For decades, stadium giveaways have served as a chance for marketers to push boundaries, releasing quirky collaborations and keepsakes that have sent fans clamoring to get into stadiums hours before the game, if they even cared about the game at all. On July 26th, the MLB’s Chicago White Sox will officially take home the crown for the most absurd giveaway of the season.
This Sunday when the White Sox host the Houston Astros, the first 15,000 fans to enter Rate Field will receive a limited-edition Munetaka Murakami First Major League Home Run bobblehead. The presenting sponsor? TOTO, the Japanese company best known for making the WASHLET, the heated, self-cleaning, bidet-equipped toilet that has become a cult favorite in the U.S. over the past decade.
The team that’s bringing you Pope Hat Night comes a chance to commemorate the Cyclospora outbreak of 2026!
How a Clubhouse Toilet Turned Into a Sponsorship
When Murakami, one of the most decorated hitters of the past decade in Japan, signed with the White Sox this year, he brought a piece of his pregame routine with him: he asked the team to install a TOTO WASHLET in the clubhouse. Naturally, his teammates got curious, tried it, and fell in love with the wonder toilet. An official sponsorship followed.
When it Comes to Collectibles, the Ceiling Is the Roof
LA Dodgers x ONE PIECE card: one graded copy sold for $14,999.99
BVB x ONE PIECE card: up to $6,000 on the secondary market
Seattle Mariners x New Balance “When It Rains, It Dumps” Cal Raleigh snapback: $400
Mac Miller Pittsburgh Pirates bobblehead: this one drew lines stretching outside PNC Park onto the bridge
Milwaukee Brewers x Bob Uecker Magic 8-Ball: a legitimate cult classic
The through line between culture and sports isn’t hard to see, but the White Sox x TOTO promo might have produced the most literal cross-audience collectible yet: baseball fans and people who care a lot about their bathrooms.
What to Expect on July 26
Given the hype around the South Side Samurai, this one is going to go fast. The bobblehead commemorates Murakami’s first MLB home run, and the rising star slugger is currently tied for 19th when it comes to hitting dingers this season. With the success of Japanese imports like Shohei Ohtani, the 26-year-old’s bright future has driven strong demand for his rookie card, and it’s fairly safe to say that this toilet-sponsored collectible will knock it out of the park on eBay.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Hobby is always up to something.
STACKING WINS: The Cubs have won three consecutive series, matching their longest such streak of the year. They won three in a row three times before: April 13-23 at Philadelphia, then at home vs. the Mets and Phillies; April 27-May 7, at San Diego, then at home vs. the Diamondbacks and Reds; and June 22-July 1, at New York vs. the Mets and at Milwaukee, then at home vs. the Padres. They are 8-1-1 in their last 10 series and 16-14-2 in all series. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
RISPy BUSINESS: After going 7 for 13 with runners in scoring position yesterday, the Cubs’ batting average with RISP for the season is .239, matching their highest after their last 52 games, since it was .241 after they went 2 for 9 in an 8-3 loss to the White Sox on May 16. It also was .239 after their 23-3 demolition of the Padres on July 1. Their average was down to .217 on June 16, when they went 0 for 8 in a 5-2 loss at Colorado. In 25 games since then, it is .299. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
RUN DIFFERENTIAL: The Cubs’ run differential stands at +60, 502-442. It was +44 after a 3-0 loss to the Cardinals on the Fourth of July. In 10 games since then, they have outscored their opponents, 53-37 while going 7-3. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: The Cubs score six runs in the ninth inning at St. Louis, overcoming a 6-1 Cardinals lead and winning 7-6, their biggest ninth-inning comeback in 42 years. The runs scored on two bases-loaded walks, a two-run single by Javier Báez and a two-run double by Ian Happ. It happened five years ago today, Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
Jameson Taillon’s start before his hamstring injury was actually pretty good, June 2 vs. the A’s at Wrigley Field, where he allowed six hits and two runs in six innings, with “only” one home run, and I say that because Jamo has given up an ungodly number of home runs this year.
