Athletics' Nick Kurtz could miss the rest of the season with a thumb injury

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz may be in danger of missing the rest of the season because of his injured right thumb.

Manager Mark Kotsay told reporters before his team’s game against Tampa Bay that Kurtz needs to be in a brace for four weeks following a platelet-rich plasma injection on Aug. 4. Kotsay alluded to the fact that four weeks without mobility for Kurtz could make a return before the end of September difficult to envision.

Kurtz, 23, went on the injured list with a sprained right thumb on July 11 and returned two weeks later. He struggled at the plate following his return, going 1 for 18 in seven games. Kurtz was expected to see a hand specialist in Los Angeles.

The reigning AL rookie of the year is batting .256 with 21 home runs and 69 RBIs in his second season in the majors. Kurtz, a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was selected as an All-Star but unable to participate in Philadelphia because of the injury.

Ben Simmons showed off improved shooting in NBA comeback run, and this time it’s definitely real

Ben Simmons is trying to make an NBA comeback at 30 years old after injuries kept him out of the league last season. The forward is training with the Australian national men’s basketball team in private runs this week with the hope of making the 2028 Olympic roster, and as videos from those sessions start to circulate, it’s time for one of modern basketball’s greatest late offseason traditions.

It feels like every offseason features videos of Simmons showing off an improved outside shooting stroke. This of course never actually holds when the games matter, as Simmons has made just five three-pointers in 383 career NBA games. I was worried that we’d never get another mid-August video of Simmons stroking jumpers in a pickup run again after his career stalled out last year, but I was wrong! Watch a shirtless Simmons connect from deep in the video below:

Simmons has legitimately never recovered from refusing to take an open dunk during Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks. Simmons was named an All-Star for the third consecutive season that year, but his body started to break down after repeated back and nerve injuries, and he’s never been able to rediscover his best level.

Videos of Simmons ripping jumpers in pickup runs have been circulating for a decade. Here’s a video from July 2019:

Here’s Simmons ripping jumpers in offseason training sessions from 2021:

Fans clown Simmons for his broken jumper, but he was still a special talent at his peak. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons was 2018 Rookie of the Year, earned two First-Team All-Defense nods, one All-NBA team, and three All-Star bids during his short prime. He was an elite defensive forward with incredible passing ability who could score in the open floor as well as any player in the league. His athleticism waned as the injuries piled up, and eventually he started to play scared offensively because he didn’t want to go to the free throw line. Still, Simmons ranks No. 2 in BPM and No. 4 in win shares per 48 minutes from the 2016 draft class to this day.

I wouldn’t count out a Simmons comeback. He could make sense on a team like the Boston Celtics that can surround him with shooters, using him as a passing hub, and unleash him on defense. While videos of made jumpers in an empty gym will always go viral for Simmons, the big question for his potential comeback is if he can get healthy enough to defend at a high level again.

Lots has changed in the NBA over the last decade, but Ben Simmons is still going viral for making threes in pickup runs. It’s kind of beautiful if you think about it.

10 most expensive pro sports franchise sales: Lakers top list

The Los Angeles Lakers' proposed sale for more than $12 billion would set a record for a North American sports team. But it would only be the latest example of the rapid increases in the value of pro franchises.

As leagues have become more welcoming to large ownership groups and venture capital firms joining their ranks, the dollar figures have skyrocketed.

In Forbes' latest ranking of the 50 most valuable sports franchises, the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL topped the list − worth an astounding $13 billion. The Lakers, second among NBA teams to the Golden State Warriors, ranked fifth at $10 billion.

Most expensive sports teams

In terms of their most recent sale prices, here are the most expensive professional teams among the four major North American pro sports. The Lakers, at their proposed sale price of more than $12 billion, would go to the top of this list:

(Note: The Seattle Seahawks announced last month that a group led by venture capitalist Vinod Khosla will purchase the team for $9.6 billion. That sale still must be approved by the NFL.)

  1. $10 billion, Los Angeles Lakers. (To Mark Walter in 2025)
  2. $6.1 billion, Boston Celtics. (To BIll Chisholm in 2025)
  3. $6.05 billion,Washington Commanders. (To Josh Harris in 2023)
  4. $4.65 billion, Denver Broncos. (To Walton-Penner family in 2022)
  5. $4.25 billion, Portland Trail Blazers (To Tom Dundon in 2026)
  6. $4 billion, Phoenix Suns/Mercury. (To Mat Ishbia in 2022)
  7. $3.5 billion, Dallas Mavericks. (To Adelson, Dumont families in 2023)
  8. $3 billion, Charlotte Hornets. (To Gabe Plotkin, Rich Schnall in 2023)
  9. $2.475 billion, New York Mets. (To Steve Cohen in 2020)
  10. $2.35 billion, Brooklyn Nets. (To Joe Tsai in 2019)\

Mark Walter, here celebrating the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series victory with outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, purchased the L.A. Lakers last year for $10 billion.

How much were the Lakers sold for?

The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold for a record $12.5 billion less than two years after Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and TWG Global CEO Mark Walter bought the team from the Buss Family. The deal was first reported by ESPN.

The sale to businessman Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Robert Iger would mark the highest amount ever paid for a North American sports franchise, surpassing the $10 billion that Walter paid for the Lakers. — Scooby Axson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 10 most expensive pro sports franchise sales: Lakers top list

Ex-Disney head Bob Iger partners with Josh Kushner to buy Los Angeles Lakers for a staggering $12.5 billion

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger (left) and venture capitalist Josh Kushner (right) are reportedly buying the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-breaking $12.5 billion  (Getty)

Billionaire Mark Walter is reportedly selling the Los Angeles Lakers to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and venture capitalist Josh Kushner for a record-breaking $12.5 billion.

"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. We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss," Kushner and Iger told ESPN in a statement Wednesday. "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."

The pair had been involved in the NBA’s expansion process in Las Vegas before unexpectedly shifting their focus to the Lakers and making an aggressive offer to buy the team, sources told ESPN.

The shocking sale comes just one year after Walter, the CEO and chairman of diversified holding company TWG Global, acquired a controlling stake in the Lakers from the Buss family for an estimated $10 billion valuation, setting a record at the time.

“Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life – an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family,” Walter, who purchased the franchise just last year, said in a statement to ESPN. “I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead.”

