標籤: confident

Trabzonspor President Ertugrul Dogan has revealed that they are talking Manchester United Goalkeeper Andre Onana every day, and see no problem in signing him permanently this summer.

Futbol Arena relayed comments from Dogan today In which he has shared his confidence in signing the goalkeeper on a permanent basis.

trabzonspor confidence

Andre Onana has spent the season on loan with the Turkish team after it became clear that he was not part of Manchester United’s plans going forward.

Sane Lammens’ success this season has further cemented that position by establishing himself as the number one at Old Trafford.

The Cameroon goalkeeper is not in the long-term plans and needs a move this summer. Trabzonspor are happy to have him again, his loan has proven successful.

The 30-year-old has been a regular for them this season, making 33 appearances in all competitions, keeping six clean sheets and conceding 40 goals.

Various reports from Turkey have made it clear that they are keen on a permanent move this summer. Dogan has now shared his confidence on that front and stressed that he is in daily discussions with Onana.

“We talk to Onana every day,” he said.

“We will not have any financial difficulties. We will make the necessary sacrifices. I do not think we will experience any setbacks. But if we do, we will find another goalkeeper of the same quality.”

Manchester United’s stance

The question is how much Manchester United want Andre Onana this summer. They paid €50.23m in 2023 but got very little return on that investment.

The goalkeeper is now valued at €10m, so they would suffer a significant loss from the goalkeeper either way. And it would not be a surprise for Trabzonspor to ask for a discount on that figure in negotiations.

If Manchester United are keen to move the goalkeeper, particularly to get him off the wage bill, it could be a case of taking him on the chin.

If Marco Silva remains in place, Famalicão defender Ibrahima Ba could be a name to keep an eye on fulham in this summer.

News bulletin Report the Fulham manager has ‘requested an assessment’ on the 21-year-old this summer.

marco silva interest

The newspaper states that signing the centre-back has become a priority objective for Benfica. Nicolas Otamendi left the club this week to return to Argentina.

Any signing will require the stamp of approval from his new coach. Jose Mourinho is expected to return to Real Madrid.

Marco Silva is the leading candidate to replace him. Sport Witness has been covering various reports from Portugal on this matter over the past fortnight.

And while Benfica’s defensive targets are not yet known, there is definitely a name on the Fulham manager’s list. According to information from Jornal de Noticias, they have requested an evaluation of Famalicao defender Ibrahima Ba.

fulham or benfica

The Portuguese boss is interested in taking him to Craven Cottage. It remains to be seen whether he will still be interested in a move to Benfica. Either way, the defender is on their list and appears to be a player they are keen on.

The youngster joins Famalico’s U21 team on a free transfer in 2024 after coming through the ranks at Senegalese club AZEL Roufisc.

He played on loan at Valenciennes in 2023 but established himself in Portugal. So far he has made 27 appearances for Famalicão’s first team and 12 times for their U23 team. This season he played in 21 matches in Liga Portugal in 54% of available minutes, scoring once and assisting once.

His current deal with the Portuguese side runs until 2030 after he was handed a new deal at the end of March.

He is valued at €12m, but Famalicão will surely be looking for more than that, especially if a Premier League team like Fulham comes calling. It may depend on Marco Silva, and what he does with himself this summer.

If Marco Silva remains in place, Famalicão defender Ibrahima Ba could be a name to keep an eye on fulham in this summer.

News bulletin Report the Fulham manager has ‘requested an assessment’ on the 21-year-old this summer.

marco silva interest

The newspaper states that signing the centre-back has become a priority objective for Benfica. Nicolas Otamendi left the club this week to return to Argentina.

Any signing will require the stamp of approval from his new coach. Jose Mourinho is expected to return to Real Madrid.

Marco Silva is the leading candidate to replace him. Sport Witness has been covering various reports from Portugal on this matter over the past fortnight.

And while Benfica’s defensive targets are not yet known, there is definitely a name on the Fulham manager’s list. According to information from Jornal de Noticias, they have requested an evaluation of Famalicao defender Ibrahima Ba.

fulham or benfica

The Portuguese boss is interested in taking him to Craven Cottage. It remains to be seen whether he will still be interested in a move to Benfica. Either way, the defender is on their list and appears to be a player they are keen on.

