Aston Villa investment is generating a lot of excitement – ​​the dream is slowly but surely getting closer

V Sports may see the purchase of FC Annecy Aston Villa The player will be leaving for the French club in the near future.

sport.fr report Annecy have set their sights higher thanks to their new relationship with Aston Villa via V Sports.

aston villa investment

Sport Witness covered a report yesterday It was revealed that Aston Villa owner V Sport has acquired a 30% minority stake in the French club.

Sport.fr explains that this was done through a capital increase that values ​​the Savoyard club at around €15m. To his knowledge, no one actually saw the investment coming.

The partnership has been working behind the scenes thanks to an already well-established collaboration. Aston Villa sent young players on loan, shared ways and common ambitions.

Now the partnership is official, but nothing will change from the government’s side. Sébastien Faraglia remains chairman, Philippe Rey-Gorez is still the majority shareholder, and Laurent Guyot continues to manage the team.

Focus on youth development

Instead the center of the project will be youth development. And Annecy is planning to build a brand new training center to aid the process. This could see the Aston Villa youngster move to France on loan to aid his development.

This is something they have done with other partnerships. For example, many youngsters have spent time at Unai Emery’s Real Union. Plans may already be underway on that front, placing youth at the center of the project.

For Annecy, the ‘dream of reaching the top flight’ is getting closer. For him it is a process that is ‘slowly but surely’. They finished seventh in Ligue 2 last season and are now promoted. Only four points separated them from the top six and eight from the top four.

The investment from Aston Villa owners V Sports is prompting them to dream big anyway, even if their focus will be on youth development for the time being.

#Aston #Villa #investment #generating #lot #excitement #dream #slowly #surely #closer

Liverpool are taking a closer look at the Colombian midfielder – technique, vision and ability stand out

liverpool They have their sights set on Colombian youngster Matias Lozano, who currently plays for Atlético Nacional.

Journalist Alexis Rodriguez and WIN Sports report Liverpool are keeping a close eye on the 17-year-old midfielder ahead of a potential move.

liverpool watching closely

The website states that Matías Lozano is one of Atlético Nacional’s rising stars and could be one of ‘the next great exporters of Colombian football’.

The young player is gaining a growing reputation in his homeland and that has obviously not gone unnoticed on Merseyside.

According to journalist Alexis Rodriguez, Liverpool are closely monitoring the 17-year-old’s development this season.

“Liverpool are tracking Nacional’s midfielder, Matias Lozano (17 years old),” they posted on X.

WIN Sport then adds that Liverpool are known for scouting young talents with international potential and the Colombian Professional Football League is often a ‘demanding market’. Lozano may be the latest to benefit from the attention.

The website then provides a brief profile on the youth. He says he has been praised for his ‘technique, vision and ability to operate effectively’ in midfield.

They also emphasize that their profile is in line with the type of sport that typically attracts interest in ‘competitive markets’. He’s young, has room to grow and is developing at a club with a ‘rich history’.

Atlético National for the Premier League

There’s definitely some truth in that last part. Over the past 10 years, Atlético Nacional have sold players such as John Solis, Marlos Moreno, Davinson Sanchez, Yerson Mosquera and Daniel Munoz to the European market.

Mosquera and Moreno were sold outright to the Premier League. People like Sanchez and Munoz arrived there via the Netherlands and Belgium respectively. But it shows that the Colombian side knows how to develop talent.

Now Matias Lozano could be the latest to join the list. Liverpool are certainly following the 17-year-old’s progress with the Colombian side closely.


#Liverpool #closer #Colombian #midfielder #technique #vision #ability #stand

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight moves closer to reality as talks reach final stage

The long-awaited Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is closer than ever after years of failed attempts. Negotiations have now reached the final stages, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, who confirmed on IFL TV that both sides are working out the final details of a two-fight agreement.

The deal will see Anthony Joshua return to the ring in July and face Tyson Fury later in the year. This update marks a major change after more than a decade of missed opportunities. The contracts have not yet been signed, but the structure of the deal is now clear. For fans, a Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is no longer a distant dream. Now it’s close to being official.

