Shaquille O'Neal details what went into him signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
When Shaquille O’Neal went to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996, he knew he was about to become the NBA’s highest-paid player, but didn’t know what would come after.
O’Neal appeared as a guest on “Full Send Podcast,” where he detailed the events that resulted in him signing with the Lakers, while meeting with Hall of Fame general manager Jerry West.
“Jerry West met me in a hotel. He said, ‘I got some good news and some bad news,” O’Neal said. “I said, ‘What’s the bad news?’ He said, ‘I can’t get you the $150 [million] you asked for, but I can get you $120 million, and I got some movie deals signed up for you that’ll come up to $180 million.”
Shaquille O’Neal details what made him sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. X/@cptdankkkShaquille O’Neal in an NBA game for the Lakers. New York Post
O’Neal said that after he heard the number, he told West, “S—t let me see that contract,” and couldn’t believe seeing the figure on the paper.
Once the ink dried on the paper, O’Neal was about to begin an eight-year stretch on one of the most dominant eras of basketball.
“And as I’m signing, he puts his hand on my shoulder. He said, ‘Let me tell you something, I just got this kid; in two or three years, you and him are going to win a lot of championships,” O’Neal said. “I’m like, yeah, okay, because I’m trying to sign. He was talking about Kobe.”
O’Neal and Bryant went on to become one of the greatest duos to grace the game of basketball as the two went on to three-peat NBA championships from 2000-2002.
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal as teammates on the Lakers. REUTERS
O’Neal was the Finals MVP in all three of those series and was also the league MVP in 2000, when he averaged 28.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.8 blocks per game.
The chemistry between O’Neal and Bryant was simple. O’Neal did the dirty work, while Bryant showed the flash.
In the playoffs, teams struggled to contain the two as Bryant would average 22.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game while playing alongside O’Neal.
The marriage of Bryant and O’Neal eventually ended in divorce when O’Neal left the Lakers and joined the Miami Heat in 2004.
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The Yankees go all-out with a 'Seinfeld' theme for 'Summer of George' night.
The “Summer of George” has again returned to Yankee Stadium — and this time it’s more comprehensive than ever.
The Yankees hosted their third annual “Seinfeld” bobblehead giveaway during their game against the Astros on Thursday.
The first 18,000 fans received a bobblehead of George Costanza holding a calzone, inspired by the “Seinfeld” episode “The Calzone,” where Costanza goes on a pursuit of the food.
The George Costanza bobblehead that the first 18,000 fans received at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 27, 2026. X/ @jweis04
In addition to the bobblehead this year, the Yankees are offering an eggplant calzone for the game, along with a “Hovering Angel” chocolate eclair sundae, referencing Costanza defending eating the dessert from the trash during the episode “The Gymnast” by saying it was “hovering like an angel.”
As expected, this season’s Costanza bobblehead drew enormous lines outside Yankee Stadium, even with the game delayed due to storms in the area.
Videos show hundreds of spectators lined up with umbrellas and ponchos in their attempts to dodge the raindrops while waiting outside for the bobblehead.
Fans could also get a calzone in the spirit of “Seinfeld.” X / @YankeesAn eclair was also available at Yankee Stadium. X / @Yankees
“We come up with the idea on our end,” Craig Cartmell, the Yankees’ senior associate director of marketing, promotions, stadium events and broadcast marketing, told Newsday, “and then we work with the vendor, and the vendor goes to Warner Brothers to get their approval.
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“Part of that process is Warner Brothers reaches out to Jason Alexander to make sure he’s fine with it.”
Speedy Claxton takes pride in every aspect of the job.
The Hofstra men’s head basketball coach was one of hundreds of athletic department workers and student-athletes helping to move the university’s new students into their dorms Thursday.
“The families, they thank us so much, and they even try to tip us,” Claxton told The Post.
Speedy Claxton helps at Hofstra’s move-in. Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics and Alexis FriedmanSpeedy Claxton helps at Hofstra’s move-in. Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics and Alexis Friedman
“We get our hands dirty. We go, load our carts,” added the coach who brought Hofstra to its first March Madness game in a quarter century.
The warm-welcome tradition that the players and coaches get into works as a two-way street. Claxton said newcomers gladly return the favor by showing up in the stands later in the year.
“Once they come to one or two games, I think they’ll like it,” Claxton said.
Speedy Claxton helps at Hofstra’s move-in. Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics and Alexis Friedman
“And they’ll keep coming.”
‘Pretty’ big day
No neigh-sayers here.