The youngster joins Famalico’s U21 team on a free transfer in 2024 after coming through the ranks at Senegalese club AZEL Roufisc.

He played on loan at Valenciennes in 2023 but established himself in Portugal. So far he has made 27 appearances for Famalicão’s first team and 12 times for their U23 team. This season he played in 21 matches in Liga Portugal in 54% of available minutes, scoring once and assisting once.

His current deal with the Portuguese side runs until 2030 after he was handed a new deal at the end of March.

He is valued at €12m, but Famalicão will surely be looking for more than that, especially if a Premier League team like Fulham comes calling. It may depend on Marco Silva, and what he does with himself this summer.

liverpool Star Alexander Isak has insisted he will be ready for the World Cup after a difficult, injury-filled first season at Anfield.

football scandal report comments The 26-year-old striker is struggling to be fit for Sweden at the World Cup today.

Liverpool’s first season marred by injury

The striker has had a disappointing first season at Liverpool after signing in a €145m deal from Newcastle United last summer.

He was brought in to be a star forward, but instead he managed only 14 appearances in the Premier League, accounting for 21% of the total minutes played, due to injuries.

He broke his fibula in December after being unfit over the summer due to missing training with Newcastle. This left him out for a combined 106 days and 24 games for Liverpool and Sweden.

Adductor pain and muscle problems caused him to miss 19 days throughout May. He is now in the final stages of his recovery and admits that it has been difficult.

“It’s been a challenge with a lot of rehabilitation,” he said.

“It’s the most boring thing in football. It’s not fun to do too much of it. But there are some positive parts to it.”

“The March meeting that you got to watch on the TV sofa is a big highlight that has made it possible for me to be here and hopefully have a great summer with everyone.”

world cup focus

The focus now turns to being fit for the start of Sweden’s World Cup campaign. They will face Norway and Greece in friendly matches next month, before opening the tournament against Tunisia on June 15.^th.

Given that he has not played since a 23-minute appearance against Chelsea in early May, this could be a challenge. However, the Liverpool striker is in confident mood.

“Of course, I feel good,” he said when asked about the Tunisia game.

“As you know, I have some injury concerns. The most important thing is that I am in good shape for the first match of the World Cup. There is a little time left so I can work on that.”

He is also confident about the friendly matches that will take place before that. He finally said, “Absolutely. I think so. I think I will play in both the matches. It remains to be seen how much.”

Barcelona believe they are very close to signing Anthony Gordon newcastle united In the coming days.

cadena ser report There is growing belief at the Camp Nou that Gordon will be signed soon.

Barcelona’s confidence

The radio station reports that Barcelona are confident of securing a deal for Anthony Gordon in the coming days after his agent William Salthouse traveled to Barcelona today.

They explain that Salthouse traveled to Barcelona on Wednesday, following Barca director of football Deco’s visit to London over the past few days to push forward talks for the Newcastle star.

He made the trip with the aim of finalizing the final details of the operation and expediting the signing of the player.

Barcelona are now ‘almost confident’ of being able to complete the deal quickly. He is in talks with Newcastle over a €70m deal.

fits the profile

The 25-year-old’s profile appeals greatly to both the club’s sporting management and manager Hansi Flick. They both consider strengthening the wings with players ‘capable of maintaining a high rate of pressing and intensity’ a priority.

Barcelona have several reports on Anthony Gordon in this department. He highlighted the Newcastle forward’s ability to ‘repeated high-intensity efforts’. This is a key feature for any player in Flick’s system.

Barcelona also believes that Gordon can play as both a winger and a striker. This further increases his strategic importance for the team.

Negotiations have now advanced ‘very far’ and the Catalan giants are confident they will be able to sign a deal in the coming days.

They will look to move quickly to avoid potential competition from Bayern Munich.

report in germany It’s been made clear that they’re keen on Gordon too, and have been for some time. But they are hesitant to pay Newcastle’s asking price, which is not an obstacle for Barcelona.

