Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic will miss the remainder of the regular season after sustaining a Grade 2 right hamstring injury, throwing his playoff availability into doubt.

The franchise’s championship odds plummeted from 30-1 to 100-1 in the immediate aftermath of the announcement.

While the Lakers have not provided a definitive timeline for a return, Grade 2 hamstring tears typically require at least a month of rehabilitation.

The setback halts a historic individual campaign for the league’s leading scorer.

He has averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds across 64 appearances this season.

Award eligibility under threat

Having played 64 matches, the All-NBA guard falls one appearance short of the league’s mandated 65-game threshold for end-of-season awards.

His agent, Bill Duffy, confirmed they will file an extraordinary circumstances challenge to preserve his eligibility.

The appeal will rely on an exception covering two games missed in December for the birth of his daughter.

If the application is denied, the playmaker will be ineligible for his sixth All-NBA selection, though his current contract extension remains financially unaffected.

“This season, Luka has performed at a historic level, leading the league in scoring, carrying the Lakers to third place in the Western Conference.”

Los Angeles currently sit third in the Western Conference standings, holding a slender one-game advantage over the chasing pack.

Curry nears Warriors return

Elsewhere in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors are preparing to welcome back Stephen Curry.

The veteran point guard is expected to feature against the Houston Rockets on Sunday.

He has been sidelined for 27 matches while recovering from a significant right knee injury.

Draft lottery preparations

For the 10 franchises already eliminated from playoff contention, attention has firmly shifted to the upcoming NBA Draft lottery on 10 May.

The 2026 draft class is widely considered exceptionally deep, prompting overt tanking efforts from several struggling teams.

Meanwhile, the league’s investigation into Kawhi Leonard and Aspiration remains ongoing, with Commissioner Adam Silver notably avoiding the topic at a recent board of governors meeting.

The NFL has announced it will not discipline Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice after concluding an investigation into allegations of abuse made by his former girlfriend.

League officials determined there was insufficient evidence to conclude the 25-year-old violated its personal conduct policy.

The investigation was launched following accusations made by Dacoda Jones, who shares two children with the receiver.

Lawsuit and allegations

In early January, Jones posted photographs on social media displaying bruises and wounds, alleging she had endured abuse over numerous years.

Although the wideout was not explicitly named in the initial post, Jones subsequently filed a lawsuit in Texas seeking more than $1m in damages.

The legal filing alleges she was repeatedly assaulted over an 18-month span between 2023 and 2025, including times when she was pregnant.

“Rice has grabbed, choked, strangled, pushed, thrown, scratched, hit, and headbutted Ms. Jones, as well as hit her with inanimate objects,” the lawsuit says.

Legal response and previous incidents

Sean Lindsey, the legal representative for the player, released a statement contesting the claims while welcoming the league’s decision.

“Mr. Rice wants to thank the NFL for their thorough investigation, and looks forward to the start of the 2026-27 NFL season,” Lindsey said.

The Kansas City Chiefs declined to comment on the announcement on Friday.

This latest inquiry follows a separate legal issue for the American, who was involved in a high-speed, multi-vehicle crash in Dallas in March 2024.

He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of probation in July after fleeing the scene of the collision, which occurred while he was driving a vehicle at 119mph.

Northampton Saints secured their place in the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals by overcoming a resilient Castres side 49-41 in a spectacular 13-try thriller on home soil.

The Premiership leaders were forced to dig deep after falling 12-0 behind within the opening 11 minutes.

Christian Ambadiang and Theo Chabouni crossed early to stun the English side following sustained pressure from the visitors.

However, a penalty try and a subsequent yellow card for Ambadiang provided the hosts with a crucial lifeline.

Saints discover attacking rhythm

Italian prop Danilo Fischetti powered over the line, though the French visitors held a slender 15-14 advantage at the interval.

The momentum shifted two minutes into the second half when home captain George Furbank orchestrated space for Josh Kemeny to dive over.

Last season’s tournament runners-up appeared to seize control as Tommy Freeman extended their advantage to 26-15.

The Top 14 outfit refused to fade, with Tyler Ardron intercepting a pass to score immediately and keep the contest alive.

