• LeBron James trolled for new Paris profile picture

    LeBron James trolled for new Paris profile picture

    Although he’s arguably the greatest player of all time, someone as old as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James might not be the most tech-savvy. After Team USA’s dominant run to a fifth-straight gold medal, King James celebrated the moment by changing his profile picture to one of him and his Olympics teammates on X, formerly Twitter. No, don’t worry; your eyes aren’t going bad. There also isn’t anything wrong with your phone or computer. James just picked a photo that’s so low-resolution that it’s just that blurry

    Like when Paul Pierce posted a picture of a rocket emoji, NBA fans are roasting James’s new profile picture.

    Some offered to help James, much like you’d help your grandma cross the street, by giving him a higher-resolution picture. Others coined the nickname “LeLowresolution,” saying he took the photo with a rock or dug up the iconic photo of James filming a WWE event from a flip phone.

    All jokes aside, James was vital for Team USA during the 2024 Olympics. Without his 14.6 points per game, which led Team USA in scoring, 3.8 assists, and 4.0 rebounds, the United States might not have won their fifth straight gold medal. But now that James has cemented his history as one the greatest players in Team USA history, his focus shifts back to the upcoming Lakers season, where he looks to add another ring to his collection.

    Even as James approaches his 40th birthday, which will probably arrive this December, he has shown very few signs of aging. His seemingly endless list of accolades, which recently added an Olympic MVP, reflects as much. But while he hasn’t lost his spot on an All-NBA roster, he has landed on the third team in the past three seasons. That’s a remarkable achievement for almost anyone, but it’s not where peak-of-his-powers where James once resided.

    If James can string together a season similar to last year, where he averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds, he should be able to secure All-NBA honors again. But if James plays at that level and Los Angeles is more competitive under new head coach J.J. Reddick, the Lakers could be primed for a serious postseason run.

    James and the Lakers will kick off their 2024-25 campaign against the Minnesota Timberwolves at home. It won’t be an easy matchup for the Lakers against the Wolves. Minnesota has quickly risen to the top of the West, are fresh off a Western Conference Finals run, and beat the Lakers in three of their four games against them in the regular season last year.

     

     

  • Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland disagree on Scottie Scheffler vs Xander Schauffele debate

    Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland disagree on Scottie Scheffler vs Xander Schauffele debate

    Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland disagree over who has had the better season between Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele as the PGA Tour season nears its climax.

    World No. 1 Scheffler has a commanding lead atop the FedEx Cup standings as the playoffs begin at TPC Southwind in Tennessee on Thursday. The 28-year-old has six PGA Tour wins this season, including The Masters, and he followed it by winning Olympic gold in Paris.
    Schauffele, meanwhile, cemented his status as one of the best players of his generation, ending his heartbreak at the majors by winning the PGA Championship and The Open in the space of two months. A debate has ensued over who has had the better season, and four-time major winner McIlroy and reigning FedEx Cup champion Hovland weighed in ahead of this week’s FedEx St Jude Championship.

    Scottie’s,” McIlroy replied when asked whose season he would prefer. “I think winning the Masters, an Olympic gold medal, winning, whatever it is, six times, it’s pretty hard to top that.”

    Hovland, however, bluntly went in the opposite direction. The Norwegian said: “I mean, two majors. That sounds pretty nice to me.”

    McIlroy was particularly impressed by Scheffler’s performance at Le Golf National, shooting a nine-under-par final round – including a staggering 29 on the back nine – to surge through the field and edge out Tommy Fleetwood by one shot to stand on the top step of the podium.

    It’s up there [with the best rounds I have seen],” McIlroy said. “I thought I was on course for a 29 as well at one point. But for him to just keep it going, he’s amazing even when you think he’s not really in the tournament or he’s sort of on the fringes of contention. He always seems to find a way to hit the shots or hole the putts.

    “I’ve described Scottie as relentless, and this is just another example of that. He’s had an incredible couple of years. It was sort of like once he won that first one, it’s just like the floodgates have opened and he’s found a next gear and a next level. As a golf fan, it’s really cool to see.”

