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Game #87: Dodgers at A’s Game Thread

Jun 20, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics starting pitcher J.T. Ginn (35) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Well, the A’s have one final chance to get a W against the reigning champion Dodgers after dropping the first two games of the series. Neither loss was especially close so now the A’s will have to do a complete 180 if they want to salvage a single game against our Southern California rivals. Hopefully they can end the series with a win and notch their 41st of the season.

Taking the ball today for the good guys will be right-handed J.T. Ginn. The righty comes into tonight’s contest with a solid 3.15 ERA on the year, good for 7th in the American League. He hasn’t been quite as dominant his last two trips to the mound but he posted solid enough starts against the Angels that he could have earned a pair of wins. Instead he split those contests. With the All-Star Game quickly approaching Ginn probably needs a couple more strong starts to really put himself into the middle of the debate when it comes to the pitching staff for the Junior Circuit in this year’s Midsummer Classic. Can Ginn conquer a mighty Dodgers lineup that has put up 18 runs in the first two games against our A’s?

Here’s how the A’s will lineup for tonight’s series finale:

Typical top of the order for the A’s right now; DH Shea leadoff, Kurtz behind him, followed by Colby Thomas and Jonah Heim (tonight’s catcher).

Infield prospect Joshua Kuroda-Grauer gets his first start at the hot corner tonight in place of Max Muncy, who heads to the bench. And he’ll also rise up the batting order to the fifth spot. Butler and Bolte are behind him, followed by the middle infield duo of Jeff McNeil and Alika Williams.

The A’s are getting a bit lucky tonight regarding the Dodgers’ starting pitcher plans. It was originally going to be superstar Shohei Ohtani on the bump for Los Angeles this evening, but with them cruising to the postseason they’ve decided to push his start back, giving him an extra breather during the course of a long season he has double duties. Instead it’ll be a bullpen game for the Dodgers, so hopefully A’s batters have done some homework on the LA relief corps. Lefty Jack Dreyer will start things off for LA, likely only for the first inning.

And the Dodgers’ starting nine this evening:

Looks like the A’s are getting another break. After originally being penciled into tonight’s starting lineup Mookie Betts will instead head to the bench, giving veteran Miguel Rojas the start at shortstop in the series finale. Still plenty of dangerous hitters in the lineup but at least Ginn will have one less bat to worry about.

Getting desperate. Can we finally end the skid and get a big bounce back victory to wrap the series? Time to find out. Let’s go A’s!

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The Utah Jazz lost Walker Kessler, but at least they have Jaxson Hayes

SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 24: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 24, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Through streaming tears and a quivering bottom lip, I gazed at Shams Charania’s latest release in the great dance we call free agency. The Los Angeles Lakers had realized my greatest horror: they overpaid for Walker Kessler, and the Utah Jazz would not be matching their offer sheet.

Now who’s going to be the UCCU Jazzman?

July 1st, 2026;

Dear Diary — er, MANLY Diary,

Oh Diary, he said he loved me. He said I was the only one for him. Even when we argued, he made an Instagram post just for me! He promised that I would always be in his heart, but when that silicon bimbo from Los Angeles flaunted her wares around, his eyes turned to dollar signs.

The pain! The agony! He said we would be together forever, but I guess she can give you something I never could: regret.

Don’t come crawling back to me when she doesn’t give you a ring. Don’t beg for my forgiveness when you realize I was the best you would ever have. I have a new boy now. His name is Jaxson; he spells his name with an X and an S, and he is always nice to his partners.

See you never!!!

And that is all I care to share from my personal record of the day.

Sincerely, I believed it would be the end of the world if the Utah Jazz lost Walker Kessler in restricted free agency. And to lose Kessler to the Lakers, of all teams, is an especially bitter gulp of offseason medicine. And while Jaxson Hayes isn’t the answer for Utah’s center needs (heh, welcome to Utah!), acquiring Los Angeles’ entire draft future in a sign-and-trade is a generous spoonful of sugar.

But as we step away from Kessler, it’s becoming fairly clear that Walker didn’t want to play in Utah as badly as he claimed on Instagram:

“I’ve seen what’s being said, and I want it to be clear that I have always wanted to be here — I love this city, these fans, my teammates, my coaches — that’s real to me. You don’t grow roots where you don’t want to be”.

Money was the wedge between Utah and Kessler, and it always had been. Kessler and his team touted him as one of basketball’s best shot-blockers and rebounders, and he deserves to be paid as one of the league’s premier centers. The Jazz conceded that point, but couldn’t possibly weigh down their cap sheet for a player who had never been an All-Star or All-Defense honoree, and had only played in 61% of all possible games since joining the team.

