D’Angelo Russell free agency rumors: Guard ‘may be open to’ returning to Lakers Jeanie Buss thinks the Lakers are headed in the right direction.The Los Angeles owner gave general manager Rob Pelinka a vote of confidence during an interview with the Los Angeles Times at the NBA awards show Monday. Lonzo Ball reacts to being traded from Lakers to Pelicans “I have 100% confidence in Rob Pelinka running our basketball operations,” Buss said. “I’ve always had confidence in Rob. Whatever the speculation is out there, we don’t need the outside media to validate what we do. I’m very happy. I think we’re on the right path but there’s still more work to do.”The Lakers and Pelinka complete one of the biggest trades in NBA history earlier this month when they acquired Anthony Davis from the Pelicans in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart as well as three first-round picks. Related News Kawhi Leonard free agency rumors: Lakers believe they have ‘strong shot’ to sign superstar The Lakers will now look to add a third star to pair with Davis and LeBron James. They’ve been linked to Kemba Walker, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving, among others. But, if the team makes no more moves to shed salary after the Davis deal, it’s only expected to have around $23 million available this offseason and will not be able to offer a max contract.The Lakers reportedly have shown some level of interest in Bobby Portis, Marcus Morris, Al Horford and Brook Lopez, as well.“There will be a lot of changes,” Buss said. “Lakers fans, be patient. We’re going to get there. We’re not going to stop until we’re all proud.”Magic Johnson surprisingly stepped down from his position as the Lakers president of basketball operations before the last game of 2018-19, which expanded Pelinka’s role in the organization. “It was a surprise when Magic turned in his resignation,” Buss said, via ESPN. “I didn’t see that coming. But everything else has been pretty much as any organization moves forward and changes going into a new season. So as much as has been speculated as to what the Lakers are doing, to me we are in a really good place and we are following our path, and our plan, going into the next season.”The Lakers finished the season with a 37-45 record and missed the playoffs for a sixth straight year. They fired former coach Luke Walton in mid-April and hired Frank Vogel to replace him.
Lakers ‘on the right path’ after Anthony Davis trade, owner Jeanie Buss says
August 16, 2020
The Dodgers have won at least 90 games six years in a row, and with MLB’s best record (by far) this season, they seem like a lock to get there again in 2019. Triple digits are certainly within the realm of possibility, too, as is a third straight trip to the World Series. In that stretch, the Dodgers have also been at or near the top of MLB’s payroll list, but a large part of their success can be attributed to folks who joined the franchise under the cover of near anonymity. Those are the players we’re going to highlight today. His LA impact: Hernandez batted .307 in his first year with LA in 2018 PAs. He’s become a tremendously valuable — versatile — piece of the Dodgers’ equation ever since. In his five seasons with the club, he’s started at least 11 games at each of the following positions: center field, second base, left field, shortstop, right field, third base and first base. Yeah. And even though his offensive numbers haven’t always been great, he’s had a knack for delivering in big moments. Remember his three-homer game at Wrigley Field in Game 5 of the 2017 NLCS, as the Dodgers clinched their spot in the World Series for the first time since 1988? 