Late surge guarantees progression

The home crowd was momentarily silenced when Vuate Karawalevu crashed over from a first-phase strike to snatch a 28-27 lead in the 56th minute.

Despite the immense pressure, Phil Dowson’s men responded decisively through crucial tries from Furbank and Archie McParland.

Centre Fraser Dingwall finally pushed the home side out of reach, ensuring victory in a breathless encounter.

Ambadiang managed to grab a late consolation score for the visitors, capping off a remarkable display of attacking rugby from both teams.

The Northamptonshire club will now face the winner of the all-English clash between Bath and Saracens in next weekend’s quarter-final.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order limiting college athletes to a five-year playing window and a single transfer in an attempt to overhaul the collegiate sports system.

The mandate threatens American universities with the loss of federal funding if they field competitors who breach these new restrictions.

However, legal experts have immediately questioned the validity of the White House directive.

Multiple lawyers specialising in collegiate sports believe the ruling would be deemed unconstitutional and unenforceable if challenged in federal court.

Legal challenges anticipated

The US President previously acknowledged that his administration would likely face lawsuits over the intervention.

He first outlined his plans during a summit with college sports leaders in early March.

Solve every problem in this room.

President Donald Trump on the intent of his executive order

The timing of Friday’s directive creates immediate uncertainty for student-athletes.

With the collegiate basketball transfer portal opening next week, the impending restrictions could dissuade players from switching programmes.

Background of NCAA struggles

The collegiate sports governing body has struggled to enforce uniform rules following a landmark Supreme Court decision in 2021.

That ruling determined the organisation was not exempt from antitrust laws, preventing them from colluding to limit the earning potential of their labour market.

Since that legal defeat, the governing body has been forced to permit annual transfers.

Current regulations allow individuals to compete in four seasons across a five-year window, but the system remains plagued by continuous eligibility lawsuits.

Pushing Congress for change

This latest intervention marks the second attempt by the current administration to reshape college athletics through executive power.

A previous directive signed in July 2025 failed to significantly impact how the multi-billion dollar industry is governed.

Stakeholders are hopeful this renewed pressure will serve as a powerful signal to US lawmakers.

Congress possesses the authority to enact durable legislative change, but federal bills have repeatedly stalled over the past five years.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed defensive end Travon Walker to a four-year contract extension worth $110m, keeping the former number one overall pick in Florida long-term.

The lucrative deal includes $77m in guaranteed money, with an initial $50m fully guaranteed at the time of signing.

Elite Loyalty Sports, the agency representing the defensive anchor, confirmed the blockbuster agreement on Friday.

Earning an average of $27.5m annually, the 24-year-old now becomes the 12th highest-paid edge rusher in professional football.

Joining the elite earners

His new salary places him marginally behind Baltimore Ravens standout Trey Hendrickson and New York Giants pass rusher Brian Burns.

It also positions him just underneath his own teammate, Josh Hines-Allen, who currently commands $28.25m per season.

Prior to this commitment, the imposing lineman was scheduled to play on a fifth-year option in 2026 that would have paid him a fully guaranteed $15.19m.

Overcoming recent injury setbacks

Across 60 career appearances, the durable defender has registered 27.5 sacks, 200 tackles, and 57 quarterback hits.

He enjoyed double-digit sack campaigns in both 2023 and 2024, demonstrating his elite disruptive capabilities in the trenches.

However, his production dipped to just 3.5 sacks during the recent 2025 season as he battled persistent wrist and knee injuries.

Despite those physical challenges, the Georgia native has only missed five fixtures throughout his four professional campaigns.

Front office vision

The groundwork for this significant investment was publicly acknowledged by the franchise hierarchy earlier in the week.

General manager James Gladstone revealed on Monday that negotiations were progressing well with several key components of the roster.

“We are probably within striking distance to see things come to light.”

Gladstone was also referencing ongoing extension discussions with tight end Brenton Strange and receiver Parker Washington.

Coventry City moved 11 points clear at the top of the Championship after substitute Jack Rudoni scored twice on his return from injury to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Derby County on Good Friday.

The league leaders now require just eight points from their remaining six fixtures to guarantee a long-awaited return to the Premier League.

