Paul Pogba (31) is considering a short-term contract before securing a major transfer in the summer window, according to Foot Mercato. The French World Cup winner, currently a free agent, was unable to find a new club during the winter transfer window. With his contract at Juventus terminated in November 2024, he remains without a team but is expected to return to action soon.
Paul Pogba’s Suspension Hinders Winter Transfer
Despite being available on a free transfer, Paul Pogba’s inability to play before March 11th became a significant obstacle during winter transfer negotiations. Several clubs, including Marseille, expressed interest in signing the French midfielder but ultimately withdrew due to his temporary suspension. As a result, Pogba was left without a deal, forcing him to reassess his options and plan his next move as he prepares for a return to professional football.
Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Potential Destinations: MLS, Brazil, or Turkey
Reports suggest Pogba could move to Major League Soccer (MLS), Brazil, or Turkey, where transfer windows remain open. These leagues present viable options for the midfielder to regain match fitness before a potential high-profile move in June. With clubs in these regions still able to sign players, Pogba can begin training immediately to prepare for his return.
A short-term stint in one of these leagues could provide Pogba with much-needed game time before securing a major transfer in the summer. His next move will likely depend on his performance and fitness levels. If he impresses, top European clubs may reignite their interest when the transfer market reopens in June.
Experimentation never stops as Darvish refines his pitch selection (San Diego Padres)
During August of 2019, Yu Darvish approached his Chicago Cubs teammate Craig Kimbrel to learn the mechanics of a knuckle-curve. Just a week later, he used the pitch to record a strikeout. That wasn’t quite sufficient for a pitcher of his caliber, as Darvish has always been known for making constant adjustments.
“Working on different pitches is something I genuinely enjoy,” he remarked recently. Victor Caratini, the catcher who was included in the Padres’ trade package alongside Darvish in December, recalled how often he experimented. “He’ll be working on something new, throwing it repeatedly,” Caratini said. “Then he’ll tell me, ‘Hey, I’ve got a new pitch.’”
The art of pitching redefined as Darvish fine-tunes his wide-ranging repertoire (San Diego Padres)
Unhappy with the performance of his knuckle-curve, Darvish reached out last year to the person behind @PitchingNinja, a well-known Twitter account dedicated to pitching analysis, and requested footage of Shane Bieber’s version of the pitch.
Yu Darvish: Expanding His Arsenal
The knuckle-curve became part of his arsenal in 2020, responsible for 10 of his 97 strikeouts. The pitch, with its unpredictable movement, ranged from 77 to 84 mph. Another variation of his curveball, which moves more diagonally and is approximately 5 mph slower, also accounted for one of those strikeouts.
Additionally, Darvish has a “slow curve” in his repertoire, which fluctuates between 62 and 67 mph. Beyond those, his collection includes a four-seam fastball and a two-seam fastball.
He has also developed a pitch he calls The Supreme, a hybrid of a splitter and a two-seam fastball. This offering sits between his two-seamer (which averages 95 mph) and his split-finger fastball (which comes in around 90 mph), featuring changeup-like movement as it approaches the plate.
The split-finger fastball itself might undergo some refinements. This spring, Darvish has been consulting with Padres adviser Hideo Nomo to gain insights into how Nomo executed his signature pitch.
“There was a time when I attempted to learn his forkball or splitter, but I wasn’t able to pick it up then,” Darvish admitted. “Now that I have more experience, I might finally be able to figure it out.”
If he masters Nomo’s version, he could swap it in for his existing split-finger fastball or possibly create a new name for it, adding another pitch to his deep arsenal.
On top of everything else, he also has a slider, which resembles his cutter but with a more pronounced break. His cutter itself comes in two variations: one “hard” and another “soft.” And, of course, he has a changeup.
Across all his offerings, Darvish maintains remarkable consistency. His 11 different pitches can vary by over 30 mph in velocity yet follow similar paths before veering unpredictably toward the plate.
“His ability to do this is remarkable,” Padres pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. “This isn’t just some guy experimenting without results. He has a rare talent for manipulating the baseball in different ways. … It’s not just throwing for the sake of it. He knows exactly what he’s doing.”
A starting pitcher with four effective pitches is already considered to have an above-average arsenal. Padres outfielder Tommy Pham pointed out that only a small number of major leaguers can manage that level of diversity in their repertoires.
Three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer relies on five pitches. Joe Musgrove, a new addition to the Padres, has six that he deploys at least five percent of the time. “He’s got several more than I do,” Musgrove commented recently. “And I already thought I had a lot.”
No one in the league, however, approaches the sheer variety that Darvish brings to the mound. The 10 different pitches he has utilized in games over the past two seasons stand as the highest total since Statcast began tracking pitch data in 2008.