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger (pictured) and venture capitalist Josh Kushner are reportedly buying the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-breaking $12.5 billion (Getty Images for Vanity Fair)
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger (pictured) and venture capitalist Josh Kushner are reportedly buying the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-breaking $12.5 billion (Getty Images for Vanity Fair)
Kushner, 41, is the founder and CEO of venture capital firm Thrive Capital and the co-founder and vice chairman of Oscar Health. His brother is Jared Kushner (Getty Images)
Kushner, 41, is the founder and CEO of venture capital firm Thrive Capital and the co-founder and vice chairman of Oscar Health. His brother is Jared Kushner (Getty Images)

Walter, 66, has investments across several professional sports teams. Through TWG Global, he has ownership in the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, Premier League soccer club Chelsea and the Professional Women’s Hockey League. He also owns several auto racing teams through TWG Motorsports, including Cadillac’s Formula 1 team.

The reported deal involves only Walter’s ownership of the Lakers, according to ESPN.

Walter built his fortune in the insurance industry and is also facing federal investigations into alleged tax fraud at other companies he runs.

Kushner, 41, is the founder and CEO of venture capital firm Thrive Capital and the co-founder and vice chairman of Oscar Health. In April, Thrive Eternal, a permanent investment vehicle from Thrive Capital, acquired a minority, non-controlling stake in the San Francisco Giants.

The deal would be the highest paid for an American sports franchise (Getty Images)
The deal would be the highest paid for an American sports franchise (Getty Images)

He is also the younger brother of Jared Kushner, a former adviser to President Donald Trump who is married to Ivanka Trump. Josh Kushner is married to supermodel Karlie Kloss.

Iger, 75, meanwhile, recently ended his second stint as Disney CEO, handing the role to Josh D’Amaro in March. Iger also has experience in professional sports ownership, as he and his wife, Willow Bay, became controlling owners of the National Women's Soccer League club Angel City FC in July 2024.

Iger and Kushner would take over the Lakers as the franchise enters the post-LeBron James era.

James left in July for the Philadelphia 76ers after eight seasons in LA and one NBA title, leaving Luka Doncic as the team’s new centerpiece. The Lakers have also added big man Walker Kessler and re-signed guard Austin Reaves.

Wednesday Open Thread

TORONTO, CANADA - AUGUST 10: Charles McAdoo #26 of the Toronto Blue Jays gets doused with a sports drink during their post-game interview after their MLB game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre on August 10, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images

I got a few things going on today, and I’m kind wanting a day off, so lets do an open thread.

I saw a tweet for a post saying “How could the Jays pull it off?“ and I was thinking win a lot of games? That’s it right? Cause blowing up the other teams’ ballparks, with the teams in them, seems a bit over the top.

Of course, having two starting pitchers go on the IL in the past couple of weeks makes it all that much harder.

2.5 games back now but they have to leap over five teams to get there, which is the tough part. If one of those teams goes on a run, it becomes that much harder.

Anyway, use the thread to talk about anything you’d like. If nothing else give me something I can watch on streaming, because I’m watching ‘Heros’ and, as I remembered it, the first season was fairly compelling, but the second season is just a mess.

Sources: Mark Walter has no plans to sell Dodgers after unloading Lakers

Mark Walter, chairman and controlling owner of the Dodgers, acknowledges a fan before a game in Chicago on Aug. 4.
Mark Walter, chairman and controlling owner of the Dodgers, acknowledges a fan before a game in Chicago on Aug. 4. (Melissa Tamez / Associated Press)

If Mark Walter is selling one of the crown jewels of Los Angeles sports, is he about to sell the other?

No, according to people familiar with the matter not authorized to discuss it publicly. Walter announced the sale of his controlling interest in the Lakers on Wednesday, but he is not looking to sell the Dodgers.

The decision to sell the Lakers is specific to the Lakers and is not a sign Walter is interested in dismantling a sports empire that includes the Dodgers, the Sparks, Chelsea of the English Premier League, the Professional Women’s Hockey League and various tennis and motor sports entities.

In 2012, Walter and his partners bought the Dodgers for $2.15 billion, then a record for a Major League Baseball team.

Read more:Bob Iger, Joshua Kushner to buy Lakers from Mark Walter's ownership group for $12.5 billion

Under his ownership, the Dodgers have won three of the last six World Series championships and invested record revenues in player contracts so generous that league owners are now pursuing a salary cap, in part to help teams other than the Dodgers win the Wold Series and in part to lift the value of all of its franchises.

Sportico now values the Dodgers at $9 billion.

Walter last year closed his purchase of the Lakers at a valuation of $10 billion and agreed to sell Tuesday at a valuation of $12.5 billion. The buyers: former Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner, whose Thrive Eternal venture capital firm invests in sports and owns a share of the San Francisco Giants.

Kushner is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law.

That Walter never put the Lakers up for bid echoes how he bought the Dodgers: An auction had been scheduled among three finalists for the Dodgers, including Walter and his partners. Walter put a take-it-or-leave-it bid on the table so high — hundreds of millions above where the other bidders had been in the process — that former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt called off the auction and congratulated Walter.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Carlos Rodon slated for 2nd rehab start, Cody Bellinger 'getting close’ for Yankees

NEW YORK — Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón is scheduled to make his second minor league rehabilitation start for Double-A Somerset.

Rodón has been on the 15-day injured list since July 3 because of left elbow inflammation. He received multiple shots, including platelet-rich plasma injections, and threw 29 of 48 pitches for strikes in his first rehab outing for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The left-hander allowed three runs and three hits over 2 2/3 innings against Rochester, with four strikeouts and two walks.

New York manager Aaron Boone has said Rodón could return to the team in a piggyback situation with another starter at first, similar to Max Fried’s return from a bruised left elbow on July 22.

When he gets back, Rodón will rejoin a strong Yankees rotation that also includes Cam Schlittler, Gerrit Cole, Will Warren and Ryan Weathers.

As for the injury-depleted lineup, Boone said All-Star left fielder Cody Bellinger is “getting close” to returning from a left hamstring strain that has sidelined him since July 26. Bellinger, who has been hitting and working in the outfield, was expected to miss four to six weeks.

“He’s running really well. He’s probably at I think over 90% of his normal top speed and feeling good doing that,” Boone said before the opener of a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners.

“I know he still feels a little bit of tightness getting into certain positions. So it’s just getting though that last wave, which hopefully he works through this week as that intensity ramps up of doing these things every day. But I don’t think he’s too far off.”

New York designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, out since April 25 with a right calf strain, ran the bases at Yankee Stadium.

