Daily News 19

Author: Jordan Hayes

  • Bronny James’ Path to Lakers Clears After Rival Joins Mavericks

    Bronny James’ Path to Lakers Clears After Rival Joins Mavericks

    Bronny James has secured a potentially pivotal opportunity with the Los Angeles Lakers after guard Nick Smith Jr. departed the NBA to sign with Real Madrid, the Spanish powerhouse where Luka Dončić first emerged as a European star.

    Nick Smith Jr. Joins Real Madrid on One-Year Deal

    Smith had been directly competing with Bronny for rotation minutes last season, but the Lakers declined his $2.49 million team option, allowing him to enter free agency. His next destination is now confirmed.

    “Free agent guard Nick Smith Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal with Real Madrid, agents Lucas Newton and Calvin Andrews of Klutch Sports told @hoopshype,” Michael Scotto reported. “He averaged 7.6 points in 17.5 minutes during three NBA seasons with the Hornets and Lakers. He’ll be Real Madrid’s lead guard.”

    Statistical Comparison and Lakers’ Clear Priority

    Smith’s departure is significant because he outperformed Bronny statistically during the 2024–25 campaign. Smith averaged 6.2 points in 12.5 minutes across 30 games, shooting 43.5% from the field. Bronny appeared in 42 games but averaged 2.9 points in 8.9 minutes while shooting 40.9%.

    Despite the statistical gap, the Lakers signaled their long-term commitment on June 29 by fully guaranteeing Bronny’s $2.3 million salary for the 2026–27 season while declining Smith’s option.

    Bronny James Reacts to Former Teammate’s Move

    Bronny showed no ill will regarding Smith’s European move, commenting on his former teammate’s Instagram announcement: “Damn thats fire bro be great!!!”

    JJ Redick Endorses Bronny’s Defensive Development

    Head coach JJ Redick has consistently voiced support for Bronny’s progress, particularly on the defensive end.

    “I know there was a stretch recently where he didn’t shoot it well and of course, he had a nice shooting game against Utah,” Redick said. “He’s improved a ton defensively in terms of his body positioning, both on and off ball. We want him to continue to evolve as a disruptive defender as well.”

    While Redick’s praise does not guarantee Bronny a major role, one direct competitor for backcourt minutes has now exited. Smith has joined the same European club where Dončić developed before his NBA jump, while Bronny remains in Los Angeles with another season to prove he deserves an expanded place in the Lakers’ rotation.

  • Andy Burnham Completes Great North Run: ‘I loved it’

    Andy Burnham Completes Great North Run: ‘I loved it’

    Andy Burnham addressed the media after completing the Great North Run, marking the first time an acting Prime Minister has finished the event.

  • Dino Beganovic Dominates F2 Feature Race at Madring

    Dino Beganovic Dominates F2 Feature Race at Madring

    Dino Beganovic Dominates Madrid F2 Feature Race for First Season Victory

    DAMS Lucas Oil driver Dino Beganovic delivered a commanding lights-to-flag performance to win the FIA Formula 2 Feature Race in Madrid, securing his maiden victory of the 2025 campaign. Starting from pole position, Beganovic executed a flawless start and managed two Safety Car restarts with precision, ultimately crossing the finish line more than seven seconds clear of the field.

    Podium Finishers: Dunne and Miyata Chase Beganovic Home

    Rodin Motorsport’s Alexander Dunne finished a distant second, while Ritomo Miyata continued his strong weekend for Hitech Pulse-Eight. After claiming victory in Saturday’s Sprint Race, the Japanese driver added a Feature Race podium with a solid run to third place.

    Top Ten Shaped by Penalties and Overtakes

    Joshua Duerksen (Invicta Racing) took fourth ahead of Emerson Fittipaldi (AIX Racing) and Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak (ART Grand Prix). Further back, Gabriele Minì produced one of the drives of the day for MP Motorsport, carving his way from 13th on the grid to seventh with a series of decisive overtakes. Teammate Martinius Stenshorne followed him home in eighth.

    Roman Bilinski initially took the chequered flag in tenth for Invicta Racing but was promoted to ninth after Rafael Camara received a 10-second time penalty for causing a collision with Ollie Goethe. The result awards Bilinski a valuable championship point.

