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Trade Rumors Roundup: Latest on Andre Wiggins, Naji Marshall, deadline expectations

Nov 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić (77) moves the ball against Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images | Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

The Lakers always find themselves near the center of trade rumors regardless of the state of the team or the situation.

This year, there’s plenty of reason for them to be surrounded by rumors. A flawed roster and a competitive Western Conference have upped the pressure on the Lakers to make a move.

Will that pressure lead to a trade actually being made? It feels unlikely, both because of a lack of trade assets and a barren market. And with two targets in Keon Ellis and De’Andre Hunter already being dealt, it slimmed the market even more.

So, let’s dive into the latest updates on those available, unavailable and the expectations of the Lakers in coming days.

Backing off De’Andre Hunter

The Lakers were involved, to some degree, with Hunter before he was dealt to the Kings in a truly confounding move. The interest may have been real at the start, but once the asking price was revealed, the Lakers backed away.

On Monday, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints revealed that the trade package of Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht in which the Cavs were asking for was too much without getting more in return.

The Lakers had been going back and forth on a package that would’ve involved Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht being traded for Hunter. The idea of including at least one other team had come up in discussions between the Cavs and Lakers, with the Brooklyn Nets being mentioned by league sources as a team willing to take on salary for draft picks.

Although the Lakers did hold a level of interest in Hunter’s skills as a 3-and-D wing, the idea of flipping Hachimura and Knecht for him without receiving any additional assets or draft compensation for the final year of Hunter’s contract was viewed as a negative. This resulted in Los Angeles taking a step back in discussions with Cleveland.

There were rumors of the Lakers being interested in the Nic Claxton of the Nets, so perhaps a framework of a deal that saw them get Hunter and Claxton is something they were seeking. However, with Brooklyn ultimately not being involved in the deal, it appears there wasn’t much traction there with Cleveland or the Nets.

No traction on Andrew Wiggins

Over the summer, Andrew Wiggins was someone connected with the Lakers, though a deal never felt particularly close. However, with the Lakers not having anything more appealing to offer and the Heat eyeing a Giannis Antetokounmpo deal, Siegel also reported that nothing is close.

Elsewhere in the Western Conference, the Lakers are now pressed for time to find a key wing upgrade before the trade deadline, now that Keon Ellis and De’Andre Hunter are off the table. Where do the Lakers go from here with all of their expiring salaries?

Despite continued interest in Andrew Wiggins, the Heat don’t appear to have interest in anything the Lakers have offered.

There is a small possibility the Lakers could get involved in a Heat-Bucks deal for Giannis that re-routes Wiggins to LA, but it would likely require a first rounder, which doesn’t feel likely.

Asking price for Naji Marshall

The last name mentioned by Siegel is yet another player previously linked to the Lakers…and Luka Dončić, for that matter. Naji Marshall is a player who has excelled in Dallas and, at least originally, alongside Luka. Naturally, he makes sense alongside Luka in Los Angeles, but the Mavs have a high asking price for him, according to Siegel.

Naji Marshall is another player being linked to Los Angeles, among other playoff contenders, but Dallas has held a high asking price of a first-round pick for the 28-year-old wing. The Mavs don’t appear eager to trade Marshall over the likes of Gafford, Thompson, and others.

Everyone sure loves to seek out first round picks for everything. At least with Marshall, it makes a bit of sense as he’s guaranteed for a relatively low salary next season, too. But not everyone is worth a first round pick, guys.

Unlikely to make a move

Taking all that into account, it’s probably not a surprise that the belief is the Lakers will do nothing. On Monday morning, Brian Windhorst of ESPN spoke on “Get Up!” about the team’s current negotiations (h/t The Lakers Review/Twitter).

“The trade talks that they have had have largely been offering their expiring contracts. They haven’t been willing to include much of future draft picks or taking on future money. They are basically spinning their wheels waiting to rebuild this team around Luka Dončić.”

Prior to that, he gave his own thoughts on what he expects the team to do at the trade deadline, which is not much.

