ace super online casino login registration High-Amperage WLM6E-2000A-3300 Electronic Molded Case Circuit Breaker for Industrial and Commercial ApplicationsMadhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav To Attend Four Events In Ujjain

Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister whose economic reforms made his country a global powerhouse, has died at the age of 92, current leader Narendra Modi said Thursday. India "mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders," Modi posted on social media platform X shortly after news broke of Singh's passing. "As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people's lives." Singh was taken to a hospital in New Delhi after he lost consciousness at his home on Thursday, but could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at 9:51 pm local time, according to a statement by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Singh, who held office from 2004 to 2014, is credited with having overseen an economic boom in Asia's fourth-largest economy in his first term, although slowing growth in later years marred his second stint. "I have lost a mentor and guide," opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in a statement, adding that Singh had "led India with immense wisdom and integrity." "Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride," said Gandhi, a scion of India's powerful Nehru-Gandhi dynasty and the most prominent challenger to Modi. Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of the opposition in parliament's upper house, said "India has lost a visionary statesman, a leader of unimpeachable integrity, and an economist of unparalleled stature." President Droupadi Murmu wrote on X that Singh will "always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility." Born in 1932 in the mud-house village of Gah in what is now Pakistan, Singh studied economics to find a way to eradicate poverty in India and never held elected office before taking the vast nation's top job. He won scholarships to attend both Cambridge, where he obtained a first in economics, and Oxford, where he completed his PhD. Singh worked in a string of senior civil posts, served as a central bank governor and also held various jobs with global agencies including the United Nations. He was tapped in 1991 by then Congress prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao to reel India back from the worst financial crisis in its modern history. In his first term Singh steered the economy through a period of nine-percent growth, lending India the international clout it had long sought. He also sealed a landmark nuclear deal with the United States that he said would help India meet its growing energy needs. Known as "Mr Clean", Singh nonetheless saw his image tarnished during his decade-long tenure when a series of corruption cases became public. Several months before the 2014 elections, Singh said he would retire after the polls, with Sonia Gandhi's son Rahul earmarked to take his place if Congress won. But Congress crashed to its worst-ever result at that time as the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Modi, won in a landslide. Singh -- who said historians would be kinder to him than contemporary detractors -- became a vocal critic of Modi's economic policies, and more recently warned about the risks that rising communal tensions posed to India's democracy. bjt/mlmUS House approves bill to avert midnight shutdown, sends to SenateTrudeau says dealing with Trump will be 'a little more challenging' than last time

NCW takes suo motu cognisance of sexual assault

Daily Post Nigeria EPL: Danny Murphy urges Liverpool to sign Chelsea star as Alexander-Arnold’s replacement Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sport EPL: Danny Murphy urges Liverpool to sign Chelsea star as Alexander-Arnold’s replacement Published on December 26, 2024 By Don Silas Former Liverpool star, Danny Murphy has urged the Reds to sign Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement should the England defender leave Anfield at the end of the season. Alexander-Arnold’s current contract with Liverpool will expire at the end of the season. Liverpool are yet to extend his deal and as a result, the right-back has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2025. However, Murphy believes Gusto would be a perfect replacement for Alexander-Arnold. “My gut feeling is that he’s going to go. I think if he were to stay that would probably have been sorted by now,” Murphy told MyBettingSites. “They should have tied him up a long time ago. It is a difficult one and quite unusual for Liverpool to have let this one happen. They should learn from it and it shouldn’t happen again.” He added, “Malo Gusto would be a very interesting option but I don’t see how Chelsea would let him go. “He’d be perfect but I don’t see Chelsea letting it happen where he walks out of the door and joins their competitors.” Related Topics: Alexander-Arnold chelsea Danny Murphy EPL liverpool Don't Miss EPL: Chelsea’s title hope takes hit after 2-1 defeat to Fulham You may like EPL: Chelsea’s title hope takes hit after 2-1 defeat to Fulham EPL: Guardiola reacts to Man City’s 1-1 draw with Everton EPL: Haaland misses penalty as Man City fail to beat Everton EPL: Silva lauds Iwobi for selfless Christmas gesture EPL: Man United legend slams Rashford for saying he’s ready to leave Old Trafford EPL: People waiting for something bad to happen to Pep Guardiola – Maresca Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd

