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The 5 reasons why LeBron James is taking so long to make his decision

lebron james at fanatics fan fest and with lakers
lebron james at fanatics fan fest and with lakers

The World Cup is over. But LeBron James watch continues. 

Why is this taking so long, you may be asking.  

Speculation around where James will play his unprecedented 24th NBA season has taken over the newscycle for weeks. Multiple teams are frozen waiting for his decision. Even NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently urged James to make his pick so the league can finalize the schedule. 

James is almost 42 years old, but 27 teams have shown interest in having him on their roster. The league has ground to a halt until he makes his choice. Talk about still having pull. 

Here are the five reasons why James may be taking so long to make his decision.

1. Because LeBron Can 

When you’re arguably the greatest player of all-time, different rules apply.

James has devoted himself to the sport for 23 years. He has been the perfect ambassador. He hasn’t had any scandals. He has been the league’s top draw for decades, filling arenas, drawing millions of TV viewers and catapulting national sports shows into relevance. Heck, he has had the top selling NBA jersey for nine seasons since 2004.

He has earned the right to take his time deciding how he wants his career to end, even if it may be inconvenient for just about everyone else involved. 

Considering James is still a top-25 player and he’s willing to accept a veteran minimum contract, who wouldn’t want James on their team? He can pretty much go wherever he wants. Simply put, LeBron holds all the cards and there’s not a darn thing anyone can do about it. 

2. His Goals Have Changed

Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena on December 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California Getty Images

James is considering an entirely different set of factors now than earlier in his career. He wants to win his fifth ring, but he also wants to enjoy his last chapter. 

At this stage in his career, James has nothing left to prove. He’s a four-time champion, four-time MVP, the league’s all-time leading scorer and he has shattered nearly every record with his unprecedented longevity. 

He wants to continue playing because he still loves the game and is able to perform at a superstar level. As LeBron often says, he wants to see how much juice he can squeeze from this orange. 

While his legacy clearly plays a factor in his decision, it’s far from the only thing that matters. You might think he’s better than Michael Jordan. You might think the opposite. He’s not going to change minds at this point. So, he might as well do what he wants. 

3. Paradox of Choice

The final teams he’s deciding among (Golden State, Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia and Minnesota) have clear pros and cons, and he has to weigh what’s most important to him.

The Warriors might give him the greatest chance for happiness considering he’d be closer to his family in Los Angeles, and he would be playing alongside the greatest shooter of all-time in Steph Curry and his good friend Draymond Green. But they may be too old to have a real shot at winning a championship. 

The Cavaliers would give him his perfect storybook ending considering he grew up about 40 minutes from Cleveland. James was drafted by the franchise in 2003 and he led them to their only championship in 2016. But he’d be far from his family and wouldn’t be able to play much golf during the winter. Not to mention, a few months ago when talking about which cities he doesn’t enjoy playing in, he added, “I don’t like going home either.”

The Heat would also be a full-circle moment for James considering he won championships there in 2012 and 2013. The storyline is there, and so is superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. But do the Heat have enough shooters to be competitive? Would he want to be so far from his family?

Or is he going to go to the 76ers or Timberwolves, where he’d arguably have the best chance to win a ring but he has no ties? 

4. James’ Family Matters

LeBron James 3rd Fanatics Fest NYC – Day 1, New York, USA – 16 Jul 2026 Ryan Rolo/Shutterstock

James has frequently talked about how much he’s taking his family’s wishes into consideration when making this decision.

He has an 11-year-old daughter who has spent the last eight years in Los Angeles. His wife is rooted in the city. He has hinted that next season may not be his final one. So, their wants and needs are a very important factor here, too.

5. Timing Is Everything

James is very smart and cunning when it comes to the media. He has been controlling narratives since he was a middle schooler. He’s as skilled off the court in this area as he is on the hardwood. 

So, make no mistake about it: LeBron has put a lot of thought into how he wants to announce this. Was he going to do it during the World Cup? No. Was he going to do it during Fanatics Fest? No. Is he going to let anyone rush him? No. 

All three of his past free agency decisions rewrote the rules on these types of announcements. In 2010, he announced he was going to Miami in an over-the-top TV special. In 2014, he announced he was returning to Cleveland in a first-person letter in Sports Illustrated. And in 2018, he announced he was going to the Lakers with a press release from Klutch. 

The legendary figure definitely has plans for this announcement as well. 

He has built suspense. He has shown the world that he’s still the most important player in the league. And when his decision lands, it’s going to make waves. 

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Game 101: Twins at Guardians

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 14: Joe Ryan #41 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch during the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kyle Cooper/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images)

FIRST PITCH: 540p Central
TELEVISION: Twins.TV, presented by Progressive
RADIO:Washburn Crosby COmpany 830 AM, K–MiNnesota-Buzzin’ 102.9 “The Wolf”, Treasure Island Baseball Network, Audacy App
KNOW YOUR FOE:Covering the Corner

After a wildly disappointing couple of losses to the Chicago Cubs in the Friendly Confines (how many times was that said on the telly or radio this weekend…), the Minnesota Twins truck on over to the Buckeye State for an important four-game set against the Cleveland Guardians. Nothing much has changed since these foes met a little over a week ago before the All Star Break. The Twins are three games back from the Spiders, so a sweep in Cleveland can sling-shot Minnesota into second place in the American League Central. (Just let me dream, alright?)

