Connect with us

Sports

LeBron James 40th Birthday Wishlist: Three Gifts for the King

Dec 4, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) grabs a rebound in front of Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) in the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn ImagesDec 4, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) grabs a rebound in front of Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) in the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Only 31 players in NBA history have taken the floor at age 40.

Lakers star LeBron James is about to make that 32, though, as the 20-time All-Star will celebrate his 40th birthday on Monday. Los Angeles is set to face James’ former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the following night. 

Christmas has come and gone, but now a second round of gifts is coming James’ way. Here are three that he is probably hoping for:

A clean bill of health for Anthony Davis

Dec 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) dribbles against Golden State Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn ImagesDec 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) dribbles against Golden State Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Although Davis has appeared in 30 of the Lakers’ 31 games this season, he has been a frequent guest on the injury report. It seems like Los Angeles has him on there as more of a precaution, though, as the 31-year-old has been incredible to start the campaign (26.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.0 blocks per game).

Still, it feels like Davis is just bound to miss some time sooner rather than later, and this was especially the case on Wednesday when he exited a meeting with the Golden State Warriors due to a sprained left ankle. 

Thankfully for the Lakers, Davis ended up being fine. He was back for a 132-122 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night and went off for 36 points, 15 boards and eight assists.

Davis might not be too banged up after all, but if he can get his reoccurring injury designation dropped, surely James will have some more peace of mind. 

His son to be better at basketball

Nov 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) looks for a pass as Toronto Raptors guard Ja'Kobe Walter (14) defends during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesNov 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) looks for a pass as Toronto Raptors guard Ja’Kobe Walter (14) defends during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Imagine if Bronny James could actually hold his own at the NBA level.

Instead, any time Bronny James checks into a game, it feels like you’ve suddenly been transported back to high school, where you once watched the manager of the varsity basketball team—who got kicked to the curb on the first day of tryouts—get some minutes in garbage time because it was the final game of senior year.

Should there ever come a day where the elder James gets to share the court with his kid, and his kid actually deserves to be there, that would be special.

He can hope and wish all he wants, but LeBron James probably won’t be getting this gift for another two or three years. And that might even be a generous estimate.

Dorian Finney-Smith to fit right in

Los Angeles made some noise in the trade market on Sunday, acquiring Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three future second-round draft picks.

The centerpiece of the deal was Finney-Smith, who brings defensive intensity and a stellar 3-point percentage (43.5) out to the West Coast. Finney-Smith averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds in 20 games (all starts) with Brooklyn this season. 

Finney-Smith isn’t going to turn the Lakers’ defense into a brick wall as soon as he gets off the plane. However, he’s an improvement on that side of the floor, and by going out and getting Finney-Smith, Los Angeles is showing that it’s committed to building a better team for LeBron James to chase another ring with.

source

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sports

Curtis Mead, Keibert Ruiz help Nationals tame Giants

MLB: San Francisco Giants at Washington NationalsApr 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Curtis Mead (45) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Curtis Mead hit a two-run homer, Keibert Ruiz had two hits and the Nationals beat the San Francisco Giants 3-0 in Washington on Sunday to avoid a series sweep.

Andrew Alvarez (1-0), called up earlier in the day from Triple-A Rochester, pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings for the win, allowing three hits and striking out five without a walk.

PJ Poulin opened for Washington and was replaced by Miles Mikolas with two outs and two on in the first. Mikolas, who began the day with an 11.49 ERA, pitched four scoreless innings while allowing four hits in his best outing of the young season.

Rafael Devers and Drew Gilbert had two hits each for the Giants, who had won three straight, but went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

San Francisco’s Robbie Ray (2-3) gave up three runs on seven hits over six innings. He struck out seven and walked one.

The Giants put runner on first and second with two outs in each of the first two innings but did not score.

The Nationals got an infield single and a walk to open the third inning but couldn’t cash in. Curtis Mead hit a blooper to shallow left field that dropped, but Keibert Ruiz briefly broke back towards second and was thrown out at third. Brady House flied to the warning track in center and CJ Abrams flied out.

Washington took a 3-0 lead in the fifth. Nasim Nunez reached on a bunt single and stole second. Ruiz hit shot to left center and Heliot Ramas made a diving effort but couldn’t come up with it. Nunez scored and Mead lined the first pitch he saw from Ray out to left for a two-run homer.

The first two Giants reached base in the eighth inning on an error and a single, but Casey Schmitt grounded into a double play and pinch hitter Jerar Encarnacion struck out.

–Field Level Media

source

Continue Reading

Sports

Best Value Betting Picks Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson (WO40) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn ImagesFeb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson (WO40) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

It’s hard to believe that the 2026 NFL Draft is already almost here. It’s the perfect time to cash in on some draft betting picks.

