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Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dodgers beat Yankees so badly that Shohei Ohtani falls asleep in the dugout
An exciting 2024 World Series rematch got, well, a little less exciting on Saturday. The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in humiliating fashion, taking the second game of the three-game series with a 18-2 win. The Yankees went through eight pitchers, while Aaron Judge single-handedly kept New York from being shut out. But the Yankees couldn't slow down Los Angeles' offense; instead, the Dodgers built up a lead so substantial that designated hitter Shohei Ohtani fell asleep in the sixth inning. Advertisement Though Friday night's game was a de facto home run derby, Saturday was a lot more one-sided. L.A. wasted no time, scoring four runs in the first inning while going all the way through the rotation. Then, in the second, the Dodgers kept piling it on. Max Muncy smashed a three-run homer — his 200th career home run — to given L.A. a 7-0 lead and end the night for Yankees pitcher Will Warren. But, even with Brent Headrick coming in to replace Warren, the hurt didn't stop there for the Yankees. An RBI double from Tommy Edman and a two-run bomb from Hyeseong Kim brought the Dodgers' lead to 10-0. Aaron Judge hit a solo homer in the fourth inning to put New York on the board. But the Dodgers kept going in the fifth inning, with Freddie Freeman hitting a clean double down the right field line to send Kim home for another run. Advertisement Two batters later, Muncy went yard again, hitting another three-run homer that sent Freeman and Ohtani home. It was even a good defensive night for L.A., with Kim in particular having a great night both at shortstop and in center field to keep the Yankees from scoring. With L.A.'s large lead, Ohtani felt comfortable enough to take a little nap. For what it's worth, sleep is notably important to Ohtani, who has told reporters in the past that he likes to get 10 hours per night, plus a two-hour nap. Ohtani also has a young baby at home, after he and his wife welcomed their first child in April. Yankees fans might decide to go with one of those two reasons, instead of the brutal 13-run lead that the Dodgers built up only halfway through the game. Advertisement Even after Ohtani's cat nap, the Dodgers weren't finished: Outfielder Andy Pages hit a solo homer in the seventh to bring L.A.'s lead to 15-1, and leaving the Yankees wishing that the MLB had a mercy rule. Though the rest of New York's offense faltered, Judge continued to do his best, hitting another solo homer in the eighth inning for some pity points. But L.A. wasn't even close to done. Pinch hitter Dalton Rushing (filling in for the sleepy Ohtani) hit another homer, getting a three-run bomb of his own to bring things to 18-2. With the win very well in hand, and most of the seats behind home plate cleared out, the Dodgers finally put the Yankees out of their misery, ending the game in the top of the ninth. New York will have one chance to offset the humiliating outing with the third game of the series on Sunday. After that, the next time these teams would play each other would be in the World if the Yankees keep playing like this, that seems unlikely.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
8 Proven Centers The Lakers Could Acquire In 2025 Offseason
If there was one image that summed up the Los Angeles Lakers' painful first-round exit in the 2025 Playoffs, it was Rudy Gobert flexing after yet another offensive rebound and putback. Gobert, a player known more for defense than scoring, dropped 27 points and grabbed 24 boards in Minnesota's Game 5 closeout win over L.A., sending LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and the Lakers home embarrassingly. For a franchise built on star power, that kind of frontcourt beatdown was a glaring sign: the Lakers need more size and toughness in the middle if they're serious about chasing a title in 2025-26. Advertisement The LeBron-Luka partnership still has championship potential, but their supporting cast must evolve, starting at center. The Lakers simply didn't have enough muscle, rim protection, or rebounding to survive the West's growing big-man gauntlet. If Rob Pelinka wants to maximize LeBron's final title window and Luka's peak, finding a proven center this summer is mandatory. The good news? The market offers options. Here are 8 proven centers the Lakers could target in the 2025 offseason to finally give LeBron and Luka the frontcourt help they desperately need. 1. Jaren Jackson Jr. Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) during the second half at Rocket Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jaren Jackson Jr. Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, 2031 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick Swap Adding Jaren Jackson Jr. would bring a massive defensive jolt to L.A.'s front line. Despite Memphis's rough season, getting swept in Round 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jackson still flashed his trademark rim protection (1.5 blocks per game) and stretched the floor with 22.2 points per night on respectable 37.5% shooting from three. Advertisement His mobility and switchability on defense make him an ideal anchor next to LeBron and Luka, especially after watching Rudy Gobert overpower the Lakers in the first round. While JJJ has had trouble staying consistent offensively, playing off two superstars could simplify his role and help him return to the All-Star form he showed in 2023. For Memphis, recouping Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht gives them two rotation-ready wings, plus draft assets to retool around Desmond Bane. From the Lakers' standpoint, Jackson's age (25) and unique two-way skillset fit the bill of a title-hunting team trying to win now without sacrificing long-term stability. 