It’s a prime pitching matchup to kick things off, and a re-match for the starting pitchers from early May. The Spiders call upon Tanner Bibee while Joe Ryan answers the bell for the Twins. The game in early May was the one where Byron Buxton homered off of Bibee on the third pitch of the contest. Kyle Manzardo had an RBI single off of Ryan to tie it up in the bottom of the fourth. Then it was goose eggs until Buxton doubled in the top of the 11th to bring in Matt Wallner (remember him?) and Luis Garcia (remember him, too?) shut things down for once.

Good news: Buxton has been activated off of the injured list and is in the lineup tonight. The corresponding move was optioning Tristan Gray to St Paul, so we won’t have to see him flop around like a fish at shortstop… for the time being.

GO TWIMS GO

Lineups:

TWINSSPIDERS
Trevor Larnach – LFSteven Kwan – LF
Byron Buxton! – CFTravis Bazzana – 2B
Kody Clemens – 2BChase DeLauter – RF
Josh Bell – DHBrayan Rocchio – SS
Royce Lewis – 1BRhys Hoskins – DH
Victor Caratini – CDaniel Schneemann – 3B
Brooks Lee – 3BDavid Fry – 1B
Alan Roden – RFPatrick Bailey – C
Ryan Kreidler – SSPetey Halpin – CF
Joe Ryan – RHPTanner Bibee – RHP
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Lakers add Matisse Thybulle to fill weak spot, but create roster crunch

The Los Angeles Lakers are making a low-stakes bet on Matisse Thybulle.

The 29-year-old wing known for his elite defensive skills is the latest addition to the Lakers' offseason roster overhaul, according to ESPN, after agreeing a one-year deal with the team on Monday, July 20.

Thybulle is seen as a potential fit as part of the Lakers' wing rotation due to his versatility as a defender and a 3-point shot that improved since earlier in his career. He has also struggled to remain healthy in recent seasons and his addition leaves the Lakers with at least one player too many under contract heading into the 2026-27 campaign. Yet it's still far from certain Thybulle can be a viable option alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Here's what to know about Thybulle's signing with the Lakers, including contract details, the team's current roster and what it means for the franchise moving forward:

More: Did Lakers lose or win free agency? Grading massive roster overhaul.

Matisse Thybulle contract details

Matisse Thybulle signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $3.3 million, according to ESPN.

How Thybulle fits with Luka Doncic, Lakers

Thybulle helps address the Lakers' lingering hole on the wing after they couldn't land a higher profile option to supplement Doncic and Reaves moving forward. Thybulle's versatility as a defender will help cover up some of the deficiencies the team must navigate fielding a backcourt that won't feature an on-ball defensive stopper. His improved 3-point shot could make him valuable in crunch time after being a liability at times during high-leverage moments early in his NBA career.

Thybulle's long-term availability is also a wild card for his success in Los Angeles, and why he's only earning a veteran's minimum salary. He's played in just 49 games (including this year's playoffs) across the past two seasons with the Trail Blazers, though he did end the 2026 postseason healthy and playing in the team's rotation. The Lakers also recently signed Ziaire Williams to provide depth along the wing and were reported to be pursuing free agent Jonathan Kuminga.

How the pecking order shakes out will be an intriguing storyline when training camp begins.

Why the Lakers face a roster crunch

The Laker now have 16 players under contract and will have to get that down to 15 by the start of the 2026-27 regular season. NBA teams are permitted to carry as many as 20 players on their official roster (including two-way contracts) until the beginning of the regular season.

The Lakers' front office could achieve this be releasing a player or through a trade to consolidate the roster.

Who could lose a roster spot after Thybulle signing?

The Lakers have already reportedly explored trades involving former first-round pick Dalton Knecht this offseason, and he remains a candidate to be dealt to another team in the weeks and months ahead. Guard Jaden Hardy is also on an expiring deal and in the midst of a crowded backcourt situation after the Lakers signed Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton. Forward Jake LaRavia could be easier to trade after a productive season as a role player.

Forward Jarred Vanderbilt also has a $13.2-million player option for the 2027-28 season and could either be traded or released via the NBA's waive and stretch provision. The Lakers would likely have to attach additional assets to deal Vanderbilt to another team given his age and salary commitments.

Could Lakers trade Bronny James?

It's a possibility. It would address the team's roster crunch and create a potential path for Bronny James to play with his father, LeBron James, whenever he picks a new team in NBA free agency. But while speculation persists about a potential reunion, there has been no indication that the Lakers are attempting to trade Bronny James following his father's decision to leave the franchise.

Bronny James is signed for this season, with a team option worth about $2.5 million for the 2027-28 season as part of the rookie contract he signed with the Lakers after being selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.

