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Knicks Most Logical Trade Fit for 4-Time Champion: NBA Insiders

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If the Los Angeles Lakers decide to part ways with LeBron James midseason, multiple NBA insiders believe there’s one clear destination that makes the most sense: the New York Knicks.

During a recent episode of *The Kevin O’Connor Show*, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor and ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks discussed the growing speculation surrounding James’ future and identified the Knicks as the most “plausible” landing spot should the Lakers move their superstar before the trade deadline.

“Yeah, I’d say the Knicks for sure,” O’Connor said. “I’d say Knicks number one and then everybody else. If he were to be traded midseason, the Knicks make sense for salary purposes, for roster fit purposes, for what they could desire — what they feel like they might need to take a leap.”

### Bobby Marks: Knicks ‘Have the Contracts’

Marks broke down several possible outcomes for the 40-year-old forward’s future, explaining how financial restrictions would shape the trade landscape.

“If [LeBron] ever said, ‘I want to be bought out,’ we basically eliminate all the apron teams,” Marks explained. “So we eliminate the Clevelands and the Dallas’s and the Golden States and New York and that whole contingent.”

However, Marks quickly clarified that in a straight trade scenario, New York rises to the top.

“If it were a straight trade, I think we can eliminate Cleveland. I think Dallas would probably be eliminated too — they’d have to gut it for LeBron,” Marks continued. “You always think New York, potentially. They have the contracts, the big [Karl-Anthony] Towns number, or OG [Anunoby]-[Mikal] Bridges combo, whatever it might be. That group, I think, would probably lean back toward New York.”

### LeBron’s Madison Square Garden Connection Adds Intrigue

O’Connor emphasized that the fit isn’t just about cap flexibility — it’s also about legacy.

“It’s Madison Square Garden,” O’Connor said. “LeBron’s always called it his favorite arena. He could be a quote-unquote savior if he helps take them to a championship for the first time in decades.”

James’ long-standing admiration for New York City and the Knicks’ iconic venue has been well-documented throughout his career. In early 2024, James admitted that he seriously considered signing with New York during his 2010 free agency.

A trade to the Knicks would represent a full-circle moment — a late-career chapter where the four-time MVP could chase one final championship while rejuvenating the NBA’s most starved franchise.

### Potentially Bigger than Luka Trade

If such a deal were to happen, O’Connor said it would be the biggest trade in NBA history, even eclipsing the blockbuster move that sent Luka Dončić to Los Angeles last year.

“Can you imagine that? LeBron James traded midseason to the New York Knicks,” O’Connor said. “Talk about breaking social media if Shams [Charania] drops that bomb, it might even exceed the Luka trade last year.”

### Lakers Face Uncertain Future as LeBron Nears 41

While insiders like O’Connor and Marks see New York as the most logical landing spot, oddsmakers aren’t convinced. According to Bovada, the Knicks currently hold the fourth-best odds (+550) to land James if he’s traded.

The Dallas Mavericks (-120) remain the betting favorite, followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers (+350), James’ former team, and the Golden State Warriors (+450). The Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns round out the top six at +900 each.

Now entering the final year of his contract, James’ future in Los Angeles remains clouded. The 40-year-old superstar is currently sidelined with sciatica and expected to miss three to four weeks, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

“LeBron’s gonna be watching while he’s out,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said on *NBA Today*. “If they’re struggling, that could lead to the next step — maybe he’s gonna have to go elsewhere to find that winning combination.”

### What a Knicks Move Would Mean for LeBron’s Legacy

For LeBron, joining the Knicks would be more than a basketball decision — it would be a legacy-defining gamble. If he were to lead New York to its first NBA title since 1973, it could cement his status as the league’s ultimate franchise savior.

As trade speculation swirls and Bovada’s odds shift week to week, one thing is clear: the LeBron-to-New York storyline has moved from fantasy to feasible talking point. And if it ever happens, as O’Connor put it, it wouldn’t just dominate the headlines — it would “break social media.”
https://heavy.com/sports/nba/new-york-knicks/lebron-trade-fit-2/

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Confirms CeeDee Lamb News

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott confirmed that wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is ready to roll for Sunday’s matchup against the Washington Commanders. Lamb has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury against the Chicago Bears in Week 3.

