LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, he announced Friday in a shocking move. James’ decision, after three-plus weeks of free agency and tons of speculation, comes after James’ eight-year run with the Los Angeles Lakers ended on June 30 when he informed the team he planned to pursue other options hours before the start of the official free-agency period. Now, the 41-year-old James will put on his fourth NBA uniform as he attempts to end a 43-year championship drought in the City of Brotherly Love. 

James will be signing a two-year deal worth $8 million, per ESPN.

James was also considering returns to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat in this free agency, with the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves in the hunt as well. In the end, James said on social media he contemplated retirement but wanted to chase another championship. The 76ers haven’t won an NBA title since 1983.

Philadelphia, as of Friday afternoon, had the fourth-best 2027 title odds (+1000 on FanDuel) behind the San Antonio Spurs (+260), Oklahoma City Thunder (+260) and New York Knicks (+900). The 76ers were considered +7500 longshots as recently as June 30.

LeBron explains his ‘last decision’

James said his decision to choose Philadelphia ultimately came down to his quest for another championship.

“This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice,” James said. “I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship. I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.  Thank you LA. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home!”

LeBron James explains his decision to join the 76ers and how close he came to retiring

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Robby Kalland

This marks the fourth time James has changed teams via free agency as he enters his 24th season. He says it will be his last. In 2010, he left the Cavaliers to join the Heat. In 2014, he returned to Cleveland after a successful run in Miami that included those two championships. After leading the Cavaliers to their first title in 2016, he departed for the Lakers in 2018. Now, James will attempt to make it four-for-four as he tries to lead Philadelphia to its first championship since 1983, when Moses Malone famously predicted that the team would go “fo’, fo,’ fo’” with sweeps in all three rounds of the postseason and came just a single game short. 

76ers’ history with LeBron

This isn’t the first time the 76ers have attempted to acquire James. In 2018, they met with his agent, Rich Paul, during the brief free agency that ended with James joining the Lakers. At that point, the 76ers were not far removed from their infamous “Process” and had just reached the playoffs for the first time with Joel Embiid leading the way.

Now, Embiid is a former MVP and arguably the least important starter on the team. When Paul shared a whiteboard of options he and James were considering, only one player had a star next to his name: Philadelphia starting point guard Tyrese Maxey. The 76ers just acquired Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics. Last year’s No. 3 overall pick, VJ Edgecombe, is an emerging superstar. At least on paper, adding James gives the 76ers one of the most talented starting lineups in NBA history, and one that is, just as importantly, as well-equipped to manage Embiid’s frequent absences as possible.

Though Philadelphia lacks a second, established big man, this team has more depth than most rosters with this much star power. New president of basketball operations Mike Gansey, who, coincidentally enough, was the runner-up to James as Ohio’s Mr. Basketball in 2001, brought ace defender Dean Wade with him from the Cavaliers. The 76ers got a steal in Anfernee Simons on the free-agent market as their primary bench scorer at just $5.3 million. With young players like Labaron Philon, Dominick Barlow and Adem Bona coming up as well, the 76ers should have everything they need to meaningfully contend for a championship. In leaving Los Angeles, James apparently did not feel confident that the Lakers could offer him the same.

Why LeBron left the Lakers

The relationship between James and the Lakers reportedly began to fray around the team’s failed acquisition of Russell Westbrook, but the event that truly set this move in motion came a year after those 2024 trade negotiations. At the 2025 deadline, the Lakers landed Luka Dončić in a deal with the Dallas Mavericks. That moved their timeline away from James and Anthony Davis, who was shipped out to Dallas in the blockbuster Dončić trade. When James opted into the final year of his contract last season, Paul released a statement indicating some displeasure with the direction the Lakers were moving in.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN at the time. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with (governor) Jeanie (Buss) and (general manager) Rob (Pelinka) and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

There were rumblings at the time that James might pursue a trade, but the 76ers weren’t in a position to deal at that point. Their only viable matching salary would have been for Embiid or Paul George, both of whom would have impeded the Lakers’ cap space plans. James ultimately remained in Los Angeles last season, and it seemed as though he and the team turned a corner when they went 15-2 in March. However, injuries to Dončić and Austin Reaves (who recently signed a four-year, $185 million max extension) robbed James and the Lakers of the chance to compete seriously for a championship last spring. 

