NBA

Lakers sign SF LeBron James to two-year, $104 million contract

As expected, James returns to the Lakers, and while he’s no longer the league’s best player — he probably still lands in the top 10 — the 39-year-old is still good enough to help drag Los Angeles to the playoffs. James surely had options to sign elsewhere for less money, but better championship odds, but the forward clearly loves playing for the Lakers and being in Los Angeles. At this juncture, it’s fair to assume James plans on retiring as a Laker, especially with his son, Bronny, now with the franchise.

Grade: A

Timberwolves sign SF Joe Ingles to one-year, $3.3 million contract

One of these seasons, Ingles will become ineffective — it’s trending that way — but that day hasn’t arrived, making this a good signing. Throughout his career, the small forward has consistently been a net positive when on the floor, making decisions one step ahead of the opposition and shooting the ball well. Even if Ingles declines further, Minnesota probably won’t regret this deal.

Grade: A-

Suns sign SG Damion Lee to one-year, $2.1 million contract

Lee has ample value as a shooter, making him well worth the veteran’s minimum for Phoenix. Last season, the swingman shot 44.5 percent from deep, and can serve as a floor spacer around Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal in limited minutes.

Grade: B

MLB

White Sox 8, Guardians 2

Abnormal occurrences are typically necessary for a bad team to edge a good team, and Martin Maldonado, a .096 hitter, going 2-for-5 with a homer and three RBI definitely qualifies as an abnormal occurrence.

I doubt many foresaw the Guardians having two All-Star starters entering this season, but with Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan, Cleveland will be well represented in Arlington. Ramirez’s selection wouldn’t have been viewed as a surprise — the 31-year-old is a six-time All-Star and one of the best third baseman in the sport — but Kwan has been a nice success story for the Guardians, even if he’s appeared in just 58 games.

Red Sox 7, Marlins 2

Speaking of success stories, let’s go ahead and consider the 2024 Red Sox one. Boston was widely expected to finish last in the AL East coming into this year, but at 46-39, the Red Sox are currently in third place and hold the final wild-card spot. Alex Cora has done a great job.

Pirates 5, Cardinals 4

Jared Jones has cooled off considerably following a strong start, but he’s still a valued member of Pittsburgh’s rotation, and outings like last night’s are why the Pirates are so high on the 22-year-old. In this contest, Jones lasted five innings, allowing just one earned run.

Nationals 7, Mets 5

Welcome to the show, James Wood. Washington’s top prospect was promoted for Monday’s game, and made his first significant contribution last night, driving in the game’s go-ahead run. Wood is a towering presence in left field that should be part of the next good Nationals team.