AP Sports SummaryBrief at 4:55 p.m. EST

USA Today The Detroit Lions are creating some noise in the NFL, and this latest move is an interesting addition to their season. The Lions have brought on board retired veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with the 13–2 Lions in just the right time to boost their playoffs. Coach Dan Campbell had no time in explaining how this could be a masterstroke. A veteran presence in the locker room Speaking shortly after the signing, Campbell shared his excitement about bringing Bridgewater back into the fold. “I’ve been in contact with Teddy for a while, and it was something that was always potentially a possibility,” Campbell said. He emphasized the value that he brings: "To be able to add somebody back here that's got experience, he's staying in shape, he's been throwing... It just brings a level of professionalism, veteran presence, somebody that's great for our team. He's great for the position." But of late, NFL experience of those several years could present more than an individual player's skills under that field-and a calm energy that, as the Lions march into what may come as its first Super Bowl appearance. From High School Coach to NFL Comeback Bridgewater has had a very active year off the field. Following his retirement from the NFL at the end of the 2023 season, he became the head coach at Miami Northwestern , his alma mater. In one season, he led the team to a Florida Class 3A state championship. Campbell wasn't reluctant to heap praise on Bridgewater's success. "It's incredible what he's done at Miami Northwestern," he said. "Winning a championship shows the kind of mindset and determination Teddy brings to everything he does." Why Now? It was not an impulsive decision for Bridgewater. In fact, the quarterback hinted as recently as last week that a return to the NFL was in his mind. Joining a playoff-bound team like the Lions, who sit atop the NFC North and are eying the conference's No. 1 seed, seems like the perfect opportunity. "It's a smart move on Teddy's part," Campbell acknowledged. And with Jared Goff leading the charge and rookie Hendon Hooker developing in the wings, Bridgewater's presence adds depth and insurance to a Lions squad on the brink of greatness. What's Next for the Lions? This means the Lions are preparing for an intense postseason, and adding Bridgewater will only boost their chances. Whether on the field or on the sidelines as a steadying presence, Bridgewater's experience and leadership could prove the final piece in the puzzle for Detroit to finally bring home the Super Bowl. Also read - Teddy Bridgewater Comes Out of Retirement to Rejoin Lions—Is a Super Bowl Run in Sight?AP News Summary at 12:48 p.m. EST