“It does feel like he’s getting closer. He has stacked a lot of good days here. So, when that time comes, obviously it will be very good to get him back,” Boone said.

Aaron Judge was cleared to begin light workout activity. The three-time AL MVP hasn’t played since May 31 because of a broken right rib but said he will return this season.

Boone said Bellinger probably will come off the injured list first, followed by Stanton and then Judge.

New York began the day leading the American League wild-card standings and six games behind first-place Tampa Bay in the AL East.

“I think we still have a chance to be at our very best hopefully when it matters the most,” Boone said.

In other news, the Yankees placed reliever Kervin Castro on the 15-day injured list with right elbow neuritis and called up fellow right-hander Bradley Hanner from Triple-A.

Castro has a 1.42 ERA in five outings for New York this season, with eight strikeouts and two walks in 6 1/3 innings.

The 27-year-old Hanner was 6-2 with a 2.10 ERA and four saves in 40 relief appearances at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, compiling 61 strikeouts over 51 1/3 innings with only two home runs allowed. He was looking to make his major league debut.

In the fourth season of a six-year, $162 million, contract, Rodón is 4-2 with a 3.30 ERA in nine starts after missing the first month recovering from offseason elbow surgery. He returned in early May and struggled with command in his first three starts. He was 4-0 with a 2.97 ERA in his last six outings before going on the IL.

Rodón had surgery Oct. 15 to remove loose bodies in his left elbow and shave a bone spur. Then he had a setback in late March when he felt tightness in his right hamstring while throwing at the Yankees’ complex in Florida.

Rodón was 18-9 with a 3.09 ERA last season and is 41-28 with a 3.93 ERA in 88 starts since joining the Yankees.

GM Mike Dunleavy says Warriors can compete with any team if healthy

The Golden State Warriors still believe they can compete with any team the league, but one thing stands in their way: their health.

Injuries have been a frequent opponent in recent years, and last season was no exception: Season-ending injuries to Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody. Stephen Curry missed a chunk of time just before and after the All-Star break.

Health is everything for the Warriors, who are running it back – along with the addition of 2026 draft picks Yaxel Lendeborg and LaJae Jones.

General manager Mike Dunleavy said in an Aug. 11 virtual call with media members there were "a myriad of reasons" why the roster returns familiar faces and expressed confidence for next season.

"I think in terms of coming back this year with a similar group, I think the two areas I discussed were obviously the injuries, which you can control some, (some) you can't," Dunleavy said. "Then some internal improvement stuff which we we need to be better. We need to be better taking care of the basketball. We need to be better executing. We need some better game plan stuff. So I think we looked at it in terms of how do we put the best, most talented roster out there, and it ended up being bringing back a lot of the guys that that we believe in, (that) we like, and we just need them to be healthy."

For what it's worth, Dunleavy was high on the last year's team, which finished with a 37-45 record before the Warriors' season ended in the play-In tournament.

"We did believe in the roster going to the season," he said. "Then (if) you told me at the beginning of the season we were going to add (Kristaps) Porzingis (in February) to that group, and the year before we went to the, you know, Western Conference semifinals and our best player was hurt for four of the games? We felt really good about the team."

After missing out this offseason on big swings for LeBron James or Jaylen Brown, Dunleavy concluded he didn't want to disrupt the team's continuity.

"I wanted to be careful about just switching things up to switch things up, and then you end up with maybe lesser players, not as good of a team, not as good of potential, and that's, I think, that's where you can go wrong," he said.

Golden State Warriors championship expectations

The Warriors' expectation are to reach the playoffs, and even make a deep run. There's not a team in the league they feel they can't matchup against.

"I think from our standpoint going into the year, I think you go down and ask every coach and player on the team. I mean, we fully expect to be in the playoffs. I mean, that would be an expectation and a goal," Dunleavy said. "I think we feel like if we get in the playoffs, we would be a tough out. We would be a tough out with Steve (Kerr) coaching, Steph, Draymond (Green), Jimmy, or the team we have, and whatever we can do. It's hard for me to say exactly what our team will be come come April, but you know, if we have our cornerstone pieces are healthy, and Steve Kerr is our coach, our goal is to get into the playoffs and see what happens."

Kerr once used the phrase "fading dynasty" to describe the state of the Warriors. Aging, yes. But franchise won four NBA titles in an eight-year span with those "cornerstone pieces" – Curry and Green, coached by Kerr.

Their presence alone gives Dunleavy, the team and their fans hope that they're not done yet. Dunleavy denounces the doubters. He sees a path back to top of the mountain.

"I see a path because you have Steph Curry, Steve Kerr is a proven championship coach. We've got really good players. We need to get healthy. We need to stay healthy, and then we need to evaluate and see where we're at and if we need to get better. I know we can get better. So there's a path. It may not be clear to a lot of people, but there's a path," he said.

Warriors road to getting healthy

The first step on that path is getting everyone back. The Warriors open the season on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 21. They will make their 14th consecutive Christmas Day appearance when they host the Denver Nuggets on Friday, Dec. 25.

Dunleavy expects to open the season without Butler and Moody as they return from season-ending injuries they sustained last campaign.

Dunleavy said there is no timeline for their return but they are doing well in rehabbing from their injuries.

"Yeah, guys are in a good spot with the rehabs. They're doing well," he said. "We haven't even gotten to the point of kind of readiness, availability, when they may be back. We just know, like night one, Oct. 21 against the Lakers, those guys won't be available. And they won't be available in the in the near term after that. So we're prepared for it, and we look forward to getting them back when we can. But we haven't even nailed down a timeline yet."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: GM Mike Dunleavy says Warriors can compete with any team if healthy

Mark Walter’s status as Dodgers owner revealed after $12.5 billion Lakers sale

New Los Angeles Dodgers owners Stan Kasten, Earvin
New Los Angeles Dodgers owners Stan Kasten, Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Mark Walter laugh during a news conference to announce the new ownership of the Major League Baseball team at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday, May 2, 2012. (LUCY NICHOLSON)

Mark Walter stunned the sports world on Wednesday by selling his ownership stake in the Lakers at a $12.5 billion valuation to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner.

It is the largest sale of an American sports franchise in history.

However, the billionaire businessman’s ownership of the Dodgers is not expected to change, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed, with Walter planning to retain control of the franchise under his Guggenheim Baseball Management group and continue in his role as chairman of the club.

Unlike the Lakers –– whom Walter acquired through another one of his conglomerates, TWG Global, only a little more than a year ago –– the Dodgers have long been the crown jewel in his sprawling sports portfolio.

