The Los Angeles Lakers have two new owners, after Bob Iger and Josh Kushner purchased the franchise from Mark Walter for a jaw-dropping $12.5 billion sum.
It didn’t take long for Lakers superstar guard Luka Dončić to weigh in on the sale, as he made a social media post in the wake of the deal that read, “Being a Laker means everything to me, and I’m excited to get back on the court and bring a championship to LA.
“I’ve gotten used to big changes over these last few years, but I know that no matter what, there is no limit to the potential of this iconic franchise. I look forward to meeting Josh and Bob so we can get to work building something special in LA together,” he added.
Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers made a social media post in the wake of the multibillion-dollar deal. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
This sentiment from Dončić earned the approval of Jeanie Buss, who is still the Lakers’ Team Governor after selling her majority stake to Walter for $10 billion in 2025.
Buss responded to Dončić’s X post and wrote, “Perfectly said ”.
“We have enormous respect and appreciation for Jeanie, her father and what they’ve contributed to this franchise,” Iger said. “And we have every intention to honor the agreement that was made between Mark and Jeanie. If things change, they’ll change, but we’re going into this with enormous respect and appreciation for who she is and what she represents in the organization.”
Barring anything unforeseen, it makes sense why she would be in a good mood.
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 26: Adrian Houser #12 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Los Angeles Angels in the top of the six inning of a major league baseball game at Oracle Park on July 26, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants conclude this three-game home series against the Houston Astros this afternoon.
Taking the mound for the Giants will be right-hander Adrian Houser, who enters today’s game with a 4.55 ERA, 4.83 FIP, with 65 strikeouts to 31 walks in 97 innings pitched. His last start was in the Giants’ 5-2 win over the Detroit Tigers on Friday, in which he allowed one run on six hits with four strikeouts and a walk in five innings.
He’ll be facing off against Astros left-hander Bryan King, who enters today’s game with a 3.83 ERA, 4.64 FIP, with 40 strikeouts to 17 walks in 49.1 innings pitched in relief. His last appearance was in the Astros’ 7-2 loss to the San Diego Padres on Sunday, in which he closed out the game, allowing two runs on two hits with three strikeouts in one inning.
The former NBA MVP announced his retirement Wednesday with a farewell video on social media narrated by Michael B. Jordan, bringing an end to his 18-year NBA career.
“Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end,” Westbrook wrote in the caption. “You had to be there. And now it’s over.”
Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on before Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on Sunday, April 21, 2019. NBAE via Getty Images
The three-plus minute video served as Westbrook’s goodbye to basketball, with ESPN’s Shams Charania later reporting that the nine-time All-Star was retiring.
Earlier this week, rumors emerged that Westbrook could be leaving the NBA for Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel, although insider Marc Stein reported that the possibility was “laughably false.”
Westbrook’s retirement closes the book on one of the NBA’s most distinctive careers.
The 37-year-old spent the 2025-26 season with the Kings, averaging 15.2 points per game across 64 contests.
Russell Westbrook of the Sacramento Kings looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 19, 2026, at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NBAE via Getty Images
The longtime Thunder star won the 2016-17 NBA MVP award and two scoring titles, made nine All-Star teams and became the league’s all-time leader in triple-doubles during his surefire Hall of Fame career.
Westbrook spent 11 seasons in Oklahoma City after being drafted No. 4 overall out of UCLA in the 2008 NBA Draft.
He, Kevin Durant and James Harden led the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals as one of the youngest teams to ever make it to the championship round before falling to LeBron James and the Heat.
Westbrook would bounce around the league after leaving OKC following the 2018-19 season, spending time with the Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets and Kings.
Russell Westbrook is calling it a career after 18 NBA seasons.
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Westbrook announced his retirement from basketball in a video posted to his Instagram account on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
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Westbrook finished his career as the all-time leader in triple-doubles with 209 in his storied career.
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He entered the NBA after being selected out of UCLA with the No. 4 overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics, who shortly after became Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Westbrook played for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings.
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During his 18-year career, he averaged 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game through 1,301 NBA games.
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He became a league MVP, nine-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion on his way to a future Hall of Fame career.