Hopefully that changes tonight. Overall Jamo has been better at home (4.19 ERA in seven starts) than on the road (6.21 ERA in six starts), so maybe that will mean a better outing tonight.
Current Tigers are 7-for-44 (.159) against him with two home runs (Kerry Carpenter, Riley Greene).
Jack Flaherty is not the pitcher he was when he was having solid seasons for the Cardinals in the late 2010s. He is still only 30 and a pending free agent, so I suppose the Tigers might look around for a trade partner.
Over his last seven starts he has posted a 2.55 ERA and allowed only one home run in 35.1 innings, which is pretty good.
Dansby Swanson is 6-for-16 (.375) with three doubles and a home run off Flaherty, and Michael Conforto is 4-for-8 with a home run.
Please visit our SB Nation Tigers site Bless You Boys. If you do go there to interact with Tigers fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
Lauer, whom the Islanders selected in the second round (No. 34) of the 1985 NHL Entry Draft, played six of his nine NHL seasons on Long Island.
He recorded 98 points (38 goals, 60 assists) in 259 regular-season games for the Islanders, adding eight points (five goals, three assists) in 15 playoff games for the Blue & Orange.
Lauer, who spent time as an assistant coach with the Ottawa Senators, Anahiem Ducks, Tampa Bay Lightning and Winnipeg Jets, last served as head coach of the WHL's Spokane Chiefs.
The World Cup is over. But LeBron James watch continues.
Why is this taking so long, you may be asking.
Speculation around where James will play his unprecedented 24th NBA season has taken over the newscycle for weeks. Multiple teams are frozen waiting for his decision. Even NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently urged James to make his pick so the league can finalize the schedule.
James is almost 42 years old, but 27 teams have shown interest in having him on their roster. The league has ground to a halt until he makes his choice. Talk about still having pull.
Here are the five reasons why James may be taking so long to make his decision.
1. Because LeBron Can
When you’re arguably the greatest player of all-time, different rules apply.
James has devoted himself to the sport for 23 years. He has been the perfect ambassador. He hasn’t had any scandals. He has been the league’s top draw for decades, filling arenas, drawing millions of TV viewers and catapulting national sports shows into relevance. Heck, he has had the top selling NBA jersey for nine seasons since 2004.
He has earned the right to take his time deciding how he wants his career to end, even if it may be inconvenient for just about everyone else involved.
Considering James is still a top-25 player and he’s willing to accept a veteran minimum contract, who wouldn’t want James on their team? He can pretty much go wherever he wants. Simply put, LeBron holds all the cards and there’s not a darn thing anyone can do about it.
2. His Goals Have Changed
Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena on December 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California Getty Images
James is considering an entirely different set of factors now than earlier in his career. He wants to win his fifth ring, but he also wants to enjoy his last chapter.
At this stage in his career, James has nothing left to prove. He’s a four-time champion, four-time MVP, the league’s all-time leading scorer and he has shattered nearly every record with his unprecedented longevity.
He wants to continue playing because he still loves the game and is able to perform at a superstar level. As LeBron often says, he wants to see how much juice he can squeeze from this orange.
While his legacy clearly plays a factor in his decision, it’s far from the only thing that matters. You might think he’s better than Michael Jordan. You might think the opposite. He’s not going to change minds at this point. So, he might as well do what he wants.
3. Paradox of Choice
The final teams he’s deciding among (Golden State, Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia and Minnesota) have clear pros and cons, and he has to weigh what’s most important to him.
The Warriors might give him the greatest chance for happiness considering he’d be closer to his family in Los Angeles, and he would be playing alongside the greatest shooter of all-time in Steph Curry and his good friend Draymond Green. But they may be too old to have a real shot at winning a championship.
The Cavaliers would give him his perfect storybook ending considering he grew up about 40 minutes from Cleveland. James was drafted by the franchise in 2003 and he led them to their only championship in 2016. But he’d be far from his family and wouldn’t be able to play much golf during the winter. Not to mention, a few months ago when talking about which cities he doesn’t enjoy playing in, he added, “I don’t like going home either.”
The Heat would also be a full-circle moment for James considering he won championships there in 2012 and 2013. The storyline is there, and so is superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. But do the Heat have enough shooters to be competitive? Would he want to be so far from his family?