SK Slavia Prague manager Jindrich Trpisovski has opened the door for west ham unitedTomas Soucek returns to the club.

The Czech Republic international is a product of Slavia Prague’s academy and spent six years with their first team until 2020.

He initially joined West Ham on loan in January 2020 and then made his stay permanent later that year.

The midfielder has been a regular in the Hammers’ starting lineup and has made 35 Premier League appearances this season. On Sunday, the 31-year-old played the full 90 minutes in his team’s 3-0 win over Leeds United.

Despite the win, Nuno Espirito Santo’s team failed to remain in the Premier League and finished 18th.

The London club could see some of their players leave the club in the summer, including some of their starters. Soucek belongs to the latter category and has 13 months left on his contract.

West Ham player has doors open for transfer

Jindrich Trypisovski has now spoken about the experienced midfielder and I today Has released his comments.

The SK Slavia Prague manager is confident that Tomas Soucek will return to the club at some point.

However, he is not sure about the upcoming window and says the West Ham United player will have to make the final decision.

“I think it’s all about Tomas. If there was an opportunity, we would like to take it, but there are many options,” He said.

“He still has a year left on his contract in England. I personally think he will come back one day, but we will see if it is this summer or not. The decision will mainly be up to him.”

Czech likely to leave Hammers

Two months ago, Sports Witness Czech press claims covered That its renewal is on hold. The same source said his salary would drop from €350-390k per month to €100k per month should he step down.

With wages falling following his demotion, Tomas Soucek may look for another club in the summer. He will not be short of options as Slavia Prague as well as other clubs could vie for his signature.

With a contract until 2027, transfer market He is valued at €12 million and the Hammers could demand a fee around that area to sell him.

Manchester United On his target list for the summer are Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali and Atalanta’s Ederson.

The Premier League side are keen to improve their midfield, especially with the impending exit of Casemiro. Manuel Ugarte could be out after a limited role under Michael Carrick.

Manchester United are eyeing a number of targets, including the Newcastle United star and the 26-year-old Brazilian.

On 8 May, Game Witness Covered claims from Italy The Red Devils are ready to make a suitable offer to lure Tonali away from Newcastle United.

Later that day, we broadcast news They are also ready to break the €40m barrier for the La Dea star.

Manchester United are keen to sign the pair

The Old Trafford club are planning to sign both Sandro Tonali and Ederson in the upcoming window.

This is what the Italian journalist says Gianluca Di MarzioAnd he revealed Manchester United are ‘aiming for a double deal’.

The English club are looking to bring the 26-year-old Newcastle United player and South American to Old Trafford as they look to strengthen their midfield.

Atletico Madrid have long maintained an interest in the Atalanta man. The La Liga team is likely to miss out as the Red Devils lead the transfer race. Ederson will leave after the Serie A team’s clash against Fiorentina on Friday.

‘There is confidence in a double deal,’ explains Di Marzio. However, the journalist does not provide any further updates on what makes Manchester United optimistic.

Atalanta finished their season on Friday, two days before Manchester United and Newcastle United. There may be further progress in both these cases after this week.

Contract, price and agent information

Sandro Tonali will have two years left on his Newcastle United contract in the summer. its value, according to transfer marketIs €80m.

With contract until 2027, same website prices Ederson €40m.

Agencies GR Sports and Link Sports manage Italy International and Atalanta Man respectively.

Bayern Munich are increasingly confident they will sign Anthony Gordon newcastle united in this summer.

Evening newspaper Munich report The Newcastle winger is firmly in Bayern’s plans, and a recent board meeting has given the go-ahead to a possible transfer.

bayern meeting on gordon

The newspaper reports that FC Bayern’s supervisory board met on Monday. This led to agreement on an important issue; Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon is set to be the ‘marquee signing’ of the summer transfer window.

The German giants are hoping to pull off another Premier League ‘coup’ to strengthen their attack following the signings of Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz in recent years. Each of them have done a great job.