It came down to paying for Walker Kessler or paying for the idea of Walker Kessler, and Los Angeles is the Mecca of ideas.

The wildest development in this entire saga is the fact that with California’s steeper income tax rate, Kessler will be pocketing less than he would have if he had accepted Utah’s final offer. That communicates to me one of the following two possibilities:

  1. Walker Kessler and his team are financially illiterate
  2. Money was not the deciding factor

It’s clear that this couple was better off splitting up. And though we’ll all miss Kessler here in Salt Lake City, the pair just couldn’t see eye to eye when it mattered most.

But at least the Lakers are finally doomed, right?

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

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Dodgers scratch Mookie Betts from starting lineup with wrist soreness

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Mookie Betts belts a solo homer in the first inning of the Dodgers' loss to the Padres, Image 2 shows Mookie Betts running the bases in his Dodgers uniform, celebrating his 300th career home run

WEST SACRAMENTO — Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts was scratched from the team’s lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Athletics shortly before first pitch because of right wrist soreness, manager Dave Roberts said.

However, Roberts said the issue is believed to be minor, and that Betts should be back in the Dodgers’ lineup on Thursday.

Betts arrived at the ballpark Wednesday dealing with soreness and a lack of strength in his wrist, prompting the Dodgers to “err on the side of caution,” Roberts said, and remove him from the lineup.

Mookie Betts has been playing better lately and had a nice series against the Padres. AP

The setback came at an inopportune time for Betts, who was just starting to rediscover his swing after missing a month earlier this year with an oblique strain.

Entering Wednesday, Betts was hitting .373 over his last 16 games with five home runs, four doubles and 11 RBIs.

During that time, he had raised his season batting average from .181 to .244 and his OPS from .591 to .744.

He had also been playing standout shortstop, ranking second at the position with eight defensive runs saved.

Betts was removed from the starting lineup against the Athletics after experiencing wrist soreness. AP Photo/Matt Krohn

With Betts out Wednesday, Miguel Rojas was inserted into the lineup in his place.

That wasn’t the only discouraging injury news out of the Dodgers on Wednesday, with Roberts also saying that catcher Will Smith is unlikely to return before the All-Star break. Smith has been out since June 5 with a neck injury that was initially expected to be short term but is now set to sideline him for well over a month.

Roberts maintained the Dodgers’ belief that Smith’s issue — which the catcher described as an inflamed disk in his neck when he first went on the injured list — won’t be too long term but acknowledged surprise at what is already becoming an extended timeline to return.

“It’s certainly longer than I know was expected,” he said, “but I don’t think it’s an affecting-the-season type of thing.”

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Malik Beasley pleading not guilty to gambling charges as ex-NBA star wants to ‘move on’ with life, lawyer says

Former NBA player Malik Beasley walking outside Brooklyn federal court.
Former NBA player Malik Beasley arrives outside of Brooklyn federal court, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in New York.

Malik Beasley’s lawyer said the indicted former NBA star “wants to move on with his life” after pleading not guilty Wednesday to charges that he altered his play in certain games in 2024 to enrich sports bettors and ease his own debts.

Beasley, the latest big name caught up in a sweeping federal gambling investigation, said little at his arraignment in Brooklyn federal court. He answered a judge’s questions with “yes, your honor” but let his lawyer, Jason Goldman, enter his plea on his behalf.

Afterward, the 6-foot-4 shooting guard stood quietly as Goldman spoke to reporters outside the courthouse, demurring when one asked if he had anything to say to his fans. Beasley, who played for six NBA teams in nine years, missed the most recent season because he was under investigation. Instead, he played for a Puerto Rican team co-owned by the rapper Bad Bunny.

Former NBA player Malik Beasley arrives outside of Brooklyn federal court, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in New York. AP Photo/Heather Khalifa

“He looks forward to fighting. He’s fought every day,” Goldman said. “He’s presumed innocent and that has to mean something still, obviously.”

Beasley, 29, and sports agent Paolo Zamorano, who also pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, were among six people charged in an indictment unsealed this week.

They are the newest defendants in a gambling sweep that has netted more than three dozen arrests, including former Miami Heat star Terry Rozier, who was accused of conspiring with friends to help them win bets, and Basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, who was accused of conspiring to fix high-stakes poker games.

Zamorano, 39, formerly represented another co-defendant, ex-NBA player Ed Davis, who had loaned money to Beasley and is accused of acting as his “gatekeeper” in the alleged scheme.

“We look forward to our day in court,” Zamorano’s lawyer, Kenneth Breen, told reporters.

Beasley and Zamorano were both released on bond. They’re due back in court for a status conference on Aug. 6.