James led the Lakers past the Houston Rockets in the first round before their season ended in a second-round sweep at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Once again, questions arose over his future. The Lakers had the capacity to create more than $50 million in cap space. Doing so, however, would mean renouncing their Bird Rights to James. They could have potentially used some of their money to re-sign James, but as far as is publicly known, no offer was made before free agency. James preferred not to wait and find out what the Lakers were doing or how interested they would be in a ninth season together. On the morning free agency began, James informed the Lakers that he would not be returning. 

As it turns out, the Lakers wouldn’t have had the money to make him a substantial offer anyway. They kicked off free agency with a series of stunning moves headlined by a four-year, $130 million sign-and-trade agreement to land Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. They followed that move up by signing Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton, effectively resetting their team around Dončić and Reaves.

The Lakers felt they needed an all-out youth movement to realistically compete with the Thunder and San Antonio Spurs moving forward. The 76ers went the other way, threading the needle beautifully between their existing core and splashy external additions. James is 41, more than twice Edgecombe’s age, with Brown, Embiid and Maxey slotting neatly between them. Philadelphia has set itself up to win both now and later, giving James a realistic contender for as long as he decides to keep playing.

The top Vikings injury concern can be found in rookie defensive tackle Caleb Banks. Chosen at No. 18 overall, Mr. Banks boasts a hulking frame, tremendous athleticism, and a foot that has kept him on the sidelines due to injuries (note: injuries).

The old adage is that a player “can’t make the club in the tub.” The basic idea is that too much time recovering in the ice tub is the kiss of death in a sport as competitive as NFL football. But while he isn’t in danger of not making the team, Banks is in danger of getting leapfrogged on the depth chart.

Vikings Injury Concern & DT Caleb Banks

O’Connell addressed the health issue at mandatory minicamp. As is his wont, O’Connell maintained an optimistic posture.

“Had the offseason continued,” the head coach insisted, “he probably would’ve started to get some work in some of the individual drills and then progress him into some of the team stuff.” Banks, in other words, had been getting healthy. O’Connell said that things were looking so good that seeing OTAs and minicamp continue would have involved Banks getting into the on-field work rather than just focusing on his recovery.

Pretty soon, O’Connell’s optimism will get put to the test.

The large defensive tackle has already missed valuable on-field work in the spring and early portion of the summer. Missing even more work would be detrimental, to say the least. That observation could be especially pronounced given that a critique of his game already is that he needed further refinement.

Winning in the trenches is a battle involving one’s feet, hands, and eyes. Small details are very important even if having massive muscles helps. Knowing how to counter the technique of the talented blockers opposite the DT is the sort of thing that’s next to impossible without physical reps under the tutelage of Ryan Nielsen, who looks like he’s a detailed teacher and tactician.

— READ MORE: Max Brosmer Still Has Hopes to Stick Around Twin Cities —
— READ MORE: Top Vikings Rumor Soon to Be Put to Test —
— READ MORE: Pass Rusher with Brian Flores Connection Still a Free Agent —

DT1 Jalen Redmond is a stud who doesn’t appear likely to get moved off his top spot. If anything, Mr. Redmond is going to demand a larger portion of the pie as he moves from success story in Minnesota to a defender who gets recognition around the NFL.

Next up are some combination of Levi Drake Rodriguez, Ty Ingram-Dawkins, Domonique Orange, and Banks (among others). Realistically, there’s going to be room for a minimum of four or five defensive linemen to earn large roles. Banks will be among them so long as health doesn’t totally derail his rookie season. Can he be an early starter, though?

Best case for the Vikings is that Caleb Banks ends up being a starting 5-tech. He would be a matchup nightmare for a lot of offensive linemen given that he boasts such unique abilities.

Again, though, there’s the central concern of his health. Where do things stand with the foot injuries that made his selection at No. 18 such a shocking move? Nolan Teasley can’t be blamed for whatever takes place here since the new GM is so new that he didn’t run the Vikings’ most recent draft. O’Connell, though, would get an earful online if things don’t work out for Banks in 2026.

Caleb Banks, 23, is listed as being 6’6″ and 327 pounds. After getting drafted, Banks did say that he planned to get a touch slimmer as he prepared for life in the NFL. Getting his body in a good spot can ideally lead to a long, healthy career in the NFL.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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File Pic: Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler shared a special moment with fans after receiving a signed Team India jersey from Rohit Sharma, calling the Indian opener “one of his all-time favourite players”.Following the conclusion of the three-match ODI series between India and England, Buttler took to Instagram to post a picture of the signed shirt gifted by Rohit, expressing his admiration for the veteran batter despite being on opposite sides during the contest. Rohit also wrote a heartfelt message on the jersey: “Dear Jos, Loved my time playing with & against you.”Sharing the image, Buttler wrote: “One opposition player’s shirt I’ve always wanted. One of my all-time favourite players! Will treasure this; thank you, @rohitsharma45.”

