LeBron James has 7-word response to speculation about his future
As speculation continues to swirl around LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers, he is passing on the chance to shut some of it down.
James was in attendance for Saturday’s Summer League game between the Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans in Las Vegas. ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin approached James and asked if James wanted to discuss his future with the franchise.
“I ain’t got nothing to talk about,” James replied.
With LeBron James at the Lakers game tonight, I asked him if he would like to speak to me about his future with the franchise. “I ain’t got nothing to talk about,” he said. My report for ESPN from Las Vegas. pic.twitter.com/sFRgCYHmqw
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 13, 2025
James has opted into his contract for next season, and perhaps he thinks that should be sufficient to quiet talk about his future. However, the fact that agent Rich Paul has been speaking about James’ future is enough in itself to keep speculation going.
Few seem to believe that James will actually be traded. However, there has been talk of some issues between James and the Lakers that might not go away anytime soon. There are also questions about whether James believes the Lakers have put together a championship-caliber roster.
James will be entering his eighth season with the Lakers provided he sticks around. He appears content to keep people guessing until training camp.
Mavericks make decision about Cooper Flagg’s Summer League status
The Dallas Mavericks have seen enough out of Cooper Flagg during Summer League play.
The Mavericks have decided to shut Flagg down for their final two Summer League games. The decision comes one day after his best performance of the summer against the San Antonio Spurs.
The #Mavs are shutting down Cooper Flagg for the remainder of Summer League, a person’s familiar with the decision confirms.
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) July 13, 2025
Flagg averaged 20.5 points, 5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1 block in his two games against the #Lakers and #Spurs.@TheSteinLine was first.
After a somewhat underwhelming debut, Flagg dropped 31 points on the Spurs in his second Summer League appearance. He was a huge draw during his two games, so it will be slightly disappointing for anyone who hoped to see him on the remainder of the Summer League schedule.
Flagg admitted after Saturday’s game that he was “exhausted” and still getting used to operating as a point forward. The Mavericks are unquestionably aware of that and do not want to overwork the No. 1 pick in action that is ultimately meaningless. They already know he can play.
In two Summer League games, Flagg wound up averaging 20.5 points and 5 rebounds per game, and gave Mavericks fans plenty to be excited about for next season.
Former Cy Young finalist could be available for trade
A former National League Cy Young finalist could be on the move in the next two weeks.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are viewed around the league as likely sellers, and that could include pitcher Zac Gallen, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Gallen is slated to become a free agent after the season, which has Arizona motivated to move him.
For the last several years, Gallen has been one of the most reliable pitchers in the league. In 2023, he finished third in NL Cy Young voting, and has a lifetime 3.55 ERA. He was the ace of a staff that pushed Arizona to the World Series that year, and he put together a memorable effort in that series despite ultimately losing in five games. He also remains relatively young, as he turns 30 in August.
Gallen has not been as good this season. His 5.40 ERA would be the highest of his career, due in part to 21 home runs allowed in 20 starts. That is a lot for a pitcher who has never given up more than 22 homers in a single season.
The Diamondbacks enter play Sunday at 46-50. That leaves them 6.5 games back of the final NL Wild Card spot, and they have to contend with a loaded NL West as well. With ace pitcher Corbin Burnes also out for the season, they probably do not have a route to contention in 2025.
Max Fried had classy All-Star gesture for rival pitcher
New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried had a pretty neat gesture for one of his rivals when it came to the upcoming MLB All-Star Game.
Fried was among the American League pitchers in contention to start Tuesday’s All-Star Game. According to Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal, however, Fried reached out to him personally to offer him the chance to start instead.
Skubal said he had deferred to Fried on the offer, but the Yankees pitcher was insistent that Skubal start the game.
“It was actually a really cool conversation. It’s a very professional thing to do, and I’ve got a ton of respect for guys that do stuff like that,” Skubal said.
Tarik Skubal said he recently got a call from Yankees starter Max Fried.
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) July 13, 2025
"He asked me if I wanted to start (the ASG)."