Bethpage Polo at the Park is gearing up for its most lavish match of the year Sunday — Pretty Women Day, where fans have been dressing as Julia Roberts from the 1990s classic rom-com for more than a decade.
“It’s probably the most popular Sunday of the year. Everybody dresses to the nines. A lot of them wear the brown polka-dot dress she wore,” player George Fox told The Post.
“Even one of our umpires wears polka-dots.”
You’ll hear plenty of diehards imitating Roberts character, Vivian, by doing a “woot woot woot!” at 3 p.m. inside Bethpage State Park.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illinois men’s basketball team is adding a new face to the fold, as transfer guard Quentin McCoy joins the roster as a late addition.
McCoy’s an in-state add, as he grew up in Chicago and played his high school basketball at Lindblom Math and Science Academy.
The latest in Illinois head coach Brad Underwood’s group of “Everyday Guys,” McCoy spent his first two seasons of college hoops with the Arizona State Sun Devils, yet only played in nine total games for the team.
In his college career, the young guard only attempted one shot, so he’s coming to Champaign as a bit of a fresh canvas.
As for his measurables, he comes in at 6’3” and 175 pounds according to Illinois men’s basketball’s announcement.
McCoy joins a pretty stacked group of guards on the Illini’s roster, including Andrej Stojakovic, Quentin Coleman, Stefan Vaaks, Lincoln Williams, Blake Fagbemi, Lucas Morillo and Ethan Brown.
Based on the social media graphic put out by the team, it appears as though McCoy will wear No. 5, last worn by guard AJ Redd last season.
More than a month after former Cowboys quarterback and CBS broadcaster Tony Romo was arrested for suspicion of operating while intoxicated in Milwaukee, the authorities have filed three new citations against him.
Via TMZ, the district attorney has charged Romo with first-offense operating while intoxicated, unsafe passing on the right side, and possessing open intoxicants in his vehicle.
Romo was placed on leave by CBS eight days after the arrest, which created multiple bodycam videos that created a general bad look for Romo. CBS has elevated J.J. Watt to replace Romo on the network's top broadcast team, and it seems to be a move that will cover the entire season.
Romo has four years left on his CBS contract, at a total payout of $72 million. CBS could try to terminate the deal for cause, owing him nothing. Romo would surely fight such a move. A settlement for something less than the full amount is always possible.
American musician Dolly Parton peforms on the Oprah Winfrey television show, Chicago, Illinois, February 11, 1992. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
DIAMONDBACKS
GIANTS
Lars Nootbaar – DH
Drew Gilbert – RF
Corbin Carroll – RF
Rafael Devers – 1B
Gabriel Moreno – C
Bryce Eldridge – DH
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Jonah Cox – CF
Max Kepler – LF
Turner Hill – LF
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Shay Whitcomb – 3B
Tim Tawa – 1B
Drew Cavanaugh – C
Ildemaro Vargas – 2B
Christian Koss – SS
Ryan Waldschmidt – CF
Nate Furman – 2B
Jose Cabrera – RHP
Landen Roupp – RHP
Roster moves
The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ 40-man roster is at 39.
Recalled from Triple-A Reno: RHP José Cabrera
Optioned to Triple-A Reno following yesterday’s game: RHP Drey Jameson
The first of an expected flurry of moves for this series, what with the sudden double-header on Saturday, and the need for further starting pitchers. First up is Cabrera, who made four starts for Arizona leading up to the All-Star break. They were… just about okay, I suppose. A 5.60 ERA, but that was suppressed by throwing five shutout innings in his major-league debut. Once word got around, the three which followed were considerably less effective, allowing 11 ER over 12.2 innings. A big factor was a K:BB there of just 9:7, as major-league hitters simply laid off his pitches. Doing a better job there will be key tonight in San Francisco.
The series with the Cubs is in the books, and it went well for the D-backs in their wild-card race, combined with results elsewhere. Both the Phillies and Padres lost their series to teams below them in the standings, while Arizona beat a team above them. That closed the gaps to three and one games respectively, and also put a significant dent in the strength of schedule remaining. Now, the Phillies have far and away the toughest stretch run: ranked #3 with a .525 average opponent’s record. The Padres are about even, #16 at .499. But with the Cubs now crossed off, the D-backs have dropped to 24th, at just .485.
Of Arizona’s 28 remaining games, only 9 are against teams above them in the standings (series against the Yankees, Phillies and Padres). They also face the Marlins, who are above .500, at 68-66. But the remaining sixteen games are against sides with losing records. Those start with the four-game series here against San Francisco, while they won’t get to start Eduardo Rodriguez, I’d love for Arizona to take three of the four contests. Meanwhile, the Phillies have today off, before starting a series on the road against the Angeles tomorrow. And the Padres are similarly traveling, but face a tough set against the AL best Rays in Tampa. It’s a good chance for the D-backs to close ground there.