Rohit’s Lord’s masterclass leaves lasting impression

Rohit endured a difficult start to the ODI series, with his performances in the opening two matches raising questions over his future in the format ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.However, the Indian opener silenced his critics in trademark fashion in the series decider at Lord’s, producing a breathtaking century during India’s huge chase of 388. The knock marked Rohit’s first international hundred at the iconic venue, widely regarded as the ‘Home of Cricket’.The 138-run innings came in just 110 balls, featuring 17 fours and five sixes, and showcased the timing, elegance and class that have defined Rohit’s illustrious ODI career. Although India fell short by 27 runs and lost the series 1-2, Rohit’s partnership with long-time batting partner Virat Kohli thrilled the crowd at Lord’s. Kohli contributed a fluent 74 off 60 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes.Rohit finished the series as India’s leading run-scorer, amassing 175 runs in three matches at an average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 98.31, including one century.

Rohit’s ODI legacy continues

The 39-year-old former captain remains one of the greatest ODI batters in history, having scored 11,895 runs in 288 matches at an average of 48.95 and a strike rate of 93.04. His record includes 34 centuries, 62 fifties and the highest individual ODI score of 264.He currently ranks seventh among the format’s all-time leading run-scorers and is India’s third-highest ODI run-getter behind Sachin Tendulkar (18,426 runs) and Virat Kohli (14,941 runs).Rohit and Kohli will next be seen in ODI action when India host the West Indies for a three-match series from September 27 to October 3.

LeBron James will play a 24th season in the NBA … and it won’t come with the team people expected. James announced Friday that he’ll sign with the Philadelphia 76ers as he seeks one more championship.

The decision was met with … shock, mostly. Coming into Friday, the 76ers weren’t considered among the favorites to sign James. Two of James’ former franchise, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, as well as the Golden State Warriors, were considered the most likely landing spots for the superstar.

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But it wasn’t meant to be, as James opted for the surprising 76ers instead.

The news came as a massive shock to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, who got the news as she was in the middle of a press conference ahead of WNBA All-Star weekend.

This is how our writers think United should line up this evening:

Tyrone Marshall

Carrick showed his hand last week by picking a strong team in the first half and then ringing the changes at the break. I’d keep the pattern reasonably similar this half, with a couple of changes. One of them is moving Yoro to centre-back alongside Maguire. There has to be a chance that this is the partnership that begins the Premier League season, so let’s see them together now.

I would also bring Tyler Fletcher in to play alongside Andrey Santos, with Mason Mount as the No.10, and would hand Joshua Zirkzee a chance through the middle.

Steven Railston

I’d largely pick the same team that started against Wrexham last weekend, but would make a handful of changes. The first would be bringing Vitek into the XI at the expense of Heaton, who can play in the second half when wholesale changes are made.

Tyler Fletcher should swap roles with his brother, Jack, who started in Finland. He is the more likely of the pair to stay with the first-team squad in the new campaign, so it makes sense for him to start.

Playing Zirkzee up front is fine in the first two pre-season games, which are essentially fitness exercises, but it will be concerning if he’s the only fit forward on the eve of the new campaign. Carrick should give Gabriel minutes in the second half.

Read the rest here>>>

The preseason gives young and sometimes lesser known players a time to shine.

Had it not been for the preseason, Victor Cruz might never have become a star for the New York Giants. He made the roster as an undrafted rookie with an impressive preseason, and ended up with 1,536 receiving yards for a Super Bowl championship team in his second season.

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Not everyone breaks out like Cruz did, but we’ll see some players impress their teams and either make the roster or elevate their role with a big preseason. Here are our 10 breakout candidates for the preseason:

Preseason really is for the backups, after all, and there might be no more intriguing QB2 than Caleb Williams‘ understudy. Bagent was one of the preseason standouts a year ago, throwing for five TDs and 511 yards in the three outings, which included a standout performance against the Chiefs in the finale.

There was trade chatter this spring around Bagent, given the intriguing skills the former undrafted free agent had shown, including four emergency regular-season starts as a rookie in 2023. The Bears have balked to this point, reportedly holding out for more in return, perhaps even a Day 2 draft pick.