“I don’t think so because I think you really look and read what the Lakers have actually done over the last months, they’ve been leaning towards retrofitting their team in the summer of 2026…That is when they will get access to three first round picks to trade. Right now, they’re only permitted to trade one.”

Having said all that, this front office is very insulated and, traditionally, very quiet about its actual intentions. Sometimes that results in a shocking trade like Luka, but often that’s meant the team quietly does nothing.

We’re just days away from finding out which way it goes this season.

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

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Penguins Activate Big Defender From Injured Reserve

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced that they have activated defenseman Ryan Graves from injured reserve.

Graves has not played for the Penguins since their Jan. 21 contest against the Calgary Flames with an upper-body injury. However, now that he has been activated off injured reserve, he is officially an option for the Penguins again. 

Graves has appeared in 19 games this season with Pittsburgh, where he has recorded one goal, 15 hits, 35 blocks, and a minus-2 rating. The 6-foot-5 defenseman also has two goals, seven assists, nine points, and a plus-6 rating in 13 games this season with the Penguins' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. 

In 150 games over three seasons with the Penguins, Graves has recorded five goals, 14 assists, 19 points, 162 hits, 250 blocks, and a minus-7 rating. 

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Barry Trotz is retiring as Predators general manager once a successor is found

NHL: NHL Draft

Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators incoming general manager Barry Trotz announces the twenty fourth pick in round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Barry Trotz is retiring as general manager of the Nashville Predators after just under three years on the job but will stay on through the March 6 NHL trade deadline and until a successor is found, playing a role in that process.

Trotz, 63, said Monday he informed majority owner Bill Haslam in December that he intended to step away when his contract expired at the end of the 2026-27 season. The decision is not health-related, and Trotz is expected to remain with the organization as an adviser through that time.

“After some discussion, we elected to begin a search for my replacement now, but I am happy to work in my current role until we make a new hire, however long that might be,” Trotz said.

Haslam aims to have a new GM in place by the draft in late June. He downplayed any disagreement between ownership and Trotz that led to this plan.

“This is about Barry making a life decision and then us together,” Haslam said at a news conference announcing the change. “This has nothing to do with any disagreement with Barry or a reflection of where we are or are not as a team.”

Coach Andrew Brunette told reporters he learned Monday morning that Trotz was stepping down.

“I guessed I was as surprised as everybody else,” Brunette said. “Wasn’t expecting that today.”

Trotz took over control of hockey operations from longtime GM David Poile in the summer of 2023. The Predators made the playoffs the following season after Trotz fired coach John Hynes and hired Brunette to replace him.

After spending $100 million in free agency to sign Stanley Cup champions Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault and defenseman Brady Skjei on July 1, 2024, set expectations high, they were one of the league’s biggest disappointments with 52 losses in 82 games and nowhere close to playoff contention.

“Our goal is to build an organization to win a Stanley Cup and not just make the playoffs,” Trotz said. “That’s been my goal since being here.”

Nashville is in the mix past the midway point of this season but appears to be an organization at a crossroads since Haslam became majority owner last summer. Stamkos still has two years left beyond this one on his contract at a salary cap hit of $8 million, Skjei four more at $7 million and Marchessault three more at $5.5 million.

They and center Ryan O’Reilly are all in their 30s and could be potential trade chips ahead of the deadline or in the offseason.

Whoever follows Trotz could have some big decisions to make on those players and others, pending how he approaches buying, selling or standing pat, along with Brunette and his staff. The core of franchise goaltender Juuse Saros, captain Roman Josi and top forward Filip Forsberg is signed for the foreseeable future, providing a foundation that could win again sooner than later with the right moves around them.

Trotz’s second act with the Predators was much shorter than his first, when he coached them from their inception in 1998 through 2014, bringing respectability and relevancy to an expansion team playing in a so-called nontraditional market. He moved on to Washington and was behind the bench when the Capitals won the Cup in 2018 and spent four seasons coaching the New York Islanders before returning to Nashville.