Yu Darvish’s Change in Approach Leads to Success
Not every offering is used frequently. His primary seven pitches in 2020 included:
His cutter, thrown 43.6 percent of the time, was his go-to option. Since Statcast doesn’t distinguish between different variations of the cutter, this figure encompasses speeds ranging from the low 80s to the mid-90s.
Other regularly used pitches included his slider (15.2 percent), four-seam fastball (14.7), sinker/two-seam fastball (9.5), knuckle-curve (8.1), split-finger fastball (4.9), and standard curveball (3.6).
One of Darvish’s greatest strengths is throwing strikes. Among pitchers who logged at least 50 innings in 2020, his 69 percent strike rate tied for the highest in the majors.
His ability to generate swings and misses is just as remarkable. His career strikeout rate of 29.9 percent ranks second all-time among pitchers with at least 1,000 innings, trailing only Chris Sale’s 30.7 percent. Since 2012, only five pitchers have posted a higher whiff rate than Darvish’s 29.3 percent.
The last time he took the mound against the Padres, back in September 2019, he dominated with 14 strikeouts over six scoreless innings. Wil Myers was among those who struggled, striking out three times.
A true pitching scientist, Darvish constantly reinvents his approach on the mound (San Diego Padres)
“Beyond just having electric stuff, his command of the strike zone is outstanding,” Myers recalled when discussing that game. “His pitches are top-tier, and he understands how to use them effectively. … I’m relieved he’s on my team now, so I don’t have to face him.”
Finding ways to hit against Darvish has become increasingly difficult. Yet for much of his career, he had been viewed as a very good pitcher rather than an elite one. Injuries and a difficult adjustment period in Chicago led to a stretch where his performance was unremarkable from early 2018 until midway through 2019.
From the start of his big-league tenure through his first 18 starts of 2019—a span covering 170 outings—Darvish ranked 39th in MLB with a 3.64 ERA and held a 3.58 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching), which accounts for a pitcher’s effectiveness without factoring in defense.
A dramatic improvement began in his next 25 starts, beginning on July 12, 2019, all of which were caught by Caratini. Since then, he has posted a 2.40 ERA, ranking fifth in the majors, and a 2.54 FIP, which places him third in that span.
His opponents’ batting average dipped 15 points to .204, while his strikeouts per nine innings jumped from 10.9 to 12.4 over that stretch. Darvish has credited his resurgence to improved health and feeling more at ease in Chicago. Another key element, however, was a noticeable change in his pitch selection.
A greater emphasis was placed on his splitter, while usage of the four-seam fastball declined very well. His cutter became a primary weapon, and he incorporated more curveballs, though his approach fluctuated from game to game.
“The past year and a half, I’ve focused on refining my approach,” Darvish said. “So far, the results have been positive. Hopefully, I can maintain that progress.”
His new team certainly believes in his abilities. The Padres made a financial commitment of $59 million over the next three years to secure the services of the 34-year-old, who holds a career ERA of 3.43.
“All the film I’ve watched and conversations I’ve had indicate that he’s truly finding his stride,” Rothschild said. “Since the middle of 2019, things have started clicking for him. He reached a point where he was comfortable doing what worked best for him, and the Cubs gave him the space to do that.” Rothschild has no intention of interfering with that success.
“One mistake people have made with him before was trying to alter what he does best,” Rothschild explained. “His greatest strength is his ability to manipulate the baseball, to know which pitches to throw and when to use them. His fastball velocity reaches 98 mph, sometimes even higher.
But just because someone throws hard doesn’t mean fastballs should be the priority. His real edge comes from confidence in his craft, his command of spin, and understanding how to make all his pitches work together. … Trying to change that would be a huge misstep.”
Yu Darvish’s current team as of February 2025 is San Diego Padres.
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles face off in a historic Super Bowl matchup. The Chiefs seek to become the first team ever to win three consecutive Super Bowls, while the Eagles are determined to avenge their 2023 loss. The game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. EST in New Orleans, with NPR and its member stations providing full coverage. Fans can expect updates on game highlights, commercials, and halftime performances.
Patrick Mahomes and the Battle for Super Bowl Supremacy
Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ superstar quarterback, is leading his team toward a potential dynasty, drawing comparisons to Michael Jordan’s legendary Chicago Bulls. The Eagles, coming off a strong season with 14 regular-season wins and a dominant NFC Championship victory, hope to reclaim the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Key factors include the Chiefs’ ability to win close games and the Eagles’ powerful defense, which aims to pressure Mahomes. Saquon Barkley, the Eagles’ star running back, will also play a crucial role after a historic rushing season.