[Dollywood Day #3, for as long as the D-backs keep winning. Dolly Parton peforms on the Oprah Winfrey television show, Chicago, Illinois, February 11, 1992.]
Mar 14, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; The ACC championship game logo is seen on a basketball prior to the men's ACC Conference Tournament Championship between the Virginia Cavaliers and the Duke Blue Devils at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
After the Big Ten, the SEC, and the Big 12 acted earlier this week, the ACC has joined the movement to ban pro athletes from returning to college.
In the ACC’s case, this applies to the NFL, the NBA, and the WNBA. The Big Ten applied its rule strictly to the NFL, while the SEC moved to ban people from the NBA, WNBA, and NFL, and the Big 12 just banned it all. You professional rowers who thought you were coming back to Oklahoma State? You can suck it!
It would probably be good if the Power 4 coordinated and got the same rule across the board, but at least everyone is mostly on the same page: there is a difference between professional and collegiate athletics.
Here’s what Duke football coach Manny Diaz had to say about Thursday’s move by the ACC:
“I don’t blame the players. I don’t blame the individual schools because no one’s breaking a rule. But if something doesn’t pass the smell test, then why don’t the grown-ups in the room be the grown-ups in the room and let’s just say that’s not something that we stand for.
“They’re kicking somebody off who has gone through summer conditioning and an offseason program, and I think there’s morale issues. There’s real-life consequence. This is not pro sports where we check the waiver wire and we just cut a dude and bring a dude in. I’d be curious to see what’s actually happening at all these schools. Not just the NFL guys, all the other eligibility cases. Did that take somebody’s spot or not?”
Well put. Now we sit back and await the next wave of lawsuits.
Update – the Big East will monitor the situation, but has not followed the Power Four and moved against pro athletes returning to college competition.
And with their payroll $8.1 million from the NBA’s $209 million first-apron threshold, they’re hard-capped for the 2026-27 season. With their roster already having 16 players signed to guaranteed contracts, the Lakers’ options for other roster additions are limited.
But they still have clear needs with a month before training camp kicks off.
With Jonathan Kuminga going to the Timberwolves, the Lakers will have to pivot to other options. Getty Images
The Lakers’ tradable draft picks are limited: They own their own 2033 second-round draft pick; they possess a pair of second-round picks from the Wizards in 2031 and 2032 after swapping Deandre Ayton for Jaden Hardy; and the lone first-round pick they’re able to outright swap in a trade is in 2032.
Outside of that, their other trade assets are mostly players who could be on expiring contracts if their team options for 2027-28 are declined (such as Hardy and Dalton Knecht).
These limitations, in addition to a big man market that has a high demand but low supply of quality options, are why the Lakers don’t have many trade options for big man depth.
But if they decided to go that route, two potential targets would be Bucks center Jericho Sims and Bulls big man Jalen Smith.
Milwaukee Bucks center Jericho Sims’ skill set around the rim is intriguing. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
The 6-foot-10, 250-pound Sims fits the athletic, rim-running big man that’s an ideal fit next to superstar guard Luka Doncic. He’s a strong finisher and rebounder, especially on the offensive glass.
And with Sims, 27, slated to be the third big man behind Myles Turner and Kel’el Ware in Milwaukee, the Bucks may be willing to trade Sims and his expiring $2.8 million salary to another team.
The 6-8 Smith, who’s coming off a career year in Chicago (10.2 points, 6.7 rebounds) would provide the outside shooting Sims lacks. And despite being undersized for a traditional center, he’s capable of playing at the 4 and 5, which would open up versatile offensive lineups for the Lakers.
Jalen Smith (25) of the Chicago Bulls would provide frontcourt versatility if the Lakers traded for him. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Big man free-agent targets
After the Heat picked up Nick Richards on a veteran’s minimum contract on Thursday, the list of free- agent big men became even shorter and more bleak.
The most significant option for the Lakers could be Dwight Powell, the 6-10, 35-year-old big man who was teammates with Doncic for 6 ½ seasons in Dallas.
Notably, Powell has played the most games as a teammate alongside Doncic (389) among the 98 players Doncic has played alongside in his eight-year NBA career.
Besides Powell, the other realistic options are veteran journeymen Drew Eubanks, Bismack Biyombo and Mason Plumlee — demonstrating the lack of quality big man free-agent targets.