Skubal deferred to Fried, especially since Fried had pitched for eight seasons in Atlanta. But Fried was insistent: "I think you deserve it. I was just…
Skubal may well have been the starting pitcher anyway, though Fried made it a tough choice. The Yankee lefty is 11-3 with a 2.43 ERA in 20 starts, while Skubal is 10-3 with a 2.23 ERA.
Skubal did miss out on the start last year, with Corbin Burnes getting the nod ahead of him. It would have been tough to deny him the honor for a second consecutive season.
Fried has been very impressive in his first season with the Yankees after signing an eight-year, $218 million contract during the offseason. His campaign has even included a near no-hitter. He should have plenty of other chances to start All-Star games in the future as long as he keeps putting up big numbers in New York.
Police share new details about Quinshon Judkins arrest
New details have emerged regarding the arrest of Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins on Saturday.
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department released some additional information regarding Judkins’ arrest on Sunday. Police were called at roughly 9 a.m. Saturday for a report of a delayed battery, and determined that battery had occurred after speaking with the victim.
Judkins was taken into custody after this, and was transported to Broward County Main Jail. He was charged with Misdemeanor Battery and has since been released.
From Sergeant David Soika with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Media Relations Unit: “On July 12th, at approximately 9 a.m., Fort Lauderdale Police Officers responded to the 1500 block of West Cypress Creek Road in reference to a delayed battery. Officers arrived on scene… https://t.co/QKVXswV5Fx
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) July 13, 2025
Judkins had a court appearance scheduled for Sunday morning. Per his arrest record, he had been charged with a “touch or strike” of the victim.
The 36th overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, Judkins was one of two running backs selected in the draft by the Browns. He rushed for 3,785 yards and 45 touchdowns during his college career, which was split between Ole Miss and Ohio State. He won a national title with the Buckeyes last season.
Judkins faces punishment from the NFL under the league’s Personal Conduct Policy regardless of the legal outcome of the allegations. That investigation will likely be underway soon.
Aaron Judge had muted reaction to his home run milestone
New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge hit his 350th career home run on Saturday, making him the fastest player in MLB history to ever achieve the milestone. For Judge, however, it was not necessarily a milestone worth celebrating.
Judge achieved the milestone in a 5-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Yankee Stadium in New York, N.Y. on Saturday. His 350th home run came in his 1,088th career game, meaning he reached the mark a full 192 games faster than previous record-holder Mark McGwire did.
Since the landmark home run came in a loss, Judge was not in a celebratory mood after the game.
“I honestly got nothing, to be honest,” Judge said, via Peter Botte of the New York Post. “It would have been great if we got a win today, to do something like that.”
Judge is not terribly moved by the personal milestone. It’s not a particularly huge one, and it came in a loss, which will bring him no satisfaction.
Perhaps because he plays in New York, Judge has never been one to take the bait and offer a juicy or controversial comment. He is not going to fixate on an insignificant personal milestone after a defeat.
Judge’s home run Saturday was his 35th of the season, and he is hitting .358. He is on pace for a historically great season once again.
Drey Jameson is the only person to beat Corbin Carroll in a race
Corbin Carroll is one of the fastest players in MLB, but what’s crazy is that he is not even the fastest player on his own team.
Carroll told Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo that he has only lost two footraces in his life. Both of them were to Drey Jameson, who is a pitcher in the Diamondbacks’ organization. The story was shared by Los Angeles Angels announcer Wayne Randazzo during Saturday’s Angels-Diamondbacks game as Carroll somehow turned a groundball to right-center into a double.
Corbin Carroll turns a soft grounder up the middle into a double.
— Jake García (@Jake_M_Garcia) July 13, 2025
Insane speed.#Dbacks pic.twitter.com/nnJhNqrcnW
Carroll was the fastest player in MLB in 2023 on time running from home to first base with an average speed of 4.06 seconds. He has an 80-grade (the highest) on the scouting scale for speed. And yet Jameson, who is a pitcher, has beaten him twice in a race.
Drey Jameson on Corbin Carroll potentially being named an All-Star.