Despite his absence, the Cowboys’ offense has continued to perform well, averaging 387.5 yards and 29.7 points per game. However, the team’s record stands at 2-3-1. Having Lamb back will add another layer of explosiveness to the unit.

“A lot of excitement, I’ve seen just the last two days of practice, he looks good. He’s ready to go,” Prescott said. “I mean, obviously, I saw him last week and during the rehab, and probably could have went but he’s ready to go. Looks great. It’s gonna be fun.”

Lamb has been limited during the last two days of practice, but all signs point to him being active and involved on Sunday. The four-time Pro Bowler told reporters he could have played last week against the Carolina Panthers but chose to play it safe.

“I’m out there moving around, running around, being me. Happy as can be,” Lamb said on Thursday.

Lamb is not expected to be on a “pitch count” against the Commanders and should be a full go.

### Cowboys WR George Pickens Addresses CeeDee Lamb’s Return

One of the biggest beneficiaries of Lamb’s absence has been George Pickens. Now in a contract year, Pickens is on pace for a breakout season. Through six games, he’s racked up 525 yards and six touchdowns—already a career high for the former second-round pick.

Despite this, Pickens is not concerned that Lamb’s return will affect his production. Instead, he’s excited to see the offense at full strength.

“I’m super excited,” Pickens said. “I don’t even think the words can fully explain him, and possibly [KaVontae Turpin] too, so super excited. [The offense can be] way more dangerous and way more explosive, too, when you got other guys like CeeDee and Turp. It’s another component of explosiveness that you can’t really describe. And don’t forget about Jake [Ferguson].”

Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer echoed that sentiment.

“Integrating them both in and, you know, there’s one ball we know that, and they’re both really good players, so we’ll see where the defense makes the ball go,” Schottenheimer said.

### Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Doesn’t Feel Added Pressure With Defense Struggling

Prescott is having an MVP-caliber season, passing for 1,617 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just three interceptions so far. The Cowboys’ offense is humming, but they can only impact one phase of the game.

The defense has struggled significantly, ranking as the worst in the league in slowing down opponents, giving up 411.7 yards and 30.7 points per game.

Despite the defense’s struggles, Prescott does not feel any added pressure.

“That’s my standard. That’s our standard. That’s what we expect to do. I don’t think it’s any added pressure,” Prescott said. “I feel like I need to score every time. I feel like I need to complete every pass.”

With Lamb back in the lineup and players like Pickens stepping up, the Cowboys hope to turn things around and make a strong push as the season progresses.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/dak-prescott-confirms-ceedee-lamb-news/

Colts’ Zaire Franklin backs suspended Lions safety Brian Branch over JuJu Smith-Schuster fight

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NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin said Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was doing “the work of the Lord” when he got into it with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Branch and Smith-Schuster were at the center of a scrum following the Chiefs’ 30-17 win over the Lions on Sunday, and Franklin was all for it. “JuJu needed his a– whooped,” Franklin said during a recent appearance on the “Club 520 Podcast.” CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS. COM “Let’s just go there . He’s been needing his a– whooped for a minute. Brian Branch is doing the work of the Lord.” Franklin called Smith-Schuster an “a” for how he plays. “(Smith-Schuster’s) an a bro,” Franklin said. “This is my thing, I’m gonna talk greasy to you. We gonna go right up. And when we get that one-on-one, I ain’t gonna duck the smoke. So if I win or lose, it is what it is. He the type that’s gonna do all the little weird, sneaky stuff, push you behind the back, go run to the ref . then try to be cool with you after.” Franklin referenced photos that circulated online after the fight that showed Smith-Schuster with a bloody nose, and he made fun of the Chiefs wide receiver for it. “Bro, you can’t be crying with your nose (bloody). You got kids, bro,” Franklin said. “Like, what’s going to happen with your son? C’mon, bro. I really be feeling like, bro, I can’t let y’all — my son in the stands, I can’t let you put your hands on me. My girl watching. She might like you now after this. Like, what, I’m going to tell my girl when I come home I just got my a– whooped on Sunday night.” LIONS SAFETY BRIAN BRANCH SUSPENDED 1 GAME FOR FIGHT AFTER LOSS TO CHIEFS While Franklin might have loved the scrum, the Lions certainly did not. The NFL suspended Branch for one game, and he lost his appeal. The Lions will be without their star safety for their Week 7 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lions head coach Dan Campbell condemned Branch’s actions. “I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable, and it’s not going to be accepted here. It’s not what we do. It’s not what we’re about,” Campbell said after the game. “I apologized to coach (Andy) Reid and the Chiefs, and Smith-Schuster. “That’s not OK. That’s not what we do here. It’s not going to be OK. He knows it. Our team knows it. That’s not what we do.” Branch called his decision to start the scuffle “childish. It was a childish thing, but I’m tired of people doing stuff in between the play and refs don’t catch it,” Branch said. “They be trying to bully me out there. I should have never did it. It was childish.”.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/colts-zaire-franklin-backs-suspended-lions-safety-brian-branch-over-juju-smith-schuster-fight