Former Mavericks center Dwight Powell has played the most NBA games as a teammate of Luka Doncic’s than anyone else in Doncic’s eight-year career. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Wing trade targets
Trade options for a wing/forward who can step in as a reliable rotation player — let alone a starter — without jeopardizing the Lakers’ potential access to the mid-level exception next summer is limited.
Kings forward De’Andre Hunter and Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma, who was with the Lakers from 2017-21 and won the 2020 championship with the franchise, stand out as the best trade options.
Could Kyle Kuzma and the Lakers reunite? Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Hunter ($24.9 million) and Kuzma ($20.5 million) are entering the final season of their respective four-year, $90 million deals.
Trading for either would likely require the Lakers to send a combination of Hardy, Knecht or Jarred Vanderbilt, in addition to draft picks.
The Lakers previously had interest in trading for Hunter ahead of the deadline in February before the Cavaliers sent him to the Kings as part of a three-team deal with the Bulls.
There isn’t any known current interest in Hunter or Kuzma from the Lakers’ side, but they would likely be their best external backup options this summer with Kuminga no longer available.
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New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler reacts while pitching against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (JASON SZENES/ NY POST)
A four-game series against the Red Sox this weekend stands to be pivotal for the Yankees.
For Cam Schlittler, however, every game against the Red Sox is notable.
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That’s just the way it’ll always be for the American League Cy Young Award favorite, who grew up roughly 30 miles from Fenway Park and has taken on the role as Yankees villain in a near yearlong feud with Boston fans following his historic performance against the club in their AL wild-card series last season.
The bad blood, of course, stems from fans hurling death threats and trolling Schlitter and his family on social media in the leadup to the postseason clash.
The 25-year-old, who will start Friday to open the series, is used to it at this point.
“It’s never stopped,” Schlitter said Thursday of Red Sox fans harassing him online ahead of the Yankees series finale against the Astros. “Whether it’s comments on my posts or my messages or Twitter or whatever it is, or messaging people in my family, it’s always been there. It hasn’t stopped at all. I don’t expect it to stop. I feel like I probably created that issue.
“I could have easily just thrown last year and not said anything, but it didn’t feel right to not say anything.”
Playoff position will be on the line as the rivalry is reignited in The Bronx this weekend, with the Red Sox sitting 2 ½ games behind the Yankees in the AL wild-card standings.
The last time these teams met, when the Red Sox swept the series in June, Boston was 15 ½ games back. Since then, they have been one of the hottest teams in baseball. They completely turned their season around, rattling off multiple lengthy winning streaks to close the gap with the rest of the league.
New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
After Ryan Weathers landed on the 15-day injured list with a low-grade left forearm flexor strain, the Yankees also pushed back Schlittler’s scheduled start to line up with the Boston series.
Asked if that was by design or happenstance, Schlitter sounded like he was all for taking the game.
“I was prepared to throw [Thursday against Houston]. Obviously, I pushed that back,” he said. “There’s some decisions to be made. I think the way it pans out over the weekend, we’re in a good spot. I think it was better for Elmer [Rodríguez] to throw [Wednesday], and he obviously pitched very well, so he put us in a good spot. That’s really all you can ask for out of a rookie. I think it lines up.
New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler reacts while pitching against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, Thursday, April 23, 2026. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
“We got our guys going against Boston, and it’s an important series. I was fine with it. I think I was going to have a seven-day [gap between starts] no matter what after the Cali trip, anyway, so I guess it’s good to just get that out of the way.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he foresaw just how good the Red Sox were during their last series in Boston, where the Yanks were outscored by a combined 21-9 through the four games.
Having their breakout star pitcher on the mound with a chip on his shoulder, the Yankees hope to keep a hot Red Sox team at bay.
The last time Schlittler faced his hometown team, he gave up five hits over five innings while allowing four runs — but none earned as the Yankees committed four errors on the way to a loss. While that series isn’t in the back of his mind much, Schlittler always has some extra juice for the Red Sox.
“I think it’s just easier [to have that competitive spirit]. Just being from there and the way the fans treated me last year and then into this year, I feel like it’s just easier to get going a little bit,” Schlitter said. “I still respect all the guys over there and everything, but I feel like just being from there makes it easier to kind of be a little more competitive. I don’t really have to search for it as much. It’s just kind of right there in front of me.”
Nacua is awaiting the ruling on a potential suspension after what’s been an egregious offseason of choices by him. The timing comes at the end of the NFL preseason, the same time when most NFL fans conduct their fantasy football drafts.