Or is he going to go to the 76ers or Timberwolves, where he’d arguably have the best chance to win a ring but he has no ties?
4. James’ Family Matters
LeBron James
3rd Fanatics Fest NYC – Day 1, New York, USA – 16 Jul 2026 Ryan Rolo/Shutterstock
James has frequently talked about how much he’s taking his family’s wishes into consideration when making this decision.
He has an 11-year-old daughter who has spent the last eight years in Los Angeles. His wife is rooted in the city. He has hinted that next season may not be his final one. So, their wants and needs are a very important factor here, too.
5. Timing Is Everything
James is very smart and cunning when it comes to the media. He has been controlling narratives since he was a middle schooler. He’s as skilled off the court in this area as he is on the hardwood.
So, make no mistake about it: LeBron has put a lot of thought into how he wants to announce this. Was he going to do it during the World Cup? No. Was he going to do it during Fanatics Fest? No. Is he going to let anyone rush him? No.
All three of his past free agency decisions rewrote the rules on these types of announcements. In 2010, he announced he was going to Miami in an over-the-top TV special. In 2014, he announced he was returning to Cleveland in a first-person letter in Sports Illustrated. And in 2018, he announced he was going to the Lakers with a press release from Klutch.
The legendary figure definitely has plans for this announcement as well.
He has built suspense. He has shown the world that he’s still the most important player in the league. And when his decision lands, it’s going to make waves.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 14: Joe Ryan #41 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch during the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kyle Cooper/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images)
FIRST PITCH: 540p Central TELEVISION: Twins.TV, presented by Progressive RADIO:Washburn Crosby COmpany 830 AM, K–MiNnesota-Buzzin’ 102.9 “The Wolf”, Treasure Island Baseball Network, Audacy App KNOW YOUR FOE:Covering the Corner
After a wildly disappointing couple of losses to the Chicago Cubs in the Friendly Confines (how many times was that said on the telly or radio this weekend…), the Minnesota Twins truck on over to the Buckeye State for an important four-game set against the Cleveland Guardians. Nothing much has changed since these foes met a little over a week ago before the All Star Break. The Twins are three games back from the Spiders, so a sweep in Cleveland can sling-shot Minnesota into second place in the American League Central. (Just let me dream, alright?)
It’s a prime pitching matchup to kick things off, and a re-match for the starting pitchers from early May. The Spiders call upon Tanner Bibee while Joe Ryan answers the bell for the Twins. The game in early May was the one where Byron Buxton homered off of Bibee on the third pitch of the contest. Kyle Manzardo had an RBI single off of Ryan to tie it up in the bottom of the fourth. Then it was goose eggs until Buxton doubled in the top of the 11th to bring in Matt Wallner (remember him?) and Luis Garcia (remember him, too?) shut things down for once.
Good news: Buxton has been activated off of the injured list and is in the lineup tonight. The corresponding move was optioning Tristan Gray to St Paul, so we won’t have to see him flop around like a fish at shortstop… for the time being.
The 29-year-old wing known for his elite defensive skills is the latest addition to the Lakers' offseason roster overhaul, according to ESPN, after agreeing a one-year deal with the team on Monday, July 20.
Thybulle is seen as a potential fit as part of the Lakers' wing rotation due to his versatility as a defender and a 3-point shot that improved since earlier in his career. He has also struggled to remain healthy in recent seasons and his addition leaves the Lakers with at least one player too many under contract heading into the 2026-27 campaign. Yet it's still far from certain Thybulle can be a viable option alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Here's what to know about Thybulle's signing with the Lakers, including contract details, the team's current roster and what it means for the franchise moving forward:
Matisse Thybulle signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $3.3 million, according to ESPN.
How Thybulle fits with Luka Doncic, Lakers
Thybulle helps address the Lakers' lingering hole on the wing after they couldn't land a higher profile option to supplement Doncic and Reaves moving forward. Thybulle's versatility as a defender will help cover up some of the deficiencies the team must navigate fielding a backcourt that won't feature an on-ball defensive stopper. His improved 3-point shot could make him valuable in crunch time after being a liability at times during high-leverage moments early in his NBA career.
