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Star guard Flau'jae Johnson announced Wednesday that she is continuing her college basketball career at LSU.
"Yes, I'm coming back to LSU," Johnson told Front Office Sports.
Digging a little deeper, Johnson said her decision dealt with having conversations with head coach Kim Mulkey as opposed to testing the transfer portal -- which officially closed on Wednesday.
"This is my last year," Johnson said. "I definitely want to win, but I want to make sure I'm being developed to be the player that I want to be in the WNBA. Trying to find out how I can make that happen this year. I want to be as prepared as possible."
Johnson is one of the sport's most marketable players and also a rapper who has released three albums. She has NIL deals with Powerade, Puma, Amazon, Experian and several other companies. On3 estimates her NIL valuation at $1.5 million.
Johnson, 21, was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference and third-team All-America selection last season. She averaged 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 steals in 34 games (all starts).
Johnson won a national championship with LSU as a freshman in 2022-23 and has career averages of 14.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals in 106 games (104 starts).
She helped the Tigers finish 31-6 this past season, but they lost to top-seeded UCLA in an NCAA Tournament regional final.
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New report suggests Christian Wilkins release related to 'incident' with teammate
There may be more to Christian Wilkins’ recent surprise release from the Las Vegas Raiders. NFL reporter Josina Anderson reported Saturday that "some sources believe an incident involving a teammate may have factored in-part into the Raiders' fatigue and release" of Wilkins. The nature of the incident is not clear. However, many believe the Raiders had a very good reason to move on from Wilkins considering the money they had invested in him. It also suggests the Raiders saw no alternative if they went straight to a release. Wilkins was dumped by the Raiders just one year into a four-year, $110 million deal. The Raiders suggested Wilkins failed to take rehab seriously as he tries to work his way back from a foot injury. Other teams do not appear to have the same concerns about Wilkins as the Raiders did, and he should find a new landing spot fairly easily. That is one of the reasons some suspect there is more to the Raiders’ decision than they are publicly saying.
New suitor emerges for Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez
The Arizona Diamondbacks have plenty of suitors for third baseman Eugenio Suarez. A new team has reportedly entered the market for his services. Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Phillies have reached out regarding Suarez. While Lauber did not provide any indication as to whether or not those talks have gained traction, the Phillies are an intriguing suitor for the Diamondbacks' third baseman. The Phillies' interest may be a recent development. Jon Heyman of the New York Post speculated on Friday that the Phillies could emerge as a suitor in the wake of third baseman Alec Bohm landing on the injured list with a fractured left rib. Suarez is in the midst of what is arguably his best season thus far. He has produced a .249/.321/.587 batting line in 421 plate appearances entering Saturday with 36 homers and a major league-leading 87 RBI. Suarez would be more than just another powerful bat in the lineup. Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and first baseman Bryce Harper are both left-handed hitters — adding Suarez would provide more balance in the batting order. He would also provide a counter against opposing managers bringing in a lefty reliever to face Schwarber and Harper. The biggest question would be how the Phillies would handle an eventual logjam on the roster. Bohm is expected to return from the IL in mid-August and would not have a clear path to regular at-bats if Suarez were acquired. Schwarber could theoretically return to left field to open up playing time at the DH spot, but his outfield defense is mediocre at best. However, as the Phillies are also looking to upgrade the outfield, where Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh have been disappointments, adding Suarez could solve several problems in one fell swoop.
LA Lakers make final call on LeBron James’ future, reports NBA insider
The LA Lakers appear to be in agreement about what comes next with LeBron James. LeBron has been a major figure for the Lakers ever since he arrived, stepping into the spotlight just two years after Kobe Bryant retired and quickly taking on the role of franchise leader. It didn’t take long for him to make an impact. Within two years, LeBron helped turn things around, leading them from lottery struggles to an NBA title. While the seasons that followed have been mixed, he’s remained a steady presence throughout. But things have shifted since Luka Doncic joined in February. It’s clear now that Doncic is the new focal point of the team. That’s not surprising given Doncic’s talent and age. The club has every reason to build around him for the future. As for LeBron, he picked up his $52.6 million player option for next season, but beyond that, it’s unclear what his future holds with LA. LA Lakers are open to letting LeBron James leave in free agency Marc Stein has published a detailed report looking at what’s next for LeBron James, and when it comes to his time with the Lakers, he believes this season will be his last. Stein went on to say that LeBron is expected to leave the Lakers in free agency. Given the franchise’s forward-looking approach, both James and his camp are well aware of this. “I think he knows, deep down, that the threat of him leaving Lakerland next summer is no threat at all now. “It was a worry for every team he played for through the first 22 seasons of his career, but the Lakers’ widely presumed preferred scenario for their future is letting James’ contract drop off their books after the 2025-26 season. “Paul’s statement upon announcing the player option decision, which is featured in full further down, essentially hints at this understanding if you read it carefully.” LeBron James expected to stay with Lakers for the season Stein also mentioned that James is expected to remain with the Lakers for now. There haven’t been any trade or buyout requests from James, and that doesn’t look like it will change. “I believe that, as August draws near, LeBron is going to be at his eighth Lakers training camp in a row come late September, which would represent the longest continuous stretch with one team in his Longevity GOAT career. “He has not asked for a trade this offseason, he has not asked for a buyout. He also surely knows that asking for one or the other doesn’t automatically ensure that either scenario will materialize. “I believe that forecast is the right one because James understands the dynamics of this league as well as any player ever has.” If this season does turn out to be LeBron’s final chapter with the Lakers, he’ll be looking to go out on a high note. Teaming up with Luka Doncic gives them a real shot at making a strong playoff run.
Maple Leafs Linked With All-Star in Potential Move
As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to search for different ways to improve the roster, one area where the team needs help is depth. This could see Toronto's front office explore multiple options to bring more talent to the team. And it seems that the Maple Leafs are being linked with a former All-Star to help bolster the team. That would be veteran Max Pacioretty, who spent this past season with the Maple Leafs. Toronto and reportedly have mutual interest in a reunion, but nothing has come about yet. Pacioretty was rumored to be retiring earlier in the offseason, but it seems that he could return for another season. The veteran only played 37 games for the Maple Leafs this past season, mainly due to injury. With the Maple Leafs, Pacioretty scored just five goals and put up eight assists. Since his time on the ice was limited, the veteran may want to come back to prove he can still produce. This would give Pacioretty a chance to go out on his own terms, rather than leaving following an injury-riddled season. Pacioretty would give the Maple Leafs some needed depth, and he could play an important role in the backend of the lines. While the veteran isn't the same player that he once was, he could still give this team a jolt if he can stay healthy. But whether he decides to return or call it a career remains up in the air. However, it seems that if he does return for next season, the Maple Leafs may be the only team that he considers.
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