Play Yahoo’s new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!

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If Bagent lights it up again this preseason, could those trade calls return? There’s always at least one team worried about its QB situation every August, so it can’t be dismissed, even with Bagent signing an extension last year through 2027. The Bears still have Case Keenum as a veteran, and offensive coordinator Press Taylor sounded somewhat intrigued with 2026 UDFA Miller Moss.

Even if the Bears don’t move Bagent, we’ll see him thrive again this preseason. He’s a talented thrower with some decent athleticism. —Edholm

The Jaguars saw Travis Etienne Jr. leave in free agency, and while Chris Rodriguez Jr. got a healthy two-year, $10 million deal to come to Jacksonville, he has 920 rushing yards in three seasons. Everything is lined up for Tuten to have a really nice second season.

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Tuten had just 307 rushing yards as a rookie last season, but has talent and now he should have a great opportunity to be a lead back in a good offense. Tuten’s usage in preseason will be interesting to track. If Tuten looks good in the preseason, he should enter the regular season as at least the leader in a timeshare with Rodriguez. And there’s a chance he’s a preseason star, and that’s a harbinger for a very good second season. —Schwab

Carter had an odd rookie season. He came in with a ton of hype as the third overall pick of last year’s draft, and had only four sacks. But the pressure stats were very good. He had the most quick pressures of any player in the NFL last season.

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The best guess is Carter turns a lot of those pressures into sacks this season. There’s no better way to get off to a good start than having a strong preseason, which would be a good sight for new Giants head coach John Harbaugh. Everyone would be excited to see Carter have a big preseason heading into his second NFL season. —Schwab

On the surface, you might say that Ferguson’s rookie season was a disappointment, given that he caught only 11 passes on 25 targets in 350-plus snaps last season. Even for a slower-developing position such as tight end, the catch total is lean.

But Ferguson also flashed quite a bit on those 11 catches, averaging 21 yards per grab and catching three TDs. The Rams continued to funnel the ball his way more and more as the season went on, and though it didn’t always result in big plays, it showed how much faith Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford had in the rising prospect.

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Ferguson also showed he could hold his own as a blocker, which was something that wasn’t viewed as a major strength entering the league. Although Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson remain options, it feels like Ferguson will get every opportunity to shine this season, and that will include some preseason flash plays. —Edholm

Everyone has been waiting for the big Downs breakout season. While he has been good, and efficient, he hasn’t passed 70% of the Colts’ offensive snaps in a season yet. With Michael Pittman Jr. off to Pittsburgh in a trade, that could change.

Downs, at 171 pounds, might never be an every-down receiver but this is his opportunity to prove he can do it. Alec Pierce is the Colts’ No. 1 receiver after signing a massive contract, but even he could miss a lot of training camp as he recovers from ankle surgery. Downs still has to show that he can be a staple in two-receiver sets for the Colts, and he might make strides toward that in the preseason. If he can become an unquestioned full-time player, he could have a huge regular season. —Schwab

Jets TE Kenyon Sadiq

There have been some flashy TE rookies in recent years who have parlayed a strong preseason into productive first years in the NFL. Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren both looked good in August a year ago. Sadiq is a clear choice for rookie TE standout of this year’s preseason.

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Sadiq was a surprise pick to the Jets, but it was clear they badly needed to add more firepower to a limited offense. From a physical perspective, Sadiq could be a real ace for the Jets, even if he’s not a complete player nor is he guaranteed a high-volume role as a receiver in the regular season.

But the Jets were awful on third downs and even worse in the red zone. These are two clear areas where the 6-foot-3, 245-pound Sadiq can make his money — and make his impact starting in preseason. Expect a heavy workload this August as a way of determining what Sadiq can do for the Jets’ offense come Week 1. —Edholm

Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa

TeSlaa was a star of last preseason, tying for the NFL lead with three touchdown catches. He made some highlight plays during his rookie regular season too, but he wasn’t a high-volume player in the offense. He caught six touchdowns on only 16 receptions.

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The Lions have a crowded offense, and TeSlaa has to do something special to improve his playing time. He should play plenty in the preseason, and he clearly has the ability to star on that stage. If he has another big preseason, it could force the Lions to find ways to get him on the field more with increased targets. —Schwab

Seahawks DT Rylie Mills

A play you might have forgotten amid the hoopla of the Seahawks’ Super Bowl LX dominance was a sack from a player with fewer than 40 NFL snaps. When Seattle drafted Mills in Round 5 last year, it was considered a wait-and-see pick while Mills was recovering from a torn ACL. He earned playing time down the stretch and was effective enough to earn Super Bowl snaps.