Puka Nacua practicing with the Los Angeles Rams during NFL training camp. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
ESPN currently has Nacua listed as wide receiver two, behind Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, but if he is suspended, team owners might be reluctant to take him in the first round, which could mean he could become the steal of your draft if he falls to the second round.
Nacua has gone from fantasy football long shot to finishing as last year’s wide receiver one, when he led the league in receptions (129), and finished second in yards (1,715) and in the top ten for touchdowns (10), scoring 375 points in most ESPN fantasy football leagues.
The risk of taking Nacua with a top pick is extremely high, but the good part is his position comes with flexibility, as wide receivers are viewed as indispensable in fantasy football.
It’s unknown how long Nacua could be suspended, which raises the biggest question on if it’s worth selecting him. But if it’s not for the long term, it could be a risk worth taking, as the wide receiver position is seamlessly indispensable and filled with depth.
Owners could look to add another wideout after selecting Nacua by targeting players like Eagles’ Devonta Smith and Broncos’ Jaylen Waddle — who will be wide receiver one for their respective teams this season.
Los Angeles Rams’ Puka Nacua standing alongside his teammate, Davantae Adams. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Owners could also look to pivot towards a young rookie, such as Titans receiver Carnell Tate, who could emerge as wide receiver one for the Tennessee Titans this year — depending on how Calvin Ridley performs.
Alongside Tate, his fellow rookie, Makai Lemon, is another intriguing name that could be selected in the later rounds of the draft, as he will play a similar role in the Eagles’ revamped offense under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.
Last month, Pasadena (Calif.) John Muir got a late jolt to its 2026 football roster as quarterback Kaiden Agbunag transferred in from Tempe (Ariz.) McClintock. The signal-caller was not available for the Mustangs in their season-opener, however.
The sophomore had not yet cleared the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section (CIF-SS) transfer portal, keeping him on the sidelines as Muir lost 20-6 to Bonita to begin the campaign 0-1. Agbunag now looks to be in line to make his debut this week.
A season-ending knee injury held Agbunag to just one game as a freshman for McClintock last fall. In that game, he completed 15 of 21 passes for 127 yards and three touchdowns against Camelback. Finally, he’s set to get back on the field.
Agbunag has already stacked offers from Colorado, Sacramento State, Abilene Christian, Georgia State, Hawaii and Tulane. He’ll now look to bolster his stock as a sophomore. Entering this week, Muir is the No. 220 team in California, per the Rivals Composite Rankings.
John Muir brings back a talented wide receiver room this upcoming season with 2027 wideout Deveon Blaylock (570 yards, 11 touchdowns) and 2028 Noah Bozeman (580 yards, seven touchdowns). Last fall, the Mustangs went 9-2.
More about John Muir High School
“John Muir High School is a diverse educational institution in Pasadena, California, serving around 936 students. Known for its Early College Magnet program, it offers students opportunities to earn college credit while completing their high school education. The school emphasizes academic achievement, creativity, and athletic participation. With a supportive community and a range of extracurricular activities, John Muir fosters a positive environment that encourages student engagement and development in various fields, including sports.”
How to Follow California High School Football
For California high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Golden State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across California.
Los Angeles is still awaiting a verdict on whether Puka Nacua will be suspended this season because of his offseason transgressions. The decision could arrive at any moment, and the expectation is that it will come sooner rather than later so that the Rams can prepare to play games without him.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is still awaiting a decision regarding his potential suspension due to offseason transgressions. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
This is why the Atwell trade speaks volumes: He spent his whole career in Rams coach Sean McVay‘s offense before signing with the Miami Dolphins in free agency this offseason. A brand-new receiver wouldn’t be able to memorize LA’s playbook between now and the Rams’ regular-season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 10.
The Rams reuniting with Atwell doesn’t necessarily guarantee that Nacua will be suspended; perhaps LA wanted to bring Atwell back because it liked having him around. But it would make a lot of sense as a potential insurance plan if Nacua’s suspension arrives.
And if the Rams are expecting a suspension for Nacua, how long would it last?
Nacua seen outside a rehab facility in Malibu, Calif. in March. Nacua has been accused of making antisemitic remarks and biting a woman. London Entertainment for CA Post
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter specifically mentioned earlier this month that Nacua might not be available for the Rams’ regular-season opener. Schefter likely wouldn’t have said this publicly if he had not heard of the possibility of at least a one-game suspension.
Past precedent also suggests a one- or two-game suspension might be the most likely outcome for Nacua.
In 2018, Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham was suspended for one game for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. He was arrested on suspicion of battery/aggravated assault, completed a deferred prosecution program and then had the case closed.