Frank Lampard’s side were made to work tirelessly for the crucial three points in front of an expectant crowd of 31,349 at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

Onyeka strike sets the tone before Rams respond

The hosts established the perfect platform in the 12th minute when Frank Onyeka curled a fabulous long-range effort into the net.

However, the visitors proved resilient and successfully pegged back the high-flying Sky Blues.

Ben Brereton Diaz found the equaliser before the break by heading home a sensational delivery from Matt Clarke.

Rudoni returns in style to secure vital points

Following a period of squandered opportunities from both sides, an inspired substitution swung the momentum back toward the home team.

Entering the fray on 62 minutes, the returning midfielder demonstrated clinical finishing to fire home from 15 yards.

Derby continued to pose a significant threat and won a controversial penalty when Carl Rushworth was penalised for a foul, despite the goalkeeper appearing to touch the ball.

Brereton Diaz confidently dispatched the resulting spot-kick in the 77th minute to level the pulsating contest once again.

Promotion beckons for Lampard’s leaders

The parity lasted merely three minutes before the impactful substitute struck his second goal of the afternoon.

That decisive intervention ignited wild celebrations among the home supporters, who ended the match singing about an impending league title.

John Eustace’s visiting outfit must now regroup following a valiant performance against the Championship favourites.

Manchester United and Manchester City are preparing to battle for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer.

Both Premier League giants are eager to secure a deal for the 23-year-old before his valuation skyrockets.

A strong showing for England at the upcoming World Cup could push the talented playmaker’s price tag above the £100m mark.

Fernandes faces uncertain future

Elsewhere in Manchester, the long-term future of United captain Bruno Fernandes remains unresolved.

Heavyweight European clubs, including Paris St-Germain and Bayern Munich, are closely monitoring the 31-year-old.

The Red Devils are reportedly determined to retain their influential playmaker despite a £57m release clause written into his current contract.

Liverpool plan significant summer revamp

A major squad overhaul is expected at Anfield following an underperforming campaign for the Merseyside club.

Anfield chiefs are ready to sanction widespread changes but face fierce competition in the transfer market.

Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram is a primary target, though Newcastle United and Erik ten Hag’s side are also tracking the 25-year-old Frenchman.

Premier League clubs track Senesi

Bournemouth’s Argentine centre-back Marcos Senesi is attracting widespread interest across Europe.

The 28-year-old reportedly prefers a move to Barcelona, but a host of English clubs including Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston Villa remain in the hunt.

Meanwhile, Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen has emerged as a potential summer option for German giants Bayern Munich.

Tottenham and Newcastle are also keeping close tabs on the 23-year-old Netherlands international as they seek defensive reinforcements.

In other transfer news

Former Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane has emerged as a leading candidate to become the next permanent Celtic manager this summer.

The Scottish champions are currently searching for a long-term successor after Wilfried Nancy’s disastrous 33-day tenure ended earlier this year.

Veteran coach Martin O’Neill is currently navigating his second interim spell of the season at Parkhead.

The Northern Irishman faces a daunting task to retain the Scottish Premiership title, with his side sitting five points adrift of leaders Hearts and trailing bitter rivals Rangers with just seven matches remaining.

Late push for the Parkhead dugout

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou was widely considered the overwhelming favourite to inherit the Glasgow hotseat next season.

However, reports now indicate the 45-year-old former striker has made a late push to overtake the Dane in the boardroom’s thinking.

The former international forward was heavily linked with a return to North London, but Tottenham Hotspur’s recent decision to hand Roberto De Zerbi a five-year contract has cleared the pathway for Celtic.

Managerial pedigree and fan connection

While Askou has impressed during his debut campaign at Fir Park, there are lingering concerns over his readiness for the intense pressure of managing the Hoops.

In contrast, the prospective new boss has already built a solid managerial resume across European football.

The Dublin-born coach secured league titles during successful stints with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros.

“He has made a late run for the Celtic job and burst into the race.”

Former football chief executive Keith Wyness noted recently regarding the sudden shift in managerial candidates.

A potential return would likely be welcomed by the Celtic fanbase, who still fondly remember his prolific loan spell in Scotland during the 2009-10 campaign.