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Superstar LeBron James on Tuesday informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will continue his NBA career elsewhere.James, 41, has spent the past eight seasons with the Lakers, highlighted by helping the franchise win the 2020 NBA title.”LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers — including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold,” Lakers governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement. “We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family.”Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul spoke with Lakers president Rob Pelinka on Tuesday morning and informed the team of James’ plans to play elsewhere, per ESPN.The network reported Monday that the Golden State Warriors needed some financial flexibility if they were going to pursue James and complete a trade for Anthony Davis with the Washington Wizards. They achieved that when Draymond Green opted out of his deal. It is believed Green will renegotiate his contract with more team-friendly terms in the short run, freeing some cash for James.Paul also is the agent for Green and Davis.Per the report, James would take a pay cut to play for the Warriors. He played last season on the final year of a two-year, $101 million contract with the Lakers, and only Los Angeles could sign him to a deal in that salary range.ESPN reported the Warriors could offer him a $15.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception. Given James’ career earnings and a net worth estimated by Forbes at $1.4 billion, he reportedly is putting happiness over money this time around.A four-time NBA MVP and the league’s all-time leading scorer, James completed his record-setting 23rd NBA season. He officially will become a free agent at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday and will draw interest from teams aside from Golden State.James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds this past season with the Lakers. The 22-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion is the all-time leader in games (1,622) and points (43,440). Related Story Source link
Brazil’s Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti reacts during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 match against Japan at the Houston Stadium in Houston on June…
Paraguay stunned four-time world champions Germany 4-3 on penalties on Monday to advance to the World Cup round of 16 in one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history, after the teams were tied 1-1 over 120 minutes.Jose Canale hit the decisive penalty to give the underdogs a memorable victory and spark wild celebrations, as they advanced to the next round where they will face either title contenders France or Sweden in the last 16.The Germans saw Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah fail to score from the spot before Canale, after two misses by the South Americans, kept his composure to seal their win.For the Germans, who had a Tah header disallowed in extra time, it was a bitter defeat and the first time they lost a penalty shootout at a World Cup.”We should not be blaming the referee or the penalty shootout today,” Germany captain Joshua Kimmich said. “If you cannot beat Paraguay over 120 minutes then you are deservedly eliminated. You should not depend on the opponents’ luck or no luck. You should have the quality in the squad to clearly beat this opponent.”It was the biggest win at the tournament for the South Americans, who reached the quarter-finals in 2010 and had not qualified since, while Germany’s international reputation is now in tatters after consecutive World Cup group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022.”I think the feeling we have is difficult to explain,” a beaming Paraguay captain Gustavo Gomez said. “I’m very proud of my teammates and of this group. Today was a match in which we had to be Paraguay more than ever.””I think deep down Germany knew that if they wanted to beat us, they would have to sweat blood, because we were going to make defeat very, very expensive for them,” he said.Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann, who at the age of 38 became the youngest coach in a World Cup knockout stage in 40 years, will now be under massive pressure once he returns home after yet another World Cup debacle.”I am disappointed. It was just not enough to beat this opponent,” said Nagelsmann, who had publicly set Germany the goal of winning a fifth World Cup. “The opponent scored once and we did not defend very well. We lost control of possession. We tried a lot of things but we should have scored earlier.”If you are eliminated by Paraguay you are just not a first-class football team. I am very disappointed.” ATTACKING START Nagelsmann opted for an attacking lineup, giving his team’s top scorer in the tournament, Deniz Undav, his first start. The forward, who had three goals and two assists in the group stage, threatened early on with a curled