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham, who faced similar misconduct allegations, was previously suspended for one game. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Every case is different, of course, and just because Bradham’s situation is similar to Nacua’s doesn’t mean the Rams star will also be suspended for one game.
Nacua might avoid suspension altogether if the league decides the available evidence doesn’t warrant a violation. Or Nacua could be suspended for several games if the NFL decides the physical nature of Nacua’s allegations — combined with his other offseason shenanigans — warrants a stiffer punishment.
Nacua may avoid suspension altogether if the league decides the available evidence doesn’t warrant a violation. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Jameis Winston was suspended for three games in 2018 after the NFL concluded he touched an Uber driver in a sexual manner without consent. Winston wasn’t criminally charged, and there was no police report of the incident. But the NFL’s private investigation deemed a three-game suspension was valid, which could be the same path forward for Nacua.
Unfortunately, Rams fans can only bide their time until a decision is made. If Nacua misses some games, fans can expect Atwell to receive opportunities until the former returns.
However, if the Rams thought Nacua might miss significant time with a suspension, perhaps they would have added a more impactful receiver than someone who caught six passes last season.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Typically, August is considered the real dog days of summer in the NBA with news and rumors at a premium while everyone resets for a new season.
That led to plenty of questions in our latest mailbag as well. So, let’s dive into it!
Is a trade still in the pipeline? Bronny? Hardy? Knecht? If so, what type of player should they look for and which ones are realistic to get.
Or is this it, and who is going to be cut? — Walter Burns
I don’t expect a signing, but I still think there’s going to be a trade. At the very least, the Lakers are going to look hard for one.
The problem is, when you look around the league, it’s tough to find a deal. The list of teams with an open roster spot is small and there are multiple teams in the same position as the Lakers in needing to trim their roster.
If it comes down to cutting someone, I imagine Dalton Knecht or Jaden Hardy are at the front of the line, and more likely the former considering he isn’t under contract for next season.
If it’s a trade, it’s going to be hard to find a starting-caliber forward with the relatively limited assets available to LA. Saddiq Bey, for example, is a popular name, but is he a nailed-on starter for the Lakers? If anything, I think we could see a trade for a backup center and the team making due for that fifth starter.
I’d expect Knecht and Hardy to be the package shipped around. That gets you into a salary range that you can find a useful player and, if any team is willing, gives them a lottery ticket with Knecht.
Although the signings of Mamu, Grimes, and Walker (and the extension for Austin) raised valid concerns about contract length, did Pelinka also give JJ some needed continuity and buy-in the team has lacked for a while? — Plain Fiction
I think this was an important and deliberate move this offseason. Remember last year that Redick made a point to talk about how many players were in contract years and the struggles of getting them to buy in when they’re thinking about their next deal.
Now, the team’s core is under contract for multiple years and can grow together alongside Redick. It doesn’t change some of the concerns about that core, but it should be a lot easier to get buy-in when everyone knows they’ll be around for multiple seasons.
What do you think will be JJ’s biggest challenge this season? — OldSchoolBaller
That’s a great question because I think there will be plenty of legitimate answers. For me, it’ll be building a defense that makes this team a contender.
Offensively, the team will always have a high floor so long as Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are on the floor, and presumably one of them always will be. Defensively, it’s going to take more scheming and work to get this roster to even an average level.
It took quite a bit of time last year, but they eventually got to something decent defensively. With a rim protector like Walker Kessler, it should be more straightforward and, perhaps, easier. But it’ll also unquestionably be a necessity.
What’s the status of JJ’s coaching staff? Are they all returning? Do any of them have new and/or different responsibilities? Any new additions? — Coops Knee Highs
There were no notable changes. Perhaps the benefit of having two veterans as the lead assistants in Scott Brooks and Nate McMillan is that few teams are going to be looking to poach them to be a head coach.
I would say to keep an eye on Lindsey Harding, though, specifically for a WNBA job in their offseason this winter. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Sparks parted ways with Lynne Roberts once their season ends and Harding would make lots of sense.
Is there any reporting on progress on beefing up the scouting and analytics departments? Why would new owners impact that with a different vision or is it just a minor bump? — scooter
Pelinka made it known during his exit interview that they had beefed up these areas, but they weren’t announcing every hire. At the same time, it was also reported that there would be a hiring freeze as they transition from the Mark Walter era to the Bob Iger and Josh Kushner era.
My assumption would be that any other buffing up they had planned is on hold.
What is the impact on the fan experience, if any, from the ownership changes? — Crap
That is one of the complete uncertainties that comes with owners who have never been majority sports owners before. It’s just a guessing game.
But I hope that they lower ticket prices and turn the lights back on during games.