    Championship Leader Tsolov Suffers Setback

    It was a weekend to forget for title protagonist Nikola Tsolov. The championship leader ended the Feature Race at the back of the classification following contact, leaving the standings wide open heading into the final rounds.

    Next Stop: Baku for Round 12

    The FIA Formula 2 Championship now heads to the Baku City Circuit for Round 12, scheduled for September 24–26. The high-speed street track traditionally produces chaotic, opportunity-rich racing that could further shuffle the title fight.

    For a comprehensive breakdown of every incident, strategy call, and sector time from the Madrid Feature Race, read the full official race report.

  • Travis Kelce Reveals What Beats Winning Super Bowl with Chiefs: “The best night of my life”

    Travis Kelce Reveals What Beats Winning Super Bowl with Chiefs: “The best night of my life”

    Travis Kelce has spent years collecting some of the biggest prizes in the NFL, but the Kansas City Chiefs star has now made clear that one night stands above everything he has achieved on the field.

    Kelce Confirms Madison Square Garden Wedding

    Kelce married Taylor Swift at Madison Square Garden on July 3, with around 1,000 guests in attendance, and he has finally opened up about the experience in a newly released ESPN interview. When Chris Berman asked whether the wedding had really happened, Kelce replied: “This is true, this is true,” before joking, “Didn’t I see you there?”

    ‘Best Night of My Life’

    He then made his feelings about the occasion unmistakable. “It was the best night of my life,” Kelce said.

    Wedding Surpassed Expectations

    The tight end, who has won multiple Super Bowls with the Chiefs, described marrying Swift as something even greater than he had imagined. “Marrying Taylor was more than I could have ever dreamed it to be because of all the people that showed up, and the amount of, you know, love that was in the air.”

    Patrick Mahomes Shares Guest Perspective

    Patrick Mahomes was among the guests and also offered his own view of the celebration. “My perspective, it was a lot of fun, I did a little dancing,” Mahomes said.

    The Chiefs quarterback was still recovering from his ACL and LCL injuries at the time, which limited just how far he could go on the dance floor. “I didn’t know if I was gonna be able to dance, and it was good to get my first dancing experience of the offseason.”

    Kelce Reflects on a Night to Remember

    Kelce had already spoken about the wedding on his New Heights podcast earlier in September, where he thanked those who attended. “Me and Taylor are so thankful for everybody that showed up,” he said. “From the vows to just seeing everyone, to how much fun we had, throughout the entire evening.”

    He added: “And hearing that, kind of be relayed through everybody’s stories of the night. And it was just so magical, man.”

  • Country Singer Brian ‘Nashville’ Duckworth Dies at 56

    Country Singer Brian ‘Nashville’ Duckworth Dies at 56

    Country singer Brian “Nashville” Duckworth has died at the age of 56 at his home in Clarksburg, West Virginia, on September 7, according to his obituary. The cause of death has not been disclosed, and no official explanation has been confirmed.

    Family Band Taylor Made Earned National Recognition

    Duckworth was best known as a member of the family country group Taylor Made, performing alongside his brother Greg Duckworth and sister Wendy Williams. The trio began singing together long before gaining wider recognition, eventually building a career that included performances alongside established country artists.

    In 2013, the group was named Independent Artist of the Year by MusicRow, a milestone reported by Page Six that marked their arrival in the broader industry.

    Obituary Highlights Lifelong Passion for Music

    Duckworth’s obituary described music as one of the central parts of his life.

    “He loved to sing and proudly performed with his family band, Taylor Made. Brian never passed up an opportunity to share his voice, earning him the affectionate nickname ‘Nashville.’”

    The nickname reflected his deep connection to country music and his pride in performing with his family.

    Life Beyond the Stage

    Away from music, Duckworth worked as a dump truck driver for Wolfe’s Excavating. His life remained strongly connected to his family and local community in West Virginia, even as his music career brought regional and national attention.

    Survivors and Funeral Arrangements

    Duckworth is survived by his wife, six children, four grandchildren, and several siblings. His funeral is scheduled for September 14, with entombment to follow at Floral Hills Memorial Garden in West Virginia.

    Cause of Death Remains Undisclosed

    The lack of an official cause of death remains the key unanswered question surrounding his passing. For now, the confirmed facts are limited to his death at home at the age of 56 and the family’s decision not to publicly disclose what caused it.

