Capela: 16.6 points on 64.8% shooting, 12.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in 67 appearances.

Capela, however, led the NBA in rebounding (14.3) in 2020-21 and led the league in offensive rebounds (4.7) that same season, tied for the league lead in 2023-24 (4.6). Capela was the No. 25 selection in the 2014 NBA Draft. Ayton was the No. 1 overall pick in 2018.

Ayton has had a fine, if underwhelming, career. Though his athleticism is undeniable, he often finds himself out of position on defense. When his usage drops, he often becomes disengaged and his effort dips.

Capela hasn’t been perfect, or even stellar, in his own career. But there are plenty of things Ayton could learn from him.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Deandre Ayton should embrace Clint Capela-type role | Opinion

Reports: Italian golfer Pavan badly injured from fall down elevator shaft when car was not there

STELLENBOSCH, South Africa (AP) — Italian golfer Andrea Pavan was badly injured from a fall down an elevator shaft when the doors opened and he was unaware the car wasn't there, according to multiple reports.

Golf Channel cited people on a text thread with Pavan's friends on the European tour and former Texas A&M teammates in reporting he suffered injuries to his back and shoulder and had undergone surgery Wednesday night in South Africa.

Pavan was scheduled to play in the South African Open, which began Thursday.

“By all accounts, he's in good spirits, thankful to be alive and FaceTiming with his kids,” J.T. Higgins, his former coach at Texas A&M, told Golf Channel. Higgins said he had not spoken with Pavan but was updated on his condition.

Golf Channel reported Pavan was staying near Cape Town and called for an elevator. He fell three stories and was taken to the hospital for surgery. The European tour, citing medical confidentiality, could only report he had withdrawn from the South African Open due to injury.

Pavan, 36, is a two-time winner on the European tour. His most recent victory was a playoff win over Matt Fitzpatrick in the 2019 BMW International Open.

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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

NHL Rumors: Sharks Defenseman Linked To Metro Club

San Jose Sharks blueliner Mario Ferraro is one of the NHL's top trade candidate defensemen with the deadline right around the corner. The Sharks certainly could decide to keep him around, but there is no question that he should generate interest from several clubs. 

Now, based on a new report, a Metropolitan Division club has Ferraro on its radar.

According to The Fourth Period, the Carolina Hurricanes are among the teams linked to Ferraro, with the deadline getting closer.

The Hurricanes are not the only team that has been linked to Ferraro, though, as the Colorado Avalanche have for a decent chunk of this season as well.

If the Hurricanes landed Ferraro, he would certainly have the potential to give their defensive group a nice boost. He could fit nicely on their bottom pairing and penalty kill if acquired due to his solid defensive play and grit. 

With the Hurricanes being one of the top teams in the NHL, it would make a lot of sense for them to add a defenseman like Ferraro to their depth ahead of the playoffs. He is exactly the kind of rugged defenseman that contenders love to add, so he could be a good fit on the Hurricanes. 

Yet, with Ferraro being an important part of the Sharks' defense, the possibility of him staying put in San Jose is there. Time will tell what happens on that front. 

NHL Rumors: Sharks Defenseman Linked To Metro Club

San Jose Sharks blueliner Mario Ferraro is one of the NHL's top trade candidate defensemen with the deadline right around the corner. The Sharks certainly could decide to keep him around, but there is no question that he should generate interest from several clubs. 

Now, based on a new report, a Metropolitan Division club has Ferraro on its radar.

According to The Fourth Period, the Carolina Hurricanes are among the teams linked to Ferraro, with the deadline getting closer.

The Hurricanes are not the only team that has been linked to Ferraro, though, as the Colorado Avalanche have for a decent chunk of this season as well.

If the Hurricanes landed Ferraro, he would certainly have the potential to give their defensive group a nice boost. He could fit nicely on their bottom pairing and penalty kill if acquired due to his solid defensive play and grit. 

With the Hurricanes being one of the top teams in the NHL, it would make a lot of sense for them to add a defenseman like Ferraro to their depth ahead of the playoffs. He is exactly the kind of rugged defenseman that contenders love to add, so he could be a good fit on the Hurricanes. 

Yet, with Ferraro being an important part of the Sharks' defense, the possibility of him staying put in San Jose is there. Time will tell what happens on that front. 