The NBA never rests, and USA TODAY is keeping tabs on the league all year long with reporters on the ground covering every team. Follow the news on our NBA hub . Get our USA TODAY Sports newsletter in your inbox every morning and join our WhatsApp channel to get the latest updates right in your texts.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 11: Luis Campusano #12 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fifth inning at Petco Park on August 11, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Milwaukee Brewers (74-46) at San Diego Padres (64-57), August 12, 2026, 1:10 p.m. PST
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For Bob Iger, his and Josh Kushner’s purchase of the majority ownership of the Lakers from Mark Walter for a historic $12.5 billion valuation was still sinking in as of late Wednesday morning.
Because after the former Disney CEO and his business partner originally pursued ownership stakes in the NBA’s potential expansion in Las Vegas, it came to their attention last weekend that Walter could be interested in selling his stake in the Lakers that he purchased just over a year ago.
For Bob Iger, his and Josh Kushner’s purchase of the majority ownership of the Lakers from Mark Walter for a historic $12.5 billion valuation was still sinking in as of late Wednesday morning. Getty Images
“We were involved in pursuing the new franchise in Vegas,” Iger said during an exclusive phone call with the California Post. “And while that happened, it was suggested to us that maybe Mark Walter would be interested in selling his stake in the Lakers. And we immediately decided that given the value of the franchise and the iconic nature of the team, that we would be really smart to pursue it. The deal came together in three days.
When Walter purchased the majority ownership of the Lakers from the Buss family for a valuation of a then-record $10 billion, the league announced that former majority owner Jeanie Buss would remain the team’s Governor for a period of at least five years.
Iger told the Post he and Kushner intend to honor the agreement made between Walter and Buss.
“We have enormous respect and appreciation for Jeanie, her father and what they’ve contributed to this franchise,” Iger said. “And we have every intention to honor the agreement that was made between Mark and Jeanie. If things change, they’ll change, but we’re going into this with enormous respect and appreciation for who she is and what she represents in the organization.”
Iger shared that has yet to speak to Lakers star Luka Doncic, but mentioned that he spoke with Buss, as well as coach JJ Redick. The Lakers coach and Iger built a relationship while Redick played for the Clippers from 2013-17 – with Iger being a longtime Clippers season ticket holder.
Iger shared that has yet to speak to Lakers star Luka Doncic, but mentioned that he spoke with Buss, as well as coach JJ Redick. Getty Images
And now, he’ll be leading the Lakers.
“Grateful, appreciative, excited to own something that’s as iconic as the LA Lakers,” Iger said of his feelings. “Josh and I are avid NBA fans. And [to] have an opportunity to own not just any NBA team, but the LA Lakers is…it’s extraordinary from a life experience perspective and business perspective. It’s still sinking in. We’re very excited.”
With the deal coming together so quickly, questions still remain about the vision that Iger and Kushner have for the Lakers.
Iger added: “This is very new.”
And what potential changes could come under their ownership.
Iger made it clear it’s too early to speculate what’s to come.
“We’re fans,” Iger said. “We respect the value that’s been created, both on the court and off. Our intention is to build this great franchise from a position of strength in many respects as an organization. We’re smart enough to know what we know and what we don’t know. It’s just premature to speculate at all about what we plan to do, because frankly, we haven’t made any plans yet. Again, we go into this with an appreciation of who the Lakers are. And we just want to build value from today on.”
Iger added: “This is very new.”
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The exterior of Taliesan West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home, has several varieties of cactus lining the driveway, circa 1948. (Jim Heimann Collection/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
ROCKIES
DIAMONDBACKS
Jake McCarthy – CF
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Cole Carrigg – SS
Corbin Carroll – RF
TJ Rumfield – 1B
Gabriel Moreno – C
Hunter Goodman – DH
Ketel Marte – 2B
Mickey Moniak – LF
Lars Nootbaar – DH
Willi Castro – 3B
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Zac Veen – RF
Max Kepler – LF
Connor Norby – 2B
Tim Tawa – 1B
Brett Sullivan – C
Ryan Waldschmidt – CF
Ryan Feltner – RHP
Merrill Kelly – RHP
41 games left, and there is a three-way tie for the second and third wild-card spots in the National League. The Diamondbacks, Phillies and Padres all go into play today with the same record of 64-57, so it’s how the trio perform over the remaining quarter of the season which will decide who reaches the postseason. There are a few metrics which we can look at, to try and gain some insight into how things might break down.