  • Diomande Sparks Early Concerns: “His technical precision is far too poor”

    Diomande Sparks Early Concerns: “His technical precision is far too poor”

    Real Madrid Secure 4-1 Win Over Rayo Vallecano as Diomande Makes First Start

    Real Madrid claimed a comfortable 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu on Matchday 5, but the headlines focused heavily on the full debut of summer signing Yan Diomande. The Ivorian winger, acquired from RB Leipzig for a reported €140 million, was handed his first LaLiga start by manager José Mourinho after four substitute appearances in the league and a brief 12-minute Champions League cameo against Inter Milan.

    Diomande Substituted After 72 Minutes Amid Scrutiny

    Diomande’s afternoon lasted 72 minutes before he was withdrawn. While the team’s attacking output was prolific—Kylian Mbappé scored a brace, with Álvaro Carreras and Jude Bellingham also on target—the young winger’s individual display drew immediate, sharp criticism from the broadcast booth.

    Rothen Highlights “World of Difference” in Technical Level

    Former France international and current DAZN France commentator Jérôme Rothen delivered a blunt assessment during the official broadcast. The ex-Paris Saint-Germain player warned that the 20-year-old faces a steep learning curve to meet the club’s standards.

    “He will have to progress very quickly; there is a world of difference between Yan Diomande and the rest of the Real Madrid players. His technical precision is far too poor for the demands of this club,”

    asserted Jérôme Rothen on DAZN France after witnessing the player’s substitution in the 72nd minute of the match.

    The remarks quickly gained traction across social media platforms, amplified by accounts such as Actu Foot and news outlets including Tribuna.com, sparking widespread debate regarding the player’s readiness for elite-level football.

    Bernabéu Crowd and Coaching Staff Preach Patience

    Despite the punditry backlash, the atmosphere inside the stadium told a different story. The home faithful applauded Diomande as he made way for his teammate, a gesture echoed by fans online who emphasized that a first league start for a €140 million teenager naturally requires an adjustment period.

    Behind the scenes, the mood at Valdebebas remains calm. Mourinho is understood to trust the player’s considerable upside and intends to manage his minutes progressively. The dressing room, well-versed in the intense scrutiny placed on high-profile young talents, is advocating for composure. The coaching staff will continue working on the tactical and technical precision aspects flagged by the criticism, backing the winger to bridge the gap through match practice.

    Match Summary

    • Result: Real Madrid 4–1 Rayo Vallecano
    • Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
    • Goalscorers: Kylian Mbappé (2), Álvaro Carreras, Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid); Sergio Camello (Rayo Vallecano)
    • Key Talking Point: Yan Diomande’s first LaLiga start and subsequent criticism from Jérôme Rothen
  • LIVE COVERAGE: Antonelli Wins Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid

    LIVE COVERAGE: Antonelli Wins Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid

    Live Coverage Underway for 2026 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid

    Live coverage is currently active for Sunday’s Formula 1 TAG Heuer Gran Premio de Espana 2026, marking the championship’s highly anticipated debut at the Madrid street circuit.

    Historic First Race at Madrid Circuit

    The 2026 edition of the Spanish Grand Prix represents a historic milestone for Formula 1, shifting the traditional venue from Barcelona to the Spanish capital. The race weekend culminates with Sunday’s main event, where drivers and teams navigate the new layout surrounding the IFEMA exhibition center.

    Follow the Action in Real Time

    Comprehensive live coverage provides real-time updates throughout the Grand Prix, including lap-by-lap timing, sector splits, team radio highlights, and strategic analysis as the race unfolds in Madrid.

  • Mercedes thought it had pole position until Lando Norris took it

    Mercedes thought it had pole position until Lando Norris took it

    Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff briefly believed rookie Kimi Antonelli had secured pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix – until Lando Norris snatched it away in the closing moments of qualifying at the new Madring circuit.

    Antonelli’s Strong Run Fallen Short

    Antonelli markedly improved on his initial Q3 benchmark of 1m32.140s with a blistering 1m31.835s on his second flying lap, outpacing all rivals by at least 0.178 seconds. All, that is, except one. Norris, whose first effort sat at 1m32.525s, vaulted to pole position with a 1m31.824s – a margin of just 0.011s – despite what McLaren team principal Andrea Stella described as a three-tenth loss in the final corner.