Anfield may have been shrouded in fog, but Liverpool have a clear gap at the top of the Premier League table. The Reds took advantage of Chelsea's defeat at home to Fulham to stretch their lead to seven points at the top, but they did have to battle back from a goal down against a limited Leicester after Jordan Ayew opened the scoring inside six minutes. Cody Gakpo levelled with a fine strike on the stroke of half-time, before Curtis Jones put the Reds ahead with a close range finish early in the second period. Mo Salah then rounded things off with his customary Anfield goal to ensure a happy Boxing Day for the hosts. Here are the main talking points. 1. Keep watching the skies The fog had descended on Merseyside on Boxing Day afternoon, but any suggestions that there was a pitch inspection needed or that the game was ever in serious doubt were wide of the mark. The club were always confident that the game would go ahead, and frankly they don't have anywhere to put it should it have needed to be rearranged. In truth once the match started there didn't look to be any serious issues for the players in dealing with the conditions, however difficult they looked from afar. Trent Alexander-Arnold's radar was certainly off kilter during the first period but that seemed to be more of a personal issue than one to do with the weather, and both sets of players - although playing a very different style - played their way into the game. 2. Another sloppy Liverpool start punished by Leicester In their previous home game against Fulham the Reds started slowly and were punished twice, first by Andreas Pereira's goal and then by Andy Robertson's red card . That was partly to do with the impressive play of the south west Londoners though, whereas here it was more of a self inflicted wound. Liverpool were just too slow to react as Stephy Mavididi made his way down their right, and his ball across the box was allowed to reach Ayew, whose finish on the turn was impressive. The Foxes could scarcely believe it, but they hadn't really had to do much to score their goal. Liverpool had laboured. 3. Cody Gakpo coming up clutch The Reds hadn't really been rattled by that Ayew opener, and instead they set about continuing trying to do what they had been even before the goal went in. The switch from Alexander-Arnold to Gakpo was on constantly, and it quickly looked as though hitting the Dutchman would be Liverpool's best route back into the game. It was a surprise that it took until first half stoppage time until the leveller came, but when it did it was glorious from Gakpo, who has developed a trademark in cutting in from the right and firing at goal. This one was more precision than power and pace, and boy it was needed. 4. Curtis Jones adds to the midfield goals If you want to find the biggest difference between Arne Slot's Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp's you need only look at midfield. In Klopp's Champions League and Premier League winning side those players were facilitators, whereas in Slot's they can be matchwinners. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai both found the net in the huge win at Tottenham before Christmas , and here was Jones steaming in to get on the end of Mac Allister's centre to give the Reds the lead, eventually once VAR did its thing. Midfield is the area Klopp overhauled in what proved to be his final summer, and Slot is now reaping the rewards. 5. The bigger picture So, seven points clear at the top with a game in hand, rivals looking unconvincing and Manchester City a lot more disappointing than that. This really could not be going any better for Liverpool. The Christmas period always looked to be a time when the Reds could potentially stretch away from their rivals, a possibility which opened up after the win at Tottenham. West Ham away comes next in their final game of 2024, and right now it is hard to bet against 2025 bringing a 20th league title. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Amazon's Prime Video is broadcasting the Premier League Boxing Day round of fixtures on December 26-27. Each match can be streamed free with an Amazon Prime subscription or by signing up for an Amazon Prime 30-day free trial .Elon Musk doing Trump no favors | EditorialWASHINGTON , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- It is with deep sadness that Universities Space Research Association (USRA) announces the passing of Dr. Berrien Moore III , an internationally recognized leader in Earth Science and an invaluable member of the USRA Board of Trustees. Dr. Moore passed away on December 17, 2024 , in Norman, Oklahoma . He was the Dean of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences and Director of the National Weather Center at the University of Oklahoma . Dr. Moore was elected to the USRA Board of Trustees in 2019 and re-elected for a second term in 2022. He served in multiple leadership capacities on the Board, including Chair of the Compensation Committee, inaugural Chair of the University Engagement Committee, and, since 2021, Vice Chair of the Board. Gen Lester Lyles , Chair of the USRA Board of Trustees said, "We are profoundly grieved by the loss of Berrien Moore , a treasured member of our Board. Berrien was a strong leader and a dedicated advocate for Earth Science. With his wit and charm, Berrien was more than just a colleague, he was a true friend to everyone. On behalf of the entire Board, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Berrien's family and loved ones during this challenging time." Dr. Jeffrey Isaacson , President and CEO of USRA commented, "At USRA, we are deeply saddened by this news. This is a terrific loss for our Association, but we are grateful to have had the privilege of working with Berrien and are indebted by his many contributions. All of us at USRA extend our heartfelt condolences, prayers, and support to his family." Dr. Moore served in several capacities with NASA including as Principal Investigator of NASA's Geostationary Carbon Cycle Observatory (GeoCarb) mission that placed University of Oklahoma at the forefront of climate research. He also served as chair of NASA's Space and Earth Science Advisory Council, as a member of the NASA Advisory Council, and was on several other committees. As a Coordinating Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, he contributed to the body of work that garnered the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. His honors include NASA's highest civilian honor, the Distinguished Public Service Medal for outstanding service, the NOAA Administrator's Recognition Award, and the 2007 Dryden Lectureship in Research medal by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Dr. Moore is survived by his wife Lucia and his daughter Leila. About USRA Founded in 1969, under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences at the request of the U.S. Government, the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is a nonprofit corporation chartered to advance space-related science, technology, and engineering. USRA operates scientific institutes and facilities and conducts other major research and educational programs. It is an association with 121 university members. It engages the broader university community, employs in-house scientific talent, and offers innovative research, development, and project management expertise. More information about USRA is available at www.usra.edu . PR Contact: Suraiya Farukhi sfarukhi@usra.edu 443-812-6945 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/usra-mourns-the-loss-of-dr-berrien-moore-iii-a-distinguished-member-of-the-board-of-trustees-302337533.html SOURCE Universities Space Research Association