Malik Beasley #5 of the Detroit Pistons reacts in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena on April 27, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Getty Images

Beasley is accused of fixing or trying to fix his performance in at least four games while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024 by under or overperforming bookmakers’ expectations. In exchange, the indictment said, the bettors bribed Beasley and his debts to Davis were reduced or eliminated.

“Only way you can beat Vegas is sports betting,” Davis told Beasley in a Jan. 26, 2024, text message, according to the indictment. “Everything else they got the edge.”

In one example, according to the indictment, Beasley told Davis that he would try to outperform the 3.5 line that sportsbooks had set for his rebound total in Milwaukee’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 10, 2024.

With a second left, and the Bucks up by seven points, Beasley challenged a Clippers shot and dashed past four players to grab his fourth rebound and securing a win for the bettors as the horn sounded.

One bettor made a $3,252 profit on a $2,838 wager, the indictment said, and another made a $2,107 profit on wagers totaling $2,400. Other bettors missed out and lost money, mistakenly placing wagers on Beasley to underperform the rebound total because of an apparent miscommunication, the indictment said.

“What’s funny is after he got it he had a big sigh of relief,” a co-conspirator said in a text message, according to the indictment.

Former NBA player Malik Beasley, center, exits Brooklyn federal court, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in New York. AP Photo/Heather Khalifa

Beasley borrowed money from Davis, a former teammate, after racking up millions of dollars in gambling losses. His widely reported financial problems include disputes with a Detroit landlord, a Milwaukee barber and a Minnesota dentist. A 2025 lawsuit from a sports marketing agency resulted in a $1 million default judgment against him.

“There’s a bigger conversation here about the industry, about individuals and institutions that are profiting billions and billions of dollars and fueling the addiction,” Goldman said.

Beasley has been aware of the investigation for about a year, Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Weintraub said.

He last played in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons on a one-year, $6 million contract in the 2024-2025 season. He averaged 16 points per game and scored 20 in his last game, a playoff loss to the New York Knicks. He is one of five players in NBA history with more than 300 three-pointers in a season.

Beasley’s release was secured by his parents, actors Michael and Deena Beasley, who joined the arraignment by phone from their home in Georgia. Stone-faced for most of the hourlong proceeding, Beasley laughed at his mother’s answer to Magistrate Judge Taryn Merkl’s question about how often they talk to each other.

“I probably call him every day. He might not answer every day,” Deena Beasley said, prompting chuckles in the courtroom. “If I call him six times a week, he’ll answer five times.”

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Two Words, Wolves Pod: Randle and LaMelo Trades + Projecting the Starting Lineup

On today’s episode, Leo Sun returns to the pod with Ryan Eichten to recap the Minnesota Timberwolves’ offseason as NBA Free Agency opens.

— Was the Julius Randle era in Minnesota a failure? The Wolves won three playoff series with Randle, but ultimately had to salary dump him after a poor series against the San Antonio Spurs.

— How cautious should the Wolves be about LaMelo Ball’s health? The Charlotte Hornets limited Ball to just 28 minutes per game, which allowed him to play in 72 games, his most since the 2021-22 season in which Ball made his lone All-Star appearance. Before that, Ball had only played in 105 games the previous three seasons.

— Should the Timberwolves start Jaden McDaniels at power forward and Ayo Dosunmu at small forward, or should they look to add another player in a trade? McDaniels has shown the ability to play the four, but come the Playoffs, that lineup might prove not to have enough size.

— Do the Wolves need to commit to playing Jaylen Clark at least 15 minutes per game after signing him to a three-year, $10 million contract? Clark has been in and out of the rotation during his two healthy seasons with the Wolves and now may be set for more permanent playing time.

— With Ball now on the team and Randle not, the Timberwolves roster makes a lot more sense for Gobert. Minnesota can better involve Gobert in the offense with Ball’s playmaking while better spreading the floor.

— Tim Connelly has made several moves that have not worked out in recent years, including the trades of Rob Dillingham and Karl-Anthony Towns two seasons ago, but the trade for Ball ties everything together and gives the Wolves a much better outlook moving forward.

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Aaron Judge has simple advice for sliding Yankees’ lack of focus — and says group talk is coming ‘soon’

Aaron Judge in the dugout wearing a black Yankees cap and shirt.
New York Yankees Aaron Judge in dugout when the New York Yankees played the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY. (Robert Sabo for...

Still weeks away from even getting more imaging of his rib, Aaron Judge has had plenty of time to watch the Yankees from the dugout over the past month.

In the past week in particular, which Judge kindly described as “not great,” the captain was more pointed in his diagnosis of what has gone wrong during a losing streak that hit seven games on Wednesday afternoon.