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight plans take shape

The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight plan involves two fights under one agreement. Hearn confirmed that Joshua will take part in a warm-up fight in July before facing Fury, with November expected to be the target date for the main event.

“We will have a contract, and we haven’t signed a contract yet, but we are negotiating the final points in an agreement to get back in the ring in July and [then] “Fight Tyson Fury.”

The timeline follows the recent activity of both fighters. Fury returned on 11 April after a 16-month absence, defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov in Manchester. After the win, Fury called out Joshua.

Joshua has been active. He stopped Jake Paul shortly before a personal tragedy in Nigeria in December. Despite that condition, he quickly returned to training and has been preparing for his next fight ever since.

Hearn also talked about the risks surrounding the July fight. “The good news is: If we take a [warm-up] Fight like this, we’ve signed on to fight Tyson Fury, and all you have to do is bite your nails for 36 minutes or less in July, and you’ll get the fight, if not the fight of the century – of all time.

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight backed by Saudi deal

The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is expected to be funded by Saudi boxing consultant Turki Alalshikh. Once the agreement is signed, control of the event will pass to Saudi organisers.

“Once we sign up for that deal, it is handed over to Saudi consultant Turki Alalshaikh for staging. We will promote for July; I think the November fight or whatever, will be promoted by the Saudi company Cela.”

“AJ and I, Tyson Fury, we will have a contract [Alalshikh] Basically financing the fight. It depends on where he is.”

There is still hope that the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight could take place in the United Kingdom. Hearn said the goal was to present a major event to the fans and suggested the venue would match the scale of the fight.

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight affected by Usyk talks

The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight has also been shaped with input from Oleksandr Usyk. Hearn confirmed that Usyk was involved in discussions regarding Joshua’s next steps.

“I’m sure he won’t mind me saying that, [a lot of this has come from Oleksandr Usyk]. He was part of these conversations, and the conversations were exactly like this: ‘He’s fighting back.'”

Usyk’s role helped define the plan for Joshua to take the fight in July before facing Fury. The timing also falls in line with Fury’s recent return and the current activity in the division.

Fury has not fought regularly in recent years and has talked about retirement. Meanwhile, Joshua continues to train and prepare for a comeback that could lead directly to the biggest fight of his career.

The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is unsigned, but negotiations are now in the final stages. If the contracts have been completed, the schedule is already in place. July will see Joshua’s return and November could finally deliver the heavyweight bout that has been talked about for years.

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Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

#Tyson #Fury #Anthony #Joshua #fight #moves #closer #reality #talks #reach #final #stage

Golden Knights top Jets 6-2, inch closer to division title

The Vegas Golden Knights used another strong offensive performance to defeat the Winnipeg Jets 2-0 on Monday night. They are now 6-0-1 since the hiring of head coach John Tortorella.

The win extended the Golden Knights’ point streak to nine games, and they now have sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division and a chance to clinch a win against the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday.

Amidst the noise around the league, the first season was quiet. The Golden Knights forced a power-play by sending Adam Lowry for holding.

Not much happened on the power play, and neither did the Golden Knights for most of the period, which ended scoreless after 20 minutes.

It was Mark Stone who first got the Golden Knights on board. There was a shorthanded two-on between him and Jack Eichel and Stone beat Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

The puck went to the five-hole on Hellebuyck and took a lucky bounce, giving the Golden Knights the lead midway through the second period.

After what felt like a parade in the penalty box by both teams, Reilly Smith scored his 14th goal of the season by deflecting a shot past defenseman Noah Hanifin.

This gave the Golden Knights a 2–0 lead at the end of the second period, often called the worst lead in hockey but it played no role. Early in the third period, Eichel delivered a no-look pass to Ivan Barbashev, who headed into the open net and the score became 3–0.

Later in the third, Gabe Vilardi got the Jets on the board. Mark Scheifele added another soon after, cutting the deficit to 4–2.