Bayern wants to continue this ‘successful tradition’. This is despite the admission that signing Gordon from Newcastle this summer would be an expensive venture. According to English reports he is worth €90 million. Bayern will not pay that much.

Instead, talks between the two clubs over a potential deal are likely to intensify in the coming weeks. Bayern Munich considers itself a pioneer.

Gordon is leaning towards Munich

Anthony Gordon himself is headed to Bayern. According to AZ information, a five-year contract is being discussed. The deal is being considered ‘understandable’ for Bayern.

They need top-class options, which they sorely lacked in the recent Champions League semi-final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. Jamal Musiala is also far from his best form and Serge Gnabry will be out for a long time.

The Newcastle forward is the preferred candidate at the moment. It seems Bayern are also talking about spending big on him this summer. But all signs point to them pushing for a deal this summer.

It appears the bigger issue is Newcastle’s asking price. But if Gordon tries hard enough, this is unlikely to be a major hurdle for the German champions.

Jannik Schuster’s move brentford Now nearing completion with ‘fundamental agreement’.

sky sports austria report The deal for the 19-year-old is now in the advanced stages. According to his knowledge, his transfer to Brentford is close to being finalised.

brentford agreement

The outlet reports that although no contract has been signed yet, an agreement in principle has been reached. Brentford have beaten other Premier League teams and Serie A side Kou to sign him.

The 19-year-old was reportedly impressed with Brentford’s project from the start. He is aware of his history of being a good stepping stone for young talent. The fact that Keith Andrews’ side are also in contention for Europe is another bonus.

According to Sky, the total deal including bonuses will be worth just over €20m. This would make Schuster the most expensive sale for an Austrian player in the history of the league.

He would surpass the previous record set by Nicolas Seewald when he moved to RB Leipzig. He would be joint tenth with Seewald and Erling Haaland in terms of record departures for RB Salzberg. Dominik Szoboszlai is headlined by a €36 million move to RB Leipzig in 2021.

Where does Schuster fit in at Brentford?

Whether the centre-back is seen as an immediate reinforcement to Brentford’s first team, or as a player for the future, remains to be seen.

The Bees already have strong options in central defence, with Sepp van den Bergh, Nathan Collins, Kristoffer Ajer and Ethan Pinnock to choose from.

But they are not immune to blooding youth quickly, and clearly have confidence in Jannik Schuster if they are willing to pay €20m to get him this summer.

Now the deal is done and in the final stages, only final confirmation is left. After that, the youngster can start working on convincing Brentford that it was money well spent.

Olivier Boscagli admits he is hoping to continue his ‘revival’ brighton and hove albionPSV Eindhoven experienced a similar slow start.

Voetbal International Report Comments Today from the defender. He is now heavily involved in Brighton’s plans and is hoping to continue that way.

PSV struggled time and again at Brighton

The 28-year-old defender returned to PSV Eindhoven this week to say goodbye to the Dutch club after a summer exit.

He spent six years with the Eredivisie team before joining Brighton in the summer. But because his departure came in the off-season, he didn’t say a proper, formal goodbye.

This is something that Dutch clubs do often. They invite departed players back to the club months after leaving for a moment with the fans.

Boscaglie, who was a fan favorite during his time at PSV, was thanked ‘for six years of faithful service’ during the halftime show in the clash between PSV and PEC.

brighton revival

After this he talked to EPSN after some time. And admitted that he was not worried by his struggles at Brighton this season, having previously experienced the same at PSV.

The defender was not included in Brighton’s squad for several weeks at the start of the season. He didn’t even make his debut for the club until 22 November^Ra. But after its first 90 minutes on December 20^thHe has added seven starts to his tally. And he has started in Brighton’s last three Premier League games.

“My first year at PSV was not very good compared to Brighton,” he said.

“We have a strong team with good players. So for me it’s about showing my qualities. I’ve done that, so hopefully I can maintain this level.”

Now, the focus will be on establishing himself further between now and the end of the season. With Brighton’s emphasis on Europe of late, there’s no better time for the Frenchman to stake his claim for a more permanent role going forward.