Thybulle's long-term availability is also a wild card for his success in Los Angeles, and why he's only earning a veteran's minimum salary. He's played in just 49 games (including this year's playoffs) across the past two seasons with the Trail Blazers, though he did end the 2026 postseason healthy and playing in the team's rotation. The Lakers also recently signed Ziaire Williams to provide depth along the wing and were reported to be pursuing free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
How the pecking order shakes out will be an intriguing storyline when training camp begins.
Why the Lakers face a roster crunch
The Laker now have 16 players under contract and will have to get that down to 15 by the start of the 2026-27 regular season. NBA teams are permitted to carry as many as 20 players on their official roster (including two-way contracts) until the beginning of the regular season.
The Lakers' front office could achieve this be releasing a player or through a trade to consolidate the roster.
Who could lose a roster spot after Thybulle signing?
The Lakers have already reportedly explored trades involving former first-round pick Dalton Knecht this offseason, and he remains a candidate to be dealt to another team in the weeks and months ahead. Guard Jaden Hardy is also on an expiring deal and in the midst of a crowded backcourt situation after the Lakers signed Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton. Forward Jake LaRavia could be easier to trade after a productive season as a role player.
Forward Jarred Vanderbilt also has a $13.2-million player option for the 2027-28 season and could either be traded or released via the NBA's waive and stretch provision. The Lakers would likely have to attach additional assets to deal Vanderbilt to another team given his age and salary commitments.
Could Lakers trade Bronny James?
It's a possibility. It would address the team's roster crunch and create a potential path for Bronny James to play with his father, LeBron James, whenever he picks a new team in NBA free agency. But while speculation persists about a potential reunion, there has been no indication that the Lakers are attempting to trade Bronny James following his father's decision to leave the franchise.
Bronny James is signed for this season, with a team option worth about $2.5 million for the 2027-28 season as part of the rookie contract he signed with the Lakers after being selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Lakers roster after 2026 NBA free agency
G Luka Doncic
G Austin Reaves
G Quentin Grimes*
G Collin Sexton*
G Bronny James
G Jaden Hardy
G Cameron Carr**
F Ziaire Williams*
F Jarred Vanderbilt
F Matisse Thybulle*
F Jake LaRavia
F Dalton Knecht
F Sandro Mamukelashvili*
F Adou Thiero
F/C Kevon Looney*
C Walker Kessler*
*signed during 2026 NBA offseason**2026 NBA Draft pick
Matisse Thybulle stats
Matisse Thybulle averaged 5.8 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals per game over 30 regular-season games with the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2025-26 season. He shot 39.8% from 3-point range and ended the campaign healthy after playing in the team's final 25 games before the playoffs. Thybulle will be entering his eighth NBA season after he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Although this past NBA season marked the first time ESPN held the rights to “Inside the NBA,” the show’s core still remained the same.
There were still the typical pieces of insightful analysis, a fair share of viral moments and, of course, some awkwardly tense moments between analysts. While NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley often toe the line of hurling insults that could be considered personal at one another, the most awkward moment from the show might have been between Barkley and Draymond Green.
The Warriors star fired a jab at Barkley’s tenure with the Houston Rockets at the end of his Hall of Fame career, while the group discussed how difficult it was to win in your late 30s. This prompted an onslaught of posts calling out Green for the disrespect, and also led to Barkley giving the Golden State star a reality check on a recent “Pardon My Take” episode.
“Draymond is a good player, I was a great player,” Barkley said at the American Century Championship to Barstool’s Big Cat and PFT. “I don’t go back and forth trying to defend, he’s a very good player, but we’re not on the same level.”
“Listen, Draymond is a good player. I was a great player… We’re not on the same level” -Charles Barkley on Pardon My Take pic.twitter.com/smr13HZSG9
Unfortunately for Green, he didn’t seem to remember just how good Barkley was.
“I think the goal is just to not look like you (Barkley) in the Houston Rockets uniform,” Green quipped to Barkley in May.