“At a time when many were questioning Sun Belt expansion, Barry, together with David Poile, established the Nashville Predators as a model NHL franchise,” Predators CEO Sean Henry said. “More recently, Barry has spent nearly three years working tirelessly as our general manager to position the Predators for several years of success, ensuring the organization has all the necessary tools in place to build a long-term winner in today’s NHL, placing an emphasis on the welfare of every player in our system.”

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Offseason open thread: February 2

Shortstop Walt Weiss (TOP) of the Atlanta Braves completes a double play over Tino Martinez of the New York Yankees 23 October 1999 during game one of the 1999 World Series at Turner Field in Atlanta, GA. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO/DON EMMERT (Photo by Don EMMERT / AFP) (Photo by DON EMMERT/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

Busy day, huh? The week’s off to an exciting start so far, what with the news about the future of the Braves on TV/streaming, the Braves having their annual Truck Day and our minor league crew getting their preseason prospect rankings underway. Which one was the most exciting part for you so far? The floor is now yours.

Here’s a random clip:

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Why did Deion Sanders douse Tim McCarver with water? He tells his Colorado team

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders told his team about the time he doused baseball broadcaster Tim McCarver with water in October 1992, calling it “wrong” but also saying “God had my back” about it.

Sanders brought up the infamous incident at a recent team meeting in Boulder, as documented by Reach The People Media, one of Sanders’ favored YouTube channels. Sanders told his team it was an example of being able to go back to a “dark place” in your past. He said, “God allows you to go into it so that you can understand who He is and his power and how He can bring you out of nothing and turn it into something.”

Sanders, 58, was playing baseball for the Atlanta Braves when he doused McCarver with tubs of water in the postgame locker room after the Braves won the National League Championship Series that year. He said it was revenge for comments McCarver previously made about Sanders that described Sanders as selfish for leaving the Braves to also play in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. The memory resurfaced for Sanders recently after apparently being asked about it for an upcoming film about Sanders on Netflix.

“My mother had told me this gentleman who just broadcast a game is talking about you real bad,” Sanders told his players. “And, you know, when mama talked to us like that, you act. I'm a Florida boy. Like we act immediately. So after we won the playoffs, I threw two buckets of water, which was wrong. Two buckets of water on him and doused him and doused him and doused him, and dousing them until he, you know, got upset about it. But I was thinking that he should have known his craft.”

Deion Sanders said 'God had my back' after Tim McCarver incident

He blamed McCarver for not doing his “homework” and not knowing Sanders’  contract with the Braves had been set to expire earlier that summer before he worked out a deal that allowed him to help the baseball team in its playoff push. Instead of being portrayed by McCarver as selfish, he said he thought it should have been portrayed as a “wonderful gesture” by him to continue playing with the team.

After dousing McCarver, the Braves advanced to the World Series to play the Toronto Blue Jays. Sanders played well against the Blue Jays, especially against Blue Jays pitcher David Cone. He suggested his success in that series was proof that God has his back about the McCarver incident. He hit .533 overall in that series with five stolen bases, but the Braves lost in six games.

“That hurt,” Sanders said of McCarver’s comments. “That hurt my mom. That hurt me. But lo and behold, God had my back. Why would I say God had my back? Because the opposing team was the Toronto Blue Jays that we played in the World Series had a pitcher on the team named David Cone. David Cone was a great pitcher. He should be in Hall of Fame. But David Cone, my lifelong average against him was about .600.”

Deion Sanders wanted to win MVP so Tim McCarver could interview him

Sanders said he would have been named World Series MVP if the Braves had won.

“But we lost,” Sanders said. “But I wanted to win so bad because that gentleman that was naysaying me (McCarver) would have had to interview me for being the MVP. And that's what I wanted, but it didn’t happen that way. But we got into it.”

McCarver died in 2023 at age 81. After Sanders doused him with water in 1992, he confronted Sanders. “You’re a real man, Deion,” McCarver told him. “I’ll say that.”