Game Day 58 Lineup: Kraken Vs Blues

The Seattle Kraken take on the St. Louis Blues for the second half of a back-to-back tonight.

The Kraken were defeated 4-1 by the Dallas Stars yesterday in their return to action. Ryker Evans scored the lone goal in the third period while the Kraken were trailing the Stars 4-0. The Kraken were outplayed by the Stars, losing the shot battle 32-19. The Kraken also went 0-4 on the power play.

Tonight, they’ll take on the 31st-ranked St. Louis Blues team, who will be without their No.1 center, Robert Thomas. 

The Blues have really struggled to keep the puck out of their net this season, allowing 3.51 goals per game, ranking tied for 30th in the NHL. Offensively, they rank tied for 28th in goals scored per game, averaging 2.56. Although the Blues entered the season hoping to return to the playoffs, they’ve fallen far short and appear to be sellers at the deadline.

After last night’s loss, the Kraken have slid to fourth place in the Pacific Division, trailing the Edmonton Oilers for third by one point and the Anaheim Ducks for second by two points. 

In the midst of a playoff race, two points in regulation against the 31st-ranked team in the NHL is a must. 

Kaapo Kakko did not play against the Stars, and Ryan Lindgren was forced to exit in the first period after skating in just 1:24 of ice time. 

Kraken Place Winger Tye Kartye On WaiversKraken Place Winger Tye Kartye On WaiversThe Seattle Kraken have placed winger Tye Kartye on waivers upon the return of several injured Kraken forwards.

Kraken’s projected lines:

McCann-Beniers-Eberle
Tolvanen-Stephenson-Catton
Schwartz-Wright-Gaudreau
Winterton-Meyers-Melanson

Dunn-Larsson
Oleksiak-Montour
Evans-Lindgren

Grubauer
Daccord

Healthy Scratched: Cale Fleury, Josh Mahura.
Injured: Matt Murray

Blues projected lines:

Schenn-Dvorsky-Snuggerud
Neighbours-Buchnevich-Kyrou
Holloway-Suter-Berggren
Toropchenko-Finley-Walker

Broberg-Parayko
Tucker-Faulk
Fowler-Mailloux

Hofer
Binnington

Image

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Game Day 58 Lineup: Kraken Vs Blues

The Seattle Kraken take on the St. Louis Blues for the second half of a back-to-back tonight.

The Kraken were defeated 4-1 by the Dallas Stars yesterday in their return to action. Ryker Evans scored the lone goal in the third period while the Kraken were trailing the Stars 4-0. The Kraken were outplayed by the Stars, losing the shot battle 32-19. The Kraken also went 0-4 on the power play.

Tonight, they’ll take on the 31st-ranked St. Louis Blues team, who will be without their No.1 center, Robert Thomas. 

The Blues have really struggled to keep the puck out of their net this season, allowing 3.51 goals per game, ranking tied for 30th in the NHL. Offensively, they rank tied for 28th in goals scored per game, averaging 2.56. Although the Blues entered the season hoping to return to the playoffs, they’ve fallen far short and appear to be sellers at the deadline.

After last night’s loss, the Kraken have slid to fourth place in the Pacific Division, trailing the Edmonton Oilers for third by one point and the Anaheim Ducks for second by two points. 

In the midst of a playoff race, two points in regulation against the 31st-ranked team in the NHL is a must. 

Kaapo Kakko did not play against the Stars, and Ryan Lindgren was forced to exit in the first period after skating in just 1:24 of ice time. 

Kraken Place Winger Tye Kartye On WaiversKraken Place Winger Tye Kartye On WaiversThe Seattle Kraken have placed winger Tye Kartye on waivers upon the return of several injured Kraken forwards.

Kraken’s projected lines:

McCann-Beniers-Eberle
Tolvanen-Stephenson-Catton
Schwartz-Wright-Gaudreau
Winterton-Meyers-Melanson

Dunn-Larsson
Oleksiak-Montour
Evans-Lindgren

Grubauer
Daccord

Healthy Scratched: Cale Fleury, Josh Mahura.
Injured: Matt Murray

Blues projected lines:

Schenn-Dvorsky-Snuggerud
Neighbours-Buchnevich-Kyrou
Holloway-Suter-Berggren
Toropchenko-Finley-Walker

Broberg-Parayko
Tucker-Faulk
Fowler-Mailloux

Hofer
Binnington

Image

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.