When Kenny Smith asked him what that meant, Green doubled down, saying, “Did you see?”
For those who didn’t see, Barkley averaged 16.5 points and 8.4 rebounds in the twilight stages of his career. Although those weren’t the kind of numbers that saw him make 11 All-Star teams and earn 11 All-NBA nods, they certainly weren’t anything to slouch at.
As for Green, he has just four All-Star selections to his name, but was named to the All-Defensive team nine times. He also has something that Barkley was never able to achieve, which is an NBA championship, and four of them at that.
Whether or not his resume or career stacks up to Barkley’s? Well, that seems not to be a legitimate question in the eyes of Chuck.
Jul 19, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) during the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The Senators have reached an interesting crossroads with Drake Batherson.
For the past three weeks, the 28-year-old winger has been eligible to sign a contract extension with the Sens, and it would seem to make sense for the club to get something done sooner rather than later.
But every month that passes could make Batherson a little more expensive, partly because the guy has built a career on getting better every season.
THN's Steve Warne asked Drake Batherson back in May about whether he'd like to get an extension done this summer
Since arriving in Ottawa, his point totals have climbed modestly in every single season. Last season, he established new career highs with 33 goals and 71 points, and there's every reason to believe he could jack things up again in 2026-27.
If he puts together another career year, he'll head into unrestricted free agency next summer with even more leverage than he has now.
But Batherson's value isn't trending upward just because of his play.
The NHL's financial landscape has changed, big time. The cap is jumping up by $8.5 million this summer to $104 million and is projected to climb again to around $113 million in 2027-28.
As the cap rises, so does the salary bar, particularly for elite offensive talent. Just think about the summer of 2028 when Connor McDavid is a UFA. That will completely reset everything.
But let's focus on the summer of 2026 for now.
Over the weekend, Connor Bedard signed a five-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks worth an average annual value of $15 million.
Earlier this month, Leo Carlsson landed a five-year deal with Anaheim for $18 million per year. That came after the Ducks matched the offer sheet Carlsson signed with the Philadelphia Flyers. It remains to be seen if the uniqueness of Carlsson's signing will affect salaries or be seen as nothing more than an outlier.
Because of their age and potential, Batherson can't be directly compared to either player.
Bedard finished last season with 75 points while Carlsson recorded 67, numbers that are right in the same neighbourhood as Batherson's 33 goals and 71 points. But both players are several years younger than Batherson and they were paid as much for what they're expected to become as for what they are today.
At 28, Batherson probably isn't about to take the kind of massive leap that teams are projecting from Bedard or Carlsson, but every mega contract resets expectations.
Even if Batherson isn't asking for $15 mill, those contracts raise the ceiling for every good offensive player who's got his hand out, waiting on a new deal.
And that's where Ottawa's timing is key. They might have saved a few bucks if they'd signed Batherson before these other deals were signed. But that ship has sailed, and it isn't coming back.
Batherson is finishing the bargain contract he signed five years ago, one that carries a cap hit of less than $5 million annually. It quickly became one of the better-value contracts in the entire NHL, but those days are coming to an end.
If Bedard is getting $15 million and Carlsson checks in at $18 million, is it unreasonable for Batherson's camp to want $10 million? Maybe more?
His importance to the Sens has also grown.
With Brady Tkachuk now in Florida and several veteran voices no longer around the organization, Batherson suddenly finds himself among the team's longest-serving core players, second only to Thomas Chabot.
He also showed during the playoffs that he can produce when the games matter most.
The Senators struggled to score in their first-round sweep at the hands of the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes, but Batherson scored three times and added an assist, finishing in on four of Ottawa's five goals in the series.
Perhaps most encouraging for the Senators is that, unlike certain people, Batherson has made it clear he isn't looking for a way out. When I spoke with him in May, following the season, he didn't hesitate when I asked him if he was open to remaining in Ottawa long-term.
"Oh, yeah," Batherson said. "I mean, it's a great spot for me. It's close to home. I've been here for almost a decade now and made so many friends outside of hockey in Ottawa. So, yeah, it feels like home.