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“Just a little lack of focus,” Judge said Wednesday morning before a 6-2 loss to the Tigers while speaking to reporters for the first time since the day he went on the injured list. “Just got to dial it in. Our ultimate goal is to win a World Series. I think guys just got to remember that every single day they show up here. We’re here to win a World Series. That’s your motivation every single day you step on that field, no matter what happens. No matter what happened the day before, I got a job to do.

“We have an important sign when you walk out on that field, it’s the last sign you see before you go out there. It says, ‘Do your job.’ Guys just got to do their job.”

Aside from his responsibilities as captain, it remains a major question as to when Judge will be able to do his job again. The back-to-back AL MVP declined to share even how he was feeling, deferring until he gets more tests on his right rib, which still appears to be weeks away from happening — and that is just to potentially clear him to start ramping up.

“I’ll give you a good update when we get some imaging and we’ll go from there,” Judge said. “There’s no need to talk about this now. I know it’s an important topic and a big issue, but I want to give you guys the full story, so why give you guys something now when we can get you everything here soon?”

Yankees Aaron Judge in dugout when the New York Yankees played the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post

The Yankees need him back badly, though their problems go beyond just his absence. They have scored just 17 runs on 31 hits while committing 10 errors that have led to a total of 17 unearned runs. By just about every facet of the game, the Yankees have been bad.

A few days before the brutal stretch began, there was also Jazz Chisholm Jr. sucking on a Blow Pop while playing second base for an inning in Detroit, and then getting thrown out of Sunday’s game after arguing and spiking his helmet over a check-swing call he did not agree with.

Yankees pitcher Camilo Doval reacts after catcher Ali Sánchez makes a throwing error, allowing a run to score during the 11th inning. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Judge indicated he has addressed the lack of focus “with a couple guys, but we’ll be talking here as a bigger group soon.” He declined to get specific when asked about how he was seeing it play out.

“I think you guys see it,” he said. “There’s a couple things. But we don’t need to get into that.”

Aaron Boone acknowledged again that it has been a “terrible week” but did not seem to agree that a lack of focus has been the root of the problems.

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“I think when we’re right, we’re a quality team in those areas where we’ve made some errors this week and let some unearned runs go,” Boone said. “I think moving forward, that should be the case. There’s a little bit of a product of us having some important guys [out] around Judgey that settle us especially defensively and some of the little things, so guys are moving around a little bit, so I think that’s factored in.

“But no, individually speaking, I feel like guys are in the right frame of mind.”

Judge said that being sidelined during this stretch in particular has been “the worst” because he can’t be going through it with his teammates on the field.

“I hate missing games, but I hate missing it in times where things aren’t going your way,” he said. “That’s when I want to be out there. I want to be grinding with the guys and be part of the solution to get us back where we need to be.”

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Lakers fans will love this Walker Kessler stat

Collage of Kessler wearing a Utah Jazz jersey and Kessler scoring a basketball.

The Lakers headlined their summer by signing Walker Kessler to a four-year, $130 million deal Wednesday.

Superstar Luka Dončić requested the Lakers make major improvements to the roster, including the addition of an A-list center.

Walker Kessler checks off all the boxes of an A-list center. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Kessler fits the bill.

According to StatMuse, Kessler is the only starter in NBA history with 10-plus points per game, 10-plus rebounds per game, two-plus blocks per game while shooting 67% or better from the field.

The 24-year-old spent the first four seasons of his NBA career with the Jazz. While Kessler was injured for most of last season, he’s earned a reputation for being one of the league’s premier interior defenders throughout his early career.

The Lakers posted a 116.4 defensive rating last season but proved to be inconsistent during the campaign. Now, general manager Rob Pelinka has addressed a pivotal issue by acquiring Kessler.

Kessler should pair well with Lakers stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Pelinka also addressed other holes on the roster left by departing free agents Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart. The additions of guards Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton as well as big man Sandro Mamukelashvili highlight the Lakers’ sense of urgency this offseason, but the team’s status as a contender remains uncertain.

Regardless, the Lakers have finally added a legitimate big with a ton of upside. Kessler should pair well with Doncic and Austin Reaves, but the team will need to make additional moves to round out the roster after losing multiple free agents this summer.

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Mets' Freddy Peralta frustrated by roughest stretch of career: 'Crazy is the word that I can describe it'

It was another tough start forFreddy Peralta.

Going up against the Blue Jays on Wednesday, Peralta lasted just four innings, allowing five runs in the Mets' 9-3 loss up in Toronto. The outing raised Peralta's ERA to 4.81 and WHIP to 1.416 and continued his disappointing season with the Mets.