— PHNX Diamondbacks (@PHNX_Dbacks) June 27, 2023
“Is there anything he can’t do?”
“Beat me in a race.” pic.twitter.com/Bf3mwXzds8
If we know that Carroll has exceptional speed, then who is this Jameson guy who can beat him in a race? Jameson was a first-round pick (No. 34 overall) by Arizona in 2019. He is listed at 6-foot-0 and 165 pounds. He is a freak athlete who can throw 100 mph, deadlift 500 pounds, and run faster than Carroll.
Pretty Awesome! Drey Jameson-Ball State First Rounder 5’9 162 lbs. Deadlifting 500lbs. Special person-special player! He is playing to win. Go Drey and Go Cardinals! pic.twitter.com/Yb0HwfMdHm
— Rich Maloney (@CoachMaloney) December 23, 2019
Jameson has pitched three innings with a 3.00 ERA this season. He is coming back from Tommy John surgery that kept him out for all of 2024. He is currently dealing with an elbow issue. But he is still faster than Corbin Carroll.
Dave Roberts had great reaction to Dodgers breaking losing streak
The Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday finally ended their 7-game losing streak, and manager Dave Roberts had a very fitting reaction to it.
The Dodgers beat the San Francisco Giants 2-1 at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., to end their streak. Shohei Ohtani started the game with three scoreless innings, and the Dodgers’ bullpen allowed just one run over the ensuing six innings. Emmet Sheehan went 4.1 innings in relief to pick up the win, while Tanner Scott got the save.
The Giants scored a run and threatened to add more in the 8th, but the Dodgers were able to hold them back. Scott set the Giants down 1-2-3 in the 9th to end the game. Roberts held his hands to the sky afterwards to say “thank you” in an “at last” way.
Mood. pic.twitter.com/zu29QDg0Ol
— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) July 12, 2025
No team likes going through a 7-game losing streak, but it’s especially bad when you’re a team that just won the World Series and made over $1.7 billion in financial commitments over the last two offseasons.
“Obviously it feels a lot better sitting here today than it did the last seven days,” Roberts said after the win.
Despite their recent losing streak, the Dodgers still have the best record in the National League and the second-best record in MLB at 57-39. Their losing may be in over just in time for them to extend their lead in the NL West, which as of Saturday was 4.5 over the second-place San Diego Padres.
Klay Thompson goes public with girlfriend Megan Thee Stallion on Instagram
Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion are not hiding their relationship.
Thompson and Megan have been dating this summer. A report published this week confirmed their relationship after Megan posted a poolside photo where Thompson was spotted in the background.
On Saturday, Thompson shared some photos to his Instagram page that showed him on vacation in the Bahamas. The second photo in the series shows him holding and closely looking at a woman, who is presumably Megan Thee Stallion. The seventh photo shows Thompson holding hands with a woman, also presumed to be Megan Thee Stallion.
Megan, whose real name is Megan Pete, is 30 and from the San Antonio area in Texas. Thompson left the Golden State Warriors to play with the Dallas Mavericks last season, and that may have helped lead him to the native Texan.
Megan is a rapper who has had several songs on the Billboard 200. She has won three Grammy Awards. One more Grammy would give her as many NBA championships as Thompson has won during his playing career.
Thompson, 35, has two years remaining on the 3-year, $50 million contract he signed with the Mavericks last year. He averaged 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in 72 contests last season.
Rookie Quinshon Judkins arrested on domestic violence charge
Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins was arrested Saturday on charges of domestic violence and battery, according to arrest records posted to the Broward County (in Florida) jail website.
The Broward County jail website indicated that Judkins’ charge came from a “touch or strike.” He was in jail as of Saturday evening, with a court appearance scheduled for Sunday morning.
#Browns rookie RB Quinshon Judkins appears to have been arrested in Broward County early Saturday morning.
— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) July 13, 2025
He’s facing a charge of “Touch or Strike/Battery/Domestic Violence,” per the county’s public arrest records. pic.twitter.com/Ta6weOpix7
Judkins was selected by Cleveland in the second round, No. 36 overall in April’s draft. Judkins began his college career playing two seasons at Ole Miss before transferring to play for the eventual national champion Ohio State Buckeyes last season.