    Scheffler has made it clear he is not a fan of the Tour Championship format, which will likely see him start just two shots clear of Schauffele at East Lake in two weeks despite his dominance on tour. He says the outcome of the playoffs will not change his view of the season.

    I talked about it the last few years. I think it’s silly,” Scheffler said. “You can’t call it a season-long race and have it come down to one tournament. Hypothetically we get to East Lake and my neck flares up and it doesn’t heal the way it did at THE PLAYERS, I finish 30th in the FedExCup because I had to withdraw from the last tournament? Is that really the season-long race? No. It is what it is.

    “It’s a fun tournament. I don’t really consider it the season-long race like I think the way it’s called. But you’ve got to figure out a way to strike a balance between it being a good TV product and it still being a season-long race. Right now, I don’t know exactly how the ratings are or anything like that, but I know for a fact you can’t really quite call it the season-long race when it comes down to one strokeplay tournament on the same golf course each year.

    “I’m not going to look back on my season really any differently if I don’t win East Lake

  • Scottie Scheffler hits out at ‘silly’ PGA rules as he bids to avoid Rory McIlroy repeat

    Scottie Scheffler hits out at ‘silly’ PGA rules as he bids to avoid Rory McIlroy repeat

    Scottie Scheffler has voiced his concerns over the PGA Tour’s playoff structure, despite having an impressive six-win season. Despite being the dominant force in 2024 with victories at The Masters and the Olympics, along with more than $30 million in on-course earnings, there is no guarantee that he will clinch the FedEx Cup.

    Scheffler’s relentless performance on the PGA Tour has given him a significant lead in the season-long FedEx Cup standings as the playoffs kick off at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee with the FedEx St. Jude Championship on Thursday
    Despite all his hard work, Scheffler’s efforts may not pay off when he tees off at East Lake in Atlanta for the Tour Championship in two weeks. The PGA Tour altered the format of the season-ending tournament five years ago to make it more appealing for TV audiences, rather than fairly rewarding players for their performances throughout the season.

    As the final tournament approaches, Scheffler is set to top the standings and will start the event at 10-under-par. Currently, Xander Schauffele is set to start at eight-under, while third-placed Rory McIlroy will be at seven-under.

    Scheffler was a victim of this structure in 2022 when he held a substantial lead in the FedEx Cup heading to East Lake. However, his head start was wiped out by McIlroy, who went on to win the title and claim the $18m top prize.

    He was leading the FedEx Cup before the final showdown last season, but a less-than-stellar performance saw him fall behind Viktor Hovland by a whopping 16 shots. Scheffler didn’t mince words about the competition’s format during his press conference on Wednesday.

    I think it’s silly,” he expressed. “You can’t call it a season-long race and have it come down to one tournament. Hypothetically we get to East Lake and my neck flares up and it doesn’t heal the way it did at The Players, I finish 30th in the FedExCup because I had to withdraw from the last tournament? Is that really the season-long race? No. It is what it is.

    It’s a fun tournament. I don’t really consider it the season-long race like I think the way it’s called. But you’ve got to figure out a way to strike a balance between it being a good TV product and it still being a season-long race. Right now, I don’t know exactly how the ratings are or anything like that, but I know for a fact you can’t really quite call it the season-long race when it comes down to one stroke play tournament on the same golf course each year.”

    Scheffler has opened up about his laid-back approach to the Tour Championship, expressing that he doesn’t dwell much on the outcomes. Speaking about the prestigious event, he explained: “At the end of the day, I try not to think too much about the results at tournaments, and I’m not going to look back on my season really any differently if I don’t win East Lake. I’m going to show up there, do my best.

    “I think I’ve been No. 1 the last two years going into the tournament. Went in 2022 having a really great chance to win and wasn’t able to pull it off, and last year really just playing poorly pretty much the entire week.