Patrick Mahomes (NFL)
Even non-football fans have plenty to enjoy with this year’s Super Bowl entertainment. Kendrick Lamar, fresh from his Grammy wins, headlines the halftime show, while Jon Batiste will perform the National Anthem. The festivities began earlier in the week with St. Augustine High School’s Marching 100 welcoming both teams. Super Bowl commercials will feature major brands, and fans can participate in themed activities like Philly Super Bowl bingo.
Sports Betting and Social Messages
A record-setting $1.39 billion is expected to be wagered legally on the game, surpassing last year’s total. However, authorities warn of potential scams and rising gambling addiction concerns. The NFL is also making headlines with its decision to replace the “End Racism” end zone message with “Choose Love,” sparking discussions about diversity and inclusion in sports.
Despite recent security concerns, New Orleans remains a top destination for sports and entertainment, with millions visiting for events like Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl. Tailgating traditions continue to unite fans over food and team spirit. With history on the line, this Super Bowl promises unforgettable moments for football lovers and casual viewers alike.
Indiana Hoosiers coach Mike Woodson walked through the tunnel, shaking hands with student managers, trainers, and assistant coaches on Saturday.
Despite being informed the day before that he would not return to coach next season, Woodson went back to work as if nothing had changed. He continued designing plays, giving signals, and working with the refs to try to turn things around for the Hoosiers.
Indiana’s passionate fans showed their support. Instead of booing Woodson, they cheered when he was introduced and roared as the Hoosiers made a strong comeback from an 18-point deficit to tie the game at 59 with 4:08 left before ultimately losing 70-67 to No. 24 Michigan. This loss marked Indiana’s fifth straight defeat.
“It’s been emotional,” Woodson said in his first comments since the announcement. “We’re dealing with young men, trying to figure it out. But we still have seven more games and it’s my job, as their coach, to push them to realize they can still win basketball games.”
Woodson did not take direct questions about his future in the postgame press conference, and Indiana did not make any players available for interviews.
The Hoosiers (14-10, 5-8) did not want to go through yet another coaching search—this would be the fifth such search in 20 years—especially with their NCAA Tournament hopes on the line. The team has struggled during a losing streak, and Woodson’s job is in jeopardy because of it.
In a statement released Friday, athletic director Scott Dolson asked fans to show support for the players. For the most part, fans followed Dolson’s request, though there were some boos when Woodson called a timeout early in the game with Indiana trailing 14-5, and again when the Hoosiers were behind 43-27 at halftime. However, the pep band played the school’s fight song to drown out most of the boos.
By the end of the game, the crowd was on its feet, cheering even louder when the Hoosiers tied the game at 59. The fans’ energy seemed to send a message to first-year Michigan coach Dusty May, a former assistant under Bob Knight, that he should return to his home state and consider taking over as Indiana’s coach.
Indiana coach Mike Woodson, based in Bloomington, has decided not to return next season
“I think they have a good team and if the breaks go their way, I think they have a great chance to be one of many Big Ten teams in the NCAA Tournament,” May said, downplaying his interest in succeeding Woodson. “I heard the ovation and to come where I came from — I never scored a basket at Indiana — it was nice. I appreciated it.”
When Woodson was hired in 2021, there were high hopes for the team. He was a longtime NBA coach, and fans expected him to bring banners, deep postseason runs, and mend the rift with Knight loyalists who were still upset over Knight’s firing in 2000.
Though Woodson had back-to-back 20-win seasons and NCAA Tournament wins, things went wrong last season when Indiana missed the tournament, and the team struggled this season despite being projected to finish second in the Big Ten.
A series of mistakes led to losses and intense pressure for the university to move on from one of their greatest players. Now, the question is how Indiana and its fans will respond during Woodson’s final four home games of the season, potentially ending with a goodbye in his hometown of Indianapolis at the Big Ten Tournament.
“I wish I knew,” Woodson said when asked why the team has struggled this season. “The rosters are changing every year and that’s no excuse. You put the right pieces in place and I think our guys have wonderful intentions. … It just hasn’t worked out these last three, four weeks. My job as the coach is to continue to push them, keep them in a good frame of mind and, hopefully, something good will click.”
Sixth-ranked Florida made history on Saturday with their victory over No. 1 Auburn.
It wasn’t just the 90-81 win that went into the record books for Florida, though. Earlier in the season, the Gators had already beaten a No. 1 team, defeating then-No. 1 Tennessee 73-43 on Jan. 7.
Saturday’s win was historic because it was the first time Florida had beaten a No. 1 team on the road. It also marked the first home loss and first SEC loss for Auburn (21-2, 9-1 Southeastern Conference) this season.
Before this game, Florida (20-3, 7-3) had lost all seven of its previous road games against No. 1 teams.
“This is probably the toughest place to play in America right now, against the best team in America, and we showed out for 40 minutes,” Florida head coach Todd Golden said. “I thought we were the mentally and physically tougher team.”