Fresh corroboration of the perplexing observation that the universe is expanding more rapidly than expected has scientists pondering the cause - perhaps some unknown factor involving the mysterious cosmic components dark energy and dark matter. or signup to continue reading Two years of data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have validated the Hubble Space Telescope's earlier finding that the rate of the universe's expansion is faster - by about eight per cent - than would be expected based on what astrophysicists know of the initial conditions in the cosmos and its evolution over billions of years. The discrepancy is called the Hubble Tension. The observations by Webb, the most capable space telescope ever deployed, appear to rule out the notion that the data from its forerunner Hubble was somehow flawed due to instrument error. "This is the largest sample of Webb Telescope data - its first two years in space - and it confirms the puzzling finding from the Hubble Space Telescope that we have been wrestling with for a decade - the universe is now expanding faster than our best theories can explain," said astrophysicist Adam Riess of Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, lead author of the study published on Monday in the Astrophysical Journal. "Yes, it appears there is something missing in our understanding of the universe," added Riess, a 2011 Nobel laureate in physics for the co-discovery of the universe's accelerating expansion. "Our understanding of the universe contains a lot of ignorance about two elements - dark matter and dark energy - and these make up 96 per cent of the universe, so this is no small matter." "The Webb results can be interpreted to suggest there may be a need to revise our model of the universe, although it is very difficult to pinpoint what this is at the moment," said Siyang Li, a Johns Hopkins doctoral student in astronomy and astrophysics and a study co-author. Dark matter, thought to comprise about 27 per cent of the universe, is a hypothesised form of matter that is invisible but is inferred to exist based on its gravitational effects on ordinary matter - stars, planets, moons, all the stuff on Earth - which accounts for roughly 5 per cent of the universe. Dark energy, believed to comprise approximately 69 per cent of the universe, is a hypothesised form of energy permeating vast swathes of space that counteracts gravity and drives the universe's accelerating expansion. What might explain the anomalous expansion rate? "There are many hypotheses that involve dark matter, dark energy, dark radiation - for example, neutrinos (a type of ghostly subatomic particle) - or gravity itself having some exotic properties as possible explanations," Riess said. The researchers employed three different methods to measure a specific telltale metric - distances from Earth to galaxies where a type of pulsating star called Cepheids have been documented. The Webb and Hubble measurements were in harmony. The universe's expansion rate, a figure called the Hubble constant, is measured in kilometres per second per megaparsec, a distance equal to 3.26 million light-years. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 9.5 trillion kilometres. Under the standard model of cosmology - basically, the conventional wisdom concerning the universe - the value of the Hubble constant should be about 67-68. The Hubble and Webb data give a value averaging about 73, with a range of about 70-76. The Big Bang event 13 to 14 billion years ago initiated the universe, and it has been expanding ever since. Scientists in 1998 disclosed that this expansion was actually accelerating, with dark energy as the hypothesised reason. The new study looked at Webb data covering about a third of Hubble's full slate of relevant galaxies. The researchers in 2023 announced that earlier interim Webb data validated the Hubble findings. So how might this Hubble Tension mystery be solved? "We need more data to better characterise this clue. Exactly what size is it (the discrepancy)? Is the mismatch at the lower end - 4-5 per cent - or the higher end - 10-12 per cent - of what the current data allows? Over what range of cosmic time is it present? These will further inform ideas," Riess said. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementJERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and a witness in the Israeli leader’s corruption trial. The Israeli Justice Ministry made the announcement in a terse message late Thursday, saying the investigation would focus on the findings of a recent report by the “Uvda” investigative program into Sara Netanyahu. The program uncovered a trove of WhatsApp messages in which Mrs. Netanyahu appears to instruct a former aide to organize protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in the trial. The announcement did not mention Mrs. Netanyahu by name, and the Justice Ministry declined further comment. But in a video released earlier Thursday, Netanyahu listed what he said were the many kind and charitable acts by his wife and blasted the Uvda report as “lies.” “My opponents on the left and in the media found a new-old target. They mercilessly attack my wife, Sara,” he said. He called the program ”false propaganda, nasty propaganda that brings up lies from the darkness.” It was the latest in a long line of legal troubles for the Netanyahus — highlighted by the prime minister's ongoing corruption trial . The pair have also had a rocky relationship with the Israeli media. Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases alleging he exchanged favors with powerful media moguls and wealthy associates. Netanyahu denies the charges and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt” by overzealous prosecutors, police and the media. The report obtained correspondence between Sara Netanyahu and Hanni Bleiweiss, a former aide to the prime minister who died of cancer last year. The messages indicated that Sara Netanyahu encouraged police to crack down violently on anti-government protesters and ordered Bleiweiss to organize protests against her husband's critics. She also told Bleiweiss to get activists in Netanyahu's Likud party to publish attacks on Klein. Klein is an aide to billionaire Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and has testified in the corruption case about her role in delivering tens of thousands of dollars worth of champagne, cigars and gifts to Netanyahu for her boss. According to the report, Sara Netanyahu mistreated Bleiweiss, prompting her to share the messages with a reporter shortly before her death. Sara Netanyahu has been accused of abusive behavior toward her personal staff before. This, together with accusations of excessive spending and using public money for her own extravagant personal tastes, has earned her an image as being out of touch with everyday Israelis. In 2019, she was fined for misusing state funds. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees police and has repeatedly said Attorney General Gali Baharav Miara should be fired over a series of grievances against her, said the latest announcement was another reason for her to be dismissed. “Someone who politically persecutes government ministers and their families cannot continue to serve as the attorney general,” he said. And Justice Minister Yariv Levin, another Netanyahu ally and critic of Baharav Miara, accused her of focusing on “television gossip.” “Selective enforcement is a crime!” he said in a statement. AP correspondents Eleanor H. Reich in New York and Isaac Scharf in Jerusalem contributed reporting.