    • “I’ve had close calls there, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of going back there and playing with the lead again. We’ll see what happens. Those guys could catch me in these next couple of weeks. But I’m looking forward to hopefully fending them off and going into East Lake with a lead.”
  • Most Avoided Fighter On The Planet’ Backed To Beat Oleksandr Usyk By Mutual Sparring Partner*

    Most Avoided Fighter On The Planet’ Backed To Beat Oleksandr Usyk By Mutual Sparring Partner*

     

    In the ever-evolving landscape of professional boxing, few names have generated as much intrigue and speculation as the enigmatic figure often referred to as the “most avoided fighter on the planet.” This title, though somewhat nebulous and subjective, has been a common theme surrounding a certain fighter who has managed to stay at the fringes of major bouts, despite his undeniable skill and potential. As the heavyweight division continues to make headlines with high-profile matchups and potential showdowns, recent statements from a mutual sparring partner have added an intriguing layer to the ongoing discourse about this elusive fighter’s potential to topple Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning heavyweight champion.

    ### The Mysterious “Most Avoided Fighter”

    While many in the boxing world have been eager to see this fighter step into the ring with elite competition, the reasons for his avoidance are as varied as they are complex. Some attribute it to his unorthodox fighting style, which presents unique challenges for opponents, while others cite his power, technical prowess, or even his intimidating presence. Whatever the case, this fighter’s reputation as a highly dangerous yet elusive opponent has only fueled speculation and anticipation regarding his future in the sport.

    ### Oleksandr Usyk: The Champion in Focus

    Oleksandr Usyk, the current heavyweight champion, is widely regarded as one of the most skilled and versatile fighters in the division. Having made a significant impact in the cruiserweight division before moving up to heavyweight, Usyk’s achievements include an undisputed cruiserweight title and a series of impressive victories in the heavyweight ranks. Known for his exceptional footwork, defensive skills, and strategic acumen, Usyk has built a reputation as a formidable champion, yet his potential opponents continue to present him with challenges that keep fans and analysts on edge.

    ### The Mutual Sparring Partner: An Insider’s Perspective

    Enter the mutual sparring partner, a figure who has had the opportunity to work closely with both the elusive fighter and Usyk. This individual’s insider perspective provides a rare and valuable glimpse into the dynamics at play between these two top-tier competitors. According to recent statements, this sparring partner is confident in the elusive fighter’s ability to overcome Usyk, citing several key factors that could potentially tip the scales in the former’s favor.

    #### Key Factors Highlighted by the Sparring Partner

    1. **Power and Precision**: One of the standout features of the “most avoided fighter” is his remarkable power and precision. In sparring sessions, this fighter has demonstrated the ability to land powerful shots with pinpoint accuracy, a combination that has proven to be highly effective against skilled opponents. The sparring partner notes that this power could pose a significant threat to Usyk, whose defensive skills may be tested to their limits.

    2. **Unorthodox Techniques**: Another aspect that has set this fighter apart is his unorthodox fighting style. Unlike many of Usyk’s past opponents, this fighter employs a range of techniques that are unconventional and challenging to predict. The sparring partner suggests that these unorthodox methods could create difficulties for Usyk, who thrives on anticipating and countering opponents’ moves.

    3. **Mental Toughness**: The mental aspect of boxing cannot be overstated, and the sparring partner emphasizes the mental resilience of the elusive fighter. This fighter’s ability to stay composed under pressure and adapt to different situations in the ring could play a crucial role in a bout against Usyk.

  • “Szokujące wyznanie Igi Świątek: Prawda o kontrowersji z Danielle Collins ujawniona!”

    “Szokujące wyznanie Igi Świątek: Prawda o kontrowersji z Danielle Collins ujawniona!”

    Iga Świątek ujawnia, że wciąż nie rozumie, dlaczego Danielle Collins opisała ją jako „nieszczerej” po ich gorącej konfrontacji podczas Igrzysk Olimpijskich.