Florida pulled off the win without their second-leading scorer, Alijah Martin, who was out with a hip injury.
Instead, the Gators relied on their leading scorer, Walter Clayton Jr., who played the whole game. Clayton, who had missed Florida’s win at Vanderbilt earlier in the week due to an ankle injury, finished with 19 points and nine assists.
“I looked over at him and said I was going to run him for all 40 minutes,” Golden said. Clayton responded with, “No problem.”
Auburn quickly took a 10-point lead in the first six minutes of the game. However, Florida controlled the rest of the first half, outscoring Auburn 43-23. In the second half, Florida scored 20 of the first 29 points.
“I mean, they just came in here like they had to win it,” Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said about Florida. “That’s how they played their possessions. And they played harder. They played better. They played more desperately.
Florida and No. 1 Auburn
“We did not look like the No. 1 team in the country. We didn’t act like the No. 1 team in the country. We didn’t prepare like it. And, as a result, we got beat.”
Before Saturday, Auburn hadn’t allowed more than 70 points in a home game this season. Florida reached that total with 12:31 left in the game.
“It’s definitely tough to get a win on the road in the SEC in general, especially against a No. 1 team,” Clayton said. “Auburn, they’re a great team. They do a lot of things well. But we prepared well, and we came out, and we executed.”
Florida did well against Auburn’s frontcourt, led by Johni Broome, a fifth-year senior and preseason Associated Press All-American who is considered a national player of the year candidate. Broome finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, but he missed 11 of his 19 shots.
Golden praised his team for defending Broome’s powerful left hand during his inside touches. Alex Condon scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Florida, while Thomas Haugh added 16 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks off the bench.
“(Broome) has played like the best player in America to this point,” Golden said. “He deserves that recognition. … I recruited Johni when I first got at Florida, and Bruce punked me there and got the best player in America for a few years.”
Offensively, Florida had 22 assists on 31 made baskets, the highest assist count for the team in SEC play this season. This was well above their average of 13.9 assists per game in conference play.
These 22 assists were also the most Auburn had allowed all season, by a significant margin. The previous high was 13 assists by Purdue in December.
Florida made 13 3-pointers, also a season-high in SEC play. Urban Klavzar came off the bench and made all three of his shots from long distance.
“It was the way they played out of the ball screen and shared the ball and spaced (out),” Pearl said. “And they banged a bunch of shots. I mean, they banged a bunch of shots. And their bench really stepped up for them.”
Cooper Flagg didn’t play well on Saturday. He wasn’t feeling well either.
Flagg, Duke’s preseason All-American, struggled with cramping during a 77-71 loss to Clemson. After the game, he admitted that he had been dealing with an illness, though he didn’t want to use that as an excuse for what might have been his worst performance of the season.
Flagg missed nine of his first 11 shots, including several attempts close to the basket, and had just four points in the first 34 minutes. He started to heat up toward the end of the game, finishing with 18 points, including three key 3-pointers. However, he made a crucial turnover with 14 seconds remaining when he slipped and fell while trying to drive to the basket with the Blue Devils trailing by two points.
Flagg finished the game shooting 6 of 17 from the field.
“I was definitely cramping throughout the end of the game,” Flagg said. “I have been a little under the weather with a cold, or a little virus or whatever. No excuses as you have to be able to play through it. We have to be able to find a way. We were in position to win the game but we have to make those plays.”
Coach Jon Scheyer mentioned that the team might need to reduce Flagg’s workload, saying, “we put so much on his shoulders and I have to help take some of that off because there is so much we ask of him defensively and offensively.”
Scheyer added that it’s time to get Flagg healthy.
“We just have to get his body refreshed and reenergized,” Scheyer said. “He didn’t have that same (energy) the last couple of days in practice. We have to get him back.”
Tyrese Proctor stepped up in Flagg’s absence, scoring 23 points, just one shy of his career high. He knew he had to carry more of the scoring load with Flagg struggling.
“Coop’s good,” Proctor said. “Obviously he might have been under the weather, but he competed and he fought. He will be the first one to tell you that he’s not going to use that as an excuse, and neither are we.”
Clemson coach Brad Brownell said the game plan was to put pressure on Flagg and make things tough for him. The Tigers did just that for most of the game, which gave them confidence going into next month’s Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Clemson and Duke
“We wanted to do what we can to make his catches a little tougher,” Brownell said. “Nothing that nobody else hasn’t done. But be physical. They had other guys making shots too that made it hard on us. He was great down the stretch. We did just a good enough job to win.”
Scheyer said the loss was disappointing.