Run differential: The D-backs actually lead the way here, at +13. The Padres are exactly even, and the Phillies are -1. Interestingly, there are “better” teams further back in the NL, led by the Nationals, who are +22 despite being three games under .500 in the standings.
Strength of remaining schedule: With Arizona having crossed two games against the Rockies off the schedule, they have now dropped into a virtual tie with San Diego. Both sides face opponents with an average win percentage of .499 the rest of the way. Philadelphia have a tougher run, at .518.
Projected record: Fangraphs gives the edge to the Phillies at 23-18, with the Padres and D-backs tied at 21-20. That would mean the third wild-card would be decided by whoever wins the final series of the season, when Arizona goes to San Diego. Baseball Prospectus concurs, having the Phillies finish at 88 wins, with the D-backs and Padres both at 84 (technically, the Padres are two-tenths of a win better).
Playoff odds: Fangraphs: PHI 75.3%; SDP 51.9%; ARI 49.4% Baseball Prospectus: PHI 85.0%; SDP 49.7%; ARI 46.1% Baseball Reference: PHI 60.7%; ARI 50.9%; SDP 41.7%
Really, you pay your money and you take your choice. I’m not sure the extent to which any of the projection factor in the returns of players for Arizona like Corbin Burnes and Justin Martinez, which should provide a boost (although you can certainly argue the size) for the Diamondbacks down the stretch. For now, though – let’s just worry about finishing off the series today with a win.
Duke Ellis of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders steals a base during a Minor League Baseball game at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, United States, on May 23, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Duke Ellis took a lead off first base in the seventh inning of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders’ game against Rochester on August 6th at PNC Field. He broke for second and when the throw from Red Wings catcher Maxwell Romero Jr. was high, Ellis safely slid headfirst into the bag.
It was Ellis’ 41st stolen base of the season and 83rd of his career, surpassing the franchise record of 82 set by Nick Punto from 2001-03.
Since then, he has extended the mark to 85 steals in 156 career games with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Ellis is on the brink of another franchise record, too. He ranks second in the International League with 43 steals in 49 tries; Braiden Ward of the Worcester Red Sox leads with 51 swipes. Ellis is one steal away from tying and two shy of breaking the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre single-season record of 44 set by Tommy Barrett in 1989 — the franchise’s inaugural season.
“I take a lot of pride in my baserunning. It’s kind of gotten me to where I am now,” Ellis said. “Individually, it’s a big accomplishment and really cool to get to that achievement.
“At the end of the day, though, I really don’t do it for me. I do it to win ballgames. I get to second so it’s a little easier RBIs for everybody else. That’s kind of the reason I do it. The achievement is awesome, but in the bigger picture it’s not just for me.”
Both Punto and Barrett played for the Red Barons when Scranton/Wilkes-Barre was affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies. So did Ellis’ father Robert. In fact, he threw one of the franchise’s seven no-hitters on June 6, 2004, against Louisville in the second game of a doubleheader.
That connection made breaking the career stolen base record even more special.
“He called me and said, ‘I have a no-hitter there and now you have that record there,’” Ellis said. “It’s kind of cool to hear his stories and follow in behind it.”
In describing the art of stealing bases, Ellis said swiping second is like playing checkers and taking third is like playing chess.
“Stealing second is all about jumps and obviously how fast you are,” Ellis said. “Stealing third, it took me a lot of years to get where I am now. I wasn’t even close to it to where I’m at right now even last year. These guys have been pretty awesome here with my development on just stealing third. I have found there’s a small art to it, but it’s not like I do anything special. I play it more like chess. You have to look for little things in game and what the pitcher’s doing and everything else to be able to take third base.”
There is an added challenge, too, when Ellis comes into the game as a pinch-runner where the opposition — and everyone in the ballpark — knows he is going to steal.
“It’s a little more difficult, but not much more as stealing when I’m playing,” Ellis said. “When I come in a pinch-running situation to steal bags late, everybody obviously knows you’re stealing. You’re there to steal bags and get into scoring position. But I get to do a lot more studying on the tendencies of the pitcher and maybe what the catcher does that gives some things away. So there’s more studying thought-process into that situation than if I’m in the lineup that night.”
In six minor-league seasons, Ellis has 223 stolen bases and been caught 31 times in 439 games. He has played for four organizations: the Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees. He was claimed by the Yankees off waivers from the M’s on August 26, 2024.