When an owner can make $2 billion on buying and selling a franchise in only 12 months–plus the profits from the year, too, why are we suffering under this wretched hard second apron? — Johnny Tuttle
A bit further down the line but this current CBA runs through the 29-30 season. With the onerous provisions that punished talent retention and team building (2nd Apron), would there/could there/should there be a shift back ? Teams like Denver, Lakers, Boston, Golden State and (soon be teams like OKC, San Antonio) have lost talent due to how punitive it is. — LooseLikeSleeveOfWizard
Won’t someone think of the billionaire owners? They might have to face a big luxury tax bill at the end of the season! Do you even care!?
Those aprons are getting nuked in the next CBA, though. Owners in small markets may like them because they limit owners willing to spend big, but they’re having pretty drastic consequences. Players and agents, meanwhile, really dislike them.
If the union has good leadership heading into the next negotiations, then they’ll take a firm stance against the aprons, at least as presently constructed.
SAN FRANCISCO — “I think he’s starting to come out of his shell more and more.”
If you were to quess which Giants player that Tony Vitello quote was about, without already having read the headline of this article, Drew Gilbert might be the absolute last person you would have guessed.
San Francisco’s young outfielder, who captured the attention of both fans locally and across MLB with his high-energy play and, well, bizarre, dugout antics last season, is evolving as a player — and leader — on the field this season.
With so many injuries this season, and a handful of departures at the MLB trade deadline, Gilbert has become a mainstay in Giants lineups throughout the second half of a lost 2026 MLB season and is thriving at the plate, specifically in the leadoff spot as he aims to secure a prominent role next season.
With a solo home run and two RBI in San Francisco’s 6-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday at Oracle Park, Gilbert is batting .353 with three home runs, seven extra-base hits, 13 RBI and a 1.165 OPS over his last 10 home games, while slashing .400/.438/.800 with two home runs and six RBI out of the leadoff spot this season.
His success as of late has put the spotlight back on himself, and some fans have noticed fewer, if any at all, of the odd, viral celebratory moments that made him such a fan favorite last season after being acquired in a trade with the New York Mets on July 30, and even earlier this season.
“I want to be a good, winning player for the Giants,” Gilbert said. “That’s my number one goal, it always has been. I didn’t want to get it lost in the shuffle that term maybe I’m this fun, energy guy. But really, that’s not my goal. I feel like I bring more of an intensity because that’s really who I am. Like a competitive intensity.”
From being choked out by Matt Chapman in the dugout after his teammate homered to other unexplainable antics, a then-rookie Gilbert certainly seemed to have fully burst out of his shell immediately after arriving to his new team.
Then there was the famous thrust controversy earlier this season, where one of the Giants outfielders’ postgame win celebrations went viral, for obvious reasons, before the team asked them to stop doing it.
Moments like those, where Gilbert again found himself at the center of goofy on-field antics, were what Vitello believes might have played somewhat of a role in Gilbert’s slightly tamer demeanor as of late.
“I’m willing to bet there’s been moments at the beginning of the year, or even last year, where he was a little too wacky and putting energy into buckets that weren’t intelligent, or the best for him, but I think he’s finding that balance now of “How can I do this every day at the intensity level I want to and help the team?’ Vitello said postgame on Thursday.
“I think there’s good personality coming out. I talked with Buster [Posey] and [senior vice president and assistant general manager Jeremy Shelley] today about his unique style of leadership. We need it. And he doesn’t have to get permission from anyone to do it, he just needs to be himself. He may not be doing as many quirky things, but he’s playing with a level of intensity that’s good.”
At least behind the scenes, Gilbert’s personality and his relationships with his teammates have not changed.
“Drew’s been the same guy since he got over here,” infielder Christian Koss said. “I think it’s hard when the lulls we had in the beginning of the season, it’s hard to be super outgoing and energetic with the turmoil we were facing, but he’s showed up to the park every day, he’s brought his energy, I think now you’re just seeing it flourish a little more with the ballgames we’ve been in, but he’s as consistent as it gets.”
So how has someone so high energy, outgoing, and seemingly very comfortable in his own skin just now break out of his shell?
Vitello alluded to Gilbert, earlier in the season, possibly feeling somewhat anxious to speak up, and even fully embrace his personality, especially when the team is losing so many games and the rare fun on-field moments, like the postgame celebrations, generate so much attention to where the conversation surrounding the team is “blown out of proportion,” as Vitello described it.
While there might have been times when Gilbert’s infectious energy was slightly misplaced, as Vitello mentioned, the young outfielder, who has been an energizing force on the field, in the dugout and in the locker room, is proving he can maintain a balance the team needs for the rest of this season and in the future.