2. Myles Turner Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots the ball against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Myles Turner (Sign-and-Trade) Indiana Pacers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, 2031 First-Round Pick Myles Turner remains one of the NBA's most productive centers, and 2024-25 was no different: 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting a crisp 39.6% from deep. His ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor makes him tailor-made to fit between LeBron and Luka. Advertisement Turner also enters free agency, and if Indiana pivots toward building around their young core after their playoff success, a sign-and-trade makes sense for both sides. His playoff experience and low-maintenance offensive game would be a seamless upgrade over the Lakers' current center rotation. From L.A.'s side, packaging Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht is a palatable price to finally solve their center woes. Turner is big enough to handle the Goberts and Jokics of the world but skilled enough to avoid clogging the paint for Luka and LeBron's drives. This would give JJ Redick the flexibility to go big without sacrificing spacing, exactly what they lacked against Minnesota. 3. Nic Claxton Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Nic Claxton Brooklyn Nets Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2031 First-Round Pick Nic Claxton just wrapped up a stellar season in Brooklyn, averaging 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while finishing top five in field goal percentage at 56.3%. At just 26, he offers athleticism and defensive upside that the Lakers sorely missed in their first-round flameout. Advertisement Claxton thrives as a vertical lob threat, a perfect complement to Luka's passing wizardry, while also being one of the league's switchiest big men on defense. If Brooklyn opts to pivot toward a rebuild, moving Claxton while his value is sky-high makes sense. For the Lakers, giving up Hachimura and Gabe Vincent plus a first-rounder is a solid value play. Claxton would allow L.A. to go back to its 2020 formula of surrounding LeBron with athletic, defensive-minded bigs while keeping Luka's offensive lanes clear. This is the kind of modern center upgrade that could swing postseason matchups. 4. Clint Capela Jan 25, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) inbounds the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Clint Capela (Sign-and-Trade) Atlanta Hawks Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, 2031 Second-Round Pick (LAC) Clint Capela isn't the All-NBA-level big man he was a few years ago, but he remains a dependable defensive presence. In 2024-25, he averaged 8.9 points and 8.5 rebounds, continuing his streak of elite offensive rebounding (3.2 per game). Advertisement After being phased into more of a veteran role in Atlanta behind Onyeka Okongwu, Capela becomes a realistic veteran target for the Lakers. His playoff toughness and rebounding would have been invaluable against Minnesota's physical front line. L.A. could get him at a bargain here by sending out Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber. While Capela doesn't stretch the floor, his experience and rim-running ability give the Lakers a functional big who can bang with elite centers for 20-25 minutes a night. It's a cheaper solution, but would instantly boost their rebounding and interior defense. 5. Walker Kessler Jan 1, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) shields the ball from New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit- Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesCredit- Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Walker Kessler Utah Jazz Receive: Dalton Knecht, 2031 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick Swap Walker Kessler improved upon his breakout rookie year last season and managed 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in 2024-25. At just 23, he represents a rare blend of upside and proven shot-blocking prowess. Advertisement Utah might be willing to listen, given they're reportedly prioritizing offensive star power this offseason. Kessler's rim protection and vertical spacing fit perfectly next to LeBron and Luka's drive-and-kick offense. For the Lakers, flipping Dalton Knecht and a future pick is a strong but sensible move. Kessler gives them youth and energy in the paint while maintaining their timeline to win now without going all-in on an aging vet. This is the kind of savvy pivot L.A. needs after being battered on the boards by Gobert. 6. Onyeka Okongwu Mar 23, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Onyeka Okongwu Atlanta Hawks Receive: Rui Hachimura, 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL) Okongwu has quietly emerged as one of the league's best young bigs, averaging 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks this season while hitting 56.7% from the field. Atlanta's frontcourt logjam makes him an intriguing trade target, especially with Capela still on the roster. Okongwu's agility and switchability make him a more modern fit for today's playoff battles, where traditional centers get played off the floor. Advertisement For the Lakers, acquiring Okongwu would inject youth and athleticism into their aging core while keeping LeBron and Luka's title window wide open. Sacrificing Rui and a pick is steep but worth it to secure a center who can guard in space, finish lobs, and bring energy on both ends. It's a long-term and immediate win. 7. Jonas Valanciunas Mar 20, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valanciunas (17) controls the ball against Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jonas Valanciunas Sacramento Kings Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 First-Round Pick Valanciunas remains an old-school bruiser, finishing the year with 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 55.0% from the field. His limitations on defense are well-known, but in the right setting, like L.A., where LeBron and Luka control the offense, he can provide a stable low-post option and elite rebounding. Advertisement The Kings, after missing the playoffs not long after trading De'Aaron Fox, may look to get younger and more mobile, making Valanciunas expendable. For the Lakers, bringing in Jonas would give them the size they lacked in their first-round loss while keeping the offense humming. Sending out Jarred Vanderbilt and a future pick is a manageable price for a veteran center who can eat minutes and keep them competitive on the glass. 8. Robert Williams III Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) grabs a rebound during the second half against LA Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Robert Williams III Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Shake Milton, 2031 First-Round Pick When healthy, Robert Williams III is a game-changer. Though he missed most of 2024-25 with more injuries (20 appearances), his career averages of 1.7 blocks, elite rim protection, and vertical spacing still make him an intriguing buy-low candidate. Portland, deep in their rebuild, might be willing to move him for assets. Advertisement The Lakers can gamble on Williams' upside by offering Vanderbilt and Shake Milton, plus a pick. If he returns to form, Williams gives L.A. the defensive anchor they desperately need, capable of matching up with elite bigs while covering ground on switches. It's risky, but the potential reward is immense. Related: Rob Pelinka Reveals What Type Of Center The Lakers Will Look For This Offseason