     

    Numer jeden na świecie prowadziła 4-1 w trzecim secie ćwierćfinałowego meczu przeciwko Collins na Paris Games, gdy Amerykanka poddała się z powodu kontuzji.

     

    Podczas napiętej wymiany zdań, Collins poprosiła Świątek, aby „grała w tempie serwującego”, gdy Polka wstrzymała rękę, by zatrzymać Amerykankę od serwowania, a Collins dodatkowo uderzyła Świątek w brzuch precyzyjnym strzałem.

     

    Po wycofaniu się Collins, zawodniczki wymieniły kilka słów, a Amerykanka ujawniła, że zwróciła Świątek uwagę na jej „nieszczerość”.

     

    „Powiedziałam Igie, że nie musiała być nieszczera wobec mojej kontuzji” – powiedziała numer 10 na świecie podczas konferencji prasowej.

     

    „Jest wiele rzeczy, które dzieją się przed kamerami, i są ludzie z ogromnym charyzmatem, którzy na kamerach prezentują się w jeden sposób, a w szatni w inny.

     

    „Nie miałam najlepszych doświadczeń i naprawdę nie czuję, że ktokolwiek musi być nieszczery. Mogą być tacy, jacy są. Akceptuję to, nie potrzebuję fałszywości.”

     

    Po awansie do półfinałów w Paryżu, Świątek przegrała 6-2, 7-5 z przyszłą złotą medalistką Qinwen Zheng. 23-latka później pewnie pokonała Annę Karolinę Schmiedlovą 6-2, 6-1 w meczu o brązowy medal.

     

    W wywiadzie dla WP SportoweFakty, Świątek zapytana została, czy „zamieszanie” podczas meczu z Collins miało wpływ na jej przegraną w półfinale z Zheng.

     

    „Jestem profesjonalistką i takie rzeczy nie mają wpływu na to, jak gram w tenisa później” – powiedziała Świątek.

     

    „Jednak do dziś nie mam absolutnie pojęcia, skąd wzięły się jej komentarze i zdecydowałam, że nie ma sensu w to wchodzić. Skupiłam się tylko na sobie.”

     

    Świątek odniosła się również do tego, czy nadal cieszy się życiem na tournee tenisowym tak samo, jak na początku kariery.

     

    „Radość z gry zmienia się z tygodnia na tydzień” – wyjaśniła. „Poza tym, nie powiedziałabym, że w 2019 czy 2020 roku radość z tenisa była największa, ponieważ wtedy było wiele trudnych momentów.

     

    „Nie grałam jeszcze dobrze w tenisa, było więcej porażek i poczucie, że przede mną jeszcze długa droga. Wciąż znajduję nowe źródła motywacji.

     

    „Teraz mam także wiele pracy, ale jest inaczej, gdy większość turniejów kończy się w pierwszej lub drugiej rundzie, a inaczej, gdy są to półfinały czy finały.

     

    „Teraz łatwiej dostrzegać pozytywy. Poza tym, tak dobrze ułożyłam sobie życie na tournee, że teraz jest mi o wiele wygodniej.”

     

    Świątek gra swój pierwszy turniej po Igrzyskach Olimpijskich w Cincinnati, gdzie stara się zdobyć swoje pierwsze zwycięstwo. Polka zmierzy się z numerem 69 na świecie, Varvarą Grachevą, w swoim pierwszym meczu na imprezie WTA 1000.

  • Scottie Scheffler comes in hot, in multiple ways, as playoffs start

    Scottie Scheffler comes in hot, in multiple ways, as playoffs start

    Every year, as the FedEx St. Jude Championship approaches, golfers are asked about the PGA Tour’s format for the FedEx Cup playoffs, and each year, players like Scottie Scheffler voice their desire for changes. Given Scheffler’s outstanding performance this season, which includes wins at prestigious events such as the Masters and The Players Championship, his critiques are garnering more attention than ever.