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Deion Sanders tells team about Tim McCarver incident in 1992 MLB playoffs

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Red Wings’ Emmitt Finnie Faces First Major Slump As Detroit Suffers Three-Game Skid

The Detroit Red Wings are navigating a mild slump after losing three straight games, and stretches like this often lead to deeper scrutiny of the roster. As the losses add up, certain concerns begin to surface, including the recent struggles of one of the team’s most encouraging young players.

Rookie forward Emmitt Finnie has hit a difficult patch after bursting onto the scene earlier this season. Finnie used his relentless work ethic to unexpectedly earn a spot on the opening-night roster and quickly became a fan favorite, drawing comparisons to a young Henrik Zetterberg, a seventh-round pick who worked his way into becoming an NHL mainstay.

While Finnie has maintained everyday status for much of the year, his recent lack of production has become harder to ignore. Finnie is currently mired in an 18-game goal drought and has recorded just two points during that stretch.

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The skid contrasts sharply with his early-season performance, when he produced 19 points in his first 38 games, an impressive total for any rookie. What initially appeared to be a surprise breakout now looks more like the natural ups and downs of a first-year NHL player adjusting to the grind of a full season.

As a result, Finnie has seen his role reduced. His ice time has dipped, and he has been moved to the third line, where he can learn alongside veterans Mason Appleton and J.T. Compher. Even so, holding a third-line role on an NHL roster remains a significant achievement for a rookie, particularly one selected in the seventh round.

While struggles are expected at this stage of his development, Finnie will eventually need to rediscover the spark that fueled his early success. The last thing Red Wings fans hope to see is a promising young player viewed as a short-term success story or sent down to the AHL if the slump continues, a situation that recently affected his former linemate Nate Danielson.

For now, Finnie’s story is still being written. How he responds to this stretch of adversity may play a major role in shaping both his rookie season and his future with the Red Wings.

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2026 TCU Baseball Season Preview: Tommy LaPour headlines returning pitchers

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 22: Tommy LaPour #49 of the TCU Horned Frogs pitches against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the 2025 Amegy Bank College Baseball Series at Globe Life Field on February 22, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Gunnar Word/Texas Rangers/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Wichita State transfers have fared well with the Horned Frogs.

One year after former Shocker left-hander Payton Tolle transferred to TCU, right-hander Tommy LaPour left the Shockers for the Horned Frogs. LaPour became an ace for TCU, posting an 8-3 record and a 3.09 ERA with 88 strikeouts and 27 walks over 90.2 innings pitched. LaPour, who was named an All-Big 12 First Team honoree and an NCBWA Second-Team All-American last season, headlines the pitchers back for the TCU baseball team.

While LaPour projects as TCU’s top right-hander, Mason Brassfield returns as the team’s most valuable lefty. As a freshman, Brassfield carved out a significant role, finishing 5-2 with a 4.09 ERA over 17 appearances and seven starts. Brassfield, who ranked second on the team in innings (61.2) last season, will look to fill a void vacated by left-handers Braeden Sloan and Ben Abeldt, who were each selected in the 2025 MLB Draft.

TCU’s pitching staff will look quite different in 2026. The Horned Frogs have lost senior right-hander Louis Rodriguez to an elbow injury, while right-handers Cohen Feser, Kole Klecker, Trey Neumann, Jax Traeger, Carson Cormier, Blake Rogers and Mason Bixby all departed for the transfer portal. Caedmon Parker, who opted to return for 2025 after being drafted in 2024, was drafted again in 2025 and is pursuing his professional career.

One player to watch will be Trever Baumler, a sophomore right-hander and outfielder who ranked sixth on the team with 38 innings thrown last season. Baumler had mixed results on the mound, posting a 6.39 ERA over 13 appearances and eight starts. Another player who could earn more innings is left-hander/utility standout Noah Franco. One of the top freshmen in the Big 12 last season, Franco tossed 12.1 innings last year, making three starts in eight appearances. Franco finished with a 7.30 ERA as well as 18 strikeouts and nine walks.