Lakers roster after 2026 NBA free agency

  • G Luka Doncic
  • G Austin Reaves
  • G Quentin Grimes*
  • G Collin Sexton*
  • G Bronny James
  • G Jaden Hardy
  • G Cameron Carr**
  • F Ziaire Williams*
  • F Jarred Vanderbilt
  • F Matisse Thybulle*
  • F Jake LaRavia
  • F Dalton Knecht
  • F Sandro Mamukelashvili*
  • F Adou Thiero
  • F/C Kevon Looney*
  • C Walker Kessler*

*signed during 2026 NBA offseason**2026 NBA Draft pick

Matisse Thybulle stats

Matisse Thybulle averaged 5.8 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals per game over 30 regular-season games with the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2025-26 season. He shot 39.8% from 3-point range and ended the campaign healthy after playing in the team's final 25 games before the playoffs. Thybulle will be entering his eighth NBA season after he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lakers add Matisse Thybulle to fill weak spot, but create roster crunch

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Charles Barkley proclaims Draymond Green isn't ‘same level' as he was in NBA

Charles Barkley proclaims Draymond Green isn't ‘same level' as he was in NBA originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Although this past NBA season marked the first time ESPN held the rights to “Inside the NBA,” the show’s core still remained the same.

There were still the typical pieces of insightful analysis, a fair share of viral moments and, of course, some awkwardly tense moments between analysts. While NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley often toe the line of hurling insults that could be considered personal at one another, the most awkward moment from the show might have been between Barkley and Draymond Green.

The Warriors star fired a jab at Barkley’s tenure with the Houston Rockets at the end of his Hall of Fame career, while the group discussed how difficult it was to win in your late 30s. This prompted an onslaught of posts calling out Green for the disrespect, and also led to Barkley giving the Golden State star a reality check on a recent “Pardon My Take” episode.

“Draymond is a good player, I was a great player,” Barkley said at the American Century Championship to Barstool’s Big Cat and PFT. “I don’t go back and forth trying to defend, he’s a very good player, but we’re not on the same level.”

Unfortunately for Green, he didn’t seem to remember just how good Barkley was.

“I think the goal is just to not look like you (Barkley) in the Houston Rockets uniform,” Green quipped to Barkley in May.

When Kenny Smith asked him what that meant, Green doubled down, saying, “Did you see?”

For those who didn’t see, Barkley averaged 16.5 points and 8.4 rebounds in the twilight stages of his career. Although those weren’t the kind of numbers that saw him make 11 All-Star teams and earn 11 All-NBA nods, they certainly weren’t anything to slouch at.

As for Green, he has just four All-Star selections to his name, but was named to the All-Defensive team nine times. He also has something that Barkley was never able to achieve, which is an NBA championship, and four of them at that.

Whether or not his resume or career stacks up to Barkley’s? Well, that seems not to be a legitimate question in the eyes of Chuck.

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Gamethread 7/20: Dodgers at Phillies

Jul 19, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) during the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Here are the lineups. For the Phillies:

For the Dodgers:

Let’s talk about it.

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Every Day The Senators Wait, Drake Batherson Gets More Expensive

The Senators have reached an interesting crossroads with Drake Batherson.

For the past three weeks, the 28-year-old winger has been eligible to sign a contract extension with the Sens, and it would seem to make sense for the club to get something done sooner rather than later.

But every month that passes could make Batherson a little more expensive, partly because the guy has built a career on getting better every season.

THN's Steve Warne asked Drake Batherson back in May about whether he'd like to get an extension done this summer

Since arriving in Ottawa, his point totals have climbed modestly in every single season. Last season, he established new career highs with 33 goals and 71 points, and there's every reason to believe he could jack things up again in 2026-27. 

If he puts together another career year, he'll head into unrestricted free agency next summer with even more leverage than he has now.

But Batherson's value isn't trending upward just because of his play.

The NHL's financial landscape has changed, big time. The cap is jumping up by $8.5 million this summer to $104 million and is projected to climb again to around $113 million in 2027-28.

As the cap rises, so does the salary bar, particularly for elite offensive talent. Just think about the summer of 2028 when Connor McDavid is a UFA. That will completely reset everything.

But let's focus on the summer of 2026 for now.

Over the weekend, Connor Bedard signed a five-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks worth an average annual value of $15 million.

Earlier this month, Leo Carlsson landed a five-year deal with Anaheim for $18 million per year. That came after the Ducks matched the offer sheet Carlsson signed with the Philadelphia Flyers. It remains to be seen if the uniqueness of Carlsson's signing will affect salaries or be seen as nothing more than an outlier.

Because of their age and potential, Batherson can't be directly compared to either player.

Bedard finished last season with 75 points while Carlsson recorded 67, numbers that are right in the same neighbourhood as Batherson's 33 goals and 71 points. But both players are several years younger than Batherson and they were paid as much for what they're expected to become as for what they are today.

At 28, Batherson probably isn't about to take the kind of massive leap that teams are projecting from Bedard or Carlsson, but every mega contract resets expectations.