The Mets traded for Peralta this past offseason, hoping he'd be the ace of the staff. What they got has been an inconsistent starter, and someone who has not pitched anywhere close to the 2.70 ERA, 1.075 WHIP ace the Brewers had a season ago.

For Wednesday's start, specifically, Peralta's fastball command was just not there. He walked three batters, the most he's allowed since the six-walk start against the Yankees on May 17, and when he did find the zone, the Jays were all over it.

"I know we all want him to go out there and dominate like we believe he can," interim manager Andy Green said after the game. "For us, it’s just a matter of getting the fastball where he knows he wins. He’s been winning there for a long time in the big leagues. And he knows how he’s good, why he’s good and we all know it. It’s just a matter of going out there and executing.”

“At some point, I can’t tell if I lose the command a little bit, but I think everything starts with the walk with the first hitter of the inning," Peralta said of his fastball command. "The plan was good. It just…it happens. I can’t control it, I just need to be better, execute better. Have to check and see what’s going on. I’ve been getting some work with people I need to work with. Just have to put everything together and wait for the best."

Peralta was visibly frustrated on the mound and in the dugout during the game. When he dialed up his fastball to 99 mph to get the final out in the first inning and limit the damage to just one run, Peralta could be seen talking to himself and clenching his fists.

He was asked after the game how he was feeling, and the right-hander was candid.

"Not good," Peralta said. "I don’t feel good, but just try to come back and make the adjustment."

Peralta was asked if he feels this is the roughest stretch of his career, and he answered: "probably, yes." 

What's especially frustrating for Peralta is that his velocity, the movement of his pitches and his mechanics are right where it needs to be, but he can't explain what's happening to him.

"I understand the game, and all that. But sometimes what I do is my best every day. I prepare to have success, but sometimes," Peralta said before pausing. "It’s crazy is the word I can describe it right now."

Peralta is in the final year of his contract and could potentially be a trade piece if the Mets decide to become sellers at the Aug. 3 trade deadline. But if the Mets go down that route and hope to get a decent return, they need Peralta to become more consistent. 

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Colorado Rockies vs. Miami Marlins game discussion: Max Meyer vs. Kyle Freeland

DENVER, CO - JUNE 24: Kyle Freeland #21 of the Colorado Rockies delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Coors Field on June 24, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Colorado Rockies have had a rough go so far in the series against the Miami Marlins. Pitching has been hit particularly hard, giving up 24 runs over the firsttwo games of the series. Entering game three, the Rockies will look to get back on track behind their veteran starting pitcher.

Kyle Freeland (1-7, 7.50 ERA) makes his 15th start of the season for the Rockies. Freeland gave up a lot of contact in his last start against the Boston Red Sox at Coors Field. Freeland grinded out six innings, giving up six runs on 11 hits with four strikeouts and one walk on 81 pitches. Boston was aggressive against Freeland and continued to string together hits and did damage with a pair of home runs. He gave up six runs in three of his five starts in June while working at least five innings each time. Since returning from his shoulder injury on April 28, he has given up six or more runs in a start seven times. He has historically done well against the Marlins, owning a 3.80 ERA over 10 appearances, but the Marlins this season are a contact-heavy team, which could prove troublesome for the veteran lefty.

The Marlins will send out right-handed starter Max Meyer (9-0, 2.60 ERA) for his 18th start of the year. Meyer has been excellent for the Marlins this season with his consistent dominance on the mound. He allowed just six runs in 30.1 innings over the course of five June starts. His last outing came in St. Louis, where he tossed seven shutout innings, allowing just two hits. He will typically give up a couple of walks, but generally pounds the zone and will collect strikeouts. He has just one game this season where he struck out fewer than five batters. He has made three starts against the Rockies in his career, posting a 6.60 ERA over 15 innings. In his lone start at Coors Field, he allowed five runs over five innings.

In roster news, the Rockies have recalled right-handed pitcher Gabriel Hughes and John Brebbia has been designated for assignment.

First Pitch: 6:40 pm MDT

TV: Rockies TV

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

Lineups:

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Los Angeles Lakers offseason moves: LeBron out, Walker Kessler and others in

July 1 marked the official start of the new league year in the NBA with the start of free agency. The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to improve after a 2025-26 season which saw them finish in first place in the Pacific Division and advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs before getting bounced by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Of course, next year marks the start of a new era for the team. LeBron James is not returning to the team, which leaves a pretty massive hole in their frontcourt. That said, although the new league year has only been active for a day, the Lakers have already made efforts to address their needs.

Los Angeles traded for Utah center Walker Kessler, sending unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 as well as two first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030 in order to bring him to the city of angels.