Vegas answered on a double minor after Scheifele was called for high-sticking Rasmus Andersson. Pavel Dorofeyev took advantage of the power play and scored his 20th of the season with the man-advantage to cut the Golden Knights lead to 5–2.

Eichel later scored his first power play goal of the season on the same power play to make the score 6–2 Golden Knights.

Vegas will face the Kraken in their final game of the regular season on Wednesday at 7pm with a chance to take over the division by gaining a point.

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Cooper Krigbaum is a beat reporter covering the Vegas Golden Knights for Vegas Hockey Now on SportsNut. He also told about Cooper Krigbaum

#Golden #Knights #top #Jets #inch #closer #division #title

Is Kentucky basketball getting closer to landing the No. 1 high school recruit in America?

It looks like the Kentucky Wildcats are on the verge of a major coup after an update on their search for the No. 1 high school recruit in the country.

After going 24-12 in his first season replacing coaching veteran John Calipari, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope is feeling the pressure. In 2025–26, the Wildcats finished with a 22–14 record and 10–8 mark in the SEC. In the NCAA Tournament, they barely surprised Santa Clara in the opening round, then lost badly to Iowa State in the round of 32.

Their results last season have led to speculation that Pope may not be able to maintain the very high standard of the powerhouse program. The coach now must perform well in the transfer portal and add to a roster that makes significant progress next season. However, the portal isn’t the only way to improve the roster for next season.

This past season showed how impactful a star freshman can be. Duke’s Cam Boozer, Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr., Kansas’ Darrin Peterson, and BYU’s AJ DiBuntsa all had huge years in their collegiate debuts. Recruit Tyrann Stokes has the potential to do the same in 2026-27, and the Wildcats are ready to meet him soon.

Kentucky basketball meeting with Troyan Stokes again this week

In a new conversation with NBA.com’s Kristen Peake, Stokes revealed he plans to meet with officials from the Kentucky basketball program again this week. The coaching staff has changed little since his first visit to campus, and it seems likely the Wildcats will try to sell him based on the improvements he has made.

The Rainier Beach High School product is viewed by many basketball analysts as the No. 1 recruit in the country. Yet, despite being near the start of his collegiate career, he has not committed to any program. Kentucky, Kansas and Oregon, along with other schools, are believed to be trying hard to land him.

The 6-foot-7 forward is very athletic and looks like a natural power forward. However, he is an effective ball handler and can lead the attack. During his senior season, he averaged 35 points and 14 boards a game.

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After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

#Kentucky #basketball #closer #landing #high #school #recruit #America

Beckham and NY Giants reunion move closer to reality after secret meeting this week

Odell Beckham Jr.’s improbable return to the New York Giants in 2026 got even closer to reality this week.

In John Harbaugh’s first offseason as head coach, the NY Giants have been very active in making changes to the roster to match the new culture they are trying to create. While veterans like Wan’Dale Robinson, Bobby Okereke and Graham Gano left in free agency, the team added impact players Isaiah Likely, Tremaine Edmunds and Darnell Mooney.

For the most part, it looks like the team has added veterans, and the most meaningful additions in the coming months will come via the NFL Draft. However, speculation is increasing about bringing back three-time Pro Bowler Odell Beckham Jr., and that’s mostly because quarterback Jackson Dart and receiver Malik Nabors have publicly pushed for the move.

The possibility added fuel on Monday, when Harbaugh acknowledged being open to the idea. “The obvious answer would be to look at every option,” he said at NFL league meetings. “And if Odell is an option, we’ll definitely consider him.”

NY Giants meet with Odell Beckham Jr. about comeback

veteran
Bill Streicher-Imagen Images

Well, it looks like they’re doing more than just looking at her. On Tuesday, SNY’s Connor Hughes reported that the player who was selected 12th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft by the NY Giants showed up to NFL meetings in Phoenix, AZ, asked to speak with Harbaugh and team executives, and got it shortly after the coach made his comments on Monday.