He spearheaded Guggenheim’s $2.15 billion purchase of the then-bankrupt franchise from Frank McCourt in 2012.

New Los Angeles Dodgers owners Stan Kasten, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Mark Walter laugh during a news conference to announce the new ownership of the Major League Baseball team at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday, May 2, 2012. (LUCY NICHOLSON) REUTERS

He has overseen a historic turnaround in which the Dodgers have become MLB’s preeminent organization, winning three World Series titles while smashing league spending records to compile a roster full of superstar talent in recent years.

He has also watched the club transform into a revenue-generating machine, becoming the first baseball team to eclipse $1 billion in annual revenue in the wake of Shohei Ohtani’s signing three years ago (on a contract, notably, the two-way star could opt out of if Walter ever reliquinshed ownership of the team).

Even though his day-to-day involvement is almost entirely hands-off –– “They make all the decisions,” Walter quipped after last year’s World Series, when asked how much he trusts his “baseball people” to run the franchise, “[and] I just tell them yes” –– his influence has nonetheless been profound.

In recent weeks, however, newfound speculation surrounding his business empire has started to sprout.

First came reports of a federal investigation into potential financial improprieties at insurance companies he owned.

Then, news emerged that the 66-year-old had suffered a stroke during the 2024 World Series.

Los Angeles Dodgers chairman Mark Walter attends a press conference announcing a new partnership between the Los Angeles Dodgers and UNIQLO at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The partnership renames the Dodger Stadium playing field to UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium. (MediaNews Group RM) MediaNews Group via Getty Images

Now, his sale of the Lakers, which was first reported by ESPN, serves as perhaps the biggest shock –– especially considering how recently he had bought the team, and how deep its ties with the Dodgers had already become.

Under Walter’s Lakers ownership, the NBA franchise hired Dodgers chief marketing officer Lon Rosen to become its president of business operations (while also allowing him to remain involved with the Dodgers).

Baseball operations executives Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi were also enlisted to serve in advisory roles for the Lakers’ front office, consulting with Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka in an effort to revamp the organization’s behind-the-scenes infrastructure.

The teams had even started attracting overlapping sponsorships, most notably with Japanese retailer Daiso (a pre-existing Dodgers sponsor that was announced as a Lakers global partner this summer).

Those moves, at least seemingly, portended a lasting era of partnership and collaboration for Los Angeles’ two most premier sports teams, all under the shared ownership of Walter and his vast resources.

Alas, with the Lakers now being sold, the Dodgers are back to being the foremost franchise in his control.

And for now, at least, there is no sign of that changing any time soon.

LA Lakers to be sold in record $12.5bn deal

LA Lakers star Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic is the LA Lakers' star player [Getty Images]

The Los Angeles Lakers are to be sold for a reported record-breaking $12.5bn (£9.3bn) - less than a year after Mark Walter took a majority stake in the NBA franchise.

Josh Kushner, the brother of US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared, and former Disney chief executive Bob Iger are buying the controlling interest in one of the world's most iconic sports teams.

Walter bought his share, reportedly worth an estimated $10bn (£7.45bn) - a previous record - from the Buss family in a deal that was unanimously approved by the NBA Board of Governors in October 2025.

Kushner and Iger said in a statement: "As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honoured for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world.

"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."

Jerry Buss bought the Lakers in a $67.5m deal (£50m) in 1979 that included the Los Angeles Kings hockey team and a Los Angeles arena, known as the Kia Forum.

After he died in 2013, ownership was passed to his six children in a Trust before a deal was completed with Walter, who also owns a stake in the LA Dodgers with Todd Boehly.

"Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honours of my life," said Walter.

"It has been an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family.

"I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead."

The LA Lakers have 17 NBA titles - one less than the record of 18 held by the Boston Celtics.

The deal involving Kushner comes after he was part of the recent controversy surrounding Fifa president Gianni Infantino and an aborted plan to sell off stakes in the governing body's competitions to private investors.

Thrive Eternal, an American venture capital firm founded by Kushner, was expected to lead the proposed investor group for the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.

The Lakers lost LeBron James, the highest points scorer in the history of the NBA, in the summer as the 41-year-old joined the Philadelphia 76ers.

That left Luka Doncic, who arrived from the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025, as the team's main star and he welcomed the takeover.

"Being a Laker means everything to me, and I'm excited to get back on the court and bring a championship to LA," he said in a message on social media.

"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."

Series Preview: Milwaukee Brewers @ Los Angeles Dodgers

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 22: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is caught stealing second base by Joey Ortiz #3 of the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning at American Family Field on May 22, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Milwaukee Brewers are staying out West through the weekend, as they’ll head to Los Angeles to visit the Dodgers for four games beginning Thursday night. Milwaukee has had a rough go of it out West this year, as they’re now 4-7 in California and Las Vegas entering Wednesday’s series finale against the Padres. Outside of California and Las Vegas? Milwaukee is 70-39, a 104-win pace.

On the other side, the Dodgers had a rough stretch around the trade deadline earlier this month, losing seven straight and eight of nine against the Red Sox, Cubs, and D-backs before winning the first two games of their three-game set with the Royals this week. At 72-48, the Dodgers are two games behind Milwaukee for the best record in baseball and tied with the Braves for the No. 2 seed in the NL, which comes with a first-round bye in the playoffs.

The Brewers have dealt with a series of injuries to their infield, as Cooper Pratt is on the IL with a hamstring strain, Joey Ortiz has been considered day-to-day with neck tightness, and prospect Jett Williams was also removed from a game over the weekend with another hand injury in his first at-bat back from the IL. Jackson Chourio (not Brice Turang, as previously reported) is also dealing with a thumb injury, though the severity is unknown. The only other position player on the IL is outfielder Sal Frelick, who is currently on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville. On the pitching side, JoJo Romero is close to a rehab assignment after undergoing an emergency appendectomy in July, Joel Kuhnel is currently on a rehab assignment, and Rob Zastryzny has been listed as TBD after being taken off his rehab assignment in early July. Brandon Woodruff, Brian Fitzpatrick, Quinn Priester, and Angel Zerpa are all out for the season.

The Dodgers are without catchers Will Smith (September return) and Dalton Rushing (out for season), as well as a long list of pitchers. Shohei Ohtani, who has continued to DH, hasn’t pitched since early July as he deals with knee and biceps injuries. Will Klein (out for season), Brock Stewart (close to returning), Blake Treinen (September), Tyler Glasnow (on rehab assignment), Kris Bubic (September), Gavin Stone (September), Bobby Miller (September), Ben Casparius (on rehab assignment), Brusdar Graterol (TBD), and former Brewer Jake Cousins (out for season) are also on the IL.