TCU will deploy a multitude of young arms in 2026. Among those are sophomores Tyler Phenow, Kade Eudy, Nate Stern, Zack James and Kaden Smith. Eudy emerged as a reliable closer in the bullpen, notching a 3.75 ERA and earning a team-high six saves last season. Stern quietly became a consistent option in middle relief, leading the team with a 1.35 ERA on 29 strikeouts and 10 walks over 20 innings. James went 3-0 on the season, threw 20 innings and made four starts, while Smith made 14 relief appearances and finished with a 5.25 ERA last season.

Through the transfer portal, TCU brought in senior left-hander Nolan Johnson (North Dakota State) as well as right-handers Tanner Sagouspe (Cal Poly), Ethan Thomas (Hawaii), Lance Davis (Arkansas) and Walter Quinn (Grand Canyon). Johnson brings a wealth of experience from the Summit League, as he played four seasons at NDSU and was named the Summit League Pitcher of the Year in 2025. At NDSU, Johnson made 21 starts as part of 32 appearances, posting a 9-8 record and a 4.27 ERA with 123 strikeouts in 128.2 career innings pitched.

A senior and an All-Big West Honorable Mention in 2024, Sagouspe compiled 62 career appearances over four years at Cal Poly. Sagouspe was 8-6 with 15 career saves and a 4.06 ERA, racking up 120 strikeouts in 99.2 career innings. Thomas arrives as a redshirt sophomore who spent two years at Hawaii, where he made 18 appearances out of the bullpen in 2025. Thomas posted a 3.60 ERA and struck out 37 batters over 25 innings of work.

Quinn received Second-Team All-WAC honors at Grand Canyon in 2025. The senior started his career on Grand Canyon’s club baseball team and left Grand Canyon in 10th place all-time with 12 career saves. Quinn made 54 appearances over three years, recording a 3.21 ERA with 81 strikeouts in 95.1 innings of work. Davis redshirted last season and will be looking to make his collegiate debut with the Horned Frogs this season.

Rounding out the TCU pitching staff will be true freshman Uli Fernsler, a left-hander and a highly-ranked recruit. Ranked by Baseball America as the No. 70 overall prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft, Fernsler was tabbed a first-team high school All-American and earned Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year honors as a senior.

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Mariners acquire Brendan Donovan from Cardinals in three-team trade

The Seattle Mariners, who have been trying to get St. Louis Cardinals utilityman Brendan Donovan since the World Series concluded, finally got their man Monday in a three-way trade that included the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Mariners’ price was steep, giving up two prospects and a draft pick to grab the man who they believe could be the missing piece for their first World Series appearance.

The Cardinals, who are in a massive rebuild, will receive prized pitching prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje and outfield prospect Tai Peete from Seattle; outfield prospect Colton Ledbetter from Tampa; and two Comp B draft picks — the 68th overall from Seattle and the 72nd overall from Tampa.

The Tampa Bays will receive young third baseman Ben Williamson from the Mariners.

Donovan, an All-Star last season and Gold Glove winner in 2022 as a utilityman, headlines the package. While scouts are divided about Donovan’s best position between second base and left field, he is expected to primarily play third base for the Mariners. The reality is that his best position is at the plate. He has a career .282 batting average with a .361 on-base percentage and .411 slugging percentage with 40 homers and 97 doubles with a .772 OPS. He struck out in just 13% of his plate appearances last season.

The acquisition of Donovan, 29, who will be a free agent after 2027, gives the Mariners five players at the top of the lineup who made the All Star team in the past two seasons, joining Julio Rodriguez, Cal Raleigh, Josh Naylor and Randy Arozarena.

For the Cardinals, Donovan represents the last major player to be sent packing in the Cardinals’ massive rebuild. They traded ace Sonny Gray and first baseman Willson Contreras earlier this winter in separate trades to the Boston Red Sox, and Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenando was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Their payroll is expected to be the lowest in the NL Central, dropping below $100 million.

MORE: Ranking all 30 MLB farm systems ahead of the 2026 season

Cijntje, selected with the 15th pick in the 2024 draft, is the best prospect in the trade, ranking as baseball’s 91st-best prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. Cijntje actually throws right-handed and left-handed, but the Mariners were planning to have him pitch exclusively right-handed this spring. Peete was the No. 30 overall pick in the 2023 draft.