Even if Batherson isn't asking for $15 mill, those contracts raise the ceiling for every good offensive player who's got his hand out, waiting on a new deal.

And that's where Ottawa's timing is key. They might have saved a few bucks if they'd signed Batherson before these other deals were signed. But that ship has sailed, and it isn't coming back.

Batherson is finishing the bargain contract he signed five years ago, one that carries a cap hit of less than $5 million annually. It quickly became one of the better-value contracts in the entire NHL, but those days are coming to an end.

If Bedard is getting $15 million and Carlsson checks in at $18 million, is it unreasonable for Batherson's camp to want $10 million? Maybe more?

His importance to the Sens has also grown.

With Brady Tkachuk now in Florida and several veteran voices no longer around the organization, Batherson suddenly finds himself among the team's longest-serving core players, second only to Thomas Chabot. 

He also showed during the playoffs that he can produce when the games matter most.

The Senators struggled to score in their first-round sweep at the hands of the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes, but Batherson scored three times and added an assist, finishing in on four of Ottawa's five goals in the series.

Perhaps most encouraging for the Senators is that, unlike certain people, Batherson has made it clear he isn't looking for a way out. When I spoke with him in May, following the season, he didn't hesitate when I asked him if he was open to remaining in Ottawa long-term.

"Oh, yeah," Batherson said. "I mean, it's a great spot for me. It's close to home. I've been here for almost a decade now and made so many friends outside of hockey in Ottawa. So, yeah, it feels like home.

"I've lived here pretty much the same amount of time I've lived in my hometown."

Batherson also said there had been no contract discussions at that point.

"This is all new to me. Obviously, it's my first time coming up on being a free agent since I was 23. That was my last one, which has flown by. I can't believe it's been five years. So yeah, we'll see what happens."

Those comments gave Senators fans reason for optimism, but as elite offensive players keep signing mega-deals (and it's only just begun), Batherson's agent might have a different view of the marketplace than he did even a couple of months ago.

At first glance, $10 million seems maybe a bit steep for Batherson. For us old-schoolers who watched Guy Lafleur earn roughly $3.5 million over his entire 17-year NHL career, it's almost impossible to wrap your head around a number like that for one season. 

But that's the new NHL.

The only question now is whether the Senators can get Batherson signed before the market and his play push his price tag even higher.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This article was first published in The Hockey News. For more Sens coverage at The Hockey News, click on one of the Sens headlines below:

Shane Pinto Reveals How Senators Teammates Reacted To Tkachuk Trade
What The Senators See In Andre Burakovsky
Senators Keep The Faith, Re-Signing Former First-Round Draft Pick Tyler Boucher
Ranking The Top Five Options To Replace Brady Tkachuk As Senators Captain
Rest Is A Weapon: New NHL Schedule Leaves Senators At A Big Disadvantage

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Ankle Breakers To Game-Winning Takeaways: Celebrating Pavel Datsyuk's Finest Moments On His 48th Birthday

Pavel Datsyuk turns 48 on July 20, and hockey fans everywhere are taking the occasion to celebrate one of the most skilled players to ever lace up skates for the Detroit Red Wings.

Nicknamed the "Magic Man" for his otherworldly puck control, Datsyuk built a career in Detroit defined by jaw-dropping highlights that still circulate among fans today.

Datsyuk was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024, capping a legacy that includes two Stanley Cup championships in 2002 and 2008, three straight Selke Trophies as the league's top defensive forward from 2008 to 2010, and four consecutive Lady Byng Trophies for sportsmanship from 2006 to 2009.

In honor of his birthday, here's a look back at some of the plays that made him a legend in Hockeytown.

The No-Look Dish to Zetterberg

One of the clearest examples of his chemistry with longtime running mate Henrik Zetterberg came in a game against the Arizona Coyotes. After winger Dan Cleary worked the puck down the wall, Datsyuk collected it and, without so much as a glance, threaded a no-look feed into the slot for Zetterberg to bury. It was a perfect microcosm of a partnership that decided countless games for Detroit over the years.

The Ankle Breaker

Datsyuk also had a knack for pulling off things that felt borrowed from another sport entirely. Against the San Jose Sharks, he found himself with Logan Couture bearing down on him near the bottom of the offensive zone.

Datsyuk sold a move to the outside, then cut back at the last possible second, a crossover-style fake that sent Couture sliding to the ice and left him searching for the puck that was no longer there.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

The Behind-the-Back Steal That Won a Playoff Game

Perhaps the single most remarkable display of his puck skills came during Game 1 of Detroit's first-round series against Boston in the 2014 playoffs. Still nursing a knee injury, Datsyuk somehow reached behind his own body and through a pair of Bruins defenders to come away with the puck, a sequence that stunned the broadcast crew calling the game.

He turned it into the game's only goal, sliding the puck through Dougie Hamilton's legs and past Tuukka Rask for the series-opening win, proof that even at less than full health, Datsyuk was still a cut above nearly everyone else on the ice.