Not only did it end No. 2 Duke’s chances of becoming the first ACC team to finish 20-0 in the regular season, but it also ended a 16-game winning streak and took away the chance for the Blue Devils to claim the No. 1 spot in the country. Auburn, ranked No. 1, lost earlier in the day to Florida, so No. 3 Alabama could now take the top spot.
“It hurts because I think this team is capable of special things,” Scheyer said.
Meanwhile, it was another big win for Clemson, with ESPN commentator Dick Vitale back at the announcer’s table after his fourth battle with cancer.
Clemson had previously beaten No. 4 Kentucky 70-66 at Littlejohn Coliseum in December.
The Tigers got strong performances on Saturday from Viktor Lakhin, who scored 22 points, as well as Ian Schieffelin and Chase Hunter, who combined for six of Clemson’s final eight points. It also showed the “Clemson grit” Brownell often talks about, as the Tigers bounced back with a big win after an 89-86 triple overtime loss to Georgia Tech earlier in the week.
“Tonight is about our guys, really,” Brownell said. “Our guys mustered up the spirit and energy after a tough loss and really just doing what we needed to do to get ourselves a chance to win. They made the plays they have to make in a tough game, so that was awesome.”
LeBron James will miss the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against Indiana on Saturday to rest his sore left ankle.
The Lakers announced this decision about four hours before they played the Pacers.
James, 40 years old, has been performing well in recent weeks for the Lakers (30-19), who have won four games in a row and 10 of their last 12, even after trading center Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic last weekend. Despite dealing with regular ankle pain, James hadn’t missed a game since Dec. 28 against Sacramento and has missed only four games this season.
Doncic is also missing the game against Indiana as he continues to recover from a left calf strain he suffered on Christmas. The Slovenian star has practiced with his new team this week and is expected to make his Lakers debut on Monday against Utah.
“LeBron, just a little bit of increased soreness on that foot after the other night,” coach JJ Redick said before the game. “Luka is progressing well, but we’ll make that decision in real time on Monday.”
James has been averaging 29.0 points, 9.9 assists, and 8.4 rebounds over the last seven games. He became the oldest player in NBA history to score 40 points when he scored 42 points in a win over Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
Amid talks about how the Lakers will work with James and Doncic together, Indiana coach Rick Carlisle is excited to see how it all comes together. Carlisle was Doncic’s coach for his first three seasons with the Dallas Mavericks from 2018 to 2021.
LeBron James scores in the 2nd half
“I don’t see any world in which it doesn’t work great,” Carlisle said. “(Doncic) goes into a game and just decides how the game is going to be played. LeBron James does the same exact thing. These two guys are surgeons, the way they dissect games, and they’re really both impossible to game-plan for.
You have to decide how you’re willing to lose. That’s what it comes down to. This is the Lakers. This is a larger-than-life legacy franchise, so this is an amazing opportunity for Luka.”
James is a record 21-time All-Star and was selected first overall in the team draft for the competition in San Francisco next weekend. The Lakers have two more games before All-Star weekend, playing a home-and-home series with Utah.
Mark Williams, the center the Lakers acquired from Charlotte this week, was also ruled out for the game against the Pacers because the trade was still pending on Saturday morning.
Redick said he hopes to have James, Doncic, and Williams available for Monday’s game.
“I don’t know why we wouldn’t,” Redick said. “We’re not trying to hold guys out.”
Pacers big man Myles Turner also sat out with a head injury, although Carlisle said he wasn’t in the concussion protocol. “He’s done better each of the last two days,” Carlisle said. “Today wasn’t in the cards.”
Anthony Davis left the game in the third quarter due to a lower-body injury and didn’t return in his first game with the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday after the big trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Davis fell without anyone touching him and grabbed his groin area during Dallas’ 116-105 win over the Houston Rockets. He was listed as doubtful to return and didn’t play again during the Mavs’ first home game after the trade.
The 31-year-old mentioned that he felt tightness in his groin and quadriceps. Part of the reason he didn’t return was because of the abdominal strain that had kept him out of his last two games with the Lakers before the trade and the first two games he could have played with the Mavericks.
“My leg got tight, like a little spasm,” Davis said. “I came back and tried to get it loose and everything, obviously dealing with the ab, still strained. It wouldn’t loosen up and let go. But it’s nothing serious.”
Davis had 24 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and all three of his blocks in the first half. He finished the game with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists.
“We’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” coach Jason Kidd said.
Anthony Davis yells in the 1st half
One of the many criticisms of the trade was Dallas giving up a 25-year-old superstar in his prime for Davis, who has had a history of injuries.
The 10-time All-Star went down without contact when Alperen Sengun drove past him for a layup. Davis walked slowly toward the offensive end and stayed in the corner near the Dallas bench while his team ran their offense.