     

    Despite these criticisms, substantial changes to the playoff format have not yet been implemented. This year, the playoff structure will reduce the field from 70 to 50 and then to 30 players over the course of the next three weeks. The first event in this series is the FedEx St. Jude Championship, which begins on Thursday at TPC Southwind in Memphis.

     

    To provide a quick refresher: the final stage of the FedEx Cup playoffs is the Tour Championship, which features the top 30 players in FedEx Cup points. The format for this event includes a staggered-scoring start. Currently, Scottie Scheffler is slated to begin the Tour Championship with a two-shot lead over Xander Schauffele, even though Scheffler has accumulated nearly 2,000 more points throughout the season.

     

    Scheffler has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with this format. “Yeah, I mean, I talked about it the last few years. I think it’s silly,” Scheffler said. “You can’t call it a season-long race and have it come down to one tournament. Hypothetically, we get to the Tour Championship and my neck flares up and it doesn’t heal the way it did at The Players, I finish 30th in the FedEx Cup because I had to withdraw from the last tournament? Is that really the season-long race? No. It is what it is.”

     

    Despite this critique, Scheffler is entering the St. Jude Championship with confidence following his recent Olympic gold medal win at Le Golf National in Paris, which adds to his impressive achievements at just 28 years old.

     

    However, not all players are in such a favorable position. Several big names are anxiously working to secure their spots in the top 50 to advance to the BMW Championship next week. Among them is Jordan Spieth, who is currently ranked No. 63 in FedEx Cup points and has had a disappointing season. Another notable player under pressure is Viktor Hovland, the defending FedEx Cup champion, who finds himself in 57th place in the standings.

     

    Hovland is focused on his performance rather than the rankings. “I try not to think about my FedEx rank or all that stuff so much this week,” Hovland said. “I’ve obviously been vocal about me not playing very well this year, so that’s kind of what I’m focusing on, just trying to get the horse back on the track and work on the things that I need to work on to play good golf, and then all the other stuff, that will work out if I take care of that stuff.”

     

    The PGA Tour has designated the FedEx St. Jude Championship as the first leg of the playoffs since 2022. The sweltering mid-August conditions in Tennessee often lead to unexpected results. The past three years have seen each event in this leg require a playoff to determine the winner. For example, in 2023, Lucas Glover emerged as the champion, earning 2,000 FedEx Cup points and significantly improving his standings. Glover had only qualified for last year’s playoffs by winning the Wyndham Championship the week prior. This year, Aaron Rai, the Wyndham winner, begins the week ranked 25th in FedEx Cup points.

     

    Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy, currently third in the standings, has had a strong season despite not securing a major championship win. McIlroy plans to leverage his experience as a three-time FedEx Cup champion to finish the season on a high note. “I think when the bulk of the season has come and gone and you’ve got this opportunity of three weeks to really, I guess, flip the script a little bit or change the narrative on what that season means, I think that’s a motivating factor, and part of the reason that I’ve probably played well in the playoffs for the last three years,” McIlroy said.

     

    With the FedEx St. Jude Championship set to begin, players are gearing up for what promises to be a compelling start to the playoffs, with many hoping to make significant moves in the standings and make the most of the opportunities presented by the final stretch of the PGA Tour season.

  • Scottie Scheffler told he has LIV to thank for huge earnings

    Scottie Scheffler told he has LIV to thank for huge earnings

    Bubba Watson believes that LIV Golf has played an unexpected role in Scottie Scheffler’s remarkable earnings in 2024. As LIV Golf celebrates its 100th round of competition this week at the Greenbrier, two years after its dramatic debut at Centurion Club in June 2022, Watson, a two-time Masters champion and captain of LIV’s Range Goats GC team, reflects on the impact of the breakaway league.

     

    Watson, who has been with LIV Golf almost since its inception, expressed satisfaction with the league’s progress and its influence on the sport. “When I think about the decision to join LIV, I considered our 10-year plan and what we aimed to achieve. The results have exceeded my expectations,” Watson said. “We’ve transformed the landscape of golf. Being part of that transformation is something special.”