The Mariners, who are now AL West favorites, believe this could be the finishing touch to a season to remember.

The Cardinals, who have traded eight players off their major-league roster since last year’s trade deadline, are hoping they have the makings of a team that can be competitive again in a few years.

And for the Rays, they got the right-handed third baseman they’ve been seeking, trying to stay relatively competitive in the loaded AL East.

Follow Bob Nightengale on X @Bnightengale.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brendan Donovan goes to Mariners from Cardinals in three-team trade

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76ers vs Clippers Prediction, Picks & Best Bets for Tonight’s NBA Game

The Los Angeles Clippers have been one of the best teams in basketball since mid-December — especially at home — and they’ll try to carry that over into February when they open the month against the Philadelphia 76ers.

My Clippers vs. 76ers predictions and NBA picks break down why tonight will be no different.

76ers vs Clippers prediction

76ers vs Clippers best bet: Clippers -2 (-110)

The Los Angeles Clippers are an NBA-best 17-4 since mid-December and rank third in net rating during that stretch.

The Philadelphia 76ers didn’t have a bad January either, but their recent wins have come against soft competition, and they rank 26th in defensive rating over the past 10 games.

That means slowing down Kawhi Leonard and James Harden won’t be easy. It’ll be even harder with Joel Embiid banged up and Paul George serving his suspension.

This version of the Clippers has also been a great bet at home, going 10-1 ATS in their last 11 at the Intuit Dome. 

76ers vs Clippers same-game parlay

One reason the Clippers have been better lately is their offense has become more balanced, and John Collins is a part of that.

He's averaging 16.3 points over his last 13 games while topping this number of 14.5 nine times over that stretch.

Meanwhile, I expect VJ Edgecombe to go over his point total thanks to some added opportunities with George sidelined for the next little while. Edgecombe has always logged plenty of minutes, but he'll get more shots up now as well.

76ers vs Clippers SGP

  • Clippers -2
  • John Collins Over 14.5 points
  • VJ Edgecombe Over 12.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Processing load management

Let's add the big boys, Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard, to go Over their point totals as well, as each has been on a tear in recent outings.

76ers vs Clippers SGP

  • John Collins Over 14.5 points
  • Kawhi Leonard Over 24.5 points
  • VJ Edgecombe Over 12.5 points
  • Joel Embiid Over 28.5 points

76ers vs Clippers odds

  • Spread: 76ers +2 | Clippers -2
  • Moneyline: 76ers +110 | Clippers -130
  • Over/Under: Over 220.5 | Under 220.5

76ers vs Clippers betting trend to know

The Clippers have hit the moneyline in 10 of their last 11 home games, good for +10.85 units and a 37% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Clippers.

How to watch 76ers vs Clippers

LocationIntuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
DateMonday, February 2, 2026
Tip-off10:00 p.m. ET
TVPeacock

76ers vs Clippers latest injuries

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Help needed: Time is running out for the Lakers

Heading into the NBA trade deadline, the Lakers are in sixth place in the Western Conference with a record of 29-19, not bad considering LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have only played 140 minutes together because of injuries to James and Reaves. 

We don’t know how good the Lakers could be once that trio develops a rhythm.

But we do know this: The Lakers need help on defense.  

Luka Doncic at Madison Square Garden during the Lakers’ game against the Knicks. JASON SZENES/ NY POST

They’re 25th in defense rating and they’re allowing their opponents to make 68.3 percent of their shots from five feet or less, with only the Jazz and Kings allowing better percentages. 

Remember when Rudy Gobert looked like Shaquille O’Neal in the Lakers’ first-round playoff series against Minnesota last April? Well, that wasn’t an anomaly. 

The Lakers are trying to target a big defensive-minded wing who can patrol the paint as well as spread the court by making 3s. But they’re hampered by being pressed against the first luxury tax apron, they only have a single tradable first-round pick and a single second-round pick and they don’t want to take on contracts past this season. 

But when it comes to the trade deadline, general manager Rob Pelinka is hard to predict. 

