Friday Roundup: Pacers force seven, Lakers sold at jaw-dropping price, Sanders got a fast car, and more

Flamengo just pulled off a thrilling 3-1 victory over Chelsea in the Club World Cup, with live updates capturing the action—including a close call from Liam Delap, whose shot was denied by Flamengo's keeper Rossi. The match, kicking off at 7pm BST, is part of a tournament already buzzing with storylines about heat, unrest, and fan turnout.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another match—it’s a high-stakes clash in a tournament that’s becoming as much about off-field drama as the games themselves. For Flamengo, it’s a statement win; for Chelsea, a setback in their quest for global dominance. And with concerns like extreme heat and sparse crowds shadowing the event, the Club World Cup’s future as a marquee competition might hinge on moments like these.

The British & Irish Lions are squaring off against Argentina in a live rugby union match kicking off at 8pm BST in Dublin. The atmosphere at the Aviva Stadium is buzzing—fans are clearly enjoying themselves (likely fueled by a pint or two of Guinness). Both teams are warming up on the pitch, with backs practicing passes and forwards hitting the tackle pads.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another rugby match—it’s a high-energy clash between two passionate sides, and the Lions’ games always draw big crowds and even bigger vibes. For rugby fans, it’s a chance to see top-tier talent in action, and for casual viewers, the lively atmosphere alone makes it worth tuning in. Plus, who doesn’t love a good Dublin matchday buzz?

WNBA superstar Breanna Stewart opened up about mentoring Sabrina Ionescu, revealing how their dynamic partnership has elevated the New York Liberty to championship status. After leaving Seattle following Sue Bird's retirement, Stewart found a perfect match in Ionescu – and their leadership chemistry has clearly paid off with a 2025 title.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just a feel-good story about teamwork—it shows how veteran players shape the next generation. Stewart's guidance helped unlock Ionescu's potential, proving that in sports, leadership off the court is just as crucial as talent on it. For Liberty fans, it's a promising sign that this duo isn't done winning yet.

Sports commentator Mark Titus isn’t holding back—he’s calling out ESPN for shoving Stephen A. Smith’s loud, often polarizing takes down viewers’ throats, whether they want it or not. In a blunt critique, Titus argues that the network’s over-reliance on Smith’s bombastic style makes it hard for fans to escape what he dismissively calls "bullsht." The piece hints at a broader frustration with ESPN’s editorial choices, where entertainment sometimes overshadows substance.

Editor’s Note: Love him or hate him, Stephen A. Smith is everywhere on ESPN, and not everyone’s thrilled about it. Titus’s rant taps into a growing fatigue with hot-take culture, where volume often beats nuance. For sports fans, it’s a reminder that the line between analysis and spectacle keeps getting blurrier—and not everyone’s cheering for that trend.

The Dallas Stars just kicked off their offseason moves by trading Mason Marchment to the Seattle Kraken, freeing up $4.5 million in cap space. But they’re not done yet—despite having less than $3 million left and six key free agents to address, rumors suggest more roster shuffling is coming. They’ve already re-signed Lundkvist and Mavrik, but the front office seems poised to keep tweaking the lineup.

Editor’s Note: For Stars fans, this trade signals the start of what could be a busy summer. Freeing up cap space is smart, but with limited room and several roster spots up in the air, Dallas will need to get creative. Whether they’re gearing up for a big signing or just trimming costs, this move hints at bigger changes ahead—so keep an eye on their next steps.