shot as the Germans controlled possession.While spending most of the time without the ball, Paraguay were content to soak up the pressure as Germany attempted every possible route to their opponents’ goal but had no single effort on target in the entire first half.By the 35th minute Germany had completed 244 passes to Paraguay’s 31 but had not managed to come any closer to breaking the deadlock.Executing their game plan to perfection, the South Americans, with Miguel Almiron back in the side after his suspension, stunned the favourites with a quick move down the right before Enciso powered home his header to score his country’s first-ever goal in the knockout stage of a World Cup.The small pockets of Paraguay fans, completely outnumbered by the white-clad Germany supporters, exploded with joy, pounding their drums as silence fell across large swathes of the stands.Frustration was visible among the Germany players as their dominance proved unprecedented – no team had ever completed 253 more passes than their opponents in a World Cup first half and still gone in behind at halftime.They hit back nine minutes after the restart with Florian Wirtz floating a cross into the box and Havertz levelling with a glancing header. They thought they had snatched a winner in the 102nd minute when Tah headed in a corner at the far post but after a lengthy VAR review the goal was disallowed for a foul on the keeper. Related Story Source link
There are destinations that impress with their monuments, and then there are places that leave a lasting impression through their soul. Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan in Russia, belongs firmly to the latter category. Situated at the confluence of the Volga and Kazanka rivers, this fascinating city offers a remarkable blend of East and West, Islam and Christianity, tradition and modernity.Kremlin: A Symbol of HarmonyMy journey through Kazan began at the magnificent Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and undoubtedly the city’s crown jewel. As I walked through its historic walls, our guide Natalia explained that the Kremlin is not merely a fortress but a symbol of the unique coexistence that defines Kazan.”Here, you can see the story of Kazan in one place,” she said. “The Kremlin represents centuries of interaction between different cultures, religions and peoples.”The first landmark to capture my attention was the stunning Kul Sharif Mosque, with its distinctive turquoise domes rising against the skyline. Pointing towards the mosque, the guide explained that it stands as one of the largest mosques in Russia and a powerful symbol of Tatar identity.”The original mosque was destroyed during the conquest of Kazan in the 16th century,” she noted. “What you see today is a reconstruction that reflects the resilience and pride of the Tatar people.” The iconic Kul Sharif Mosque, with its striking turquoise domes, stands as a symbol of Tatar identity and one of the largest mosques in Russia.…
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz recovered on Monday, with 40 vessels passing through the waterway after a weekend dip triggered by renewed strikes between Iran and the United States. The figure, drawn from data compiled by maritime tracking firm Kpler, was up from 24 on Sunday and 39 on Saturday. Movement had picked up earlier in the week after Washington and Tehran agreed a cease-fire and a 60-day window for talks on ending the war. Last Wednesday saw 76 ships transit the strait — a vital artery for oil and gas cargoes — the highest count since March 1. Hundreds of vessels have been stuck in the Gulf since Iran effectively sealed the strait following the US and Israeli strikes of late February. Tehran has demanded that shipping hug a corridor close to its own coast, and while many have fallen in line, others have run an alternative route near the Omani shore, frequently under US military escort. Monday’s traffic was split fairly evenly between the two corridors — the Omani route used largely for west-to-east passage, the Iranian one mainly for east-to-west. Many ships, however, switch off their transponders before entering the strait, obscuring the route taken and leaving only a partial read on overall volumes. Related Story Source link
TOPSHOT – Morocco’s head coach Mohamed Ouahbi and Morocco’s midfielder #11 Ismael Saibari celebrate after winning in the shootout during the 2026 World Cup round of…