This was Mills walking Patriots OG Jared Wilson back into Drake Maye for a 10-yard sack, and it was just a snapshot of the player he was at Notre Dame before suffering the injury in the College Football Playoffs against Indiana. Mills had only five Super Bowl snaps, but he made them count.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has set a date for a hearing over Senegal’s appeal against being stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.

Hosts Morocco were declared the tournament winners after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) overturned the result of the final in January, which Senegal won 1-0.

The Senegalese players walked off the field after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the match goalless.

Following a delay of about 17 minutes, the players returned and Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved before Senegal’s Pape Gueye scored an extra-time winner.

Senegal lodged their appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) on 25 March, seeking to set aside Caf’s decision and reinstate them as tournament winners.

Caf deemed that Senegal had forfeited the final and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory.

Caf and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) did not agree to expedite the procedure so there will now be a hearing on 8 October.

According to a Cas statement, that follows the standard timeline.

Caf and the FRMF did not request that the hearing is made public so it will take place behind closed doors at the Cas headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Cas cannot state when a final decision will be announced but it will not be on the day of the hearing.

My positional rankings for the NFC North moves to the back end of the defense and the all-important cornerback position – click here for last year’s rankings.

NFC North Cornerback Rankings for 2026

For a division that is full of wide receiver heavyweights the roll call for cornerbacks feels somewhat lackluster in comparison. However, there are a couple of big names and some solid rankings. Here are my rankings for this year.

1. Detroit Lions

DJ Reed, Rock Ya-Sin, Roger McCreary, Ennis Rakestraw, Keith Abney

Last year, Detroit made the big acquisition of DJ Reed, with the Lions signing him to a three–year, $48 million contract. Reed wasn’t at his best in his first season in Detroit, which included a spell on injured reserve due to a strained hamstring but he is still a good cornerback.

Former second round pick Ennis Raketraw should be back after missing all of last season due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. Rock Ya-Sin returns to give the team a solid veteran presence while there are two new faces in town in the shape of Roger McCreary and Keith Abney. McCreary was a second round pick for the Titans back in 2022, while Abney was selected in the fifth round of this year’s draft.

The depth looks solid. If Reed can return to his best this could be a very strong unit.

2. Chicago Bears

Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, Malik Muhammad, Terrell Smith

The Chicago Bears are home to the best CB in the division in Jaylon Johnson. Johnson needs a return to full health and form in 2026 as the Bears look to win back-to-back NFC north titles for the first time since 2005/2006.

Chicago spent second-round picks in consecutive years (2022/2023) on Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson. Both have played plenty of football and done OK without ever without ever reaching the levels the Bears would have hoped.

Terrell Smith will hope to return from a torn patellar tendon that ended his 2025 season during the preseason while Chicago have looked towards the draft again with fourth round rookie Malik Muhammad. There is potential for a good unit here which largely hinges on Johnson getting back to his best we here he can go toe-to-toe with the best receivers in the game.

3. Green Bay Packers

Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Benjamin St-Juste, Brandon Cisse

The Packers CB room may lack star power but it looks solid if somewhat unspectacular all the way down the depth chart. Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine return after solid seasons in 2025 but aren’t exactly a starting duo to strike fear into the hearts of the high powered wide receivers that call the NFC North home.

Green Bay signed Benjamin St-Juste in free agency, adding a good veteran with inside/outside versatility. The key to the team’s success defensively on the perimeter likely falls to the development of second-round draft pick Brandon Cisse. If he can have success early then things will look much brighter at the position for the Packers. If he struggles early on then it could be another difficult season at corner in Green Bay.

4. Minnesota Vikings

Byron Murphy, James Pierre, Isaiah Rodgers, Dwight McGlothern, Charles Demmings

The Vikings’ search for answers at cornerback moved to the signing of James Pierre, who had an excellent 2025 as a depth player for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Minnesota looks set to hand him an increased role and will hope he can maintain his standards from last year.

Doing so could push Isaiah Rodgers’ playing time down. His peak performance last season was exceptional but not seen often enough. Byron Murphy will hope to return to the production levels that saw him named to the Pro Bowl in 2024.

The depth chart is rounded out by Dwight McGlothern, a former undrafted player still waiting for a real chance and rookie Charles Demmings who has been getting buzz as a draft steal with the potential to develop into a starter.

Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.

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