"I've lived here pretty much the same amount of time I've lived in my hometown."
Batherson also said there had been no contract discussions at that point.
"This is all new to me. Obviously, it's my first time coming up on being a free agent since I was 23. That was my last one, which has flown by. I can't believe it's been five years. So yeah, we'll see what happens."
Those comments gave Senators fans reason for optimism, but as elite offensive players keep signing mega-deals (and it's only just begun), Batherson's agent might have a different view of the marketplace than he did even a couple of months ago.
At first glance, $10 million seems maybe a bit steep for Batherson. For us old-schoolers who watched Guy Lafleur earn roughly $3.5 million over his entire 17-year NHL career, it's almost impossible to wrap your head around a number like that for one season.
But that's the new NHL.
The only question now is whether the Senators can get Batherson signed before the market and his play push his price tag even higher.
By Steve Warne The Hockey News
This article was first published in The Hockey News. For more Sens coverage at The Hockey News, click on one of the Sens headlines below:
Pavel Datsyuk turns 48 on July 20, and hockey fans everywhere are taking the occasion to celebrate one of the most skilled players to ever lace up skates for the Detroit Red Wings.
Nicknamed the "Magic Man" for his otherworldly puck control, Datsyuk built a career in Detroit defined by jaw-dropping highlights that still circulate among fans today.
Datsyuk was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024, capping a legacy that includes two Stanley Cup championships in 2002 and 2008, three straight Selke Trophies as the league's top defensive forward from 2008 to 2010, and four consecutive Lady Byng Trophies for sportsmanship from 2006 to 2009.
In honor of his birthday, here's a look back at some of the plays that made him a legend in Hockeytown.
The No-Look Dish to Zetterberg
One of the clearest examples of his chemistry with longtime running mate Henrik Zetterberg came in a game against the Arizona Coyotes. After winger Dan Cleary worked the puck down the wall, Datsyuk collected it and, without so much as a glance, threaded a no-look feed into the slot for Zetterberg to bury. It was a perfect microcosm of a partnership that decided countless games for Detroit over the years.
The Ankle Breaker
Datsyuk also had a knack for pulling off things that felt borrowed from another sport entirely. Against the San Jose Sharks, he found himself with Logan Couture bearing down on him near the bottom of the offensive zone.
Datsyuk sold a move to the outside, then cut back at the last possible second, a crossover-style fake that sent Couture sliding to the ice and left him searching for the puck that was no longer there.
Perhaps the single most remarkable display of his puck skills came during Game 1 of Detroit's first-round series against Boston in the 2014 playoffs. Still nursing a knee injury, Datsyuk somehow reached behind his own body and through a pair of Bruins defenders to come away with the puck, a sequence that stunned the broadcast crew calling the game.
He turned it into the game's only goal, sliding the puck through Dougie Hamilton's legs and past Tuukka Rask for the series-opening win, proof that even at less than full health, Datsyuk was still a cut above nearly everyone else on the ice.
Legendary First NHL Goal
Long before all of that, Datsyuk announced himself with his very first NHL goal, a play that hinted at everything to come. He slipped past a pair of defenders, worked his way around a crowded crease, and slid a quick backhander home, setting the tone for a decade and a half of highlight-reel hockey in Detroit.
Signature Deke on Marty Turco
His signature move, though, may still be the one he used against Dallas Stars netminder Marty Turco, a dizzying reverse forehand-to-backhand toe-drag that left Turco flailing and became one of the most replayed sequences of his career. He pulled off similar wizardry against Tomas Vokoun in a shootout, further cementing his reputation as a goaltender's worst nightmare.
Nearly a decade removed from his playing days, Datsyuk's brand of hockey magic remains unmatched in Red Wings history, and his 48th birthday is as good a reason as any to revisit why he'll always be remembered as one of the game's most captivating players.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers tosses the ball back during a 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025 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 Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers, like everyone else, are patiently (and anxiously) awaiting LeBron James’s latest decision.
It’s been roughly four weeks since James announced he would not be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers. The King will be moving on after eight years wearing the purple and gold. And now, we are all still waiting for him to announce where his talents will be taken next.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, that decision has yet to be made.