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has ‘smashes past Conservatives’ in membership numbers

So, it’s Christmas Day. You have no leftovers from Christmas Eve dinner, and it’s one of the few days Buenos Aires actually quiets down, and most of its shops are closed for the day. Luckily, there are quite a few savior choices of restaurants and bars that will open on December 25 for either a hangover-extinguishing lunch or a good old Christmas night out. Here are some of our favorites: SHEIKOB’S BAGELS ( Uriarte 1386) — Home of our Herald Nights this year, Sheikob’s Bagels is our friend and favorite. A piece of New York here in the city, Sheikob’s is bringing tradition straight from the Big Apple, where only cinemas and Chinese restaurants open on the 25th. The event is called ‘Jewish-Chinese Christmas’ and will combine Sheikob’s own menu — which includes a vegetarian option — with a Christmas movie, yet to be announced. There will be two shifts, one at 12:30 p.m. and the other at 2:30 p.m. To book a spot, you must contact the restaurant through Instagram direct messages. HIERRO (Boulevard del Mirador 220, Costa Rica 5602) — A step up from your classic Buenos Aires parrilla, Hierro (Spanish for ‘Iron’) honors the national asado tradition, offering 30-day-aged Angus Black beef in the form of classics like ribeye and T-bone steaks. The menu includes barbecued season vegetables — with an innovative twist — an Argentine wine selection, and signature cocktails. Hierro will open both of its Argentine branches: Nordelta from noon to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. until midnight and Palermo all throughout the day, from noon until Christmas Day is officially over. LA PESCADORITA ( Humboldt 1905 ) —- Opened by chef David Ribulgo, La Pescadorita offers a seafood-only menu, an unusual feat in a Buenos Aires ruled by parrillas and pizza places. All of their fish and seafood comes straight from Argentina’s oceans and rivers, like Bariloche trouts and Mar del Plata squid. You can also try Ecuadorian red tuna or Patagonian pink salmon, all served in different, creative ways and with a decent selection of Argentine wines. Don’t forget to say hi to the big bearded merman statue right outside the door. SKY BAR (Maipú 907, 13th floor, Pulitzer Hotel) — Located on the top floor of the Pulitzer Hotel in downtown Buenos Aires, Sky Bar will open on the 25th at 5 p.m. (your Christmas Eve hangover should be gone by then.) Apart from its wide array of cocktails, Sky Bar’s menu includes finger food and a charming view of the city from its outdoor terrace on the 13th floor. MADRE ROJAS ( Rojas 1600, 7 p.m. to 12.30 a.m. ) – Founded by Argentine chef, sommelier, and livestock producer Juan Ignacio Barcos, Madre Rojas offers a classic Argentine experience — beef and wine, that is — with a modern twist. The menu’s highlights is the Argentine wagyu beef, in classic cuts such as ribeye and T-bone steaks. The restaurant boasts an extensive wine cellar, and while one might expect it to be stocked with red wine to pair with red meat, the staff considers that notion to be outdated and encourages guests to try some really good white wines instead. The jury is still out on whether it works (it does for us), but it’s definitely worth finding out for yourself. SIFON SODERIA (Av. Jorge Newbery 3881, y Av. Corrientes 1660) — From 7 p.m. until 1 a.m., Sifón Sodería will offer all the cult classic porteño cocktails: vermouth and siphon soda, tinto de verano (roughly translated as “summer red,” which combines red wine with soda), and some of their own creations. The food menu includes finger food to accompany the drinks. The restaurant is set in an architectural icon of Buenos Aires, the Casa Chorizo , a mid-20th-century house style known for being narrow but elongated. Cover photo: Hierro restauranteValparaiso hires longtime Marietta coach Andy Waddle to take over its football program

After Iranian arrest tied to U.S. military murders, town advances sanctuary policies