5. Andrew TollesHis LA arrival: Toles was a fourth-round pick by the Rays in 2013, then was named that franchise’s minor league player of the year in 2014. Personal issues led to his release in 2015, and he was out of baseball that season, spending a couple of months working in a grocery store in Georgia. The Dodgers gave him a chance for the 2016 season, and he made the most of it. He played 22 games in High-A, 43 in Double-A and 17 in Triple-A before he was called up to the bigs. His LA impact: In 48 games with the Dodgers in 2016, Toles hit .314 with an .870 OPS, earning a spot on the precious postseason roster. Toles hit .364 in the postseason, including a scintillating .462 in the NLCS against the Cubs. It wasn’t enough, though, as Chicago won the series in six games to advance to the World Series. His 2017 season ended early when he tore his ACL and had season-ending surgery. He spent a large portion of 2018 in Triple-A, batting .307 with seven homers in 71 games. He’s been out with personal issues in 2019. MORE: Watch ‘ChangeUp,’ a new MLB live whiparound show on DAZNSo a guy like Clayton Kershaw doesn’t make the list, of course, because the Dodgers made him the No. 7 overall pick of the 2006 MLB Draft. Rich Hill doesn’t make the list, either, even though his career setbacks tossed him all the way back to independent baseball in 2015. See, the Dodgers acquired him after he rebounded, a trade that also included Josh Reddick heading to LA and sent a couple of very well-thought-of prospects to Oakland. 1. Justin TurnerHis LA arrival: Turner was traded by the team that drafted him, Cincinnati (December 2008), designated for assignment by the Orioles (May 2010) and non-tendered by the Mets (December 2013). According to reports, Turner had worn out his welcome in New York, which led to the surprise move after the 2013 season. Turner was team-less for a couple of months before he finally signed with the Dodgers on a minor-league free-agent deal in early February.His LA impact: Aside from Clayton Kershaw, no other Dodger has been the face of this run of 90-plus win seasons than Turner. He batted .340 in his first year with LA, and though he’s had trouble staying healthy during the season, he’s been the driving force for the Dodgers’ lineup in his six years with the club. He’s batted .304 with an .880 OPS in the regular season and a hefty .313 with a .923 OPS in 49 postseason games. 2. Max MuncyHis LA arrival: Muncy played 96 games for the A’s in 2015-16, but never found much traction at the big league level. In that uniform, he batted just .195 with five home runs and a .611 OPS, and the A’s released him in spring 2017. He signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers, who put him in Triple-A for the entire season. Muncy hit .305 with 12 homers in 109 contests. He started 2018 at Oklahoma City again, but was called up a couple of weeks into the season. His LA impact: Muncy homered in his first start for the Dodgers, but overall he struggled early, batting just .190 with a .663 OPS in his first 49 plate appearances. From there, he caught fire. In his next 28 games, Muncy hit 11 home runs and posted a 1.197 OPS while starting games at third base, first base, second base and even playing a few innings in left field. The lefty let go by Oakland finished the season with 35 home runs and a .973 OPS, then added three more home runs in the postseason. This year, he’s batting .280 with 17 homers and a .915 OPS in 76 games, further cementing a spot in the lineup. 3. Chris TaylorHis LA arrival: The Dodgers traded for Taylor in June 2016, a deal most notable because LA sent former elite prospect Zach Lee — who never really found consistency as a pro — to Seattle in exchange for Taylor, a former fifth-round pick who had batted just .240 in 86 games for the Mariners over parts of three seasons. The deal was a blip, at best. A hope that maybe a change of scenery would help revive both careers. His LA impact: Taylor didn’t do much in 2016, but made the most of his opportunities to start 2017 and forced his way into the lineup on a regular basis, starting at least 10 games at shortstop, center field, left field and second base. He finished the season with 21 homers, 17 stolen bases and a 4.8 bWAR, then hit .316 with a pair of homers in the NLCS and was named series co-MVP, along with Turner. Playing all over the field again in 2018, Taylor’s numbers were down a bit, but he still posted a 4.1 bWAR and again was outstanding in the NLCS — he hit .364 — in helping the Dodgers to the World Series again. 4. Enrique HernandezHis LA arrival: A sixth-round pick of the Astros in 2009, Hernandez was shipped to the Marlins in July 2014 as part of a seven-player trade, then was part of another seven-player trade that December that landed him in Los Angeles. He was, it’s safe to say, not the biggest name to switch teams in either of those deals. 