Andrew MCKIRDY Bleary-eyed fans in Tokyo struggled to come to terms with Japan's World Cup exit after watching their heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Japan took the lead in their last-32 clash against the five-time champions in Houston, but Brazil equalised before Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in the 95th minute. The goal knocked the stuffing out of the 200 or so fans who had gathered to watch a match that kicked off at 2:00 am. Japan time at a public viewing in central Tokyo.Shigenobu Katsumura, wearing a blue Japan shirt and scarf, told AFP that he was proud of the team's effort but disappointed by the manner of their defeat.’To take an opponent like Brazil as far as that, you don't know what would have happened if it had gone to extra time,’ said the 55-year-old.’There was still a chance, so to have that chance snuffed out is frustrating.’Japan beat Brazil for the first time in a friendly in October last year in Tokyo and their supporters believed they could shock them again.The time difference between the World Cup in North America meant fans in Japan were able to watch their team's three group-stage games at a reasonable time, with most kicking off around breakfast time or even later.Fans had to choose between setting an early alarm or staying up all night for the game against Brazil, which ended around 4:00 am local time.’I've been up all night,’ said 29-year-old office worker Noa Takagi.’I'm going to go home and then go to work tomorrow. Oh no, it's actually today. I'm going to work today, from 8:30.’Late heartbreak The fans gave a collective gulp before kick-off as they watched Brazil's players sing their national anthem in their iconic canary yellow shirts, blue shorts and white socks.But apprehension turned to joy in the 29th minute when Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano drove upfield before sweeping the ball past Brazil goalkeeper Alisson for the opening goal.The nerves returned when Brazil equalised 11 minutes into the second half, and the tension reached fever pitch when the South Americans laid siege to the Japanese goal as the game moved into injury time.Martinelli punctured Japan's hopes when he popped up at the death to score the winner, leaving fans to stagger out into the Tokyo morning in search of answers.’I thought we could win, so the end was disappointing,’ said 35-year-old Tomo Yoshida, wearing a curly blue wig poking through his straw hat.’I think Brazil showed what a strong football country they are. They were very good.’ Japan had said they were aiming to win the World Cup, an ambitious target for a team that had never won a knock-out game at the tournament.That unwanted record remains after their latest disappointment, but supporters were at least proud that they had given Brazil a run for their money. ‘I came here for the first game against the Netherlands and the atmosphere was completely different today,’ said fan Katsumura.’The passion is different when you get to the knockout stage.’ Source link
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his players for producing an “extraordinary” performance after beating Germany on penalties to secure a place in the World Cup last 16 on Monday.Julio Enciso gave Paraguay a first-half lead in Foxborough, but Kai Havertz equalised and it appeared four-time world champions Germany would eventually scrape through in extra time.However, Jonathan Tah had a goal chalked off and Paraguay won 4-3 in a dramatic shootout as goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves, after a 1-1 draw. “I experienced it with great intensity, like everyone,” said Alfaro.”It was a match full of tension from start to finish because we knew we were facing one of the main title contenders, a rival of enormous quality who, beforehand, were favourites.” Alfaro said his team executed the game plan effectively, limiting Germany’s ability to impose their style.”The players understood perfectly what the match required and put in a huge effort to prevent Germany from finding spaces and playing their game,” he said.He acknowledged the physical toll of the contest, pointing to the demanding conditions on a hot day in Massachusetts.”It’s true we lacked certain things, but the demands of the match were very high. The temperature was high and the constant effort to recover and close down spaces often left us with less energy to attack,” Alfaro added.Germany had never before lost a World Cup shootout, but Paraguay held their nerve — even after Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena missed kicks that would have secured victory.Even that, Alfaro felt, was part of Paraguay’s identity. “It seems if we don’t suffer, it doesn’t count. The shootout was dramatic, going to the sixth penalty,” he said, before dedicating the win to supporters.”This qualification is for all Paraguayans who believed in us.” Paraguay won a World Cup knockout match for only the second time. Their reward is a potential date with tournament favourites France, if Didier Deschamps’ side can get past Sweden on Tuesday.Enciso, who plays for Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, acknowledged the challenge ahead but said he was confident Paraguay can keep their unexpected run going.”They’re a very good team, with players of the very highest level. No need to name them, they’re stars. They win everything and we’re going to prepare to face them as such,” said Enciso, who came off with an injury in the second half.”We also have our own strengths, and with our style of play, we’re going to try to make things difficult for any opponent.”A win in the next round would allow Paraguay to match their best World Cup result. They reached the quarter-finals in 2010 before losing to a late goal against eventual champions Spain.Enciso attributed Paraguay’s victory over Germany to the team’s fearless mentality.”We respected them a lot because we knew their players. They have some very good players. But we’re not afraid of anyone,” he said. Related Story Source link