John Solís left Verona to join Birmingham City on a loan deal in the winter market.

Earlier this year, Sport Witness Covered claims from Spain The Blues will pay €500k as a loan fee. Birmingham City also has an €8m purchase obligation attached to set terms.

Last month, the 21-year-old revealed he turned down several clubs to join Chris Davis’ team. He insisted that it was possible to extend his stay in St. Andrews, while not closing the door on retiring to Verona.

That time, He said: : “Chances are I’ll stay; it’s a loan with an option to buy. So far, I feel pretty good. Likely to stay, but also likely to go back.”

The Colombia international has played 1,083 minutes in 16 appearances for Birmingham City so far, 15 in the league.

His championship statistics are as follows:

• Appearances: 15
• Start: 11
• Total minutes: 969
• Minutes per game: 65

Birmingham City want to keep Solis

infobae Colombia will now be given the latest information on the player’s future after this season under the ownership of Aragon.

John Solis has not performed well for the La Liga side, especially this season, having played 531 minutes in 14 matches. His decision to go to England has improved his situation.

Although he made only a few appearances, Birmingham City believe his performances exceeded expectations. This will convince them to use the stream to buy it.

There is no confirmation on the terms yet, but ‘everything indicates’ that these terms have been practically met. In other words, the English club will have to pay La Liga €8m.

The Blues are pleased with his performances while the South American is still far from showing his full potential. His plans are not just for the present but he sees them as part of his medium and long-term projects.

Our take: Enduring the blues benefits all parties

John Solis is unlikely to have a future at Verona if he returns to the Catalan club.

Therefore, Birmingham City’s plan to buy him would require Verona to collect €8m in transfer fee. It would also provide the Colombian with stability for his career while giving the Blues a player who will be able to further improve his game.

In short, the permanent relocation of St Andrews is a win-win for all three parties.

Newcastle United are very keen to bring AS Monaco’s Folarin Balogun to the Premier League in the summer transfer window.

Last summer, Newcastle United sold Alexander to Liverpool for a British record fee and added Nick Voltemed and Yoane Wiesa to Eddie Howe’s squad.

The Germany international has 10 goals and five assists and has failed to score a single goal in the league this year.

Vissa made his Newcastle United debut in December after injury sidelined him for nearly four months. Earlier this week, he talked about fighting To get back into rhythm after a setback.

The 29-year-old DR Congo international has scored one goal and failed to contribute an assist in 13 Premier League matches this season.

newcastle united transfer targets

Eddie Howe’s side are not entirely convinced by the former Brentford man and are looking for a new striker.

is according to young footballerWho report that Newcastle United have set their sights on AS Monaco’s Folarin Balogun.

After playing 10 games for the Emirates club, he joined the Ligue 1 team from Arsenal for €30m in August 2023.

Balogun has scored 27 goals and 13 assists in 84 appearances for Monaco. This includes 15 goals and five assists in 36 matches this season.

USA International’s Ligue 1 statistics this season are as follows:

• Appearances: 23
• Start: 19
• Total minutes: 1,643
• Minutes per game: 71
• Expected target: 10.32
• Expected Support: 1.33
• Big chances missed: 10

The player has a close relationship with his manager Sebastian Pocognoli. Additionally, his performances have drawn attention from Premier League sides.

Only Newcastle United are nominated and are confident of signing him in the summer. Pocognoli’s side, for their part, are willing to open negotiations for €40m.

Although the Tyneside club are keen, it is unclear whether they are prepared to meet the demanding fee.

Contract, price and agent information

Folarin Balogun will have two years remaining on his contract at the end of this season. According to its value transfer marketIs €30m.

British agency Elite Project Group, headed by agent Emeka Obasi, manages the Newcastle United goal. His clients include a number of players, including Arsenal star Bukayo Saka and Chelsea pair Jamie Gittens and Romeo Lavia. This shows clear experience in Premier League negotiations and working with English clubs.