Davis didn’t attempt to move back after the Rockets regained possession. The Mavericks committed a foul to stop the clock and get Davis out of the game. He stayed on the bench briefly before leaving the court.
The Mavs will face Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Monday night in the second game of a four-game homestand.
“I’m very confident,” Davis said. “I feel great. I’ll do some more stuff tomorrow, but just take it a day at a time.”
Anthony Davis made a strong debut with the Mavericks, less than five minutes into the game, by dunking his own missed shot, pointing to the cheering crowd, and shouting, “I’m here!”
The 10-time All-Star didn’t finish the 116-105 win over the Houston Rockets because of an injury, adding more frustration for fans upset about the huge trade that sent 25-year-old franchise star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Fans in Dallas were still in shock over losing a player they believed would stay with the team his whole career. General manager Nico Harrison faced criticism for trading a young superstar in his prime, just eight months after a run to the NBA Finals, for a 31-year-old with a history of injuries.
Davis assured fans not to worry, explaining that he left the game late in the third quarter during Dallas’ first home game since the trade due to tightness near his groin and quadriceps. He didn’t return to the game.
Before the trade, Davis had missed his last two games with the Lakers due to an abdominal strain and could not play in the first two games with the Mavericks either.
“It wouldn’t loosen up and let go,” Davis said. “But it’s nothing serious.”
Before the game, fans outside American Airlines Center, many wearing Doncic’s familiar No. 77 jersey, were still processing the shock and sadness of losing Doncic, protesting with signs and chants, mostly aimed at Harrison.
“It’s going to take time,” Davis said. “It’s still fresh like a divorce — on both sides. Not saying it’s going to go away in one day.”
Many fans who were protesting made it inside the arena for the game. Center Daniel Gafford mentioned, “Seeing a lot of 77s in the stands, it kinda hits hard. It’s like we always say, it’s a business. We’ve got to get used to it.”
Protesters cheered as a cargo van with an electronic sign reading “Inside Traitor” and a picture of Harrison passed by, along with a pickup truck with a sign in the bed that said, “Fire Nico. Sell the team.”
Anthony Davis leaves the game in the 3rd quarter
Owner Angership
The anger was also directed at the new ownership group, which bought the Mavericks from Mark Cuban in December 2023. The Las Vegas-based Adelson and Dumont families now run the team, and Patrick Dumont replaced Cuban as the team’s governor, making the final call on the Doncic-Davis trade.
Many fans expressed concern that the trade was part of a plan to move the franchise to Las Vegas.
Fans were also upset because of the legacy of retired Dallas superstar Dirk Nowitzki, who spent 21 seasons with the Mavericks, leading them to their only title in 2011. He overlapped with Doncic for one season before stepping aside for the next young European star. Many fans thought Doncic’s career would follow a similar path to Nowitzki’s and are blaming the ownership change for the sudden move.
“They’re not from Dallas,” said Diana Milan of Dallas, a season ticket holder for more than 25 years. “They don’t know the Mavericks fans. They don’t know how beloved Dirk was and then Luka was. We just feel like they’re outsiders (who) came in and ripped that all away from us.”
Heartbreak via Harrison
The Adelson and Dumont families have faced less backlash than Nico Harrison, who has been the target of several harsh chants during the protest on Saturday. Harrison hasn’t been seen publicly since answering reporters’ questions before a game in Cleveland on a five-game road trip.
Harrison missed Davis’ introductory press conference in Dallas on Friday and wasn’t sitting in his usual seat a few rows from courtside opposite the Mavs’ bench during the Rockets game.
“I think he broke our fan base’s heart, and so I think he needs to do something about that,” said Brian Craft, a 48-year-old lifelong Mavs fan who lives 25 miles from Dallas but has a condo near the arena. He hung a banner from his balcony that read “Luka” with a broken heart.
Anthony Davis responds to a question in the news conference
“Even an old-fashioned apology probably goes a long way in a lot of these things,” Craft said. “But let the fan base know that you hear them and that, yes, you made what you thought was a technically sound, good decision, but you probably overlooked the human aspect of it.”
Davis’ impressive debut was exactly what Dallas coach Jason Kidd expected, though it was a strange day for him. Kidd had been part of one of the other big trades in franchise history when the Mavs sent him to Phoenix 2 1/2 years after drafting him second overall in 1994.
“It was weird. It is weird,” Kidd said. “Everybody wants to talk about the trade. Yeah, it’s different. We keep pushing forward. It was there, but understanding that the business of basketball happens.”
Sad Euro Fan
Mirsad Grabus understands, but it hasn’t made it any easier for the native of Bosnia who has lived in Kentucky for 25 years. Grabus received a Doncic jersey from his son for his 60th birthday, which he celebrated earlier this month with a Mavs birthday cake.