More: Lakers trade for Jazz's Walker Kessler, give big man a massive payday

But that wasn't the only deal the Lakers made today.

The Lakers also signed former Raptors big man Sandro Mamukelashvili to a fully guaranteed four-year, $52 million deal with a player option for the fourth year as well as two guards, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton.

Everyone knows that this organization can make a massive trade or convince a big-time free agent to join them on a moment's notice. With that in mind, here is a full list of the Lakers' offseason transactions.

More: NBA free agency LIVE updates: LeBron rumors, Lakers make major moves

Lakers offseason transactions

July 1

  • Lakers trade for center Walker Kessler (two first-round picks, two first-round pick swaps)

Walker Kessler stats:

Kessler played in just five games for the Jazz in 2025-26, sidelined for most of the year with a shoulder injury. In his last full season, Kessler averaged over 11 points per game and actually led the league in offensive rebounds per game with 4.6.

  • Lakers sign Sandro Mamukelashvili to a four-year, $52 million deal

Sandro Mamukelashvili stats:

Mamukelashvili played in 80 games for the Raptors, providing crucial minutes off the bench for a team that massively exceeded expectations during the regular season. He averaged 11.2 points per game on 52.3% shooting while grabbing 4.9 boards per game. Mamukelashvili's efforts last season earned him tenth place in Sixth Man of the Year award voting.

  • Lakers sign Quentin Grimes to a four-year, $60 million deal

Quentin Grimes stats:

Grimes worked primarily as an off-the-bench scoring option for the Philadelphia 76ers last season, averaging 13.4 points per game on 45% shooting. Grimes endured one of the worst 3-point shooting performances of his career last season, shooting a career-low 33.4% from beyond the arc. That said, he has shot over 38% from deep in three of his five seasons in the league, so a bounce-back is expected.

  • Lakers sign Collin Sexton to a two-year, $19 million deal

Collin Sexton stats:

Sexton is an elite scorer, but struggles with playmaking and inconsistent defense. That said, he's great at what he does, which is getting buckets. Last year, he averaged 15.4 points per game during his time with the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls. He did that with an effective field goal percentage over 55%, thanks in large part to his lethal 3-point ability, where he's shot over 40% each of the last two seasons.

Will LeBron James return to Lakers for 2026-27?

James will not return to the Lakers next season. Reports indicate that James informed the Lakers of his decision to go elsewhere on June 30.

James is now open to signing with other teams going into his 24th season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Los Angeles Lakers offseason moves: LeBron out, Walker Kessler and others in

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Jaylen Brown trade grades: Clear winner in seismic deal between Celtics and 76ers

The Boston Celtics have traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George and four draft picks.

Brown had been the subject of trade rumors in recent weeks, reported to have been offered to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Celtics' bid to land Giannis Antetokounmpo.

But Antetokounmpo was eventually traded to the Miami Heat, leaving Brown and the Celtics in an awkward spot.

Brown is coming off one of his best individual seasons, finishing sixth in the regular season MVP voting.

He was asked to take on the starring role for a good portion of the season while co-star Jayson Tatum was kept away from live-game action for nearly 300 days due to an Achilles tendon rupture suffered in the 2025 playoffs. Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 71 games played this past season.

What may be most shocking is that the Celtics traded Brown to another Eastern Conference team, let alone a longtime, Atlantic Division rival.

Brown has clashed with the 76ers for years, including in recent months when Philly successfully eliminated Boston in Game 7 of their opening-round series in early May.

Brown spoke directly about Joel Embiid following the series, calling him one of the best big men in the league but also calling him a flopper.

Here are the grades for the Jaylen Brown deal:

More: Jaylen Brown shares displeasure for NBA referees, Joel Embiid on Twitch

Jaylen Brown trade grades

Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers managed to get younger at the position by adding the 29-year-old Brown. He also adds championship experience and the ability to play on the biggest stage, earning NBA Finals MVP in 2024.

Philadelphia also boosts its chances to come out of the Eastern Conference, placing Brown in a starting lineup alongside Embiid, V.J. Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey.

Grade: B+

Boston Celtics

Boston did receive a haul of draft picks, but the trade is an overall miss. Not only do the Celtics add a player (George) with injury concerns to the roster, but they also missed out on a chance to get younger for the upcoming season.

General manager Brad Stevens and the Celtics didn't acquire a younger talent like Edgecombe, who was impressive as a rookie this past season. Edgecombe finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting.

George averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 37 games played this past season. He missed part of the season after being hit with a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.

Grade: D

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jaylen Brown trade grades: Clear winner in seismic deal between Celtics and 76ers

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Game Thread: A well-rested Shane is better than a tired one!