Even after a thrilling Christmas Day win for the Lakers , it’s clear the team still needs to improve through trades. A new report from ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed their surprising willingness to move on from some coveted draft capital. Latest on the Lakers According to Charania, the Lakers are open to moving on from their three tradable first-round picks (likely their 2029/2031 picks and a pick swap) for players who can fit with this team both now and in the future. “My sources in that Lakers front office tell me... they’re open to moving that [3 first-round picks] in a potential trade but they want a player or players that they feel can get into this iteration of this team now with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but can also play for three, four, five more years with JJ Redick as the coach.” "My sources in that Lakers front office tell me... they're open to moving that [3 first-round picks] in a potential trade but they want a player or players that they feel can get into this iteration of this team now." Shams Charania on First Take. pic.twitter.com/xxqJ3u89CU — ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 26, 2024 This stance isn’t completely new considering the Lakers’ situation, though there is now clarity on the type of player they’d be willing to trade those picks for. Instead of a bonafide third star, the Lakers appear to be content with solid role players who, as Charania mentioned, can seamlessly plug into this roster as it stands now with LeBron James and Anthony Davis . Potential Targets The Lakers were already linked to a bevy of players, but their renewed thinking could shift their focus away from some veteran players, namely Jonas Valanciunas , Malcolm Brogdon and Jerami Grant . That’s not to say the Lakers could still go out and get them, but hardly any of them are worth the team’s future firsts, especially at this point in the season. Still, there are other standout players the Lakers could trade those first-rounders for, particularly wings and centers who can shore up the team’s biggest needs. Cam Johnson and/or Dorian Finney-Smith Both Brooklyn wings, Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith have been consistently linked to the Lakers. Now that the Nets are entering rebuild mode, it’s a perfect time to pry one or both of them from New York. Johnson is in the midst of a career year, putting up 19.1 points per game on 48% shooting from the field, 42% from three and 88% from the free-throw line. He’s had a plethora of scoring outbursts—including a season-high 37 against Philadelphia —and provides solid athleticism and defense. He’s putting up numbers that should catch the eyes of contenders, and the Lakers should capitalize on his trade value while it’s still sky high. Cam Johnson did it all vs the raptors last night.. 33/10/6/2 on 81% TS. Showed his advanced creation game as he tied career high in ast, generated tons of contact with 12 FTA, the usual elite shooting on/off ball. One of the most polished offensive players in the league pic.twitter.com/3g1ZFg4WEh — Nets Film Room (@NetsFilm) December 20, 2024 In a similar vein, Finney-Smith is a veteran sharpshooter with years of playoff experience. The 31-year-old combo forward is averaging 10.8 points while shooting a career-best 45% from deep (not to mention 47% from the field, another career-high). The Lakers were reportedly in “constant contact” about Finney-Smith dating back to last season. Johnson and Finney-Smith fit the bill as 3-and-D wings who can take the scoring pressure off of several key Lakers while stopping opposing forwards, including a team’s best player. While landing both of them is a dream scenario (one that may involve Russell and Rui Hachimura , for instance), acquiring one of them would be ideal for the Lakers’ current needs. Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler Another pair the Lakers could aim for is Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler from the Jazz. Sexton , a 25-year-old combo guard, has recently come up as a name to watch for the Lakers , according to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha. Across 28 games (26 starts), he is putting up 17.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists on .487/.434/.889 splits. He’s coming off of a 24-point, 5-assist performance in Utah’s loss to the Cavaliers on Dec. 23. Fans and the media have pinned Sexton as a possible Russell replacement dating back to last season. Considering how well he has played despite Utah’s poor results, acquiring Sexton makes sense for the Lakers’ future. Meanwhile, Kessler, Utah’s starting center, has become a revelation for Jazz fans, leading several contenders—the Lakers included—to express interest in him. The 23-year-old 7-footer is averaging 10.5 points and 10.7 rebounds while shooting 72% from the field, finding success after his promotion to the starting lineup. However, that good fortune has also led Utah to keep Kessler around and reject any trade calls for him , including proposals that offered two first-round picks—a hefty asking price for a center on a two-year team option. Under General Manager Danny Ainge, the Jazz will be tougher trade partners for the Lakers, but it doesn’t mean they should rule Utah out completely. Both Sexton and Kessler provide valuable skills at positions of need for the Lakers, and Rob Pelinka should do all he can to put them in a situation where they can thrive. This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

Man accused in the burning death of a woman on a New York subway appears in court