Broncos’ top-ranked defense set to get even better with Dre Greenlaw’s return

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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Statistically, the Denver Broncos boast the best defense in the NFL, and it could be getting even better this weekend.

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is eligible to come off injured reserve (IR) against the New York Giants (2-4) on Sunday after recovering from a quadriceps injury that sidelined him since summertime. Greenlaw practiced Wednesday for the first time since September 12.

“Dre looked good out there,” star cornerback Patrick Surtain II said. “Obviously, his first day back out there on the field in a minute. It seems like he’s very sharp on everything, the game plan, so I’m very excited for him.”

Greenlaw’s return also has his teammates eager to see how much better the Broncos (4-2) can become with their prized free-agent acquisition making his Denver debut.

“I think it’s awesome,” edge rusher Jonathon Cooper said. “Obviously, we know the type of player Dre Greenlaw is, you watch the film. And you add that type of dynamic to this defense with him being right, it’s just going to take us even to another level. I’m excited for him to return.”

Denver’s defense leads the NFL in several key categories, including red zone defense (28.6%) and third-down defense (27.1%). Their 254.2 yards allowed per game is just behind Atlanta’s 253.4.

The Broncos also lead the league with 30 sacks, which is 10 more than second-place Pittsburgh. Nik Bonitto leads the NFL with eight sacks, putting him on pace for 23 this season.

Cooper was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday, just one week after Bonitto earned the honor.

“It’s just motivating me to do more,” Cooper said.

Cooper and Bonitto are the first Broncos teammates to win the league’s weekly defensive award back-to-back.

“I’m just trying to beat him. I can’t let him take over me. I should be out there with sacks with him right now,” Cooper joked, who has 4 1/2 sacks himself. “But no, I think it’s really cool. That’s my brother. I shout him out every time I get a chance to. Yeah, he’s one of the best football players I’ve ever played with. He does it one week, I’ve got to make sure I’m right there with him, you know?”

The Broncos held the New York Jets to minus-10 passing yards in a gritty 13-11 win in London last Sunday. They limited quarterback Justin Fields to just nine completions and sacked him nine times — the second-highest single-game total in franchise history.

Cooper is eager to see what Denver’s defense can accomplish this Sunday when they face Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.

“Yeah, I mean, he’s a young guy. He’s feeling himself a little bit. He’s out there running around, he’s got the chain on, he’s dancing,” Cooper said. “You know, looks like everybody needs something. But we went against QBs who have run around the pocket and everything, try to do stuff with their legs. So, it ain’t nothing we haven’t seen.”

With Dre Greenlaw back and a dominant defensive unit clicking, the Broncos hope to keep their momentum going as they aim for continued success this season.
https://www.denver7.com/sports/broncos/broncos-top-ranked-defense-set-to-get-even-better-with-dre-greenlaws-return

Leicester City vs Portsmouth Prediction and Betting Tips | October 18th 2025

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Leicester City will lock horns with Portsmouth on Saturday as Championship action resumes following the October international break.

The two sides currently occupy opposite halves of the standings, setting the stage for an intriguing clash. Fans can expect an intense battle as both teams look to secure valuable points moving forward in the season.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/leicester-city-vs-portsmouth-prediction-betting-tips-october-18th-2025

Browns QB Dillon Gabriel’s NSFW reaction to being hit 16 times by Steelers

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Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel faced the ultimate trial by fire in Week 6, as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense overwhelmed him in a 23-9 loss at Acrisure Stadium. The rookie signal-caller, making just his second career start, absorbed 16 hits and six sacks. The Cleveland offense failed to score a single touchdown for the third time this season.