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JUNE 23: Shane McClanahan #18 of the Tampa Bay Rays walks back to the dugout in the middle of the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Tropicana Field on June 23, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images

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Astros vs Twins Game Discussion: 7/1/2026

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JUNE 25: Tatsuya Imai #45 of the Houston Astros delivers a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the bottom of the first inning at Comerica Park on June 25, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (43-45) will play another rubber game tonight as they conclude their three game series with the visiting Minnesota Twins (41-46) at Daikin Park.

RHP Tatsuya Imai (5-3, 5.36 ERA), who’s won three straight decisions, will get the start for the Astros tonight opposite RHP Taj Bradley (6-3, 3.98 ERA) and the Twins.

ABOUT IMAI: RHP Tatsuya Imai joined the Astros this offseason as an international signing out of Japan. He’s made 11 MLB starts this year, in which the Astros have gone 7-4, around a month-long IL stint (April 13-May 10). He’s flashed brilliance at times, including his 10-strikeout performance his last time out at DET (6IP), and his 6.0 innings of no-hit ball on May 25 at TEX. Imai has won his last three straight decisions over his last four starts.

RECENT ‘STROS: The Astros have won six of eight, seven of 10, and are 10-4 in their last 14 games. The Astros 16-11 record in June tied as the best in the AL, along with their rival Rangers.

SERIES-LY SPEAKING: The Astros have won five consecutive series dating back to June 12. The last time the Astros won five straight series was from June 20-July 6 of last season (went 12-3 in that stretch). They are looking for their first six-series winning streak since June 14-July 4, 2024.

ANOTHER ALVAREZ?!: Astros top prospect OF Kevin Alvarez has been selected to play in the 2026 All-Star Futures Game, which will be played on July 12 in Philadelphia. Alvarez, 18, who currently ranks as the 70th overall prospect in baseball per MLB.com, has played this season at Class A Fayetteville, hitting .266 (59×222) with 16 doubles, six homers and 30 RBI in 55 games.

TODAY’S ROSTER MOVE: The Astros have nullified the optional assignment for RHP Kai-Wei Teng and have placed him on the Major League 15-day Injured List with a right knee sprain. His IL placement is effective Sunday, June 28.

JUNE BUGS: The Astros went 16-11 in June thanks to strong June performances by:

• DH Yordan Alvarez: .344 BA, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 1.036 OPS

• 3B Isaac Paredes: .277 BA, 5 HR, 21 RBI, .877 OPS

• SS Jeremy Peña: .319 BA, 3 HR, 13 RBI, .865 OPS

• RHP AJ Blubaugh: 2-0, 1.59 ERA, 3ER/17IP

• LHP Josh Hader: 2-0, 8 saves, 0.69 ERA, 1ER/13IP

• LHP Steven Okert: 1-0, 0.60 ERA, 1ER/15IP

SALAMI SEASON: DH Yordan Alvarez hit the seventh grand slam of his career last night, which ties the club record also reached by 2B Jose Altuve, 3B Alex Bregman and LF Carlos Lee. Last night’s slam was Alvarez’s third of the season, which also ties the franchise record for grand slams in a single year, also reached by Bregman (2023), Altuve (2021) and OF George Springer (2016).

WHAT A RELIEF: LHP Josh Hader is 2-0 with eight saves (in eight chances) and a 0.69 ERA (1ER/13IP) in 13 appearances this season. He has 21 strikeouts in his 13.0 innings with a .049 (2×41) opponent average and a 0.54 WHIP. Hader has not allowed a hit in six consecutive appearances (6IP since June 21).

TAP FOR SUCCESS: Astros hitters have won an MLB-best 63 ABS challenges and lead the Majors in challenge success rate (61%). 3B Isaac Paredes (9-for-9) has the most successful challenges in the Majors without losing one. 2B Jose Altuve has been successful on 15-of-21 challenges (71%), ranking second in the Majors in challenges won.

OUT ON ASSIGNMENT: The Astros have several players out on minor league rehab assignments:

• RHP Ronel Blanco (rt. elbow surgery) will start tonight for Double A Corpus Christi at NW Arkansas in what is his third minor league rehab start.

• RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (rt. shoulder inflammation) will make his second rehab start for Triple A Sugar Land tonight in their game at OKC.

• RHP Hayden Wesneski (rt. elbow surgery) began his minor league rehab assignment yesterday for the FCL Astros, tossing 3.0 scoreless innings on 25 pitches.

• IF Braden Shewmake (rt. adductor strain) will have his rehab assignment transferred to Triple A today.