Hughes said the team would need to see him work out individually after missing last season before they could talk about a contract. Still, the possibility of a reunion is as close as ever.

The 33-year-old became a star in the league during his first season. Winning the NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year award and Pro Bowl honors. He would then reach the Pro Bowl in each of the next two seasons. The pass catcher missed most of the 2017 season after tearing his ACL, but a bounce-back year in 2018 earned him a new five-year deal, worth $90 million.

Unfortunately, there were cracks in the relationship between Beckham Jr. and the NY Giants before, and it all came to a head in 2019 when they traded him to the Cleveland Browns. The receiver has since struggled to recapture his elite form, and while he came close during the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl run in 2021, he tore his ACL for a second time.

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After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

#Beckham #Giants #reunion #move #closer #reality #secret #meeting #week

“Closer to him than my own mother” – Arsenal star on manager relationship, gives fitness update

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori

Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori has joked that he is closer to Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso at the moment than his mother.

tuttosport The Arsenal defender’s cover comments today amid Gattuso’s efforts to unify the Italy squad ahead of the international break.

The Azzurri need to make it two consecutive wins this break to book a place at this summer’s World Cup.

Gattuso’s side face Northern Ireland in a play-off semi-final on Thursday before a possible final against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Gattuso’s efforts for unity

Gattuso is working hard to unite the team ahead of the crucial week. Which also includes organizing a dinner among the players recently.

their efforts have already been Praised by Newcastle star Sandro Tonali. Now Arsenal defender Calafiori has also shared his feelings.

“I really appreciated the coach’s behavior with us and with me,” He said.

“I’ve been closer to him in recent months than I have been to my mother. I’m shy and he was good at being there for me, at times when it was useful because I was playing less and less.

“That dinner with Gattuso was nice, just being there and talking. In the last few months we haven’t had much time to train, but the important thing is to be together.

“I think he paid the bill (laughs). It was an evening with friends, where we talked about football and other things. Buffon and Bonucci shared some anecdotes and experiences.”

Fitness and form at Arsenal

Riccardo Calafiori had doubts about his fitness and form in Italy, but wanted to dismiss them. Furthermore, the 23-year-old player revealed that with Arsenal’s matches fast approaching, the Gunners’ focus is on recovery.

“I’m fine, we’ll see how I perform on the pitch today, but I’m fine,” he said.

“In the Premier League, the most important training is the matches, especially for a team like ours that always plays twice a week. We train very little. I don’t know the statistics, but the impression is that there are few dead moments on the field.”

pressure in courage

The Arsenal defender also stressed that he and his Italy teammates will have to turn any fear into courage given the expectations of the fans.

“It all depends on how you look at this match,” He added.

“It’s a responsibility; when you wear this jersey, there are millions of people cheering for you. But I see it as an opportunity, a chance to go to the World Cup, which is something we’ve dreamed of since we were kids. I can’t wait to play.”

However, the reality for Italy is that the pressure continues. They have now qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2014. This is undoubtedly a significant decline for a country which is a four-time champion.

Sweden and North Macedonia also suffered defeats in the play-offs due to their failure to qualify for the previous two editions. For this, there needs to be third time lucky, otherwise Gattuso and his team will be under the same pressure and scrutiny as before.


#Closer #mother #Arsenal #star #manager #relationship #fitness #update

10 Las Vegas NBA Team Name Ideas As The Franchise Gets Even Closer To Reality, Including The Sinners

With the NBA doing big business over the past few years, the idea of ​​expansion is a topic that has gained a lot of momentum. While many American cities would love to get an NBA franchise, Seattle and Las Vegas have long been favorites to win the sweepstakes.

Well, this week, the pair of cities took another big step closer to becoming a reality when ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the league’s Board of Governors will soon vote on exploring the idea of ​​putting franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas starting in 2028.