Ellis also appeared in 11 MLB games in 2024 with the White Sox (8) and Yankees (3) and has five stolen bases without ever getting caught. His lone hit in the majors came with the Yankees on September 4th at Texas — a ninth-inning single off Grant Anderson.
With the RailRiders this season, Ellis is batting .237 (55 for 232) with 10 doubles, three triples, four home runs, and 21 RBIs.
“The team is doing solid and I feel like if the team is going good, then individually you’re going good,” Ellis said. “Me, as an individual player, I feel like it’s going solid. You have you’re ups and downs, just like what baseball is. But I have a good group of guys around me, so my lows aren’t that low and my highs aren’t that high. They keep me pretty even keel.”
This season is the final stop for the RailRiders.
Team officials announced that it will rebrand for the 2027 season. The new name has already been chosen and approved by Major League Baseball and will be unveiled in early November. In a statement, team officials said the new name will “celebrate the region’s beauty, heritage and outdoor legacy.”
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre began in 1989 as the Red Barons, Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. In 2007, when it became the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate, the team was known as the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. After PNC Field underwent a season-long renovation in 2012, a “Name the Team” contest was held and RailRiders was the winner starting with the 2013 campaign, beating out five other finalists (Blast, Black Diamond Bears, Fireflies, Porcupines, and Trolley Frogs).
Along with the rebrand, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre also revealed its 2027 schedule. It will open next season on the road with a three-game series at the Worcester Red Sox on March 26-28, followed by a six-game series at the Buffalo Bisons on March 30-April 4. Its home-opening series at PNC Field is April 6-11 against the intrastate rival Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The season concludes at home Sept. 14-19 with a series against the Rochester Red Wings.
In the 150-game schedule, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will face traditional northeast opponents Buffalo, Lehigh Valley, Rochester, and the Syracuse Mets 24 times each — two six-game home series and two six-game road series. It will play Worcester 18 times (9 home, 9 away).
One of the highlights of the schedule is the first-time meeting with the Memphis Redbirds, Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, on May 11-16 at AutoZone Park in Tennessee. Besides Memphis, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre again will make road trips to face the Indianapolis Indians (June 8-13) and Iowa Cubs (Sept. 7-12). It visited both those cities this season.
Other opponents coming to PNC Field next season include the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (June 15-20), Charlotte Knights (June 22-27) and Toledo Mud Hens (July 20-25).
There’s a rookie making his debut on the mound for Washington tonight, so I’ll be fading him as part of my Cubs vs. Nationals predictions.
We’re not seeing much value on the moneyline, so I’ll be riding the Cubs at +101 on the run line over at Polymarket. Let’s take advantage of a rookie arm going up against one of the most potent lineups in baseball.
Time to dive into my MLB picks for Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Who will win Cubs vs Nationals today: Cubs -1.5 (+101)
Today’s analysis is simple: the Chicago Cubs have killed lefties to the tune of a .806 OPS this season, and they’re seeing a rookie pitcher on the mound. The term “fresh meat” comes to mind.
The No. 8 prospect for the Washington Nationals, Jackson Kent, gets the nod. With a career 4.22 ERA in the minors, I’m not expecting him to mow down the team with the highest wRC+ in baseball (111).
Opposite Kent will be David Peterson, who’s held the Nationals to a .243 xBA and .302 xwOBA over 80 at-bats against him, which is a large enough sample size for me to know what we’re going to get tonight. That includes a 4-for-24 (.224 xBA) mark from CJ Abrams.
COVERS INTEL: Peterson’s bloated 5.35 ERA is largely due to one start from July, when he allowed 10 earned runs to the St. Louis Cardinals. Since then, he’s only been charged with five earned runs across 28.2 innings pitched.
Cubs vs Nationals Over/Under pick: Over 9.5 (-103)
While I expect the Cubs to feast on the young left-hander tonight, the Nationals will likely need some offense from someone other than Abrams. I’m keying in on Keibert Ruiz, who’s 6-for-17 against Peterson with a .315 xBA.
It helps to know that the Over is 6-0-1 in the Cubs’ last six games as a road favorite — let’s see if that hits for the seventh time.
Cubs vs Nationals home run prediction: Seiya Suzuki (+365)
If you’re looking for a rock-solid home run prediction, it’ll be Seiya Suzuki. The outfielder absolutely rakes against lefties, owning a 1.007 OPS against them this year; coming off a 2-for-5 game with a double and home run, I'm expecting him to stay hot at the plate tonight.