• OF LaMonte Wade Jr. (rt. hamstring strain) began a rehab assignment at Triple A last night, going 1×3 with a walk in a start at first base.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Wednesday, July 1, 7:10 p.m. CT

Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX

TV: SCHN

Radio: KTRH 740 AM; KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)

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Dallas Mavericks acquire Santi Aldama from Memphis Grizzlies

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 22: Santi Aldama #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball as Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks defends during the first half at American Airlines Center on November 22, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images

According to reports from both Shams Charania and Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks have made a trade for Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama. Dallas sends a top-20 protected Golden State Warriors first-round pick and a pair of future second-round picks. The Mavericks will absorb Aldama’s $17 million salary by way of the $20 million trade exception created when Dallas traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards earlier this year. Dallas is also sending AJ Johnson to Memphis.

The 7 foot tall, 215 pound power forward was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2021. During his five seasons, he’s played 278 regular season games, averaging 10 points, five rebounds, and two assists. While he played just 43 games last season, sitting the rest of the regular season following a knee procedure, he averaged career highs, scoring 14, grabbing nearly seven rebounds, and dishing just under three assists per game in nearly 28 minutes per game.

Aldama is an average three-point shooter, hitting just under 35% from distance in his career. But he’s also a willing one, taking around five per game last season. Though it’s unclear at the moment how exactly he fits into the Dallas roster, the Mavericks will be playing at a faster pace next season according to new head coach Dusty May, so it stands to reason they’ll be letting shots fly too.

Locked in Maverick fans may remember him from a scuffle with Cooper Flagg following an Aldama trip.

Dallas does have a bit of a forward logjam at the moment, so one has to wonder what other moves are coming next, if any. At least potential new guard Sergio De Larrea with a fellow Spaniard on the team. The two have been at camp together for the Spanish National team but I do not think they’ve played on it in any major tournaments, perhaps just a friendly match or two. Either way, there is familiarity there.

Johnson leaves Dallas without making much of an impression, playing in 23 games last year while shooting a dismal 32% from the floor. After just 2 seasons and 77 total NBA games, I am fairly certain he is not a NBA player and would be surprised if he’s on any roster next season.

Overall, without knowing about any future moves, this one seems solid. Aldama has a team option next year, and considering he’s just 25 years old, this seems like a low-risk roster move with plenty of potential upside.

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In a stunning move, Celtics reportedly trade Jaylen Brown to 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks

It all started to go south when word leaked that the Boston Celtics were willing to trade Jaylen Brown if it meant landing Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Boston's package ended up not being enough to get a deal done, but the toothpaste was now out of the tube. Brown didn't feel wanted, that relationship was irreparably damaged. Boston was scrambling to find another trade for Brown. Except, it was finding the market lukewarm, especially considering how well Brown played the season before, finishing sixth in MVP voting (Brown's massive contract, with three years and $183 million left on it, was concerning teams in the Apron era).

It led to an unexpected blockbuster deal.

Boston is trading Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks, a trade first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN and since confirmed by other sources. The details on the picks are a 2028 first-rounder that can convert to a swap if that's more favorable to Boston, and an unprotected 2031 Philadelphia first-rounder.

Boston trading Brown, at the peak of his powers, to a division rival is stunning. That Boston got a smaller return for Brown at his peak than the Clippers just got for 35-year-old Kawhi Leonard is something Brad Stevens has to answer for.

This trade is a big win for Philadelphia's new head of basketball operations, Mike Gansey.

Philadelphia has been dreaming of getting out from under the Paul George contract, who, at age 36, is owed $54.1 million this coming season and includes a player option for $56.6 million for next season (which he likely picks up). It's not only the money (Brown is owed more), it's the value on what is being paid out. George, 36, played in only 37 games last season — he missed 25 due to a suspension for violating the league's drug policy — and has had lingering injury issues. George was considered to be on one of the worst contracts in the NBA.

When healthy, George is still a good, high-IQ player, but not the elite force he was in his prime. Last season, in the 37 games he played, George averaged 17.3 points a game, although he did shoot 39.2% from 3-point range. George and Jayson Tatum form a quality forward combination, and they have talent around them, including the just-picked-up Mitchell Robinson at the five. But Brown and Tatum won a title together, and this feels like a step back from the 2024 championship squad. On paper, it's tough to see this team beating New York or Detroit (or maybe Indiana or Philly) in a seven-game playoff series.

Philadelphia replaces George with Brown, who averaged a career-best 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game while playing high-level defense last season leading Boston to the No. 2 seed in the East.

The 76ers now roll out a starting lineup that includes Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Brown, and if they get anything from Joel Embiid, they are a threat to win the East.

Philadelphia will enter the season as a legitimate threat to win the East — that is the definition of winning a trade.