     

    The 45-year-old golfer is confident that his decision to leave the PGA Tour for the Saudi-backed LIV circuit was the right choice, drawing parallels between LIV Golf’s impact and the PGA Tour’s own historic split from the PGA of America in the late 1960s. “Reflecting on the PGA Tour’s evolution, particularly the breakaway led by legends like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, we see similarities in what we’re doing now. Being part of this historical shift is an honor,” Watson added. “Scottie Scheffler’s impressive earnings this year are a testament to the changes we’ve initiated.”

     

    Indeed, Scheffler, currently ranked as the world’s number one golfer, has earned a staggering $28 million in prize money during the 2024 season. This remarkable sum includes victories at his second Masters title and six other tournaments, where he has dominated the PGA Tour’s premier events. The introduction of lucrative signature events with enhanced purses by the PGA Tour in 2023 was a strategic response to LIV Golf’s threat, aimed at retaining top players like Scheffler.

     

    As the FedEx Cup Playoffs approach, Scheffler stands to gain an additional $25 million if he wins the Tour Championship at East Lake, on top of the $8 million he has already secured for leading the Comcast Business Top Ten, a bonus pool awarded at the end of the PGA Tour’s regular season. However, despite his significant earnings, Scheffler has expressed doubts about the fairness of the FedEx Cup system, which features staggered scoring in the final event to allow all 30 players a chance to win the title.

     

    Scheffler voiced his concerns about this format in advance of the FedEx Cup St Jude Championship in Memphis, questioning its validity as a true season-long competition. “I find it silly to call it a season-long race when the outcome depends on just one tournament,” Scheffler said. “What if I get to East Lake, and my neck flares up, affecting my performance? If I finish 30th because of a withdrawal, does that really reflect a season-long race? It’s just the way it is, but I don’t think it’s the fairest system.”

     

    As the 2024 season progresses, the evolving dynamics between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour continue to shape the landscape of professional golf, influencing not only the structure of tournaments but also the fortunes of the sport’s top players.

  • ‘Most Avoided Fighter On The Planet’ Backed To Beat Oleksandr Usyk By Mutual Sparring Partner

    ‘Most Avoided Fighter On The Planet’ Backed To Beat Oleksandr Usyk By Mutual Sparring Partner

    Oleksandr Usyk stands as an undefeated titan in the world of boxing, having cemented his legacy with a flawless record of 22 professional victories. As a two-weight undisputed champion, Usyk’s achievements are remarkable. Initially dominating the cruiserweight division, Usyk made a historic leap to the heavyweight class, where he mirrored the accomplishments of Evander Holyfield by claiming all the major titles. His impeccable track record has made him a prominent figure in the sport, often regarded as the leading pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

     

    Despite his impressive resume and unblemished record, there are those who believe Usyk might face a serious challenge from another rising star in the heavyweight division: Martin Bakole. Bakole, a formidable fighter from the Democratic Republic of Congo who currently fights out of Scotland, has recently gained significant attention in the boxing world. His latest performance—a fifth-round stoppage of the highly regarded American prospect Jared Anderson—has solidified his status as a serious contender.

     

    British heavyweight Dave Allen, known for his keen insights into the sport, has been vocal about Bakole’s potential. In the wake of Bakole’s victory over Anderson, Allen expressed his belief that Bakole could be the best heavyweight in the world today. Allen’s praise for Bakole is high, citing his impressive combination of size and speed. “Martin Bakole is the best heavyweight in the world,” Allen asserted. “I think he probably beats everybody. I’ve said this for a while. He’s so big, but he’s so fast. When he puts his shots together so well, there’s an aura about him as well. Jared Anderson is huge, standing at 6ft 4in and weighing 18 stone, but Bakole made him look like a child.”