It’s a sure bet that this Northwestern team will be a revival of the SuperSonics. However, the Las Vegas club will need an entirely new brand. With that in mind, we present some fun, funny, and logical ideas for what the new NBA team in Las Vegas should be called.

las vegas dry heat

las vegas
Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Las Vegas is located near several Nevada deserts, including the Mojave. The dry climate is a major part of living in the city. So why not play with that regional specialty? It’s already summer in Miami due to the hot and humid temperatures in South Florida. Maybe Las Vegas needs to bring the NBA the Dry Heats.

las vegas blackjack

las vegas
Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Las Vegas grew from the Nevada desert to become one of the biggest tourist attractions on Earth as a top destination for entertainment and gambling. It’s possible that a new NBA team could get a nickname related to their highly successful casino. Since blackjack is one of the most popular casino games on the planet, Las Vegas Blackjack is the favorite sports bookmaker to become the club’s ultimate nickname.

las vegas sinner

Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Many major cities around the world have funny nicknames. Las Vegas is one of the best when it comes to being called Sin City. The wild things that happen there are why locals have long used the phrase, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Why not play on that popular name and go with Las Vegas Sinners? A logo featuring a cute devil with a basketball could turn their merchandise into some of the most popular in sports.

las vegas bighorns

las vegas
Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Sports fans are accustomed to naming animals after their favorite teams. Las Vegas could be no different. That’s why one local mammal that can end up on their Jerseys is the bighorn sheep. The bighorn is the official state animal and can be turned into a very scary looking team logo.

las vegas gambler

las vegas
Credit: USA TODAY Sports

As mentioned earlier, the casino business is what has made Las Vegas one of the top cities in the United States. So let’s not shy away from this fact and consider the Gamblers as a possible name for the team. Oddly enough, they would not be the first major pro sports team with this name as one of the current franchises of the UFL is the Houston Gamblers.

las vegas sidewinders

las vegas
Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Going back to the idea of ​​using animals as the name of the city’s new NBA team, another interesting option would be Sidewinder. This snake is famous for its “S-shaped” sideways movement across the dunes in the Mojave Desert. Just like a star player has to make his way through the opposing defense. Snakes are great for logos, and this new franchise will corner the market for them in the NBA.

las vegas strippers/strips

las vegas
Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Even if you don’t live in the city, people across America know about the Las Vegas Strip. Why not play up that aspect of the city and call the team the Las Vegas Strips or the Strippers? It’s certainly different than anything seen in pro sports, and for fans dominated by mostly men, perhaps the name might bring up some positive thoughts about some time off after work.

las vegas jackpots

las vegas
Credit: USA TODAY Sports

As mentioned earlier, there is a strong possibility that this new franchise will get a casino-related name. If the ultimate owners of the club do not like gamblers or blackjack, jackpots can be another option. Slot machines are one of the most popular casino games in the world, and who doesn’t love a jackpot?

las vegas 702s

las vegas
Credit: USA TODAY Sports

In an era where people like to reflect where they are from by removing their city area code, another name would likely be 702. Sports fans are familiar with the 76ers and 49ers, so a number for the name is not unusual. Additionally, repeating the entire city, rather than some elements of it or the state, would be a refreshing way to approach the team name.

las vegas lebron/brony

las vegas
Kirby Lee-Images Images

It’s no secret that there’s a real possibility that LeBron James could own a new NBA franchise in Las Vegas. And he understands the immense value of his brand and unique name. He even passed it on to his son Bronny and got him drafted by the Lakers a year ago. Maybe he should take things a little further and put it on his team. The Las Vegas LeBron’s will be equal parts unique and hilarious.

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After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

#Las #Vegas #NBA #Team #Ideas #Franchise #Closer #Reality #Including #Sinners

Report reveals whether Ohio State’s loss to Iowa brought the school closer to firing Jake Diebler

A new report shows that despite Wednesday’s disappointing loss to rival Iowa at home, Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler is in no danger of being fired after this season.

Former associate head coach Jake Diebler has done a solid job during his two and a half seasons leading the Buckeyes. He was thrust into the lead role during the 2023–24 season after his predecessor Chris Holtmann was fired. However, he led Ohio State basketball to eight wins and the final 11 and created new hope.