With 103 long balls at Nationals Park this season — good for 11th among all ballparks — while going up against a rookie in his debut, I’ll give Suzuki the tap on the shoulder to hit one out.
Dustin Saracini's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 2-4, -2.27 units
Over/Under bets: 3-3, -0.95 units
Cubs vs Nationals weather
With temperatures nearing 86 degrees Fahrenheit for tonight, we should see a perfect night of baseball in Washington with minimal impact on game conditions.
Cubs vs Nationals odds
Moneyline: Cubs (-150) | Nationals (+144)
Run line: Cubs (+101) | Nationals (-108)
Over/Under: Over 9.5 (-103) | Under 9.5 (-109)
Cubs vs Nationals trend
The Over is hitting at a 3-0-1 clip across the Cubs' last four games, and it's also hit four straight times when the Nationals are an underdog. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Nationals.
How to watch Cubs vs Nationals and game info
Location
Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
Date
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
First pitch
6:45 p.m. ET
TV
MARQ, Nationals.TV
Cubs starting pitcher
David Peterson (6-7, 5.35 ERA)
Nationals starting pitcher
Jackson Kent (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Cubs vs Nationals latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 12: Taylor Walls #6 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates scoring with Junior Caminero #13 as Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees reacts in the background during the second inning of a baseball game at Tropicana Field on April 12, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Westbrook, 37, spent one season in Washington after the team acquired him in a December 2020 trade that sent John Wall and picks to the Houston Rockets.
The standout guard averaged a triple-double — 22.2 points, 11.7 assists and 11.5 rebounds per game — during his lone season with the Wizards. Washington made the playoff as the No. 8 seed before losing in five games to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Westbrook spent 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder before stints with the Rockets, Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings. His 27,176 career points ranks 16th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
His Hall of Fame resume is as follows:
• 9x All-Star
• 9x All-NBA
• 3x Assists leader
• 2x Scoring champion
• 2016-17 MVP
In 2017, the UCLA alum became the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double across an entire seasons — a feat he accomplished four times in his career. He recorded his record-breaking 182nd triple-double in a Wizards uniform in a May 2021 game against the Atlanta Hawks and remains the NBA’s all-time triple-doubles leaders with 209.
Westbrook’s 38 triple-doubles during the 2020-21 season cleared everyone else on the Wizards’ all-time list. The next closest is Darrell Walker with 15, followed by John Wall’s seven.
Current Wizards guard Trae Young congratulated Westbrook with an X post saluting his career.
Damn Brodie… an absolute Legend! What a hell of a career! 🫡 @russwest44
A lot to love on this beautiful Wednesday, as I have found three plus-money player props for us to sink our teeth into this evening.
Join me as I dive into why I'm also expecting big nights from Munetaka Murakami and Griffin Conine in my three favorite MLB player props for Aug. 12.
Best MLB player props today
Player
Pick
Odds
Griffin Conine
Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBI
+105
Carmen Mlodzinski
Over 2.5 Earned Runs
+123
Munetaka Murakami
Over 1.5 Total Bases
+131
Griffin Conine Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBI (+105)
I have to run back Miami Marlins outfielder Griffin Conine after flying out to the wall in his first at-bat last night, only to later be robbed at the wall. I think Conine is beyond due for a massive outing, and today he draws an even better matchup against Pittsburgh Pirates starter Carmen Mlodzinski.
The Pirates right-hander has allowed a 50% hard-hit rate and 11.36% barrel rate to opposing hitters over his last five starts. Against the last 60 left-handed hitters he has faced, they own a .352 xBA, .538 xSLG and .367 xwOBA. During that stretch, those hitters are generating a 47% hard-hit rate and 29.8% ground-ball rate.
With Conine carrying a .529 SLG and .264 ISO while producing a 50% hard-hit rate and 22.75% barrel rate over his last ten games, I think he is primed to go off this evening.
Plus money for a guy performing at the level Conine is right now feels like a steal. I would try my best to get this prop at plus money, but I’m comfortable playing it down to -105.
As mentioned above, he has been allowing a ton of hard contact and barrels to opposing hitters while struggling against left-handed hitters. The Marlins will have five hitters batting from the left side this evening.