Legendary First NHL Goal

Long before all of that, Datsyuk announced himself with his very first NHL goal, a play that hinted at everything to come. He slipped past a pair of defenders, worked his way around a crowded crease, and slid a quick backhander home, setting the tone for a decade and a half of highlight-reel hockey in Detroit.

Signature Deke on Marty Turco

His signature move, though, may still be the one he used against Dallas Stars netminder Marty Turco, a dizzying reverse forehand-to-backhand toe-drag that left Turco flailing and became one of the most replayed sequences of his career. He pulled off similar wizardry against Tomas Vokoun in a shootout, further cementing his reputation as a goaltender's worst nightmare.

Nearly a decade removed from his playing days, Datsyuk's brand of hockey magic remains unmatched in Red Wings history, and his 48th birthday is as good a reason as any to revisit why he'll always be remembered as one of the game's most captivating players.

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LeBron James still hasn’t made a decision; Cleveland remains in the race

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers tosses the ball back during a 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers, like everyone else, are patiently (and anxiously) awaiting LeBron James’s latest decision.

It’s been roughly four weeks since James announced he would not be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers. The King will be moving on after eight years wearing the purple and gold. And now, we are all still waiting for him to announce where his talents will be taken next.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, that decision has yet to be made.

“There is no decision, no choice yet, no timetable on a choice as of yet,” said Charania.

This is the longest it has taken James to make a move like this. He previously announced his decision to join Miami, return to Cleveland, and head to Los Angeles all in the earlier days of free agency. This time around, James is soaking up every bit of the process. He’s put numerous teams across the league on hold, as teams are frozen in place waiting for him to make a decision.

All the while, it’s been a never-ending loop of the same updates. James is considering a handful of teams. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat appear to be in the lead. But the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves have not been formally removed from the race.

“We know the teams, Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia, Golden State, Minnesota,” said Charania. “My understanding of the last couple weeks is the focus has been primarily on the Eastern Conference teams.”

Anything is possible. James could surprise us all. But one team has consistently remained in front of the discourse:

Cleveland.

The Cavs haven’t made any major moves this summer. They’ve even had James Harden on hold as he opted out of his contract to potentially clear the way for James to return. Until there’s clarity on LeBron’s future, Harden likely won’t sign a new deal.

The appeal of returning home speaks for itself. James has a deeper connection to Cleveland than any other team he could play for. It should be no surprise that the Cavs continue to be viewed as the favorites to land LeBron one final time.

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LeBron James’ free agency decision timeline gets frustrating update

LeBron James speaking into a microphone with
New York, NY July 16, 2026 LeBron James made multiple high-profile appearances at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026, including a live recording of his Mind the Game podcast with Indiana Pacers...

The ball is in LeBron James’ court, and he intends to keep it there longer than anyone would like.

The entire basketball world is waiting with decreasing patience for James to announce which team he’ll join in free agency. While there were some rumors that LeBron’s decision could arrive as soon as Monday, an update from ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that the wait will continue.

LeBron James speaks during Fanatics Fest in New York City. BACKGRID

“I spoke to Rich Paul, [James’] longtime agent, this morning. And Rich Paul made it clear to me that the choice is LeBron James’ right now… There is no decision, no choice yet. There’s no timetable as of yet,” Charania said, per an X post from ESPN Cleveland on Monday.

Shams also noted that his understanding is that the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers are the “focus” for LeBron and his team right now.

There were rumblings that LeBron’s decision might arrive on Monday, which was owed to an X post from Patrick Beverley that read, “Rumor has it Bron makes his decision today!!!” 

LeBron and Beverley spent time on the Lakers together during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, which convinced some that Beverley might have some insider information and his report might be accurate.

Patrick Beverley argues with a referee during a Los Angeles Lakers game. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

But LeBron appeared to debunk that when he posted a video of Kevin Hart saying, “I don’t know who needs to hear this… Shut the f*** up. Shut the f*** up.” to his Instagram story on Monday, shortly after Beverley’s X post went viral.

There’s no way of knowing for sure whether this story was a reaction to what Beverley said, but the fact that this report from Charania surfaced shortly afterwards suggests that LeBron’s team was compelled to prove that what Beverley said was false.

LeBron James dribbles during a Los Angeles Lakers game. Getty Images

What is for sure is that many people in basketball are tired of waiting on LeBron. The NBA is eager to know his next team so they can set a national television schedule; the league’s 30 teams also want to finalize their respective rosters; and the other free agents are waiting to see where he ends up because that might impact their ultimate decision.

The bottom line is that LeBron has all the cards right now. It’s a good position to be in, and he appears to be basking in the limelight. Therefore, it would not be surprising to see him drag this decision out even longer in the days to come.

LeBron James speaks during Fanatics Fest in New York City. BACKGRID
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Is Justin Verlander a First-Ballot Hall of Famer?