He stood pat in 2022 and 2024. But in 2023, he moved Russell Westbrook and acquired six players, which led to the team reaching the Western Conference Finals. Last February, Pelinka helped orchestrate the most shocking trade in NBA history, dealing Anthony Davis for Doncic. 

Lakers head coach JJ Redick yells to his team during the second half against the Clippers. AP

Heading into this year’s trade deadline, if Pelinka makes a move, it will likely be around the margins.

Focusing on the offseason makes the most sense for the Lakers. 

They can create substantial cap space then and make big-time moves to build around  Doncic. They’ll go from having one tradable first-round pick to three at that time. Not to mention, James, Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber and Jaxson Hayes will become unrestricted free agents, while Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart could join them if they decline their player options. 

That said, it would be a shame to waste Doncic’s MVP-caliber campaign this season — as well as potentially James’ final year with the team — by not making a move that would put the Lakers in a position to compete for a championship now. 

LeBron James (drives to the basket against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Lakers had been eyeing De’Andre Hunter and Keon Ellis, but they were just traded for each other as part of a three-team deal. Walker Kessler has been a dream target for a while, but he’s sidelined after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. 

With the dearth of available 3&D players, the Lakers’ restrictions and their long term goals, their options are limited.

New Orleans’ defensive wiz, Herb Jones, would be a great fit, but apparently his asking price is too high and would include two first-round picks. 

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Some other names the Lakers could target include Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall, Donte DiVincenzo and Troy Murphy III.

Some of those players also have steep asking prices, and it remains to be seen whether they’ll come down in the next 72 hours so the Lakers could get a deal done to bolster their defensive presence. 

The Lakers are going to pour their resources into reshaping the team this offseason.

So, until then, Doncic, James and Reaves might have to hope that their offensive becomes so stellar that it can compensate for their defensive holes, unless Pelinka can make something happen by Thursday. 

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Pair Of Canucks Wingers Out Until After The 2026 Winter Olympics

The Vancouver Canucks will be without two of their wingers on this current road trip. According to Head Coach Adam Foote, both Brock Boeser and Nils Höglander will not play in either game this week. The Canucks have two remaining games before the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will be played against the Utah Mammoth and the Vegas Golden Knights.

Boeser not playing on the trip was already expected as he deals with an upper-body injury. The 28-year-old was hit in the head by Bryan Rust back on January 25, which resulted in the Pittsburgh Penguins forward receiving a three-game suspension. This season, Boeser has scored 12 goals while adding 25 points in 50 games. 

As for Höglander, he is dealing with a lower-body injury. The 25-year-old last played on January 27 and has already missed significant time with injury this season. Höglander has only played 18 games this year, where he has collected two assists. 

Dec 7, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Hoglander (21) discusses face off stratedgy with forward Brock Boeser (6) during a stop in play against the Minnesota Wild in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Hoglander (21) discusses face off stratedgy with forward Brock Boeser (6) during a stop in play against the Minnesota Wild in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Vancouver's last game before the 2026 Winter Olympics is on February 4 versus the Golden Knights. Those not heading to Italy will get two weeks off, with practice scheduled to begin on February 18. As for when the Canucks return to action, that will be on February 25 when the Winnipeg Jets visit Rogers Arena. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

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Kevin Durant misses Rockets game vs. Pacers after hurting ankle by stepping on fan's foot

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — All-Star forward Kevin Durant is not playing for the Houston Rockets on Monday night after spraining his left ankle when he stepped on a fan's foot during a recent game.

Coach Ime Udoka provided the update about 90 minutes before his team was scheduled to play at the Indiana Pacers, saying Durant “tweaked” the ankle. He provided no timetable for a return.

Durant was named an All-Star reserve Sunday, his 16th All-Star selection. He played nearly 38 1/2 minutes in Saturday's 111-107 victory over Dallas. Reed Sheppard is expected to replace Durant in the lineup.

Durant has not previously missed a game this season because of injuries. He missed two games in November for personal reasons. The 37-year-old Durant is averaging a team-best 26.2 points per game.

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