Grabus became a Mavs fan when Doncic, from Slovenia, was drafted. They had been planning to see him play live for the first time in Dallas for a month. The trade happened five days before the Houston game, but they decided to make the trip anyway.
“It’s like I lost a kid,” Grabus said. “Wherever he goes, I go, too. It’s sad to say now I’m now a Lakers fan.”
That might be a bit extreme for the local fans, even with the emotions still running high.
Mark Williams looks to shoot against Nikola Jokic in the 1st half
The Los Angeles Lakers canceled their trade to acquire Mark Williams from Charlotte after he failed his physical, according to a source who spoke on Saturday night.
The source, who remained anonymous, said that the Lakers did not plan to announce the reason for pulling back the deal publicly.
On Wednesday night, the Lakers agreed to send rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and some draft considerations to the Hornets for Williams, a 23-year-old center who is in his third year in the NBA. Williams, a former first-round pick, was seen as a potential replacement for Anthony Davis, who was traded to Dallas along with Max Christie for superstar Luka Doncic.
The trade would have also sent the Lakers’ 2031 first-round pick and a 2030 first-round pick swap to Charlotte.
However, the Lakers decided to cancel the trade after learning more about Williams’ injury history. He has struggled with back issues and other injuries, playing only 84 out of 212 possible NBA games in his three seasons.
In a statement on social media, the Hornets said, “We are excited to welcome Mark back to our Hornets organization. After the other team aggressively pursued Mark, we made the difficult decision to move him. We have always held great respect for Mark’s talent, work ethic, and character. We are thrilled to see him rejoin our roster as a dynamic presence at the starting center position. His return strengthens our team, and we look forward to the impact he will make on and off the court.”
The Lakers had no concerns about the trade initially, according to general manager Rob Pelinka. Coach JJ Redick, who knows Williams personally as they both played at Duke, said on Thursday, “Just feel like he’s a really good fit now, and he’s a really good fit for the future.”
The cancellation of the trade adds to the uncertainty surrounding the Lakers, who have won five straight and 11 of their last 13 games despite many roster changes.
Dalton Knecht celebrates after scoring in the 1st half
On Saturday, the Lakers beat Indiana 124-117, even without LeBron James and Doncic.
Now, the Lakers are left without a proven big man to play next to Jaxson Hayes, who was expected to move to the bench after Williams’ arrival. Against the Pacers, the backup center was 6-foot-10 Trey Jemison III, who has played for four different teams in the past two seasons and joined the Lakers less than a month ago.
The Lakers may look to the buyout market for veteran big men, but it doesn’t seem like a promising option. The Lakers also lost the roster spot they created by trading two players for Williams. However, they could get help from within the team.
Christian Wood has missed the entire season due to knee surgery in September, and while there hasn’t been a recent update on his return, he wasn’t expected to miss the whole season initially.
Jemison and backup big man Christian Koloko are on two-way contracts, meaning they wouldn’t be eligible for the playoffs.
Without Knecht and Reddish, the Lakers’ wing depth is thinner. Knecht, who was a strong shooter with a 37-point game earlier in the season, struggled defensively and had limited playing time before the trade.
The first five players to achieve at least 45 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in a single game for the Los Angeles Lakers were Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
Austin Reaves became the sixth player to do so, recording those exact numbers while leading the Lakers to a 124-117 win over Indiana on Saturday.
Reaves understands the surprise of seeing his name on the list. He feels the same way.
“It looks weird when you see my name up there,” Reaves said, smiling.
But it’s becoming less unusual with each accomplishment by Reaves, who joined the Lakers as an undrafted player from Oklahoma three and a half years ago. He has grown into a starting player and key contributor for his favorite team, having come from a small town in Arkansas where he looked up to Kobe Bryant and didn’t let anyone stop him from pursuing his NBA dream.
With LeBron James and Luka Doncic both out due to injuries, Reaves had the most impressive game of his career so far. He made 14 of 26 shots, hit four 3-pointers, and went 13 of 13 from the free-throw line while running the offense in the final moments.
He also grabbed seven rebounds, handed out seven assists, and had three steals, helping the Lakers win despite being short-handed. Lakers fans, grateful for such a great performance, cheered “M-V-P!” as a thank-you to Reaves for leading the team.
James was sidelined due to a sore left ankle, and Doncic was not quite ready for his debut. The Lakers were still adjusting after trading away players like Anthony Davis, Max Christie, Dalton Knecht, and Cam Reddish in two moves before the deadline, and things were even more unsettled after they canceled the trade for Reddish and Knecht later that Saturday.
Reaves was also playing through a sore left elbow, which almost kept him out of the game. He decided to play through the pain just before the pregame deadline, and the Lakers were glad he did.