I wish Enes Kanter Freedom did not take the bait from Chicago Sky’s Natasha Cloud.
During a game last week against the Indiana Fever, she shouted vulgar comments at the former NBA player, who was sitting in the crowd behind the basket.
Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) yells at Turkish-American former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom during the second half against the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
He chirped back and showed off his massive wingspan and his T-shirt, emblazoned with the definition of the word “woman” (“adult human. female”).
Kanter Freedom was booted — and promptly became the story.
Critics have said that he’s using the protect women’s sportsmovement for clout. But some are using him to rewrite history.
Former basketball player Enes Kanter Freedom and Natasha Cloud of the Chicago Sky yelled at one another during a Fever Sky matchup. Though Cloud started the interaction, Kanter Freedom was booted. Getty Images
That’s ironic because, just a few sentences later, Brewer excluded all the women who are fighting this very battle.
“If the trans athlete debate were an organic, fully woman-led controversy, it could have prompted meaningful conversation, empathy in the pursuit of solutions and thoughtful measures taken after an extended process,” he wrote.
Either he been living under a rock or he’s willfully ignorant. My money is on the latter.
From the start, this has been an “organic, fully women-led” movement. Unfortunately, the ladies who have stuck their necks out haven’t been met with “empathy” or “meaningful conversation.”
In his column for The Athletic, Jerry Brewer ridiculously argues that if only the “trans athlete debate were an organic, fully women-led controversy” it would be treated thoughtfully.
They’ve been berated, dismissed and called transphobic.
It’s easier for the hypocritical be-kind brigade to call these women names instead of dealing with biological reality that shatters their bizarre progressive ideology.
Just ask the four high-school girls from Connecticut who, in 2020, after suddenly being smoked on the track by two boys identifying as girls, filed a lawsuit saying the boys’ participation was a Title IX violation.
It was tossed before being revived on appeals three years later.
Washington teen Ahnaleigh Wilson (left), who was bested in track by a male athlete, was berated by Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton for holding a sign thanking Sophie Cunningham for standing up for girls. Arwen Becker/ Instagram
Then came Riley Gaines, who was forced to compete against and change in a locker room with UPenn’s Lia Thomas. She came out against the obvious farce and was immediately slammed as a bigot and harassed by a mob of activists at San Francisco University.
On an episode of “Real Time with Bill Maher,” then-Congresswoman Katie Porter said Gaines was doing it for the “likes and clicks.”
To this day, the 12-time All-American is mocked by critics as a bitter loser.
Jennifer Sey, a former Levi’s executive and US gymnast who founded the activewear company XX XY, has also been called a right-wing grifter for speaking up for girls.
Paula Scanlan, a former teammate of Lia Thomas at the University of Pennsylvania, accused the university of silencing student athletes who had concerns about Thomas’ presence on the women’s swim team. Twitter / Matt Walsh
In February, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham was asked about males in women’s sports by an ESPN reporter. Her very compassionate and common-sense comments about protecting women’s sports led to her being called — say it with me now — a transphobe.
When this all started, many of these women tied themselves into knots to explain that they love trans people but biological differences are real. And in sports, that matters.
But no amount of throat-clearing saved them from being attacked by activists screaming that “trans women are women” and, therefore, entitled to women’s spaces.
Many, many people quietly agree with Cunningham and Scanlan and Gaines. But they see what happens to people who raise their voice.
Does Brewer know about the middle-school girls in West Virginia who were banned from competition after protesting a male participant? Has he heard about the Vermont high-school basketball team punished for forfeiting a game against a school with a male on the team? How about marathoner Natalie Daniels, who was harassed and kicked out of her running club after criticizing the Boston Marathon for allowing males who identify as women to compete in the female category?
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham spoke out for fairness — saying she is against males in women’s sports. Getty Images
He should read up on Washington high schoolers Francis Staudt and Ahnaleigh Wilson.
Staudt faced harassment for sitting out a hoops match against a team with a male player. Wilson, who was beaten in track by a biological male, found herself berated at a Seattle Storm game by co-owner Celeste Keaton after she dared to hold up a sign thanking Cunningham.
“Our decision to speak up has been costly,” they wrote for The Hill this week. “We have been called hateful, transphobic, bigots and bullies. We have both been harassed online and in person.”
There are far too many brave chicks to count. In fact, at many points in this debate, I have asked: Where are the dudes? Why won’t they help?
This has always been an organic fight from women. Brewer, like many in sports media, just didn’t want to listen.