Jake Bauers continues to set the pace for the Crew with 21 homers, followed by Jackson Chourio at 17 and Turang at 16. William Contreras, Garrett Mitchell, Christian Yelich, Andrew Vaughn, David Hamilton, Ortiz, and Luis Lara are also regulars at this point, with Brandon Lockridge, Jihwan Bae, and Gary Sánchez serving as depth. As a team, Milwaukee is hitting .252/.336/.396 (.732 OPS ranks tied for seventh), with 110 homers (last), 589 runs (fifth), and 118 steals (fifth).

Ohtani leads Los Angeles with 26 homers this season, with Max Muncy (22 homers), and Andy Pages (19 homers) just behind him. Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Teoscar Hernández are still regulars for the Dodgers, and the team also added Kyle Tucker in the offseason. Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia are splitting catching duties, and Tommy Edman, Miguel Rojas, Enrique Hernández, and Alex Call round things out. As a team, the Dodgers are hitting .261/.338/.428 (.766 OPS ranks second), with 152 homers (seventh), 602 runs (tied for third), and 46 steals (28th).

Aaron Ashby continues to lead Milwaukee’s bullpen with 55 appearances, pitching to a 3.56 ERA, 94 strikeouts, and team-high 13 wins over 65 2/3 innings. Abner Uribe and Trevor Megill have both been great, and Chad Patrick and DL Hall also sit in high-leverage roles. With a six-man rotation, Milwaukee’s bullpen is rounded out by Antonio Senzatela and on-again, off-again reliever Bryse Wilson, who the team re-signed this week after designating him for assignment just a few days earlier. As a staff, the Brewers have a 3.54 team ERA (fourth), including a 3.56 starter ERA (fifth) and a 3.51 bullpen ERA (fourth). They’ve struck out 1,169 batters (second) over 1,071 2/3 innings.

The Dodger bullpen is led by Alex Vesia (2.81 ERA over 41 2/3 innings), Tanner Scott (2.27 ERA over 47 2/3 innings), Edgardo Henriquez (3.02 ERA over 47 2/3 innings), and Jack Dreyer (3.14 ERA over 48 2/3 innings). Closer Edwin Díaz has had a rough season, pitching to a 9.82 ERA and three blown saves in just 11 innings, while former Brewer Eric Lauer has made 10 appearances (nine starts) with a 3.72 ERA over 55 2/3 innings, though he may be exiting the rotation and joining the bullpen with the return of Blake Snell. The usually reliable Evan Phillips has also struggled with a 5.73 ERA over 11 innings, and the newest addition is former Rockie Seth Halvorsen, who picked up the win with a scoreless inning in his team debut on Tuesday after returning from the IL. As a staff, the Dodgers have a 3.72 team ERA (seventh), including a 3.54 starter ERA (fourth) and a 4.02 bullpen ERA (16th). They’ve struck out 1,073 batters (tied for seventh) over 1,059 2/3 innings.

Probable Pitchers

Thursday, August 13 @ 9:10 p.m.: LHP Shane Drohan (6-4, 3.87 ERA, 3.34 FIP) vs. RHP Roki Sasaki (5-5, 4.54 ERA, 4.95 FIP)

Drohan, who has been fairly consistent this season with a respectable 3.87 ERA, 3.34 FIP, and 93 strikeouts over 93 innings, is coming off one of his worst starts, as he allowed six runs on nine hits and four walks, striking out four across five innings in an 8-6 loss to the Twins. Drohan made two relief appearances against the Dodgers back in May, totaling 4 1/3 innings with three runs allowed (two earned) on three hits and two walks, striking out seven.

Sasaki, 24, is in year No. 2 with Los Angeles, and things have still not quite panned out for the right-hander. He’s made 20 starts this year, with a 4.54 ERA, 4.95 FIP, and 106 strikeouts across 105 innings. Despite those disappointing season numbers, he’s been solid in his last five starts, totaling 30 innings with nine runs allowed (eight earned) for a 2.40 ERA, striking out 31. Sasaki, who faced Milwaukee in relief last postseason, made his lone start against the Crew back in May of this year, earning the win as he allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks, striking out four over five frames.

Friday, August 14 @ 9:10 p.m.: LHP Robert Gasser (3-4, 4.57 ERA, 4.51 FIP) vs. RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (11-7, 2.65 ERA, 3.43 FIP)

Gasser, in his third season with Milwaukee, just surpassed 100 career innings in his last outing against the Twins. For his career, the left-hander now has a 3.93 ERA, 4.33 FIP, and 82 strikeouts over 100 2/3 innings through 20 starts. He struggled a bit with his command last weekend, but the bullpen and offense picked him up enough to leave him with a no-decision. Across 4 2/3 innings in that one, he allowed three runs on seven hits, two walks, and two hit batters while striking out three. Gasser’s lone appearance against the Dodgers came back in May, when he went 4 1/3 innings with four runs allowed on four hits and four walks, striking out four in a loss.

Yamamoto, 28 next week, is firmly in the NL Cy Young race for the second consecutive season. Across 21 starts this year, he’s 11-7 with a 2.65 ERA, 3.43 FIP, and 127 strikeouts over 139 1/3 innings. He went 5 2/3 scoreless innings against the D-backs in his last outing, allowing three hits, three walks, and a hit batter while striking out six. Yamamoto, who dominated Milwaukee in last year’s NLCS, has made two regular-season starts against the Brewers with very different results. After allowing five runs (three earned) and recording just two outs in a loss last July, he went seven strong against them back in May, allowing one run on seven hits, a walk, and a hit batter, striking out three.

Saturday, August 15 @ 6:15 p.m.: RHP Jacob Misiorowski (11-5, 1.76 ERA, 2.16 FIP) vs. LHP Justin Wrobleski (11-4, 3.44 ERA, 4.13 FIP)

Misiorowski, who surpassed the 200-strikeout mark on Sunday against the Twins, is set to make his 23rd start of the season as he looks to solidify his Cy Young candidacy. The young right-hander is 11-5 with a 1.76 ERA, 2.16 FIP, and 204 strikeouts over 133 innings this year. He went six innings against Minnesota, allowing three runs on four hits and a walk, striking out nine. Misiorowski faced the Dodgers last July, earning the win as he allowed one run on four hits and a walk, striking out 12 over six innings.

