SPORTS

WEMBANYAMA AND SPURS DELIGHT AS THEY DOMINATE PACERS AT NBA PARIS GAMES

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With Victor Wembanyama (21) living up to expectations, the San Antonio Spurs dominated the Indiana Pacers at the Accor Arena in the first of two matches of the NBA Paris Games.

PATRICK MAHOMES SPLUNGERS ON KANSAS CITY CHIEFS TEAMMATES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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Thought is what matters when it comes to gift-giving, but Patrick Mahomes goes all out anyhow. In fact, the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, who has three children with wife Brittany Mahomes—Sterling, Bronze, and two—and is expecting a third, demonstrated that he doubles as Santa Claus by giving his teammates lavish holiday presents.

KENYA’S ICE LIONS: AGAINST ALL ODDS FOR THE LOVE OF ICE HOCKEY AT THE EQUATOR

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Deep in the heart of Nairobi, the average temperature well over 20°C outside; perhaps the most unlikely sport has found a home: ice hockey. The Kenya Ice Lions, an all- equator team and still the only ice hockey team in this East African country, have made what at one time was a cold-climate sporting event an equatorial passion.

LEBRON JAMES IS ABSENT TONIGHT AGAINST THE TIMBERWOLVES. HERE'S WHY

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LeBron James will miss Friday's game for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team’s injury report lists the four-time NBA MVP as out due to left foot soreness. Additionally, Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed that James is excused for personal reasons, as he was also absent from Wednesday’s practice.

After playing the first 23 games of the season without rest, James is set to miss back-to-back games. The 39-year-old veteran may be in dire need of a break, given the heavy workload he has carried in recent seasons. Last year, James appeared in a Lakers career-high 71 games, followed by five playoff contests and 11 games for Team USA over the summer in preparation for the Paris Olympics, including exhibition matches.

This season, James’ production has seen a slight dip. He is averaging 23.0 points per game—the lowest since his rookie year—on shooting splits of 50% from the field, 36% from three, and 76% from the free-throw line. While he is contributing 8.0 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game, he is also committing a career-high 4.1 turnovers per contest. At 39, James' decline has been most noticeable on the defensive end, which has impacted the Lakers’ overall performance.

Lakers rookie coach JJ Redick has been transparent about managing James’ workload this season. Redick revealed that the team maintains constant communication with the superstar regarding his health and recovery. “In-game, he’s asked for a sub a couple of times because
he’s gassed,” said Redick (via Sportskeeda’s Mark Medina). “We have to be mindful of the cumulative effect of playing so many minutes as the season progresses.”

James’ initial availability this season has been impressive, but the team may opt for more rest days moving forward. With injured players expected to return and potential roster upgrades through trades, the Lakers could alleviate some of the pressure on their aging star. However, James’ diminishing impact, particularly on defense, underscores the team’s need to adjust its strategies for success.

As the Lakers navigate this season, balancing James’ workload will be critical. While his presence remains vital, a measured approach could help preserve his effectiveness and sustain the team’s competitiveness in the long run.

STEPHEN A. SMITH DEFENDS SKIP BAYLESS IN SEXUAL HARASSMENT SUIT, CALLS HIM "CHEAP"

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Stephen A. Smith, renowned sports commentator, has stepped forward to address the allegations surrounding his former colleague, Skip Bayless. This comes after hairstylist Noushin Faraji filed a 42-page lawsuit accusing Bayless and Fox Sports executives of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.

LEWIS HAMILTON FASTEST IN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX PRACTICE, MAX VERSTAPPEN STRUGGLING

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Lewis Hamilton was fastest in Las Vegas Grand Prix practice on Thursday with McLaren's Lando Norris splitting the two Mercedes and George Russell completing a British trio on top of the Formula 1 timesheets in the second session.

SIMON BILES ROCKS PHOTO-COVERED OUTFIT HONORING HUSBAND JONATHAN OWEN'S AT BEARS GAME

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Simone Biles brought her game-day fashion to new heights while cheering on her husband, Jonathan Owens, during the Chicago Bears vs. Seattle Seahawks game on Thursday, Dec. 26. The 27-year-old gymnastics icon turned heads at Soldier Field, sporting a custom two-piece pants set adorned with multiple photos of Owens in his Bears uniform, complete with his number 36 prominently displayed.

FRANCES TIAFOE FINED $120,000FOR ON-COURT OUTBURST AT SHANGHAI MASTERS

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Frances Tiafoe has been hit with a $120,000 fine by the ATP for his heated outburst during a match at the Shanghai Masters in October. The American tennis player was penalized for aggravated behavior and verbal abuse after a confrontation with the chair umpire during a final set tiebreak against Roman Safiullin.