Over the last few months, countless NFL mock drafters have taken stabs at where these top prospects could be selected.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best value on the board, utilizing FanDuel Sportsbook odds. Remember, this doesn’t mean that we’re predicting these players will be drafted in these spots.

Rather, we’re going to try to cash in on some valuable plus money opportunities for the NFL Draft, an event that is always capable of a few surprises.

No. 3 Overall: Francis Mauigoa (+650)

The Arizona Cardinals have the No. 3 overall pick – and they have needs all over their roster.

David Bailey (+110) and Arvell Reese (+260) are the betting favorite to come off of the board in this spot. But what if the Cardinals want to hook up new offensive minded head coach Mike LaFleur with a player to help fix his offense?

That could lead the Cardinals to Mauigoa, who was a standout right tackle for the Miami Hurricanes. 31-year-old veteran Elijah Wilkinson is expected to start at right tackle for the Cardinals.

They’ll probably take an edge rusher. But if they don’t Mauigoa would be the play at +650.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

No. 6 Overall: Caleb Downs (+1200)

The Cleveland Browns don’t need a defensive player. But Browns general manager Andrew Berry continues to float the idea of the team trading down. It’s a safe bet to expect the Browns to try and trade back.

Who would be worth another organization deciding to trade up for? Ohio State star safety Caleb Downs, who should still be on the board if the New York Giants select his Buckeyes teammate, Sonny Styles, at No. 5 overall.

Obviously, a lot has to go right for this selection to cash. But Downs is one of the best players in the draft. If he’s still available outside of the top five selections, he won’t last much longer.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

No. 10 Overall: Jordyn Tyson (+440)

Tyson is the one player in this class that could cause a major shakeup inside the top 10 picks.

According to reports, 20 teams attended the Arizona State star’s private workout, where the consensus seemed that most teams were comfortable with his medical situation.

The Giants just acquired the No. 10 selection from the Cincinnati Bengals. The NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Giants GM Joe Schoen had dinner with Tyson the night before the private workout.

If Tyson is still available at No. 10 overall, the Giants could load up on offense for Jaxson Dart.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

source

Continue Reading

Sports

Timberwolves look to shake off rust in Game 2 vs. Nuggets

NBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver NuggetsApr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dribbles the ball up the court during the first half against the Denver Nuggets in game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets’ halftime adjustments in Game 1 on Saturday spurred them to a 116-105 win over Minnesota. Now, it’s the visiting Timberwolves’ turn to adjust for Game 2 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series on Monday night.

Minnesota missed 14 of its first 16 shots in the third quarter, when Denver built a 15-point lead. The Timberwolves cut it to 97-95 in the fourth quarter, but two turnovers contributed to a Nuggets’ run that put it away.

It is only one game, and No. 6 Minnesota has an opportunity to steal one from No. 3 Denver before heading home for Games 3 and 4.

“No one wants to have a moral victory, but we understand we had every opportunity to win that game and down the stretch, we cut it to two,” Ayo Dosunmu said. “We just have to be better.”

Composure and the ability to defend without fouling will be vital if the Timberwolves want to even the series. Jaden McDaniels hit a turnaround jumper that ended a Minnesota drought in the third quarter, and then drew a technical for pushing Nuggets star Nikola Jokic in the back after the bucket.

The Timberwolves had 25 personal fouls that led to 33 free-throw attempts for Denver, 16 by Jamal Murray. He didn’t miss from the line, and the Nuggets missed just three overall.

Minnesota’s chances to pull off the upset in the series hinge on star guard Anthony Edwards. He missed 11 of the final 14 games of the regular season due to a balky right knee, and Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said Edwards looked “rusty” Saturday.

Edwards acknowledged he struggled.

“I haven’t played in like a month, month and a half, so, I was a little fatigued,” he said despite tallying 22 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three blocks.

Denver is hoping to get fully healthy for the rest of the series if forward Peyton Watson can return from a right hamstring strain. Watson has not played since aggravating the hamstring injury on April 1. He initially sustained the injury Feb. 4 and missed more than six weeks.

The Nuggets do have Jokic and Murray healthy, and they were a force in Game 1. Jokic recorded the 22nd triple-double of his playoff career, and Murray scored 30 points despite going 7-for-22 from the field. He did most of his damage from the line and disputed Minnesota’s grumblings in the disparity of foul calls.

“I thought I got fouled on every single one of them. I don’t know what everybody is talking about,” Murray said. “They were real fouls.”

Denver has been on a roll since losing to Memphis on March 18. The Nuggets won their final 12 games of the regular season to overtake the Los Angeles Lakers for the third seed and secure a third playoff meeting in four years against the Timberwolves to build on a budding rivalry.

“I think some people say it’s the same teams. I don’t think it’s the same teams,” Jokic said. “People are more experienced, different players. One player can change the whole situation, the whole rotation, the whole momentum of the team.”

–Field Level Media

source

Continue Reading