NBA LAKERS

The Lakers face a tough call this season. LeBron James remains a top player but struggles to lift a mismatched team deep into the playoffs. Some argue his $52. 6 million salary ties up too much money that could build a more balanced roster. Others say his presence alone makes the Lakers better, even

The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the season with high hopes, banking on a trio of Japanese pitchers—Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Masataka Sasaki—to turn their fortunes around. Fans and analysts quickly dubbed them "SOY, " a playful nod to their combined initials. Catcher Will Smith, often o