“Running back Josh Jacobs, one of the team’s three first-round picks in April, is the only Raiders draft pick still unsigned and league sources say the negotiations have not been going well. There is a growing sentiment that Jacobs will not be at camp when rookies report on July 23. (The official start of camp — when the veterans report — is three days later.)”Rookie holdouts are rare in the NFL these days after the installment of a rookie wage scale, since contract values and signing bonuses are predetermined. But there is still wiggle room regarding the payment schedule of the signing bonus and whether salary guarantees will have offsets. The bonus issue is apparently the hangup between Jacobs and the Raiders.”Coach Jon Gruden was excited about the explosive rusher, who ran for 640 yards and 11 touchdowns on 120 carries last season. He also proved to be a dual threat, finishing his third and final year with the Crimson Tide catching 20 passes for 247 yards and three scores. “He’s physical, he’s dynamic,” Gruden said after the draft. “He’s a great story, indeed. Where this kid has come from. There is something inside of him that I didn’t go through as a young man, and I think he’s going to be a centerpiece at some point. I’m not going to put any pressure on him, he’s got a lot to learn.”But we do have a good offensive line, we’ve got an experienced quarterback in our system now, we’ve got a couple of receivers that if you want to double them, perhaps this running back can do some damage. So we’re excited at this addition to our team.” The Raiders could already be without one of their top rookies.After Oakland picked up a number of new additions in this year’s draft, one of its first-round picks could sit out of training camp after negotiations haven’t progressed, according to a report from The Athletic, which cited unidentified league sources. Josh Jacobs was selected as the 24th overall pick in of the draft, but the running back out of Alabama doesn’t seem happy with the team’s bonus structure. He is the team’s only draft pick that remains unsigned — defensive end Clelin Ferrell and safety Johnathan Abram both signed on June 18.But it doesn’t seem Jacobs is too thrilled about discussing a potential contract. Yahoo Sports captured a tweet, that has since been deleted, with Jacobs saying, “Blocking everyone the @ me abt a contract.”While Jacobs may not want to have these talks with nagging fans, the Raiders will hope he’s more forthcoming when they try to come to an agreement before training camp starts at the end of the month.But that doesn’t seem to be going well, The Athletic report noted.
MLB trade rumors: Dodgers could make ‘a strong play’ for Royals reliever Jake Diekman Even more complicated, San Francisco is 2 1/2 games out of the second wild-card spot in the NL, and if it really wanted to, it could consider buying and getting into the race in Farhan Zaidi’s first year running the organization.That probably won’t happen. The Giants have some talent and have had some good performances this year, but their starting lineup averaged 29.2 years of age on opening day, Madison Bumgarner is likely to leave in free agency and Jeff Samardzija has just one year left on his deal. It’s time to rebuild and the Giants know it. Related News MLB trade rumors: Rangers ‘likely’ to move Mike Minor; Phillies, Brewers interested in starter Dud of the NightJesse Chavez gave up seven earned runs in 2/3 of an inning in the Rangers’ loss to the Diamondbacks.HighlightJustin Smoak really shouldn’t have run to second base on this long single to center in the Blue Jays’ loss to the Red Sox.Don’t run on Jackie. pic.twitter.com/Z0Wu1bhpze— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 18, 2019What’s NextTigers (29-62) at Indians (54-40) 7:10 p.m. ET — The Indians are within four games of the Twins. They could get to within three on Thursday and they have Trevor Bauer (8-7, 3.65 ERA) on the mound. The issue for Cleveland is Matthew Boyd (6-7, 3.95) is on the mound for the Tigers. He’s a hot commodity on the market, as well. There are a lot of interesting storylines surrounding this game. But, here’s the thing, because the Giants dominated the Rockies so thoroughly, Colorado is starting to consider making some moves. General manager Jeff Bridich said as much. And if Colorado decides to sell, the trade market changes massively. Jon Gray and Scott Oberg could become available, Daniel Murphy could be on the move and maybe even Jake McGee could be considered as a chip.Murphy could fetch a hefty price on the market and might just be the best bat available, McGee would possibly be the best non-closer lefty out there and Gray is a former top-3 pick. The Rockies could get huge returns on their investments if they decide to sell and teams could get some really valuable pieces.The Giants didn’t just sweep the Rockies, they may have changed the landscape of the deadline.Studs of the NightAmed Rosario went 4 for 4 with a home run, triple, two singles, three RBIs and a walk in the Mets’ 14-4 win over the Twins.Jurickson Profar went 2 for 3 with two home runs and four RBIs in the Athletics’ 10-2 win over the Mariners. Things are getting complicated in the National League West and the trade market might soon feel the effects.With San Francisco’s 11-8 win over the Rockies on Wednesday, the Giants swept a four-game series over Colorado and are now a half-game up on the Rockies for third in the West. MLB trade rumors: Potential sleeper moves Astros, Yankees, Phillies could make to bolster rotations