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 14: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers looks on before the 2026 96th MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Earlier this month Justin Verlander announced his plans to retire at the end of the season. The veteran right-hander has had about as storied a MLB career as is possible. He will leave the game as a former MVP, pitching triple-crown winner, three-time Cy Young winner, two-time World Series champion, and Rookie of the Year, among a long list of other accomplishments. In his prime he was not only the best pitcher in baseball but arguably the best player in the game.

Verlander will retire as the active wins leader in MLB with 266 wins over his 21-year career. Which means despite all of his accomplishments he will fall 25-30 wins short of one of the all-time immortal MLB pitching marks. While it’s basically an arbitrary number, reaching 300 wins for a pitcher means something. Only 24 players have ever reached that mark. Behind Verlander, the next highest active mark is his old teammate Max Scherzer with 222 wins. Scherzer has totaled all of eight wins over his last two-plus seasons, making it basically impossible to reach 300. After that there isn’t a single pitcher with even 100 wins under the age of 32.

It is a very real possibility that there will never again be a 300 game winner in MLB. The active pitchers right now that appear to have the best shot at getting there are José Berríos, Freddy Peralta, Logan Webb, and Tarik Skubal.

Because of the elite levels Verlander reached even without getting to 300 wins, there is no question about his eventual home in Cooperstown. Verlander is a no-doubt Hall of Fame player, the only question is when. As with everything in baseball, the speed at reaching the Hall of Fame is something of a competition in its own right. Voters will decide if Verlander gets the accolade of being a First Ballot HOF player or just a regular-old every day Hall of Famer.

Cast your vote now and be on the lookout for results of the voting later this week. Make sure you never miss any Reacts surveys or results by signing up for the weekly newsletter!

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Astros Reinstate Blanco, Sousa; Option King, Delgado

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 11: Ronel Blanco #56 of the Houston Astros pitches during the game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Friday, April 11, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Today, the Houston Astros officially announced the following roster moves:

  • RHP Ronel Blanco and LHP Bennett Sousa have been reinstated from the 60-day IL.
  • IF Raynel Delgado has been optioned to Triple A.
  • LHP Bryan King was optioned to Triple A after yesterday’s game.

Blanco will start tonight’s game against the Marlins at Daikin Park, joining the Astros battered rotation.

Sousa will likely reclaim a leverage role very soon, if not immediately. Sousa had ascended to being the primary setup man for Bryan Abreu after Josh Hader’s injury before he was injured himself.

King is suffering though the worst stretch of his career, having allowed 5 HR in his last 4 outings, including at least 1 HR allowed in each. King has been a valuable piece of the Astros pen since his call up in 2024, so it’s likely this demotion will either be only as long as it takes him to get right or until we find out he will be retroactively placed on IL.

Delgado’s versatility makes him a valuable depth piece, but with Jeremy Pena and Christian Walker avoiding the IL for the time being, doesn’t have a spot on the roster right now.

The Astros are now back to 13 pitchers and 13 position players on the active roster.

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Mariners complete the signing of their 2026 draft class

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 01: Ace Reese #3 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs celebrates during a game against the UCLA Bruins in the 2026 Amegy Bank College Baseball Series at Globe Life Field on March 1, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Gunnar Word/Texas Rangers/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Seattle Mariners reportedly have completed the signing process of their 2026 draft class, per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, who also secured the details of the individual signing bonuses for each player. That is 18 new draftees entered into Seattle’s system, with only two players choosing to eschew the pros in favor of a college route: 18th round outfielder Dominic Santarelli of St. Joseph Catholic Academy in Wisconsin who will instead attend Louisiana State University, and 20th round 3B Connor Shouse out of Texas Tech University who was a draft-eligible sophomore and will return for his junior year.

It’s a more demure draft class than in years prior, and notably only includes college attendees, with Santarelli the only high schooler the club even selected. The M’s have hewed towards college performers plenty, but it was a striking level of singular focus. Seattle utilized $8,202,600 of their $8,218,200 bonus pool, reallocating their $460k in bonus pool savings from the first 10 rounds to securing several of their selections in rounds 11-14. The club reportedly had hopes of reeling in one or two prep talents, but was not able to financially draw Santarelli or Shouse away from school, and were wary of any of the remaining preps in the rounds of 11-20, opting for on-campus options instead.

The class of new players has continued to grow, however, with Baseball America reporting that Seattle has secured at least five additional players who went undrafted:

OF Kyle Boylston of Florida Atlantic University

C Jacob Galloway of Oregon State University

C Jake Harvey of University of Nevada

SS Henry Kaczmar of Ohio State University

RHP Joseph Webb of East Carolina University

While undrafted free agents are longshots for big league roles, there are several in recent years who have had big league time, including 1B Mike Ford and RHP Devin Sweet for the Mariners.

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A List Of NBA Draft Picks Out Of Villanova

Villanova has enjoyed great success and put itself in the conversation of blue blood territory in recent years.

This success dates back decades as the Wildcats have been sending players to the next level since 1950.

That year, Paul Arizin was selected third-overall by the Philadelphia Warriors. To this day, he remains as the highest-drafted player to come out of Villanova.

Arizin was also the first of nine players selected in the Top 10 in the NBA Draft and one of 66 total players.