🇧🇷 Eduardo Conceição | Newcastle United offer claimed

💶 Magpies cost €25m
➡️Wonderkid Wanted More
➡️ Many PL clubs are interested in Palmeiras talent https://t.co/cHYLMzMcjy #nufc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 2 April 2026

Nottingham Forest are closely managing John’s recovery.

However, the club’s approach now points towards a broader strategy. It is up to the Brazil national team staff as the goalkeeper looks to return in April.

The 29-year-old player is in the final stages of his rehabilitation undergoing knee surgery In January. While the outlines of his temporary move to train at Botafogo have already been outlined, the thinking behind it is becoming clearer.

Nottingham Forest are not backing out of this process. Instead, they seem comfortable allowing John to complete this phase with the medical and performance staff who know him well – both at Botafogo and within the Brazil setup.

Brazil’s workers play central role in recovery

A key figure in that process is Claudio Taffarel. As confirmed by a Brazilian journalist wow fatThe goalkeeping coach is actively monitoring John’s recovery as the player works towards full fitness.

Taffarel’s involvement holds additional significance from a Premier League perspective. The former Brazil international previously worked as Liverpool’s goalkeeping coach, giving him a strong understanding of the physical demands and rhythm of English football.

That connection helps bridge the gap between club and country. It also ensures that John’s recovery is in line with what is expected of him when he returns to action in England.

The decision to locate this final phase in Rio de Janeiro reflects that confidence. John spent a successful spell at Botafogo. He remains familiar with the club’s atmosphere, staff and facilities.

Comeback timeline and World Cup race

different from last updateNow there is increasing clarity regarding his return. The hope is that John can return to the field in April, provided there are no setbacks in this final stage.

That timeline is important. Brazil announced their latest squad for upcoming friendlies this week, and John was not included. The selected goalkeepers were Alisson, Bento and Ederson. Still the door is not closed.

John has already received a call-up for the end of 2025 and remains on the radar. With the World Cup squad expected to be finalized in mid-May, a full and timely recovery could put them back into contention.

What does this mean for nottingham forest

For Nottingham Forest, the priority is steady and reliable returns. Even before the injury, John had established himself as first choice. He started five consecutive Premier League matches and made appearances in other competitions.

Allowing him to complete this stage in Brazil does not indicate distance from the situation. Instead, it suggests a pragmatic approach. This is the person who uses the strongest possible support network to maximize their chances of returning to the right level.

If the plan works, Forest regain a reliable option between the positions. At the same time, John also keeps alive a realistic path to a return to the Brazil team at a crucial moment in the international calendar.

🇮🇹 Mathias Oliveira | Nottingham Forest are insistent ➡️ Summer transfer building https://t.co/c4x6E5Hwse #nffc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 13 March 2026

Napoli are confident of a summer transfer for West Ham United star Crescencio Somerville and are figuring out how to make the transfer happen.

That’s according to journalist Ada Cotugno, speaking on Radio Napoli Centrale today. Aria Napoli has broadcast her comments.

The website reports that Napoli are already working on next summer’s transfer window, targeting a number of players from across Europe. Sporting director Giovanni Manna is particularly keen on the Premier League.

According to Cotugno, one of those he has his eye on is Somerville. He has been the star of the show for the Hammers in recent months, shining under Nuno Espirito Santo as the Hammers try to avoid relegation.

napoli focus

According to Cotugno, Napoli have taken notice and officials are already working on drafting the transfer.

“Napoli is one of the teams most confident in the boy, Manna has already taken steps to see if a deal is possible,” He said.

“We are talking about a €30 million fee. I consider him suitable for Serie A.

The big question is whether a €30m fee is realistic. At first glance, this seems unlikely, given the fee West Ham paid to sign him from Leeds in 2024.

€30 million seems low

They are now just looking at the returns on that investment. They will definitely be reluctant to let him go at that price.

This is especially the case, as he is valued at €30 million transfer market At this point, and those values ​​are usually at low levels. This will only increase if he continues to impress between now and the end of the season.

Of course, this could always change if West Ham are relegated this season. In that case, it would definitely mean that there is going to be a big sell-out at the London Stadium. Somerville would certainly be a target of many clubs in that scenario.