In a statement received by Omnisport, the ATP said: “In addition to the on-site fines announced today the ATP is looking further into what happened during and immediately after the match to see if additional action is warranted under the player major offense section of the code.”That could result in an additional fine and/or suspension.”Kyrgios, who won the Washington Open title earlier this month, lost in three sets to Khachanov. Nick Kyrgios has been fined $113,000 and warned he could face a ban on top of that initial punishment after his ill-mannered exit from the Western & Southern Open.The Australian hurled abuse at umpire Fergus Murphy, describing him as “the worst, hands down” during a second-round defeat to Russian Karen Khachanov on Wednesday. Do Not Disturb 🙅♂️😂🎥: @TennisTV | @NickKyrgios | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/NIhQmKaZg3— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) August 15, 2019At one stage, Kyrgios violently smashed two rackets away from the gaze of the crowd in Cincinnati as he took a bathroom break, without permission from Murphy, between the second and third sets.He has had previous run-ins with Murphy and called him “a tool” at the end of Wednesday’s match.The ATP, which runs men’s tennis, came down hard on Kyrgios and issued a succession of fines for unsportsmanlike conduct, made up of four separate $20,000 penalties and one for $5,000.He was given a further $20,000 punishment for verbal abuse, a $5,000 penalty for an audible obscenity and a $3,000 fine for leaving the court without permission.Kyrgios, who was handed a ban from the tour for eight tournament weeks in late 2016, could find himself suspended again over his conduct.It could mean the volatile 24-year-old’s place at the upcoming U.S. Open is at risk.
Former Texas standout and No. 4 overall draft pick Cedric Benson died Saturday night after he was in a motorcycle accident, according to multiple reports. He was 36.NFL reporter Don Kleiman states he saw Benson’s brother post about the reported accident. The accident occurred in Austin, Texas, where Benson’s motorcycle collided with a minivan. Another person on the motorcycle died and two were injured in the accident. CBS Austin reported that a vehicle and person were on fire. Benson’s attorney Sam Bassett confirmed his death Sunday in a statement.”Cedric was not just my client, he was my friend,” Bassett said. “He was immensely talented and fierce on the football field yet most have no idea the difficulties he overcame to achieve what he did. Though imperfect in some respects, once Cedric was your friend, you understood how kind, sensitive and loyal he was as a man. He was like a younger brother or nephew to me. I will miss him very much.”Benson was a standout at Texas, where he was a four-year starter. During his senior year in 2004, he received the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back and was recognized as a consensus All-American.He finished as the sixth-leading rusher in NCAA history with 5,540 rushing yards, and the second-leading rusher in Texas history, trailing only Ricky Williams.Benson was selected fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Bears. However, his time in the NFL started off dramatically, with Benson holding out from Chicago’s training camp over his contract. He eventually signed with the team, but his time in Chicago was cut short after multiple DUIs. He was released from the team in July 2008 after his second DUI-related incident in five weeks.Grand juries declined to charge him in the 2008 cases, though it led to the Bears cutting ties with him.Benson joined the Bengals in September 2008 and posted 932 all-purpose yards that season.He had an even better 2009 season, when he rushed for 1,251 yards and set a Bengals franchise record with six games of more than 100 rushing yards. He followed that with 1,111 yards in 2010 and 1,067 yards in 2011.The Bengals declined to extend Benson in 2012, which prompted him to sign with the Packers, but his season was cut short in October after he suffered a foot injury. He retired after the season, finishing his NFL career with 6,850 yards from scrimmage and 33 touchdowns.Two days before his death, Benson was in a Travis County (Texas) courtroom, where he pled guilty to misdemeanor drunk-driving charges that stemmed from a February 2017 DUI arrest. Despite his legal problems, Benson gave back to the community in multiple ways. He started a non-profit called NUFCED, which aims to help underprivileged families and children in their educational development through the community and sports.He also teamed up with Roman Lopez Real Estate to restore the exterior of a house which was targeted during the Austin bombings in 2018.