Judkins rushed for 3,785 yards and 45 touchdowns during his college career. He added 442 receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns during his college career. Judkins had a career-high 1,567 yards and 16 touchdowns as a freshman with the Rebels in 2022. He ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Judkins could be facing a six-game suspension from the NFL for violating the league’s Personal Conduct Policy based simply on the allegation.
Former Cardinals Pro Bowl OL Luis Sharpe dies at 65
Former Cardinals offensive lineman Luis Sharpe has died at the age of 65.
Sharpe’s widow Tameka Williams-Sharpe announced the news of Sharpe’s death on Saturday.
“With deep sorrow and abiding love, I share that my beloved husband, Luis Sharpe, has passed away,” Williams-Sharpe wrote. “His strength, love, and faith were a light to all who knew him. I am grateful for every moment we shared and for the many prayers and kindnesses extended to our family.
“Though my heart is heavy, I trust that Luis is now resting in God’s eternal peace. Please continue to keep our family lifted in prayer.”
Sharpe played 13 seasons with the Cardinals’ organization from 1982-1994. His tenure with the team began while they were in St. Louis and he remained with them following their move to Phoenix, Arizona. He also played for the Memphis Showboats of the USFL in 1985.
Sharpe played college football at UCLA and was the No. 16 overall pick in the 1982 draft. He played in 189 career NFL games and made the Pro Bowl in every season from 1987-1989.
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill also issued a statement regarding Sharpe’s death.
“Throughout his lengthy and accomplished career with the Cardinals, Luis Sharpe exhibited an uncommon type of strength and toughness that made him so successful as a player. Admirably, he would later demonstrate those same traits in dealing with the personal challenges he faced when his career was over. We send our deepest condolences to all of those who loved Luis, in particular his family and former teammates.”
One of Sharpe’s former Cardinals teammates, Kevin McCabe, said that Sharpe died of heart failure.
My heart aches tonight, learning that former Arizona Cardinal star OL Luis Sharpe has died. An NFL Pro Bowler, who struggled with demons, alcohol and drugs, had been clean and sober for years. He died peacefully of heart failure. Godspeed my friend ❤️🙏#UCLA pic.twitter.com/CG3fBEEruP
— Kevin McCabe (@KevinMcCabe987) July 12, 2025
Mets benefit from controversial call on Bobby Witt Jr. stolen base
The New York Mets appear to have gotten a real helping hand from the replay center over the weekend.
The Mets defeated the Kansas City Royals on Saturday by a 3-1 final score at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. A crucial moment in the game came during the eighth inning when Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. attempted to steal second base after a one-out walk with his team trailing 2-1.
Witt seemed to easily beat the throw by Mets catcher Luis Torrens and was called safe on the field. But the Mets decided to challenge the call as they believed that Witt may have come off the bag while Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor had the tag on him.
After the umpires dialed up the Replay Operations Center in New York City, the call on the field was [squints eyes in disbelief] overturned from safe to out. Take a look at the video for yourself.
After review:
— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) July 12, 2025
The call at second was overturned and Bobby Witt Jr was ruled out at second base. pic.twitter.com/tU8CqWRjg7
It certainly looked like Witt had managed to stay on the bag for the entire duration of that tag. While there was an argument that Witt’s arm may have come off the base before his leg hit the other side, it was probably only for a nanosecond at best. There was certainly no clear and convincing evidence to overturn the safe call on the field.
The overturn ended up being massive as the Royals went from having the tying run in scoring position with one out and the heart of the order up at the plate … to simply having two outs with nobody on. The Mets then scored an insurance run in the top of the ninth before slamming the door shut on the Royals in the bottom half to win 3-1.
Replay review in Major League Baseball generally tends to stick to the call made on the field if the clear-and-convincing evidence standard is not met. During the playoffs last year, we even got an example of just how high that standard can be sometimes. That makes it even more bizarre that the Mets somehow managed to get away with one during Saturday’s game against the Royals.