Wrobleski, 26, has made 20 appearances (19 starts) this year, with a 3.44 ERA, 4.13 FIP, and 94 strikeouts across 120 1/3 innings. The left-hander is coming off a stretch of rough starts the last couple of weeks, allowing 16 runs (15 earned) over 13 2/3 innings (9.88 ERA, 11.13 FIP) in losses against the Mariners, Cubs, and D-backs. He’s made two starts against Milwaukee, one in July 2024 and one back in May. He took the loss both times, as he’s allowed nine runs over 10 innings, striking out eight.

Sunday, August 16 @ 3:10 p.m.: RHP Logan Henderson (6-2, 2.88 ERA, 3.35 FIP) vs. LHP Tarik Skubal (7-6, 2.93 ERA, 2.79 FIP)

Henderson has quickly become one of the best pitchers on Milwaukee’s staff, as he has a 2.88 ERA, 3.35 FIP, and 69 strikeouts across 56 1/3 innings through 11 starts this season. He allowed three runs for just the second time in his career on Monday night in San Diego, though the last two of those runs came in that fateful seventh inning as he went 6 1/3 frames, allowing five hits (two homers) and a walk while striking out seven. Henderson picked up a win against the Dodgers back in May, going five innings with no runs allowed on two hits and three walks, striking out seven.

Skubal, 29, was, as we all know, the prize of this year’s trade deadline. He’ll go head-to-head with Henderson, who was reportedly the main target of the Tigers in initial trade discussions for Skubal (the Brewers reportedly refused to include Henderson in any package). Alas, here he is set to face Milwaukee again. While he has a sub-3.00 ERA and FIP for the season, he hasn’t been great in two starts with the Dodgers, totaling 11 innings with five earned runs (4.09 ERA), striking out 12. The left-hander has made one start against Milwaukee in each of the last three seasons, totaling 19 2/3 innings with a 2.29 ERA and 24 strikeouts.

How to Watch & Listen

Thursday, August 13: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)

Friday, August 14: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)

Saturday, August 15: Nationally televised on Fox/Fox One; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)

Sunday, August 16: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)

Prediction

Milwaukee has really struggled on the West Coast this season, and things won’t get any easier against the Dodgers, who are deploying arguably their four best starters. I still think Milwaukee gets a series split to keep pace with L.A.

Is Josh Kushner related to Jared Kushner? What to know about new Lakers owner

The Los Angeles Lakers will embark on a new era of ownership under Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, marking a shift for one of the league's most iconic franchises.

Josh Kushner’s last name might sound familiar due to his familial connections. He is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.

Although Josh is the son of prominent real estate developer Charles Kushner, he chose to forge his own path outside the family’s real estate empire. Instead, he has focused on innovative ventures in technology and healthcare.

Kushner is the founder and managing partner of Thrive Capital, a technology-focused venture capital firm he launched in 2009. Thrive Capital has been an influential investment firm, backing high-profile startups such as Instagram, Spotify and Slack, among others.

In addition to his achievements in venture capital, Kushner co-founded and currently serves as vice chairman of Oscar Health, a technology-driven health insurance company. The company primarily offers individual and family health plans through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

Josh’s brother, Jared Kushner, is known for his roles in both politics and business. He is part of Trump’s administration as a senior advisor and is married to Trump’s daughter, Ivanka.

How much were the Lakers sold for?

The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold for a record $12.5 billion less than two years after Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and TWG Global CEO Mark Walter bought the team from the Buss Family. The deal was first reported by ESPN.

The sale to businessman Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Robert Iger would mark the highest amount ever paid for a North American sports franchise, surpassing the $10 billion that Walter paid for the Lakers. — Scooby Axson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Josh Kushner related to Jared Kushner? What to know about new Lakers owner

MLB Predictions and Moneyline Picks for Wednesday, Aug. 12

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We have a big ole slate in front of us on Wednesday, and I have thoughts on every single game on the board.

Here are my MLB moneyline predictions for tonight's slate, and make sure to check out all of our MLB picks for Aug. 12!

MLB moneyline picks for Aug. 12

MatchupPick
Orioles Orioles
vs
Twins Twins
Orioles
+102
Phillies Phillies
vs
Cardinals Cardinals
Phillies
-150
Rays Rays
vs
Athletics Athletics
Rays
-203
Rockies Rockies
vs
Diamondbacks Diamondbacks
Rockies
+163
Astros Astros
vs
Giants Giants
Giants
+133
Brewers Brewers
vs
Padres Padres
Padres
+108
Guardians Guardians
vs
Tigers Tigers
Tigers
-120
Pirates Pirates
vs
Marlins Marlins
Marlins
-106
Cubs Cubs
vs
Nationals Nationals
Cubs
-153
Mariners Mariners
vs
Yankees Yankees
Yankees
-120
Red Sox Red Sox
vs
Blue Jays Blue Jays
Red Sox
-117
Mets Mets
vs
Braves Braves
Braves
-150
Reds Reds
vs
White Sox White Sox
Reds
+130
Royals Royals
vs
Dodgers Dodgers
Dodgers
-199
Rangers Rangers
vs
Angels Angels
Rangers
-127

Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of Aug. 12.

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Expert MLB moneyline picks for Aug. 12

Orioles vs Twins: Orioles (+102)

Orioles win probability: 50%

I am extremely perplexed as to why the Baltimore Orioles are dogs in this spot.

Their lineup has the privilege of taking on one of the Minnesota Twins’ worst arms in Zebby Matthews, who owns a 7.20 ERA and 1.76 WHIP over his last five outings.

Meanwhile, the Birds have the Milk Man, Shane Baz, on the rubber this evening, sporting a 2.15 ERA, 2.65 xERA and 1.13 WHIP over that same span.

The Orioles’ offense has started to heat up over the last week, and going up against Matthews should only add more fuel to the flame.

Phillies vs Cardinals: Phillies (-150)

Phillies win probability: 60%

The St. Louis Cardinals’ offense has been outstanding as of late, but the Philadelphia Phillies’ bats have been even hotter over their last 12 games.

Plus, Zack Wheeler takes the mound after a few rough outings, but his underlying metrics are still strong. I think this is a great spot for the Phillies to bounce back and come out on top.

On the other side, Kyle Leahy’s expected numbers point toward some regression, as he owns a 4.58 xERA over his last three starts.

Rays vs Athletics: Rays (-203)

Rays win probability: 67%

Strictly looking at the moneyline price, take the dog.