Despite the brutal punishment, Gabriel showed casual indifference when asked about the 16 hits he took. “My mom used to beat my ass when I was a kid, so I don’t think anything will live up to what my mom did,” Gabriel joked. “No, I was just playing around, but I’m good,” he added (h/t NFL Insider Jordan Schultz).

That response came after one of the most physically demanding outings by any rookie quarterback this year. Gabriel’s 16 quarterback hits were a season-high allowed by any team against Pittsburgh, surpassing the Steelers’ 14-hit performance against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. Pittsburgh’s defense dictated every snap.

Jalen Ramsey and Nick Herbig each recorded two sacks, while the Steelers’ front consistently collapsed the pocket, forcing Gabriel into hurried throws. Gabriel completed 29 of 52 passes for 221 yards, marking the second-highest single-game pass attempt total by any quarterback this season.

Although he didn’t record a touchdown, Gabriel avoided turnovers—an impressive feat for a rookie under constant duress. In total, Gabriel has thrown for 430 yards, three passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions in four appearances this season, completing 57.3% of his passes.

According to ESPN metrics, the Browns’ offensive line ranks 27th in pass protection, making Gabriel one of the league’s most pressured QBs. Head coach Kevin Stefanski defended keeping Gabriel in the game, saying the entire coaching staff shares blame for the protection breakdowns.

Backup Shedeur Sanders, elevated after the Joe Flacco trade to the Cincinnati Bengals, remained on the sidelines. The defeat left Cleveland at 1-5, extending their streak to 11 straight games scoring under 17 points.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/cleveland-browns/browns-news-dillon-gabriels-reaction-being-hit-16-times-steelers

UAAP: UST uses late surge to trounce FEU, gains share of lead

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UAAP Season 88 Basketball Tournament Schedule Update

MANILA, Philippines — Following its monumental win over Ateneo in triple overtime, the University of Santo Tomas continued its strong performance by defeating Far Eastern University, 92-80, on Wednesday.

The Growling Tigers dominated the struggling Tamaraws, improving their record to 5-1. This victory puts them tied with National University at the top of the standings.

Stay tuned for more updates on the UAAP Season 88 basketball tournament schedule and results.

https://sports.inquirer.net/644412/uaap-ust-uses-late-surge-to-trounce-feu-for-back-to-back-wins

How NBA 2K uses music to tap into basketball culture

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NBA 2K26 Season 2 Brings Iconic Songs from Past Games to the Soundtrack

NBA 2K26 Season 2 will add iconic songs from previous 2K games to its soundtrack, hitting fans with a dose of nostalgia while showcasing the series’ history of delivering memorable tunes for players to enjoy while hooping. I recently caught up with David Kelley, the Director of Global Partnerships & Licensing for the NBA 2K series, to discuss his team’s work in assembling the perfect basketball soundtrack. The following questions and answers were exchanged over email between myself and a representative for David Kelley.

Shacknews: What’s the process like when it comes to selecting which songs make the cut for a new NBA 2K game? Do you ever run into issues getting licenses for songs that you want?

David Kelley: We approach every soundtrack as a reflection of both basketball and culture. Our 2K Music team, composed of myself, Richie Menchavez, and Simon Weedn, all almost literally eat, sleep, and breathe music to build something that feels true to the moment and to our community.

We all come from different walks within the music industry—artists, DJs, managers, music supervisors, live events, studio engineers, composers—so we are able to bring a really well-rounded and unique perspective. We work closely with our development team at Visual Concepts to find new, dynamic ways music can enhance the NBA 2K experience.

With additional support from Take-Two’s world-class music team, we’re able to tap into incredible expertise across the board. Of course, licensing is a huge part of that process. We work with incredible partners like Fox Sound Studios and have long-standing relationships with labels, publishers, and artists around the world.

There are always songs we wish we could include that, for one reason or another, don’t clear in time but that’s part of the fun and challenge. The passion our team has for music keeps us pushing until the soundtrack feels right.