Myles Turner takes shot at Pacers fans
Myles Turner threw some shade at Indiana Pacers fans Saturday after leaving the team for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Turner was a guest on the broadcast of Saturday’s Summer League game between the Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers, and was asked what kind of reception he expects in his first game back in Indianapolis. Turner suggested that some Pacers fans always wanted him to move on in the first place, so they should not be complaining.
“I don’t know what to expect, man. I really don’t. I think it’s going to be half-and-half,” Turner said. “Even in my time there, there was a lot of people that wanted me off the team, and now they got what they wanted and they’re complaining still.”
Myles: "Even my time there (in Indy), there was a lot of people that want to be off the team and now they got what they wanted and now they're complaining still" 😂pic.twitter.com/JLuxbGl9SD
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) July 12, 2025
Admittedly, Turner was a frequent topic of trade rumors during his tenure with Indiana. Some fans probably embraced those rumors as a way to improve the team, even though Turner was always a big part of the roster.
Ultimately, Turner wound up with a lucrative contract from the Bucks. He could have stayed with Indiana, especially after their run to the NBA Finals, but the way that series ended may have actually been what ultimately drove him away.
Turner averaged 15.6 points and 6.5 rebounds across 72 regular-season games this year. He averaged 13.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game during Indiana’s deep playoff run.
Phillies take care of Cristopher Sanchez after All-Star snub
The Philadelphia Phillies had a nice gesture for pitcher Cristopher Sanchez after he was kept off the National League All-Star roster.
Sanchez said Saturday that the Phillies had agreed to pay him a $50,000 bonus even though he was not named to the team, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Sanchez had reportedly been entitled to a $200,000 bonus had he been selected as an All-Star.
Sanchez was not named to the team despite a 2.59 ERA in 18 starts entering play Saturday. The Phillies were particularly angered that he was overlooked in favor of a player who has just five MLB starts to his name. Reports claimed that Sanchez was offered a spot on the team if he was willing to throw an inning for the NL, even though he is scheduled to start for Philadelphia on Sunday.
Sanchez’s agent disputed that such an offer had ever been made, and said his client would have been willing to pitch had he received such an offer.
An update to The All-Star Situation: Gene Mato, Cristopher Sánchez's agent, disputes that MLB ever asked Sánchez to go.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) July 12, 2025
"He is willing to pitch no matter what," Mato said.
Sánchez, by not being selected, misses out on $200k bonus. More @TheAthletic: https://t.co/hLX5g49uUd
Sanchez is making $2 million this season. In the grand scheme of things, a $50,000 bonus is not that much, but it is more about the goodwill gesture at this point.
The 28-year-old is following up his breakout 2024 season with an even better 2025. In addition to his 2.59 ERA, he has a 7-2 record with 116 strikeouts in 107.2 innings of work.
NBA rookie draws attention for shutting down Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg was the big attraction in Saturday’s NBA Summer League game between the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks, but it was another rookie who garnered a lot of attention for his performance.
Spurs rookie Carter Bryant was noted for his defensive effort on Flagg during Saturday’s game. When guarded by Bryant, Flagg shot just 3/12 from the field and turned the ball over twice.
Cooper Flagg being guarded by Carter Bryant today:
— Underdog (@Underdog) July 12, 2025
– 3/12 FG
– 2 turnovers
The Spurs got another defensive demon 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/hLDaUsYclW
Bryant was on Flagg to begin the game and completely clamped down on the No. 1 pick.
Carter Bryant with the clamps on Cooper Flagg, forcing a turnover (with a replay).
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) July 12, 2025
"He was in his chest like a bronchitis" pic.twitter.com/CnM1k5pfoy
Fans were also stunned by one defensive play Bryant made, in which he went from guarding the ballhandler at halfcourt to breaking up a lob at the rim.
To go from guarding the ball handler at half court and then not only having the awareness but the capability to disrupt the lob, too
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) July 12, 2025
Carter Bryant looks special defensively and that’s not even hyperbole https://t.co/E1r3VPu6g7 pic.twitter.com/Q1qN4HSAbE
Flagg did end up scoring 31 points in Saturday’s game, which underlines just how effective Bryant was in guarding him.