Join DAZN and watch more than 100 fight nights a yearIt didn’t long for Jones to praise Miocic, while also throwing gasoline onto the fire at his fiercest rival without even mentioning Cormier’s name. Stipe is hands down the greatest heavyweight of all time. I have nothing else to say— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) August 18, 2019After Cormier first beat Miocic at UFC 226 to win the heavyweight belt, in addition to being the 205-pound titleholder, the majority of MMA pundits and fans felt like Cormier earned the distinction of being the pound-for-pound king of the four-ounce gloves. The perceived notion still held up even when Cormier vacated the light heavyweight title and Jones captured the belt once again at UFC 232 vs. Alexander Gustafsson. Not happy with the fact people felt he wasn’t the king of the hill, Jones made it abundantly clear who should and shouldn’t be on top of the mountain. Now can we stop playing games with these pound for pound rankings already— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) August 18, 2019 One of the narratives heading into Saturday’s UFC 241 had been if Daniel Cormier beat Stipe Miocic in their rematch, then a trilogy bout with Jon Jones would be on the horizon. Cormier and Jones even shockingly agreed the proposed bout would take place at 205 pounds where Jones is the current light heavyweight champion. Jones had beaten Cormier in January 2015 and would have defeated him there again if not for a failed drug test after their 2017 fight.However, Miocic spoiled those plans, stopping Cormier in the fourth round to regain the heavyweight championship. To cap off his evening on social media, Jones took one final swipe at Cormier. Awesome night of fights, best card of the year so far. I think I’m going to have a glass of wine— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) August 18, 2019
“I congratulate to the players to win against a very good team. I think we played well and deserved to win. I am pleased with the engagement of players, who have done their best to make up for what happened last year,” said the national soccer team coach Safet Sušić.“We are talking about the young guys and I think they did a very good job. Moreover they have intensified competition and now I have more solutions to these places”, added Sušić.When asked about the injuries of three national players, Sušić answered:“I think that no injury was serious in nature. If it was a qualification match for the World Cup I think they would all continue with the game. But I did not want to risk and I believe I will be able to count on them in the next game.”(Source:Fena)
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic turned 38 on Thursday and bought a Ferrari Monza SP2, the car of the famous Italian company, as his birthday present.“Happy birthday to Zlatan,” Ibrahimovic wrote on social media with a photo of his new car. Ferrari has made a limited model of this series of cars, and its cost is about two million dollars. He celebrated his golden birthday in Los Angeles, where he has been defending the colors of the Galaxy for almost two years, Klix.ba news portal reports.
Magdaleno AbasoloMag Abasolo, of Wellington, died Friday, March 8, 2013 at the age of 76.Magdaleno was born the son of and Abraham and Juana (Londer) Abasolo on Friday, May 29, 1936 in Wellington.Mag and Ramona Perez were married early in life and blessed to have four children: Richard, Pam, Priscilla and Patti. Mag was later married to Shirley Stephens and considered her family part of his own.Mag was a longtime employee at the Yates-Brandt Chevrolet Oldsmobile dealership. Following many years of service, Mag then retired from the Sumner County Road and Bridge Department. Mag was also a proud member of the United States Army having served during the Korean War.Survivors include his son, Richard D. Abasolo, Sr. and his wife Kristie, daughters: Pam Coffel and her husband Clint, Priscilla Washington and her husband Michael and Patti Porter, his step-daughters: Brenda Munro and her husband John, Sherry Westfall, 10 grandchildren: Leah Garrett, Richard Abasolo, Jr, Tyler Abasolo, Abraham Abasolo, Jake Saunders, Josh Saunders, Rose Abasolo, Chad Terbush, Crystal Terbush, Michael Washington, Jr., 9 step-grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and a sister, Lola Abasolo Aguilar.He was preceded in death by his parents, former wives, siblings: Elisas, Jesus, Jonny, Lupe, Jimmy, Rebecca, Bill and Amelia and a grandson, Isaiah Washington.There will be no visitation as cremation has take place.Memorial Services for Mag will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 13, 2013 in St. Anthony/St. Rose Catholic Church, 210 North B Street, Wellington, Kansas.Memorials have been established in his loving memory with Harden Hospice, 314 North Washington, Wellington, Kansas 67152. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.To share a memory or leave condolences, please visit www.dayfuneralhome.info.Arrangements are by Day Funeral Home & Crematory, Wellington.