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Laker doesn't think team can win title with LeBron and Luka
Former Laker doesn't think team can win title with LeBron and Luka The massive trade that brought the Los Angeles Lakers Luka Doncic on Feb. 1 seemed to reopen their championship window and restore their mystique. Doncic is the type of generational superstar who can not only be the face of the franchise for the next decade but also bring it multiple NBA championships. He had made LeBron James the second scoring option for L.A., which will help James remain fresh moving forward and possibly even extend his career a bit. The Lakers were thought to have a shot at getting to the NBA Finals when this year's playoffs started. But instead, they lost in five games in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and their weaknesses were exposed. They could end up plugging those weaknesses this summer, but for now, they have the appearance of a thin and vulnerable squad. It is just one reason former Lakers wing Danny Green, who won it all with L.A. in 2020, doesn't think James and Doncic will win a ring together. "I think they're explosive offensively," Green said. "I think they lack a lot defensively. ... I don't know how many years he (James) has left longer, and it's think it's just really hard to win a championship when your best player is 40 years old." "... Next year LeBron going to be 41….He can still average 30, 20 something but I just don't see them winning a championship with that formula right now." Actually, James is no longer L.A.'s top option on offense thanks to the arrival of Doncic. Doncic has now taken the reins of its halfcourt offense, allowing James to play more off the ball, and it has taken plenty of pressure off the 40-year-old James. Right now, the Lakers need a starting-caliber center and better guard and wing depth. Addressing those needs this summer should result in a more positive outlook as far as their chances of winning it all once next season begins.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Rams not named among top-10 most complete teams in 2025
The Los Angeles Rams returned a lot of their marquee players this season. Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, Alaric Jackson and Tutu Atwell are among the biggest names on offense, while the young defensive corps remains intact, too. This group finished middle-of-the-pack in terms of stats at the end of the season but was good enough to win 10 games, the NFC West and make the NFC Divisional round. Advertisement However, Eric Edholm doesn't think the Rams have one of the most complete teams in the league in 2025. Edholm graded each position group and weighed those units based on "positional importance." Through those calculations, Edholm determined that L.A.'s roster didn't make the cut, although he noted that the No. 10 Denver Broncos had enough talent to squeeze past the Rams and the Washington Commanders. The obvious reason why the Rams weren't ranked in the top 10 is their defense. Edholm noted that he might have "put too much emphasis on defense," and L.A. didn't do much to upgrade the unit. The group is young and developing, but the secondary and linebacker corps are also pretty poor. They returned the same starters from 2024, and those were the weakest groups on the team. At the end of the day, the Rams don't need a complete team to compete in 2025. Stafford is the most important part of this team, and the duo of Nacua and Davante Adams at receiver gives L.A. one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. Reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse is also always a threat from the edge alongside the collection of other young defensive players like Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner and Byron Young. We'll see if the Rams finish as a top-10 team despite this ranking. This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams ranked outside the top-10 of most complete teams list
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Rams not named among top-10 most complete teams in 2025
Rams not named among top-10 most complete teams in 2025 The Los Angeles Rams returned a lot of their marquee players this season. Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, Alaric Jackson and Tutu Atwell are among the biggest names on offense, while the young defensive corps remains intact, too. This group finished middle-of-the-pack in terms of stats at the end of the season but was good enough to win 10 games, the NFC West and make the NFC Divisional round. However, Eric Edholm doesn't think the Rams have one of the most complete teams in the league in 2025. Edholm graded each position group and weighed those units based on "positional importance." Through those calculations, Edholm determined that L.A.'s roster didn't make the cut, although he noted that the No. 10 Denver Broncos had enough talent to squeeze past the Rams and the Washington Commanders. The obvious reason why the Rams weren't ranked in the top 10 is their defense. Edholm noted that he might have "put too much emphasis on defense," and L.A. didn't do much to upgrade the unit. The group is young and developing, but the secondary and linebacker corps are also pretty poor. They returned the same starters from 2024, and those were the weakest groups on the team. At the end of the day, the Rams don't need a complete team to compete in 2025. Stafford is the most important part of this team, and the duo of Nacua and Davante Adams at receiver gives L.A. one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. Reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse is also always a threat from the edge alongside the collection of other young defensive players like Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner and Byron Young. We'll see if the Rams finish as a top-10 team despite this ranking.