    Wolff Sees the Positive in P2

    Wolff admitted he didn’t see the McLaren surge coming but preferred to frame the result as a gain rather than a loss.

    “It’s gained, looking at it that way,” Wolff told Austrian broadcaster ORF. “Before the weekend, I never believed we’d be at the front on this track layout.

    “When Lewis crossed the line, it seemed clear we were winning this. And then Lando puts in a lap like that under conditions that suddenly got so hot, where he is so good at managing rear overheating. It’s flawless.”

    McLaren had been slower than Mercedes in every practice session and qualifying segment prior to Q3, making the sudden performance swing a surprise to the Mercedes camp.

    “That surprised us, too,” he said. “But Lando has shown in the past that he can occasionally pull out a lap like that. Especially when it comes to getting a handle on rear axle overheating as best as possible. And in that regard, I think he’s in a league of his own.”

    Race Strategy Focused on Championship Battle

    Asked how he expected Sunday’s race to unfold, Wolff pointed directly to the drivers’ championship fight. Lewis Hamilton, identified as Mercedes’ main title rival, currently trails Antonelli by 76 points, while George Russell holds a slender 10-point advantage over his former teammate.

    “The most important thing is that we don’t crash into anything; that wouldn’t be good for the cost cap,” he pointed out. “And not losing points to Lewis and Ferrari. I think here you have to score, drive home, hopefully end up on the podium, hopefully ahead of Lewis. Then we’ve reached our goals.”

  • England Test Opener May Not Need Specialist Amid Gay, Bethell & Cox Debate, Says Trescothick

    England Test Opener May Not Need Specialist Amid Gay, Bethell & Cox Debate, Says Trescothick

    England Test Coach Fleming Arrives for Talks as Backroom Staff Reshuffle Looms

    Newly appointed England Test coach Gary Fleming is set to hold meetings with the England cricket hierarchy this week after missing the team’s 3-0 series victory over Pakistan in July. The former New Zealand captain, who took the role earlier this summer, is expected to observe portions of England’s white-ball series against Sri Lanka. The ODI and T20 squads remain under the leadership of Fleming’s fellow countryman and close friend, Brendon McCullum.

    Coaching Structure Set for Reorganisation

    During McCullum’s tenure overseeing both Test and white-ball formats, the backroom staff—including Marcus Trescothick as assistant coach—operated across all formats. However, a restructuring of the coaching team now appears likely. Reports indicate Fleming approached former Australia batter Mike Hussey for a position, though Australian media outlets suggest Hussey has declined the offer.

    Trescothick confirmed he has not received clarity regarding his future role within the new setup. While he acknowledged having a preference, he declined to disclose details.

    “It’s probably best I don’t mention it at the moment because it may not be the case of what happens,” he said. “I love doing both formats. It’s brilliant and I’ve been privileged to be in the position of assistant coach.”

    Kevin Pietersen Returns to England Setup After 12-Year Absence

    In a significant development, former England teammate Kevin Pietersen will join Trescothick on the coaching staff. Pietersen has been appointed as a consultant for the white-ball team, marking his return to the national setup 12 years after his effective dismissal following the 5-0 Ashes defeat in Australia during the 2013-14 series.

    The 46-year-old’s first official day back is Sunday, when he will join preparations for the opening T20 international against Sri Lanka in Southampton on Tuesday.

    “We’ve spoken already, to plan a little bit,” said Trescothick. “I gave him a couple of things that I wanted him to look at, to get his advice on.”

    “He is buzzing. Putting back on the shirt or the tracksuit, he is buzzing for that opportunity.”

    “Having his presence around and the knowledge he has about batting – he sees batting in a different light to many different people. If we can tap into that, it’s only going to benefit the team.”

  • Prime Minister Andy Burnham Competes at Great North Run

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham Competes at Great North Run

    Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has discussed his motivation for taking part in the Great North Run. The annual half-marathon, which runs between Newcastle and South Shields, draws thousands of participants each year.

    Burnham outlined his personal reasons for competing in the high-profile event. Further details regarding his specific comments and the context of his remarks are expected to follow.