The Spurs made Bryant the No. 14 overall selection in the NBA Draft. By the looks of it, they have another defensive standout on their hands, and he might wind up being a steal. Perhaps he wanted revenge on Flagg for some pre-draft awkwardness.
Ben Simmons drawing interest from surprise NBA contender
With his NBA career floundering, Ben Simmons may be getting thrown a life vest by a surprise team.
Simmons’ name has recently come up as a possible free agent target for the Golden State Warriors, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported on Saturday. The three-time All-Star Simmons remains an unrestricted free agent after splitting time last season between the Brooklyn Nets and the LA Clippers.
Still only 28 years old, Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game overall last season. He no longer has the stigma of a big contract and has also transitioned into a bench role at this point of his career … but is still not drawing very much interest from NBA teams.
The Warriors would be a pretty surprising landing spot for Simmons. For one, Golden State’s offense is all about three-point shooting and freewheeling motion. That runs directly counter to Simmons’ ball-dominant, non-shooting style of play.
Additionally, Simmons beefed in the past with Warriors star Jimmy Butler. The two players used to be teammates on the Philadelphia 76ers (from 2018-19), and there were plenty of signs that the two did not quite get along.
But Golden State does need help on their second unit, particularly with one key bench cog not expected to return next season. While Simmons won’t magically start shooting threes or scoring 20 points per game, the Warriors could certainly do worse than adding a 6-foot-10 defender and playmaker of Simmons’ caliber on a minimum contract (or close to it).
Auburn basketball star arrested for DUI
An Auburn Tigers basketball star has gotten himself into some trouble with the law.
Auburn guard Tahaad Pettiford was arrested early Saturday morning on a DUI charge, Myron Medcalf of ESPN reported. Pettiford got arrested in Lee County, Ala. and was released from jail by midday, Medcalf adds.
“We are aware of the situation, and we will handle it internally with Tahaad and his family,” Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said in a statement sent to ESPN. “We take these matters seriously and will learn and grow from it moving forward.”
The 19-year-old Pettiford was a standout as a freshman last season for the Tigers. His 11.6 points and 3.0 assists per game helped Auburn to a 32-6 record and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament (where they eventually made it all the way to the Final Four).
Pettiford originally entered the 2025 NBA Draft but ended up withdrawing from the draft in order to return for his sophomore season with the Tigers. He is projected to be a potential first-round pick in 2026 and has even been mentioned as a possible SEC Player of the Year candidate for next season.
With Johni Broome now in the NBA (going to the Philadelphia 76ers with a second-round pick this year), Pettiford has a good shot at being Auburn’s leading scorer next year, especially with fellow guard Miles Kelly having gone pro as well. Pettiford also had some memorable moments during this year’s March Madness but now has some drama to sort out in his personal life before returning to the court.
Indiana Fever president deletes her X account after receiving backlash for Caitlin Clark remarks
Indiana Fever president Kelly Krauskopf deleted her X account on Friday after receiving backlash for some remarks she made about Caitlin Clark.
In video that circulated on social media Friday, Krauskopf discussed her ambition to make the Fever a global brand. Some fans took offense to a reference she made about Clark and Aliyah Boston and felt Krauskopf was diminishing their importance to the franchise.
“We want to sustain the growth and the interest level in the franchise,” Krauskopf said. “This is about the Indiana Fever. Yes, we have a foundational player in Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. But I want this team to be a leader in the country, an enduring brand like Apple or something.”
“We want to sustain the growth, the interest level in the franchise. I mean this is about the Indiana Fever. We have foundational players in Caitlin and Aliyah. But I want this team to be a leader in the country. An enduring brand like Apple or something." pic.twitter.com/bPPqxJmoCq
— correlation (@nosyone4) July 11, 2025
Many felt that Krauskopf’s remarks were minimizing the importance of Clark to the Fever brand. Some pointed out that many people that root for the Fever only took interest in the team because of Clark’s presence.