The 2018 class had the most selections with four. Mikal Bridges led the way that year as the 10th overall selection while Donte DiVincenzo and Omari Spellman joined him in the first round. Jalen Brunson went on to be a second round selection as well.

With the addition of Luigi Suigo and others, it looks as though the list will grow in 2027 but for now, this is how it looks:

YearRoundPickPlayerTeam
195013Paul ArizinPhiladelphia Warriors
1950887Brooks RiccaPhiladelphia Warriors
195011119Leo WolfePhiladelphia Warriors
1952874Tom BrennanPhiladelphia Warriors
19521195Ben StewartPhiladelphia Warriors
195328Larry HennessyPhiladelphia Warriors
195320120Nick MaguireRochester Royals
1955317Bob SchaferPhiladelphia Warriors
1955533Jack DevinePhiladelphia Warriors
1959748Joe RyanPhiladelphia Warriors
1960862George RavelingPhiladelphia Warriors
1962214Hubie WhitePhiladelphia Warriors
196316Tom HooverPhiladelphia Warriors
1964318Wali JonesDetroit Pistons
196516Jim WashingtonSt. Louis Hawks
1965540Richie MoorePhiladelphia 76ers
1966219Bill MelchionniPhiladelphia 76ers
19661085Rich MooreNew York Knicks
196712129Frank GadjunasCincinnati Royals
196816197Joe CrewsPhiladelphia 76ers
1969684John JonesPhiladelphia 76ers
19708131Fran O’HanlonPhiladelphia 76ers
1971232Howard PorterChicago Bulls
19719143Clarence SmithGolden State Warriors
1972217Chris FordDetroit Pistons
1972450Hank SiemiontkowskiCleveland Cavaliers
1973227Tom IngelsbyAtlanta Hawks
197311174Ed HastingsBoston Celtics
19778168John OlivePhiladelphia 76ers
1978224Keith HerronPortland Trail Blazers
19788159Chubby CoxChicago Bulls
1980475Rory SparrowNew Jersey Nets
1981486Alex BradleyNew York Knicks
19817145Tom Sienkiewicz Seattle SuperSonics
1982598Aaron HowardNew York Knicks
1983124Stewart GrangerCleveland Cavaliers
1983358John PinoneAtlanta Hawks
19838181Mike MulguinPhoenix Suns
19848183Frank DobbsPhiladelphia 76ers
1985110Ed PinckneyPhoenix Suns
1985227Dwayne McClainIndiana Pacers
19857154Gary McLainNew Jersey Nets
1986117Harold PressleySacramento Kings
19866130Chuck EversonUtah Jazz
19876121Harold JensenCleveland Cavaliers
1989238Doug WestMinnesota Timberwolves
1995244Anthony PelleDenver Nuggets
199618Kerry KittlesNew Jersey Nets
199717Tim ThomasNew Jersey Nets
1997241Jason LawsonDenver Nuggets
1997247Alvin WilliamsPortland Trail Blazers
1999230John CelestandLos Angeles Lakers
2001117Michael BradleyToronto Raptors
200617Randy FoyeBoston Celtics
2006124Kyle LowryMemphis Grizzlies
2009233Dante CunninghamPortland Trail Blazers
2015238Darrun HilliardDetroit Pistons
2017130Josh HartUtah Jazz
2018110Mikal BridgesPhiladelphia 76ers
2018117Donte DiVincenzoMilwaukee Bucks
2018130Omari SpellmanAtlanta Hawks
2018233Jalen BrunsonDallas Mavericks
2019241Eric PaschallGolden State Warriors
2020119Saddiq BeyBrooklyn Nets
2021232Jeremiah Robinson-EarlNew York Knicks
2023120Cam WhitmoreHouston Rockets
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Drake Baldwin announced as National League Player of the Week

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 19: Drake Baldwin #30 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning during the game against the Texas Rangers at Truist Park on July 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jack Casey/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images

What a week for this guy, huh? First, he gets to go to his first-career All-Star Game as a player after getting voted in as a starter and now he’s ended what has had to have been a whirlwind week with a performance over the weekend that was so good that MLB has recognized him as the National League Player of the Week.

In the clearest sign yet that Baldwin is back in the form that earned him those All-Star honors, Baldwin had a massive series at the plate against the Rangers in Atlanta’s second-half opening series victory. The star catcher for the Braves racked up 10 hits (three of which were homers), eight RBI, five runs scored and he even threw in a stolen base as well. Five of those 10 hits came on Sunday alone, as Baldwin had himself a five-for-five game with two dingers. It was a dominant performance and one that was well worth the honor of getting named Player of the Week.