Mlodzinski has allowed a 51.72% hard-hit rate and nearly a 14% barrel rate to opposing hitters over his last three starts, while sporting a 5.18 xERA against the last 60 lefties he has faced. It is going to be a long game for Mr. Mlodzinski.
The Marlins have posted a 138 wRC+, .366 wOBA and .823 OPS over their last 12 games at home, while also owning an 11% walk rate. On top of that, the Fightin’ Fish rank eighth in first-five scoring at home this season, averaging 2.84 runs.
The amount of hard contact Mlodzinski has been allowing should continue this evening, and the Marlins will feast on his offerings.
Take this down to +110.
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MIAM, SNP
Munetaka Murakami Over 1.5 Total Bases (+131)
We are getting a ton of value on Chicago White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami to go Over his 1.5 total bases prop this evening, with it sitting at +131.
Murakami owns the highest rating in this matchup on Batters-Box, while covering nearly 100% of Cincinnati Reds right-hander Rhett Lowder’s entire pitch mix. Through 47 elite ratings this season, the White Sox slugger has surpassed this prop 53.19% of the time, going over in seven of his last 10 elite ratings as well.
Over his last 10 games, the first baseman is slugging .512 while owning a 30% ground-ball rate, 61% hard-hit rate and 21.7% barrel rate.
Meanwhile, Lowder, on the road against left-handed bats, is allowing just a 32.6% ground-ball rate while allowing a 41.8% hard-hit rate.
I would take this down to +120, but +131 is a fantastic price.
Time: 7:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CHSN, CINR
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 387-752, -17.4 Units
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - AUGUST 7: Ryan Feltner #18 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on August 7, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Colorado Rockies managed to snag a 3-2 victory Tuesday night thanks to another inspired Tomoyuki Sugano start on the mound and a clutch two-run home run by Kyle Karros. Now, with the series tied, the Rockies face off against their most dreaded foe this season, the rubber match.
When a chance to win a series is on the line in the final game of a series, the Rockies have been, to be frank, abysmal. In 15 chances to win a series rubber match, the Rockies are 3-13. They previously lost a rubber match game last Sunday in St. Louis, 7-4.
The Rockies will try to change their luck by sending Ryan Feltner (4-6, 5.71 ERA) to the mound. He was solid in his last outing, going 5.1 innings and allowing three runs on four hits. His inconsistencies have been quite noticeable over the last two months as his command has waned, leading to a lot of contact and an uptick in walks, or he can work quickly and efficiently to cruise through a game. Home runs have been quite the issue this season, having given up 18 on the season, two shy of a career-high 20 in 2024. He has struggled to a 6.27 ERA over four starts against the Arizona Diamondbacks, including a 5.40 ERA in one start at Chase Field. He’ll need to be careful in hitting his locations and commanding his pitches because the Diamondbacks have shown they are ready to swing in this series.
The Snakes will send out Merrill Kelly (8-9, 4.88 ERA) to make the start. The veteran righty hasn’t been as crisp this season, as his walks are up and his strikeouts are down. He’s also been stung by the home run ball at a higher clip as well. Still, he is not one to be taken lightly, especially since he’s come back into form a bit over the last month. In his last outing, he allowed just one run on two hits over 5.2 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In his previous start against the Rockies this season, he tossed a complete game at Coors Field in May, allowing just one run on four hits on 100 pitches. In his career, he has a 3.08 ERA over 18 starts against the Rockies with 105 strikeouts and 24 walks in 117 innings. In 90 starts at Chase, he has a 3.50 ERA.
In roster news, the Rockies have recalled Adael Amador from Triple-A Albuquerque and placed Kyle Karros on the 7-day concussion injured list.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 5, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reaches in on Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) at Crypto.com Arena on February 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
This week’s announcement that the Sixers will be featured in the NBA’s Christmas schedule for the 2026-27 should come as no surprise. It was to be expected even before the acquisition of LeBron James as the Jaylen Brown trade was likely the second-biggest transaction in the NBA’s offseason behind only James signing in Philadelphia.