“There is no decision, no choice yet, no timetable on a choice as of yet,” said Charania.
This is the longest it has taken James to make a move like this. He previously announced his decision to join Miami, return to Cleveland, and head to Los Angeles all in the earlier days of free agency. This time around, James is soaking up every bit of the process. He’s put numerous teams across the league on hold, as teams are frozen in place waiting for him to make a decision.
All the while, it’s been a never-ending loop of the same updates. James is considering a handful of teams. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat appear to be in the lead. But the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves have not been formally removed from the race.
“We know the teams, Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia, Golden State, Minnesota,” said Charania. “My understanding of the last couple weeks is the focus has been primarily on the Eastern Conference teams.”
Anything is possible. James could surprise us all. But one team has consistently remained in front of the discourse:
Cleveland.
The Cavs haven’t made any major moves this summer. They’ve even had James Harden on hold as he opted out of his contract to potentially clear the way for James to return. Until there’s clarity on LeBron’s future, Harden likely won’t sign a new deal.
The appeal of returning home speaks for itself. James has a deeper connection to Cleveland than any other team he could play for. It should be no surprise that the Cavs continue to be viewed as the favorites to land LeBron one final time.
New York, NY July 16, 2026 LeBron James made multiple high-profile appearances at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026, including a live recording of his Mind the Game podcast with Indiana Pacers...
The entire basketball world is waiting with decreasing patience for James to announce which team he’ll join in free agency. While there were some rumors that LeBron’s decision could arrive as soon as Monday, an update from ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that the wait will continue.
LeBron James speaks during Fanatics Fest in New York City. BACKGRID
“I spoke to Rich Paul, [James’] longtime agent, this morning. And Rich Paul made it clear to me that the choice is LeBron James’ right now… There is no decision, no choice yet. There’s no timetable as of yet,” Charania said, per an X post from ESPN Cleveland on Monday.
Shams also noted that his understanding is that the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers are the “focus” for LeBron and his team right now.
“There is no decision, no choice yet, no timetable on a choice as of yet,” – @ShamsCharania with the latest on LeBron James.
There were rumblings that LeBron’s decision might arrive on Monday, which was owed to an X post from Patrick Beverley that read, “Rumor has it Bron makes his decision today!!!”
LeBron and Beverley spent time on the Lakers together during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, which convinced some that Beverley might have some insider information and his report might be accurate.
Patrick Beverley argues with a referee during a Los Angeles Lakers game. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
But LeBron appeared to debunk that when he posted a video of Kevin Hart saying, “I don’t know who needs to hear this… Shut the f*** up. Shut the f*** up.” to his Instagram story on Monday, shortly after Beverley’s X post went viral.
There’s no way of knowing for sure whether this story was a reaction to what Beverley said, but the fact that this report from Charania surfaced shortly afterwards suggests that LeBron’s team was compelled to prove that what Beverley said was false.
LeBron James dribbles during a Los Angeles Lakers game. Getty Images
What is for sure is that many people in basketball are tired of waiting on LeBron. The NBA is eager to know his next team so they can set a national television schedule; the league’s 30 teams also want to finalize their respective rosters; and the other free agents are waiting to see where he ends up because that might impact their ultimate decision.
The bottom line is that LeBron has all the cards right now. It’s a good position to be in, and he appears to be basking in the limelight. Therefore, it would not be surprising to see him drag this decision out even longer in the days to come.
LeBron James speaks during Fanatics Fest in New York City. BACKGRID
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 14: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers looks on before the 2026 96th MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Earlier this month Justin Verlander announced his plans to retire at the end of the season. The veteran right-hander has had about as storied a MLB career as is possible. He will leave the game as a former MVP, pitching triple-crown winner, three-time Cy Young winner, two-time World Series champion, and Rookie of the Year, among a long list of other accomplishments. In his prime he was not only the best pitcher in baseball but arguably the best player in the game.