Shacknews: The popularity of some songs is short-lived. Are there ever any concerns that players will grow tired of certain tracks, particularly ones tied to viral trends or cultural moments?

Kelley: That’s definitely something we think about, which is why NBA 2K’s live service model has been a game-changer for us. We refresh the soundtrack every six weeks, which allows us to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in music right now.

Shacknews: There’s an old Drake lyric that goes, “I swear sports and music are so synonymous, ’cause we want to be them, and they want to be us.” Can you talk about the relationship between music and basketball, and how it informs your work on NBA 2K?

Kelley: That lyric nails it. Basketball and music are indelibly linked. The culture around the game goes hand-in-hand with the sound that fuels it. Players walk into the arena with headphones on, artists sit courtside at games, etc. — it’s all one ecosystem of creativity.

When we’re building the NBA 2K soundtrack, we think about how a track feels in that context. Music amplifies those emotional beats of the game, and our job is to make sure every track supports that energy. NBA 2K26 Season 2’s new Greatest Hits soundtrack really captures that philosophy.

It doesn’t matter when a song was released, who’s behind it, or where they are from; if the song captures the energy that resonates with our community, we want our audience to hear it in NBA 2K.

Shacknews: There’s a lot of nostalgia wrapped up in the 2K soundtracks of years past. How many of the “greatest hits” are you bringing back for Season 2 of NBA 2K26? What songs immediately jumped out as ones you had to bring back?

Kelley: We’re bringing back a mix of iconic tracks that have defined the NBA 2K experience over the years. Without giving away the full list yet, there are some unmistakable records from both classic and newer artists.

The selection process was guided heavily by community feedback. Fans have been incredibly vocal about which songs they still associate with certain eras of NBA 2K, and that passion made it easy to see what belonged on the Greatest Hits list.

This season really is a celebration and a chance to honor the music that shaped the game’s identity while introducing those classics to a whole new generation of players.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146361/nba-2k-26-season-2-soundtrack-interview

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca receives one-match touchline ban: Here’s why

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**Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca Receives One-Match Touchline Ban: Here’s Why**

*By Rajdeep Saha | October 15, 2025, 10:03 PM*

Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, has been handed a one-match touchline ban and fined £8,000 by the Football Association (FA). This penalty follows his exuberant celebrations during Chelsea’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Matchday 7 of the Premier League 2025-26 season.

### The Incident: Over-the-Top Celebrations Lead to Ban

Maresca’s intense celebrations after Chelsea’s last-minute winning goal did not go down well with referee Anthony Taylor. The official issued Maresca a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal from the touchline and being sent to the stands.

The FA stated that Maresca’s behavior was inappropriate and/or involved abusive or insulting words or gestures during the match. Maresca admitted the charge and accepted the standard penalty, meaning he will miss Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest this Saturday.

### Details of the Ban

Despite the suspension, FA regulations allow a banned manager to communicate with coaching staff and enter the dressing room before kick-off, during half-time, and after full-time.

This marks Maresca’s second touchline ban as Chelsea manager. He previously served a ban in April 2025 after receiving a third yellow card of the season for celebrations following Pedro Neto’s last-minute winner at Fulham.

### Maresca Reflects on the Victory

Following the game against Liverpool, Maresca took to Instagram to share his thoughts. He described the late win as “a beautiful joy for all of us,” while expressing disappointment at not being able to celebrate the victory with the fans due to the sending off.

He concluded, “Now, recovery energy and focus on what we can do better.”

### Chelsea’s Current Standing

After seven matches, Chelsea sits 7th in the Premier League table. The Blues have recorded three wins, two draws, and two defeats so far this season. They have scored 13 goals and conceded nine, showing promising but inconsistent form as the campaign progresses.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/maresca-receives-one-match-touchline-ban-for-liverpool-celebrations/story

PBA: Ginebra bounces back with dominant win over TNT

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MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra blew past TNT, 92-77, on Wednesday to register its first win in the PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Japeth Aguilar powered his way to 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Troy Rosario, Scottie Thompson, and RJ Abarrientos were also instrumental in the Gin Kings’ bounce-back showing after dropping their previous match.

https://sports.inquirer.net/644458/pba-ginebra-bounces-back-with-dominant-win-over-tnt