But the Tampa Bay Rays win.

Drew Rasmussen has been outstanding over his last few outings, while the Rays’ offense has been on an absolute tear. Meanwhile, the Athletics have been ice cold and do not seem to have any light at the end of the tunnel.

I would NEVER pay -203 for a team to win a game, but the Rays are in a great spot to come out on top in this one.

Rockies vs Diamondbacks: Rockies (+163)

Rockies win probability: 38%

This was a tough call. I want no part of paying over $1.60 for Merrill Kelly to hold down any team, but the Arizona Diamondbacks have looked outstanding over the last couple of weeks.

On top of that, Ryan Feltner has done a great job limiting hard-hit balls while owning a 3.69 xERA over his last three starts.

For just the moneyline price, I want the dog against Kelly.

Astros vs Giants: Giants (+133)

Giants win probability: 43%

I am quite baffled that we are getting the San Francisco Giants at such a great price this evening.

Sure, they are not the most talented team in baseball, but Ronel Blanco could make them look pretty talented tonight. The Houston Astros right-hander owns a 6.98 ERA and 1.34 WHIP while allowing an 11.54% barrel rate to opposing hitters this season.

Adrian Houser has been nails over his last five starts, doing a great job limiting hard-hit balls and barrels.

Neither offense has been performing at a high level, as both have wRC+ marks below 75 and are struggling to generate hard contact.

I like the dog here, especially with how poorly Blanco has been pitching.

Brewers vs Padres: Padres (+108)

Padres win probability: 48%

The San Diego Padres at plus money when they are hotter than the sun feels like a gift.

Over their last 21 games, San Diego has been on a complete tear, posting a 130 wRC+, .352 wOBA and .796 OPS. On the other side, the Milwaukee Brewers have started to cool down, posting just a 94 wRC+, .678 OPS and .134 ISO over their last 12 games.

Dustin May and tight-pants Robbie Ray have both been outstanding as of late. However, May’s underlying metrics point toward some regression, as he owns a 4.46 xERA over his last five starts while allowing over a 41% hard-hit rate to opposing hitters.

Ray has struggled with walks lately, but he has done a great job limiting hard contact.

I love the Padres at plus money.  

Guardians vs Tigers: Tigers (-120)

Tigers win probability: 55%

As a Foster Griffin fan, this one hurts to say, but he has been absolutely horrible over his last five starts, and somehow even worse over his last three.

On the other side, Framber Valdez has been a lot better, posting a 1.89 ERA across his last three starts.

The Tigers’ offense should be able to keep those hot bats rolling against the struggling southpaw this evening. Cleveland’s bats have come alive over the last week, but they have been far too inconsistent for me to trust.

Give me the Tigers.

Pirates vs Marlins: Marlins (-106)

Marlins win probability: 52%

After watching Griffin Conine miss two home runs by roughly a combined three feet, I think this team is due to boom against Carmen Mlodzinski.

The Pirates right-hander owns a sub-6.00 ERA over his last five starts, while struggling against left-handed hitters. With five guys batting from the left side this evening, I think the Fighting Fish have a fighting chance.

On the other end, Jason Junk has been holding it down, owning a mouthwatering 2.13 ERA over his last three starts. I like his chances against this ice-cold Pirates offense.

Give me the Fighting Fish.

Cubs vs Nationals: Cubs (-153)

Cubs win probability: 60%

I do not think I want to get in front of the Chicago Cubs at the moment.

Their offense owns a 118 wRC+, .778 OPS and .342 wOBA across their last 12 games. The Nationals’ offense has been great too, but I really like the way David Peterson has been pitching over his last five starts. The southpaw owns a 1.57 ERA, 3.97 xERA and 1.05 WHIP during that stretch.

-153 is juicy, but the Cubs are absolutely on a tear right now.

Mariners vs Yankees: Yankees (-120)

Yankees win probability: 55%

Name a more lost offense in baseball than the Seattle Mariners at this point in time. Over their last 21 games, they have posted just a 90 wRC+, .296 wOBA and .663 OPS. Over the last week, it gets even uglier, with a 59 wRC+, .252 wOBA, .558 OPS and .119 ISO.

Sure, Bryce Miller has some underlying metrics pointing toward improvement, but who exactly is getting on base and driving in runs?

I’ll happily take Will Warren and the Yankees at home. Warren has been far better in the Bronx, sporting a 3.88 xERA and 1.28 WHIP.

The Yankees’ lineup has underperformed lately, but they are still generating a ton of hard-hit balls. They will come around.

Red Sox vs Blue Jays: Red Sox (-117)

Red Sox win probability: 54%

Despite Ranger Suárez’s last few outings not being the greatest, he has performed much better away from Boston this season, posting a 2.83 ERA and 1.15 WHIP while limiting opponents to under 30% hard-hit and under 3% barrel rates.

Jose Soriano has been great since coming over from the Angels, but who in that Blue Jays lineup is worth trusting right now? Over the team’s last 30 at-bats against a left-handed pitcher, the highest barrel rate on the team is just 5%, while six hitters have zero barrels during that stretch.

Aside from their slight fall from grace, the Red Sox are easily the better team in this spot, and we only have to pay $1.17 juice.

I like the Red Sox here.  

Mets vs Braves: Braves (-150)

Braves win probability: 60%

The Mets’ offense has started to heat up over the last few games, but with how dominant Tyler Mahle has been, owning a 2.73 ERA over his last five starts, I think the Braves are the side to back.

On the other side, the Mets send out Zac Thornton, who has posted a 4.58 xERA, 15% strikeout rate and 9.09% walk rate over his last three outings.

The Atlanta offense has also been generating a ton of hard-hit balls and barrels over the last 12 games. I think this is a great spot for the Braves to come out on top.

Reds vs White Sox: Reds (+130)

Reds win probability: 44%

Luis Castillo day for the Chicago White Sox, and I personally have zero faith in the former Mariners starter.

The veteran right-hander owns a 6.33 ERA over his last five outings, and more recently, a 7.31 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and just a 14% strikeout rate over his last three.

With Castillo relying so heavily on his fastball, I think the Reds will be teeing off on him all evening.

Plus, right-hander Rhett Lowder has been great across his last few starts. Getting +130 for a team that draws Castillo is a side I want to back.

Royals vs Dodgers: Dodgers (-199)

Dodgers win probability: 66%

It’s kind of hard for me to run the Royals back for a third straight day, especially with their offense posting an 84 wRC+, .290 wOBA and .651 OPS.

