This is the online version of our daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Subscribe to get irreverent and incisive sports stories, delivered to your mailbox every morning. Here’s Charles Curtis.
Uh, so the Los Angeles Lakers might win the whole thing.
They’re currently up 3-1 on the Golden State Warriors after a huge playoff win on Monday night that will henceforth be known as the Lonnie Walker Game, although it also included a Dennis Schroder meme and Gary Payton II vomiting in his mouth (we think).
But it also came on the same day that Chris Haynes reported the Lakers would offer championship rings to all players who were on the roster during the season. That would include Patrick Beverley and … Russell Westbrook.
And I, for one, think Russ more than deserves a ring.
Think about this: If Westbrook hadn’t been a horrible fit for the Lakers, Rob Pelinka wouldn’t have shipped him off in the deal that brought D’Angelo Russell and Jared Vanderbilt to the team. That’s two very key players who have led to this run!
That means Westbrook was a very direct contributor here, and he deserves a thank-you in the form a ring if L.A. goes all the way. Thanks for playing so badly, Russ!
Quick Hits: The NHL Draft Lottery was something … Westminster Dog Show is back! … and more.
— Everyone was rightfully furious after the Blackhawks won the NHL Draft Lottery and the chance to take Connor Bedard. Also, ESPN spoiled the results on the air. Oops.
— The 2023 Westminster Dog Show is here and the pups look adorable. Here’s a look at the group winners so far.
— With the NFL schedule release coming, here are the games and opponents we know so far.