Austin Reaves dunks in the 2nd half
“I think he’s been as important as any player on our team,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “I felt like he was the best player on the floor tonight, and that says a lot. He showed up in a big-time way.”
Reaves started off strong against Indiana, scoring 11 points in under six minutes. He had 20 points by halftime and took charge again in the fourth quarter, starting it with back-to-back 3-pointers and finishing with 14 points in the final period.
It was an impressive performance for a player who set his previous career high of 38 points just last month against Brooklyn. But Reaves knows that his whole NBA career has been filled with surprises. Since earning a spot on the Lakers roster out of training camp in 2021, he has played many different roles.
“The path that I took is not conventional,” Reaves said. “There’s probably only a handful of people that thought I would be in this position, if any. It wasn’t really the popular thing to do to continue to chase my dream. … If I can inspire kids that’s in my situation to continue to chase their dreams, whatever it is, just do it.”
He’s now more than just a surprise. Reaves has averaged at least 28 minutes per game in each of the last three seasons as a regular starter — including all 44 games this season.
Reaves is also part of one of the most interesting Lakers teams ever after the big trade to bring in Doncic, who could be Reaves’ future teammate in the backcourt for many years.
Though Doncic is expected to be the next leader of the Lakers, Reaves has become incredibly important too, and he’s even making history.
“It’s surreal, because I grew up a huge Kobe fan, so I was automatically a Laker fan,” Reaves said. “Just to be able to go out there and put the uniform on and compete, and then to have a couple of those games where my name is in with those guys, is special. It’s something that I won’t take for granted.”
Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ president of basketball operations, initially thought the team’s biggest move before the NBA’s trade deadline would be bringing back Kawhi Leonard. However, after assessing his roster, he realized that Leonard’s return alone wouldn’t be enough. Frank then shifted his focus to improving the bench for the final stretch of the regular season.
In the past week, the Clippers added Bogdan Bogdanovic, Patty Mills, Drew Eubanks, and MarJon Beauchamp, with a few more moves possibly coming. “We feel really good that we improved our team on the margins, which is very important,” Frank said before Saturday’s game against the Utah Jazz. “We had to address some different positions and skillset needs, and we feel good about the guys that we added.”
The Clippers acquired Bogdanovic and three second-round draft picks from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Terance Mann and Bones Hyland. Frank has been a fan of Bogdanovic for a long time, even though the 32-year-old guard has struggled with his shooting this season.
Bogdanovic has averaged 10 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2 assists in 24 games for the Hawks this season. He hasn’t played since January 25 due to personal reasons, but he could debut for the Clippers on Wednesday against Memphis.
“We’re a little light on shooting, and Bogdan gives us not just shooting but good size at the position. He’s a quick processor of the game,” Frank said about the 6-foot-5 guard.
Bogdanovic helped Serbia win a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a silver at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. He’s shooting just 37.1% from the field this season, below his career average of 43.5%. Frank believes it’s simply a case of bad shooting luck after reviewing his game.
“We’re well-versed in his game. With the way coach Tyronn Lue plays and Bogdanovic’s game, it is going to be a good fit. He is a tough competitor,” Frank said. “We’re very confident that as long as he stays healthy, he will be a positive contributor for us.”
Kawhi Leonard tries to get past RJ Barrett in the 1st half
Beauchamp was acquired from Milwaukee for guard/forward Kevin Porter Jr. on Friday. He is a 6-foot-7 forward with potential, although he hasn’t had many chances with the Bucks. Beauchamp averaged 2 points and 1.2 rebounds in 26 games this season. Frank is curious to see how Beauchamp develops with more opportunities.
Mills and Eubanks, acquired from Utah on February 1 for P.J. Tucker and Mo Bamba, add bench flexibility for the Clippers.
Despite losing three straight games before facing the Jazz, the Clippers sat in seventh place in the Western Conference with a 28-23 record. Many had not expected the Clippers to compete for a playoff spot this season after Paul George joined Philadelphia and Leonard missed the first 34 games due to a right knee injury.
“We know what our long-term strategy is, but also our short-term strategy is to be as competitive as we can possibly be and give ourselves a chance to go as far as we possibly can,” Frank said.
One player Frank didn’t mention is Ben Simmons, who was waived by the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday after agreeing to a buyout. ESPN reported that Simmons plans to sign with the Clippers once he clears waivers.
“We’ve been fortunate in the buyout market. You look at Nico (Batum), Reggie Jackson, and Russ (Russell Westbrook), those guys had a huge impact,” Frank said. “We’re fortunate that we’ve always been a destination for buyout guys. Guys love playing for coach Tyronn Lue, they’ve fallen in love with the franchise. So we’ll look at the buyout market and see how we can address some additional needs that we have.”