Napoli are likely to join them, with the club already taking steps behind the scenes to set up a potential deal.

Ronald Koeman has made this clear in recent days west ham players This is close to their Netherlands debut, and that will definitely drive the price up.

The Los Angeles Lakers snapped a three-game losing streak with a 129-101 win against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. The Lakers showed from start to finish the type of complete effort that head coach JJ Redick has been asking for all season.

Some of the Lakers’ issues this season may be due to inconsistency in the lineup and rotation due to injuries, and JJ Redick acknowledged this after the team’s win against the Warriors. But part of it also has to do with the energy and intensity, or lack thereof, that the Lakers have shown at times.

But after a full 48-minute effort against the Warriors, Redick admitted he believes the team will eventually get to the level he wants them to be before the season is over.

“As I said before the game, these guys want to make it right. They’re trying. I know our staff, I know myself, we’re always looking for answers and solutions. That’s it, we’re trying to find solutions,” Redick said during his postgame press conference. “I am confident that we will reach the level we want to reach.”

Redick further said, “It’s partially due to the disruption of the lineup and different factors. We haven’t had the consistency I thought we were going to have coming into this year.” “It’s taken longer than I thought, but I’m confident we’ll get there.”

After the win against the Warriors, the Lakers improved to 35–24 on the season. They are just two games behind the No. 3 seed Houston Rockets in what is shaping up to be a competitive race for position in the Western Conference during the regular season.

There are only three and a half games that separate the No. 3 seed and the No. 7 seed. The Phoenix Suns are currently in seventh place. The No. 7 seed will be directly out of the playoffs and will have to go through the play-ins.

Last season, the Lakers finished with the third seed in the West playoff picture, but were eliminated in the opening round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games.

Redick is in his second year as head coach of the Lakers, and the team is currently in sixth place in the West standings. They are only a game and a half up on the Suns and potentially falling into the play-ins. They have 22 games left in the regular season to continue showing the level of competitiveness Redick is confident they can reach.

Despite their up-and-down campaign, Stephen Curry remains adamant that if the Golden State Warriors qualify for the playoffs, it will be a tough fight for anyone.

warriors want to capture the fort Curry still out with knee injury. Although his MRI revealed no structural damage, the two-time MVP will remain out and will be reevaluated in 10 days, according to the Warriors.

The Warriors remain in eighth place in the team standings with a 29-27 record after losing to the Boston Celtics on Thursday.

Jimmy Butler is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, while Kristaps Porzingis is still trying to adjust to the team after being acquired from the Atlanta Hawks at the trade deadline.

However, the 37-year-old Curry has full confidence in the Warriors.

“It’s been a unique year, but as long as we can find our way into a playoff series, we think we’re going to be tough for anybody at the top of the West,” Curry said in an interview with ESPN.

“With Porzingis here, hopefully, he’s healthy and able to be out there consistently because we know what he’s capable of.”

The 30-year-old Porzingis made his debut for the Warriors against the Celtics and scored 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting in 17 minutes off the bench.

The oft-injured star, who is recovering from a long illness, could be the interior threat Golden State has been waiting for. He has also proven to be a reliable rim protector.

The Warriors still have a chance to avoid the play-in tournament, but they need added urgency to get more wins even without Curry.

Damian Lillard didn’t need much convincing to step onto the Intuit Dome floor Saturday night. Despite being sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, the Portland Trail Blazers star proved that “Dame Time” is a permanent setting. Lillard captured his third career NBA 3-Point Contest title and joined legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time winners in the history of the event.

“People know I’m a real competitor.” 😤

let’s talk damian lillard @ChrisBHaynes About joining @state Farm NBA 3-Point Contest when slots are available! pic.twitter.com/PtEncrsEK7

– NBA TV (@NBATV) 15 February 2026

The nine-time All-Star admitted that the decision to join was almost a joke at first. While discussing holiday plans with NBA officials, Lillard mentioned he was available if a slot opened up. When this happened, he took the opportunity to “spice things up” and give fans something to cheer about during his long journey to recovery.