Insurance Premiums When it comes to car insurance in Dubai, your driving record cannot be ignored. Many drivers wonder if traffic fines affect premiums. Even though the impact is not direct, your record still influences your insurance costs. Poor driving habits and traffic violations can lead to higher costs, making it important to keep a clean record. With a few smart tips, you can easily do that and keep your premiums in check! Indirect Impact of Traffic Fines on Car Insurance in Dubai, UAE Your driving record or driving history plays an important role in the calculation of your vehicle insurance premiums. The top car insurance companies in Dubai check your previous driving record to analyse the level of risk you pose as a driver. Traffic fines and penalties in such a situation have an indirect impact on your car insurance premiums. Generally, insurers increase your premium if you have a poor driving record. How Traffic Fines Impact Your Dubai Car Insurance Premiums? While there are no direct impacts of traffic violations on your insurance premiums, you can still observe an impact in an indirect manner. Here are the indirect effects of traffic violations — Poor Driving Skills – If you have traffic violations like minor accidents, wrong parking, and so on, it shows that you have poor driving skills. In such a situation, the insurer will consider you as a reckless and unsafe driver. This can lead to higher premiums on your motor insurance. Unhealthy Driving Habits – Driving under the influence or skipping traffic lights often leads to black points, traffic fines, licence suspension, and vehicle impoundment. Unhealthy driving habits also become part of your driving record, leading to an increase in car insurance premiums. Black Points and Licence Suspension – Accumulating up to 24 points can lead to licence suspension or revocation. To purchase car insurance in UAE, a driving licence is essential. Thus, in the absence of a licence, your insurance application can be rejected. The impact of traffic violations can last for several years, depending on the severity of the offence. Hacks to Lower Your Car Insurance PremiumsA poor driving record can undoubtedly be improved. This, in turn, can lower your insurance premium. There are some hacks to improve your driving skills and eventually lower your premium — Enroll in Defensive Driving Courses – Consider taking defensive driving courses and upgrading your driving skills. These courses help you upskill and motivate you to keep a clean driving record in future. Take Advantage of Discounts and Waivers on Dubai Traffic Fines – There are certain occasions on which the Dubai RTA and Dubai Police offer exclusive discounts on paying off traffic fines. Make the most of them and try to pay off the fines in such instances. Safe Driving – To avoid any further fines and black points, make sure you drive safely. A clear driving record implies you are a safe driver. Most insurers, in fact, even offer safe driver discounts on the insurance premiums for each accident-free driving year. To SummariseWhile traffic fines may not directly raise your car insurance premiums in Dubai, they can certainly affect your driving record and perception as a driver. Being safe on the road and enrolling in defensive driving courses are some easy ways to protect your record and bring down premiums. Source link
Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli struck in the 95th minute in Houston to break Japanese hearts in the most dramatic fashion. (Reuters) Substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored deep in injury time as Brazil beat a stubborn Japan 2-1 on Monday to roll into the World Cup last 16.Arsenal winger Martinelli struck in the 95th minute in Houston to break Japanese hearts in the most dramatic fashion.The five-time champions will face either the Ivory Coast or Norway in New Jersey on Sunday after edging a captivating knockout encounter.Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano scored a classy solo goal after 29 minutes following a Brazil mistake to stun the huge numbers of fans decked out in yellow.Carlo Ancelotti’s men hit back 11 minutes after half-time with a header from veteran Casemiro as Brazil dominated the second period. Then up popped Martinelli right at the death to settle it and send the Brazil fans wild.History was against Japan: they had never won a knockout game at the World Cup while Brazil were record five-time champions. But this is not a vintage Brazil side, even with Ancelotti at the helm, while Japan have been talked of as dark horses. Brazil’s Gabriel Martinelli celebrates…