N.B.A
LOS ANGELES (AP) – LeBron James has agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension through the 2024-25 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, his agent announced Wednesday.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul said the league-max deal makes James the highest-paid player in NBA history. His new deal includes a player option that would keep the second-leading scorer in NBA history with the Lakers past his 40th birthday in December 2024.
James, 37, is heading into the final year of his most recent contract with the Lakers, who signed the four-time NBA MVP and four-time league champion in July 2018 The new agreement means 18 times. All-Star will make $46.7 million this season.
NFL
Talks between the NFL and the NFL Players Association regarding a disciplinary settlement for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson have progressed. However, it is uncertain whether the two sides will reach an agreement, two people familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The people spoke to AP on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case.
The parties are seeking a compromise before any punishment is handed down by Peter C. Harvey, a former New Jersey attorney general who was appointed by Commissioner Roger Goodell to rule on the league’s appeal of a suspension of six parties that an independentist already imposed on Watson. disciplinary official.
— By AP sports writers Rob Maaddi and Tom Withers.
COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Derwin James signed a four-year, $76.5 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday, making him the NFL’s highest-paid safety.
The deal includes $42 million in guaranteed salary.
James is going into his fifth season. He was on the field Wednesday as the Chargers began two days of joint practices with the Dallas Cowboys. He did not participate in the first three weeks of practice and only participated in guided tours as the two sides worked on an expansion.
James’ deal eclipses the four-year, $72.98 million extension Pittsburgh’s Minkah Fitzpatrick signed in June. That included $36 million in guaranteed salary.
MLB
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jon Daniels is leaving as president of baseball operations for the Texas Rangers after two World Series appearances during 17 years at the club’s helm, likely ending his tenure with a string of losing seasons.
Team owner Ray Davis said Wednesday that Daniels was being relieved of his duties immediately after the decision was made not to renew his contract at the end of this year.
Daniels’ departure came two days after coach Chris Woodward was fired in his fourth season. It also came less than nine months after the Rangers committed more than half a million dollars to sign free agents Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, and starting pitcher Jon Gray.
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – Three-time AL MVP Mike Trout intends to return to the Los Angeles Angels’ lineup Friday in Detroit.
Trout has not played since July 12, missing the Angels’ last 30 games with an upper back and rib cage injury. He faced live pitching Monday and worked out Wednesday, leaving him confident he will be able to play against the Tigers when the Angels open a 10-game road trip.
Trout earned an All-Star selection this summer while hitting .270 with 24 homers and 51 RBIs in 79 games, but has missed significant playing time — and the All-Star Game — due to injuries for the second straight season consecutive The center fielder played in just 36 games last season before being sidelined for the year in mid-May with a calf strain.
AUTOMATIC CARS
CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) – Team Penske signed Ryan Blaney to a multi-year contract extension ahead of its latest push to reach the NASCAR playoffs.
Blaney has been a part of the Penske organization since he was 19 years old and ran three races in 2012 in the Xfinity Series. He has been part of the three-car Cup lineup at Penske since 2018, and the team said Wednesday that his extension is a “long-term agreement” for him to remain in the No. 12 Ford.
The seven-time Cup winner has made the playoffs every season since 2017, but is on the bubble with two regular-season races remaining. Blaney is second in the standings, which in any other year would be good enough for one of the 16 playoff spots.
TENNIS
NEW YORK (AP) – Venus Williams will return to the U.S. Open this year after receiving a wildcard Wednesday in what could be younger sister Serena’s final tournament.
Venus Williams won the US Open in 2000 and 2001, and this year marks 25 years since she reached the 1997 final at Flushing Meadows as a 17-year-old in her first full tour season.
Now 42, Williams missed last year’s US Open due to injury, but the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion recently returned to the tour after missing nearly a year.
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