Last season, a first-time head coach was given considerable leeway to learn on the job and oversee a good 17-15 team in 2024-25. However, this meant that he would not play in the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive season. Heading into this season, there were more expectations that Deibler could end that streak and get the program back into the tournament and, hopefully, win a game or two.

Unfortunately, over the past month, Ohio State has struggled. The Buckeyes are 4-6 since a loss to Michigan on Jan. 23. The latest blow came on Wednesday when OSU was defeated by Iowa on its home court by a score of 74-57. The loss dropped their record to 17–11 and put them in a position where they would have to win their final three games to have any chance of reaching the tournament.

Jake Diebler’s job at Ohio State is safe

Ohio State
Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY Network via Images

The loss also reignited speculation that perhaps Deibler isn’t the guy to end his streak coming out of March Madness, and perhaps that could change in the spring. Well, according to Adam Jarry, the coach is in no danger of losing his job at the moment.

During an appearance on 97.1 The Fan t-bone and tyvisThe Columbus Dispatch OSU reporter claimed that basketball decision makers “understand the resources available and understand the playbook the program has been given to work with.” And they know they haven’t given Diebler enough opportunities to be competitive.

“There’s frustration there. Everyone would like things to get better, but if you get my drift, I don’t get the sense that this is setting up something big,” Jardi said.

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After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

#Report #reveals #Ohio #States #loss #Iowa #brought #school #closer #firing #Jake #Diebler

NBA Insider picks LeBron James over Luka Doncic as LA’s closer

NBA insider Mark J. Spears said Wednesday that he would choose LeBron James over Luka Doncic as the Los Angeles Lakers’ closer in late-game situations, citing James’ versatility and track record in tough times.

Speaking on NBA Today, Spears pointed to the final sequence of the Lakers’ 110-109 loss to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night, when Los Angeles had 6.7 seconds left and a chance to win. James inbounded the ball to Doncic, who then gave James an open look for a contested fadeway 3-pointer over Jonathan Isaac on the left wing.

“There aren’t a lot of players in the NBA who close out games better than LeBron James and in a one-to-two minute span, Luka made three shots, Austin made three shots. LeBron James is standing on the sideline and Desmond Benn is guarding him, he’s taller than Desmond Benn, fifty pounds heavier, and he’s there when they’re doing that one-on-one. And I think as great as Luka is, I want the ball. In LeBron James’ hands because he can take the ball to the basket, pass out to Luka, pass out to Austin, I don’t think he should have taken the ball out at the end of the game… and he’s too close and he didn’t get a chance to pass.

LeBron James, Luka Doncic’s stat lines fuel Lakers close debate

Los Angeles Lakers forward/guard Luka Doncic (77) talks with Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena.
brad mills-images

James finished with 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 32 minutes. He shot 8 for 13 from the field and 3 for 4 from the free-throw line, while also knocking down two 3-pointers.

Doncic recorded 22 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds in 38 minutes but struggled with efficiency. He shot 8 of 24 from the field, 2 of 10 from 3-point range, and 4 of 9 from the free-throw line.

The late-game decision has fueled discussion about the roles played on key possessions for the Lakers, who fell to 34-23 with the loss and lost their second consecutive game. A four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP, James has long been considered one of the league’s most reliable finishers, especially in playoff settings. Doncic, meanwhile, has built a reputation as a high-usage playmaker capable of creating shots under pressure.

The Lakers are now trying to regroup as they begin a two-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns (33-26) on Thursday night starting at 6:00 pm PT. With competition tight in the Western Conference standings, clarity in late-game execution could prove crucial as Los Angeles enters the final stretch of the regular season.


#NBA #Insider #picks #LeBron #James #Luka #Doncic #LAs #closer

Javi Gracia ‘surprise candidate’ after Watford exit – La Liga job closer

javi gracia watford

Javi Gracia could return to work immediately after leaving Watford, with Mallorca preparing a deal for him.

This is according to the football of Majorca. The Spanish outlet reports that Garcia has emerged as a ‘surprise candidate’ for the Mallorca job.