Apple made the iphone. Indiana has Caitlin. Apple pushed the iphone as their crowning achievement and sold it to the world to become the biggest company in the history of mankind.
— Rikkidon'tlosethat# (@showbizkid12) July 11, 2025
Indiana pushes their iphone to the back of the roster and gushes over their ipad, imac.
Brands don’t “sustain growth” they build or lose momentum. Sustaining is a loss of momentum. Magnitude is a big portion of thr momentum formula (Mass). A wide majority of your mass currently is Caitlin Clark. Not using it is slows momentum. It’s simple math. And basic brand…
— james (@The_foundersnet) July 12, 2025
The backlash was swift enough that, according to Ben Nagle of the Daily Mail, Krauskopf had deactivated her X account as of Friday evening.
Presumably, the Fever know many of their new fans are Clark fans. The team’s job is to make those people want to remain Fever fans. Any perceived insults directed Clark’s way are not going to help, even if they are not meant critically.
The city of Indianapolis is certainly embracing Clark. The perception is that the Fever are not doing the same, fairly or not.
Angel Reese sends 4-word message after Sky’s upset win over Lynx
Angel Reese was in a very good mood after her team’s surprise victory over the weekend.
Reese and the Chicago Sky pulled off an impressive upset on Saturday against the Minnesota Lynx. The Sky triumphed by an 87-81 final score at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill. That marked just the fourth defeat of the season for the Lynx, who have the best record in the WNBA at 18-4.
After the game, Reese, who finished with 19 points on 8/14 shooting to go along with 11 rebounds, four assists, and two steals, gave a giddy on-court interview to ESPN. She closed out her interview with a four-word message, “DUBS IN THE CHAT!”
"DUBS IN THE CHAT!" pic.twitter.com/UvLLkLYxsw
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) July 12, 2025
Reese also posted the same message to her X page.
DUBS IN THE CHATTTT
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) July 12, 2025
A “dub” (short for the letter “W”) is slang for a win. Saying “dubs in the chat” is a popular saying on streaming platforms as a way of calling for comments in the chat section that read “W” in order to acknowledge a victory.
Reese and the Sky still need to pick up a lot more “W”s as they are just 7-13 on the season in spite of the win on Saturday (fifth of six in the Eastern Conference). But successfully pulling off the upset on the Lynx is a very good place for them to start, especially considering how much frustration Reese has had over the last several weeks.
Timeline emerges for possible resolution to Bradley Beal situation
Bradley Beal is still a member of the Phoenix Suns, but he may be waiting for a particular date before making his grand exit.
Beal’s contract with the Suns stipulates that he is owed a 25 percent advance payment on his salary for the 2025-26 NBA season on July 15, veteran NBA writer Marc Stein reported on Saturday. Stein adds that it is believed Beal could choose to wait for that payment to go through before proceeding with his departure.
The three-time All-Star Beal is owed $53.7 million next season, meaning that his advance payment on July 15 would be worth roughly $13.4 million. It is possible that, in a buyout scenario, Beal would still be able to receive that figure regardless. But with a guarantee of receiving that advance payment in only a few days, it makes sense for Beal to wait for just a little bit longer and lock it in.
Beal, who turned 32 earlier this summer, arrived on the Suns via a 2023 trade with the Washington Wizards. But he has missed nearly 60 games due to injury over his two seasons in Phoenix and saw his numbers dip (17.6 points per night) even in the games that he was healthy for. With Beal also acting like a malcontent at times with the Suns, it appears that the two sides are all but done with each other.
Since Beal has a full no-trade clause in his contract and also holds a $57.1 million player option for 2026-27 on top of his $53.7 million salary for 2025-26, the most logical scenario would be a buyout agreement, which Beal clearly seems amenable to. Earlier this week, it was reported that Beal, upon clearing waivers after his potential buyout, would like to sign with the LA Clippers, who have a hole at shooting guard after recently making a big trade.
There are a few other playoff teams that have been linked to Beal as well. But in any case, it looks like a resolution to Beal’s situation could be coming within just a few days (after his July 15 advance payment date).