Verlander will retire as the active wins leader in MLB with 266 wins over his 21-year career. Which means despite all of his accomplishments he will fall 25-30 wins short of one of the all-time immortal MLB pitching marks. While it’s basically an arbitrary number, reaching 300 wins for a pitcher means something. Only 24 players have ever reached that mark. Behind Verlander, the next highest active mark is his old teammate Max Scherzer with 222 wins. Scherzer has totaled all of eight wins over his last two-plus seasons, making it basically impossible to reach 300. After that there isn’t a single pitcher with even 100 wins under the age of 32.
It is a very real possibility that there will never again be a 300 game winner in MLB. The active pitchers right now that appear to have the best shot at getting there are José Berríos, Freddy Peralta, Logan Webb, and Tarik Skubal.
Because of the elite levels Verlander reached even without getting to 300 wins, there is no question about his eventual home in Cooperstown. Verlander is a no-doubt Hall of Fame player, the only question is when. As with everything in baseball, the speed at reaching the Hall of Fame is something of a competition in its own right. Voters will decide if Verlander gets the accolade of being a First Ballot HOF player or just a regular-old every day Hall of Famer.
Cast your vote now and be on the lookout for results of the voting later this week. Make sure you never miss any Reacts surveys or results by signing up for the weekly newsletter!
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 11: Ronel Blanco #56 of the Houston Astros pitches during the game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Friday, April 11, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Today, the Houston Astros officially announced the following roster moves:
RHP Ronel Blanco and LHP Bennett Sousa have been reinstated from the 60-day IL.
IF Raynel Delgado has been optioned to Triple A.
LHP Bryan King was optioned to Triple A after yesterday’s game.
Blanco will start tonight’s game against the Marlins at Daikin Park, joining the Astros battered rotation.
Sousa will likely reclaim a leverage role very soon, if not immediately. Sousa had ascended to being the primary setup man for Bryan Abreu after Josh Hader’s injury before he was injured himself.
King is suffering though the worst stretch of his career, having allowed 5 HR in his last 4 outings, including at least 1 HR allowed in each. King has been a valuable piece of the Astros pen since his call up in 2024, so it’s likely this demotion will either be only as long as it takes him to get right or until we find out he will be retroactively placed on IL.
Delgado’s versatility makes him a valuable depth piece, but with Jeremy Pena and Christian Walker avoiding the IL for the time being, doesn’t have a spot on the roster right now.
The Astros are now back to 13 pitchers and 13 position players on the active roster.
ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 01: Ace Reese #3 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs celebrates during a game against the UCLA Bruins in the 2026 Amegy Bank College Baseball Series at Globe Life Field on March 1, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Gunnar Word/Texas Rangers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Seattle Mariners reportedly have completed the signing process of their 2026 draft class, per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, who also secured the details of the individual signing bonuses for each player. That is 18 new draftees entered into Seattle’s system, with only two players choosing to eschew the pros in favor of a college route: 18th round outfielder Dominic Santarelli of St. Joseph Catholic Academy in Wisconsin who will instead attend Louisiana State University, and 20th round 3B Connor Shouse out of Texas Tech University who was a draft-eligible sophomore and will return for his junior year.
It’s a more demure draft class than in years prior, and notably only includes college attendees, with Santarelli the only high schooler the club even selected. The M’s have hewed towards college performers plenty, but it was a striking level of singular focus. Seattle utilized $8,202,600 of their $8,218,200 bonus pool, reallocating their $460k in bonus pool savings from the first 10 rounds to securing several of their selections in rounds 11-14. The club reportedly had hopes of reeling in one or two prep talents, but was not able to financially draw Santarelli or Shouse away from school, and were wary of any of the remaining preps in the rounds of 11-20, opting for on-campus options instead.
The class of new players has continued to grow, however, with Baseball America reporting that Seattle has secured at least five additional players who went undrafted:
OF Kyle Boylston of Florida Atlantic University
C Jacob Galloway of Oregon State University
C Jake Harvey of University of Nevada
SS Henry Kaczmar of Ohio State University
RHP Joseph Webb of East Carolina University
While undrafted free agents are longshots for big league roles, there are several in recent years who have had big league time, including 1B Mike Ford and RHP Devin Sweet for the Mariners.