Not that getting selected to play on the biggest day on the league’s regular season calendar guarantees you anything, but we wanted to take this time to look back and remind fans of just how popular of a pick the Sixers have been for the Dec. 25 slate. Here are all the games Philadelphia has played in on Christmas Day since Joel Embiid was drafted in 2014:
2024 – Sixers @ Celtics
Final score: 118-114, Sixers
2023 – Sixers @ Heat
Final score: 119-113, Heat
2022 – Sixers @ Knicks
Final score: 119-112, Sixers
2019 – Bucks @ Sixers
Final score: 121-109, Sixers
2018 – Sixers @ Celtics
Final score: 121-114, Celtics (OT)
2017 – Sixers @ Knicks
Final score: 105-98, Sixers
Playing Boston twice and New York two times in this slew of six games over the last decade on Christmas should come as no surprise to Sixers fans. This season in Los Angeles against the Lakers, Philadelphia will play its first Christmas Day game against a Western Conference opponent since 2001. The opponent on Christmas Day a quarter century ago? Yeah, that was also the Lakers as the Sixers made the trip across the country for an NBA Finals rematch.
Of course, James joining the Sixers after playing for the Lakers for the last eight seasons is the driving force behind the matchup that will be in the marquee broadcast window for The Association on Christmas Day as well with tipoff set for 5 p.m. ET.
While this is not meant to relitigate “The Process” although that’s always fun, it is worth noting that after the 2001 Finals rematch in L.A., the Sixers did not start getting these Christmas Day games until Embiid was healthy and playing 50+ games per season which started in the 2017-18 campaign. Obviously the goal of “The Process” wasn’t to get scheduled on Christmas Day, but there is no doubt that Philadelphia has been a more desired team for the league to feature on such an important day in the regular season.
We all know by now that the NFL has decided to play on Christmas as well and the TV ratings blow the NBA’s ratings out of the water. Fortunately, for Philadelphia sports fans, the Eagles are the Christmas Eve game this season which gives the Sixers the full attention locally on Christmas Day. Regardless of what else there is to offer on Dec. 25, the NBA continues to prioritize the Sixers as one of the best teams they have to offer on a day they have no choice but to schedule its best teams and/or its biggest markets. Merry Christmas four months early, Sixers fans!
When the agreement was made for Mark Walter to sell the majority ownership stake of the LA Lakers to businessman Josh Kushner and former The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger at a historic valuation of $12.5 billion, there were more questions than answers.
But one thing that became apparent in the immediate aftermath of the pending sale: Iger will be the one most actively involved with the Lakers once the sale becomes official, a source told The California Post.
ESPN’s Joshua Kushner and Disney’s CEO Bob Iger have purchased the Lakers for $12.5 billion. (JASON SZENES) JASON SZENES/ NY POST
But they recently pivoted to aggressively pursue the majority ownership stake of the Lakers from Walter, who agreed to purchase the Lakers from the Buss family last June in a deal that became official in late October 2025 for a then-record valuation of around $10 billion.
It wasn’t clear as of Wednesday morning when the sale from Walter to Iger and Kushner would become official.
The transaction has to be approved by the NBA Board of Governors. The next board meeting is scheduled for September.
“As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world,” Iger and Kushner said in a joint statement.
“We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss. Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles.”
Thrive Eternal is the capital holding company launched by Thrive Capital, which Kushner founded. (Getty Images) Getty Images
The latest sale of the Lakers came together came quickly.
Iger told The Post he and Kushner learned over the weekend that Walter could be interested in selling his stake in the Lakers that he purchased just over a year ago.
LA Laker Luka Dončić (right), pictured with Austin Reaves, has expressed his excitement over the change in ownership. (Getty Images North America) Getty Images
And the sale is solely for Walter’s shares in the Lakers.
Walter, the CEO of TWG Global and Guggenheim Partners, is also the controlling owner of the Sparks in addition to having financial interests in Chelsea FC, the Cadillac Formula 1 racing team, the Billie Jean Cup and the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
Thrive Eternal will be the investing vehicle used in Iger’s and Kushner’s purchase of the Lakers.
Thrive Eternal is the permanent capital holding company launched by Thrive Capital, a venture capital firm Kushner founded.
The capital holding company is focused on owning and stewarding a small number of franchises “that we can own and steward over many decades,” according to its official website.
Thrive Eternal, which launched in April, acquired a minority ownership stake in the San Francisco Giants in the spring.
Kushner isn’t a stranger to NBA ownership, interestingly.
He became a minority owner of the Grizzlies in 2019 before selling his share to purchase a stake in the Heat in May 2025.
Kushner will have to divest his stake in the Heat to take control of the Lakers.
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