Mallorca are looking for their next manager after sacking Jagoba Arrasate on Monday. He is currently 18 years oldth in La Liga after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Celta Viga. This was their third consecutive defeat, leaving them one point short of a safe place.

The search is already underway but now ‘everything is pointing towards Garcia’. He is currently a free agent after resigning as Watford head coach on 1 Februaryscheduled tribe.

How Watford’s exit throws away Spanish opportunity

Gracia was at Vicarage Road for only four months after starting his second stint at the club. Reports indicate that amid frustration over the lack of activity in the January transfer window, he felt he no longer had the motivation for the job.

It is unclear whether this will be a factor if Mallorca make a move for him. But he has a relationship with his sporting director Pablo Ortales. The pair know each other well from their time at Villarreal.

This seems to be opening the door to a reunion in Mallorca. Futbol Desde Mallorca report that the 55-year-old is intent on leaving at the moment.

However, they say the move is not concrete and things are subject to change. The former Watford coach is currently the frontrunner.

Mallorca will be the seventh Spanish team

If Garcia makes the move, it would be the seventh Spanish team he has ever been in charge of.

He began his career at Villarreal, before moving to Pontevedra, Cadiz, Almería, Osasuna, Málaga and Valencia.

This has seen them enjoy varying levels of success, particularly in La Liga. It now seems that Mallorca have set their sights on him to keep them at the Spanish top flight.

After Watford, some Spanish island sun can be quite tempting.

#Javi #Gracia #surprise #candidate #Watford #exit #Liga #job #closer

Derby brings brace clause closer – Arsenal transfer bonus almost triggered

Arsenal striker Victor Gyokres
Arsenal striker Victor Gyokres

Arsenal striker Victor Gyökeres is close to embarking on another payment to Sporting CP after his latest performance in the North London derby.

According to Portuguese newspaper gameThe Swedish international is close to activating a €500,000 (£430,000) bonus clause linked to a goal contribution. Gyöckeres scored twice in Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, further underlining his growing importance.

He now has 18 goal contributions this season – 15 goals and three assists. The agreement between Arsenal and Sporting states that once he reaches 20 goal involvements, Sporting will receive an additional €500,000 (£430,000). Another €500,000 (£430,000) is earmarked for each next block of 20 contributions.

Performance-Based Architecture Explained

Gyöckeres joined Arsenal in the summer of 2025 for €63.5m (£54.6m), including add-ons worth up to €10m (£8.6m). to ball Reference to slightly different figures – €65.7m (£56.5m) and €10.2m (£8.8m) in bonuses – reflects reporting variations in Portugal. Either way, the deal was highly incentive-driven.

Sporting has already benefited from one of those clauses. When Gyáceres completed 20 matches with at least 45 minutes on the field, the Lisbon club received €1.25 million (£1.1 million).

The agreement does not include a sell-on clause, meaning Sporting’s additional profit depends entirely on these performance targets.

From early arsenal check to undisputed starter

Gyöckeres did not get off to a good start in England. Early in the campaign, the British and European press questioned whether he could justify the size of the transfer fee. its adaptation period closely examinedBecause the expectations were immediate.

However, after a slow startHe seems to have finally established himself as an undisputed starter under Mikel Arteta.

In all competitions, Gyöckeres has made 36 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing two assists, while playing 2,344 minutes. In the Premier League alone, he has made 26 appearances and scored 10 goals. He has also contributed in the UEFA Champions League and domestic cup, strengthening his role as Arsenal’s central attacking reference.

His brace against Tottenham had symbolic importance. It came down to a high-intensity derby and showcased pace, improved link-up play and clinical finishing.

For Arsenal, the structured bonus model appears to be increasingly aligning with output. Payments are triggered by tangible production, not intangible milestones. Sporting, meanwhile, has continued to take advantage of Gyökeres’ influence from afar.

With only two more goal contributions needed, the next €500,000 (£430,000) now seems imminent rather than hypothetical.

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