Here’s more from Major League Baseball’s official press release:

  • The 25-year-old hit .714 (10-for-14) with three homers, eight RBI, a walk, five runs scored, a stolen base, a 1.357 slugging percentage and a .733 on-base percentage in three games.
  • The Madison, Wisconsin native led the Majors in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging, OPS (2.090), hits and total bases (19); tied for first in RBI and runs scored; and tied for second in home runs.
  • One of 36 first-time All-Stars in 2026, Baldwin racked up a career-best five hits on Sunday against Texas, becoming Atlanta’s first player with a five-hit game since Whit Merrifield in August 2024. Baldwin is the youngest Brave to achieve the feat since Michael Harris II had a five-hit game in June 2023 at the age of 22, and he became the first Brave with multiple home runs as part of a five-hit performance since his teammate Ozzie Albies in June 2021. Baldwin is just the sixth player in Braves history with a five-hit game as a catcher, joining Johnny Estrada (2004); Eddie Perez (1999); Biff Pocoroba (1982); Walker Cooper (1951); and Hall of Famer Ernie Lombardi (1942). 
  • The 2025 NL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award winner opened the second half with a three-hit, five-RBI game on Friday against Texas, becoming the second Brave this season with a five-RBI performance, joining fellow catcher Jonah Heim. The Braves are one of two clubs to have multiple games of at least five RBI by catchers this season, joining the Orioles, and it is just the fifth time in franchise history that the Braves have achieved the feat twice in a single season, joining 2006, 2003 (3x), 1966 and 1950.
  • The third-round pick in the 2022 Draft out of Missouri State University has not struck out in 34 consecutive plate appearances dating back to July 8th, marking the longest active streak in the Majors. With 10 hits and eight RBI in the three-game set with the Rangers, Baldwin became the first Braves player to reach those marks in a three-game set and the first to reach those marks in a series of any length since Harris had 10 hits and nine RBI against the Mets in a four-game series earlier this month.

This is the first time that a Braves player has been named Player of the Week so far this season and hopefully it won’t be the last, either.

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Bedard says Carlsson’s offer sheet had no effect on his thinking for Blackhawks contract

San Jose Sharks v Chicago Blackhawks

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 15: Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center on April 15, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)

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CHICAGO — Connor Bedard never wavered. Whenever the young center was asked about his future, he always responded with similar variations of the same message.

All the way to his $75 million, five-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.

“I’ve said (it) so much and it’s not anything fake. Chicago’s really, you know, the only place I want to play,” Bedard said.

Bedard’s new deal was announced on Saturday, a day after his 21st birthday. It provides a level of security for both Bedard and the rebuilding Blackhawks, even if it always seemed as if it was just a matter of the final numbers than any sort of question about the end result.

Some intrigue arrived when Leo Carlsson, another restricted free agent, signed a $90 million, five-year offer sheet with Philadelphia before going back to Anaheim when the Ducks decided to match the offer sheet. But Bedard stayed with his plans all along.

It was always Chicago.

“I’m very happy with the amount of money I’m making. You know, it’s a lot,” a chuckling Bedard said Monday in his first public comments since the deal was announced. “I think just with that, obviously the offer sheet is different as well. You know with a team trying to take a guy, it is going to be a different value. But for me, that didn’t change anything I was thinking.”

The final details were completed after Bedard had surgery on his left shoulder on July 8. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft is expected to miss the start of the season after he got hurt while skating with a group of NHL players in western Canada.

Bedard also missed 12 games last season after he hurt his right shoulder on a draw during a 3-2 loss at St. Louis on Dec. 12.

“You always do everything you can to try to prevent injury and stay healthy,” he said. “It’s a terrible part of the game but it’s something that you know I think for me to have this next little bit and go through that adversity and try to get stronger, you know, mentally in that way. That’s the way I’m trying to look at it and then come back.”

Bedard has been Chicago’s most important player since he made his anticipated NHL debut in October 2023. He continued his steady improvement in his third season, setting career highs with 30 goals and 45 assists in 69 games.

But he hasn’t experienced much winning since arriving in Chicago. The Blackhawks went 29-39-14 last season, an 11-point improvement on the previous season and still nowhere near playoff contention. The team has finished No. 31 in the NHL each of the past three years.

Chicago is looking for its first postseason appearance since the NHL used an expanded playoff format after the 2020 season was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking to get the team back in contention, general manager Kyle Davidson swung a trade for defenseman Bowen Byram on June 23. The Blackhawks also signed forward prospect Roman Kantserov in May, and then added forward Cole Smith and defenseman Ian Cole on the first day of free agency.

“I think we’ve had a great summer,” Bedard said.

But Chicago could use another top-six forward, possibly to play alongside Bedard, and, well, Patrick Kane remains on the market as a free agent. The 37-year-old Kane, who helped the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cup championships before he was traded to the New York Rangers in February 2023, is reportedly considering a return to his first NHL team.

“That would be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him,” Bedard said. “So hopefully he decides to come back. ... You talk about kind of the legacy aspect of it, but just as a team, it would make us a way better team. He’s still an amazing player.”

With the contract completed, the next big moment for Bedard could be taking over as the 36th captain in franchise history. He became an alternate captain after the team traded away its entire leadership group in March.

“If I was able to get that honor, it would be so special and something that I know I wouldn’t take for granted for a second,” Bedard said. “But we got so many guys in the room that can lead.”