     

    Allen’s admiration for Bakole is not just based on his recent fight but also on their past sparring sessions. Allen reflected on his experiences working with Bakole, noting that despite Bakole’s less-than-ideal physical condition at the time, his punching ability was extraordinary. “He wasn’t that big back then, and he’s put on a lot of size since,” Allen recalled. “To be honest, he looked terrible in terms of his condition, but he’s so relaxed. What I took away from it was that I couldn’t believe a man of his size could put together six or seven punches so effectively. I’ve sparred with Usyk, I’ve sparred with Fury, and none of them can put shots together like that.”

     

    Allen’s enthusiasm for Bakole extends to his belief that Bakole could pose a significant threat to Usyk. “Bakole would beat Usyk,” Allen confidently stated. “I have no doubt in my mind; he’s way too big. He’s all wrong for Usyk. The only fighters I can see giving him trouble are Zhang, because he’s as big as Bakole, Fury, and Joshua.”

     

    Bakole himself has been clear about his future aspirations in the sport. He has expressed a strong desire to take on several high-profile opponents. One of his immediate targets is Zhilei Zhang, a fighter whose size and power make him a potentially formidable matchup for Bakole. Another key goal for Bakole is to avenge his sole career loss, which came against Michael Hunter in 2018. Additionally, Bakole is eyeing the winner of the upcoming bout between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, which will determine the holder of the IBF world title.

     

    As Bakole continues to rise through the ranks, the boxing world will be watching closely to see how his career unfolds and whether he can indeed challenge Usyk or other top heavyweights for supremacy in the division.

  • Stephen Curry comparison aside, Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell is being underrated

    Stephen Curry comparison aside, Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell is being underrated

    When players are compared to all-time greats, all logic about what they actually bring to the table is thrown out the window. It’s a fact that Los Angeles Lakers fans are as familiar with as any, primarily due to the sheer number of all-time greats who have donned the purple and gold.

    Unfortunately, the shoe is now on the other foot—and one of the top Lakers players is facing the wrath of an unforgiving online community of basketball fans.

    D’Angelo Russell is navigating an offseason in which trade rumors have been incessant and his days in Los Angeles could be numbered. With the negative noise drowning out any positive thoughts, Russell has taken to social media to defend himself.

    In a now deleted post on X, Russell, “Humbly,” agreed with a statement that he can take over from beyond the arc just like Stephen Curry did at the Olympics.

    No one is able to do the things that Curry does, but the immediate response to Russell’s post has completely underrated how great of a shooter he is—a consistent theme this offseason

  • This mistake cost Tiger Woods the 2009 PGA. Why U.S. Amateur players are struggling with it again at Hazeltine

    This mistake cost Tiger Woods the 2009 PGA. Why U.S. Amateur players are struggling with it again at Hazeltine

    Chaska MINN. — Tiger Woods’ loss to Y.E. Yang in the 2009 PGA Championship was stunning in that it was the first time Woods had lost a major championship after being the 54-hole leader. What was also stunning was the way he lost it—by missing one crucial 10-foot putt after the next at Hazeltine National.

    If you rewatch the final round of the PGA, you’ll notice Woods missed putts inside 10 feet on Nos. 1, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17 and 18. What do they all have in common? Each time, Woods missed on the high side of the hole. After nearly all of them, Woods was seen gesturing that he was shocked the putts weren’t breaking more.

    Interestingly enough, players at this week’s U.S. Amateur at Hazeltine National are also noticing many of their putts are missing on the high side and not breaking as much as they anticipate.

    I feel like a lot of people are overreading a lot of putts,” said Garrett Engle, a senior at Chattanooga whose never-before-seen grip helped propel him to a marathon victory in the Round of 64 on Wednesday. The World’s No. 1-ranked amateur, Luke Clanton, who also won his opening-round match, agrees the greens aren’t breaking as much as players think.

    Tim Hanline, who has been a member at Hazeltine for about four years and is volunteering this week, says it’s not just golfers new to the course who get confused. Hanline noted that members often struggle because they play for too much break. He notes that Hazeltine’s caddies regularly advise half as much break as Hanline originally sees.