Not to mention, starting pitcher Mason Block owns a 7.72 xERA over his last five starts, while allowing a 52% hard-hit rate and 12% barrel rate to opposing hitters.

The Royals’ bullpen isn’t going to stop anyone either, sporting a 4.69 xERA, 5.14 FIP and 11.21% walk rate on the year.

Give me LA.

Rangers vs Angels: Rangers (-127)

Rangers win probability: 56%

Angels right-hander George Klassen has been brutal through his first three starts this season, posting an 8.31 ERA and 3.00 WHIP.

He may be due for some positive regression, but Cal Quantrill has shockingly been very impressive over his last five outings, posting a 3.58 xERA.

Neither offense has been particularly impressive over the last week, but I think if Quantrill can hold down the Angels, the Rangers’ bats can do the rest and secure a win on the road this evening.

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Former Sabres Still Unsigned Free Agents – James Reimer

 As the National Hockey League enters the second month of free agency, a number of former Buffalo Sabres still remain unsigned. At this point of the offseason, players who have not latched on with an NHL club might consider playing in Europe, or taking a short-term deal or professional tryout to earn a one-year deal. 

It appeared at the beginning of last season that Reimer’s long career had come to an end. He was brought in late in the preseason by the Toronto Maple Leafs, the club that drafted him in 2006, as a possible stop-gap backup to Anthony Stolarz with Joseph Woll on a leave of absence from the club. That possibility lasted one period in the exhibition finale against Detroit, after which he was let go. 

Other Sabres Stories

Sabres Emotionally Devastated By Game 7 Overtime Loss

Who had the best and worst offseason in the Atlantic Division?

The 38-year-old has played for eight NHL clubs (Toronto, San Jose twice, Florida, Detroit, Carolina, Anaheim, Ottawa, and Buffalo). He was signed by the Sabres in 2024 as a third goalie behind Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi, but when the Sabres tried to sneak him down to the AHL, he was claimed by the Ducks to fill in while John Gibson was injured. 

Buffalo reclaimed Reimer when Gibson returned and sent Levi to Rochester. He was dependable as a backup to UPL, playing 22 games for the Sabres, most of his work at the end of the season when Lindy Ruff was not pleased with Luukkonen’s consistency. Last season, he was signed by the Sens in January to backup Linus Ullmark with youngster Leevi Merilainen struggling. 

The Sens went 7-4-2 in his 13 starts, which helped Ottawa get into the playoffs.    

Outlook: Reimer has not announced his retirement, and like last season, he may be waiting until training camps open to get signed to a PTO in hopes of latching on for one more campaign. There are enough clubs out there looking for an adequate #2 or #3 between the pipes, so there is a chance that we could see Reimer again. 

 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

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MLB-worst Angels fire pitching coach Mike Maddux, 2 assistants in staff shake-up

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Los Angeles Angels fired pitching coach Mike Maddux and two of his assistants after interim general manager John Mozeliak determined the team wasn’t making sufficient use of the technology and analytics available to its pitchers.

Mozeliak also fired bullpen coach Dom Chiti and assistant pitching coach Darryl Scott in a shake-up of first-year manager Kurt Suzuki’s staff with just 43 games remaining for the Angels, who have the majors’ worst record at 45-74.

While Mozeliak said that “no one thing just stood out” in his decision to fire Maddux, he prominently cited his desire for the Angels to “use all the different tools that you see a lot of pitchers use today.”

“I think there was becoming some level of frustration with the inconsistency of that, and so ultimately that’s when we started thinking about, ‘Do we need to make a change?’” Mozeliak said. ”I do feel like we have a lot of great resources that we could be taking (greater) advantage of.”

The dismissals were the latest shake-up in a tumultuous year for the Angels, who fired general manager Perry Minasian in late June. Los Angeles is headed toward its 11th consecutive losing season and 12th straight non-playoff season, both the longest active droughts in the majors, under much-criticized owner Arte Moreno.

Mozeliak, the longtime St. Louis Cardinals general manager, agreed to take over baseball operations for Moreno on a temporary basis after Minasian’s firing, and he has endeavored to modernize the Halos’ long-struggling organization.

Mozeliak said the Angels have technology and information on par with the rest of the majors, and he’s confident it is being used properly by Suzuki’s offensive staff — but the pitching operation needed an urgent overhaul.

“There’s so many more resources out there that really every team in baseball is utilizing, so (we’re) just making sure that the Angels are up to speed with that and leveraging this,” Mozeliak said. “I know our research and development team upstairs, they’re providing a lot of useful things that I think we can be taking advantage of. And then moving forward ... what can we do to make this a state-of-the-art place for player growth? What you don’t want to do is have players outsourcing those types of things. You want it to be the internal model, and hopefully we can accomplish that.”

Maddux, who turns 65 later in August, didn’t last one full season with the Angels after leaving the Texas Rangers last winter. The former major leaguer is widely respected in the game after 24 seasons as a pitching coach, and he played a significant role in the Rangers’ success during their 2023 World Series title.

But in Anaheim, Maddux presided over a staff that has posted the majors’ seventh-worst ERA at 4.51 and an MLB-high 508 walks.

Angels left-hander Reid Detmers, whose 1.10 WHIP is the 14th-best in the majors, said “everybody is surprised” by the firings.

“I mean, if we have it, might as well use it, right?,” said Detmers, who evaluates his biomechanics in every bullpen session and consults with his personal coaches during the season. “I’m not saying we didn’t use it all the time, but there’s definitely times where we could have used it. In my eyes, it’s only going to make you better.”

Tim Leveque was appointed Los Angeles’ interim pitching coach, and Michael Wuertz will be the club’s interim bullpen coach. Leveque was the pitching coach at the Angels’ Double-A Rocket City affiliate after working in the Cardinals organization during Mozeliak’s tenure.

“He’s a smart guy who really understands where the game is at, and I think he’ll be a good resource for (Suzuki),” Mozeliak said of Leveque.

Suzuki is on a one-year contract in his first major league managerial job. Mozeliak said he won’t make any additional changes before the end of the season in seven weeks.

“I appreciated everything that they did,” Suzuki said of the fired coaches. “They worked hard. They prepared. At the end of the day, Mo and I felt like the path moving forward in these last 43 games ... we felt like this was the best way.”

Chiti was in his first season as the bullpen coach after rejoining the Angels organization in late 2023. Scott also was in his first season with the Angels after several years with the Colorado Rockies.