'True giant on Bury political scene': Tributes as former deputy council leader dies

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers headline the action-packed Christmas Day lineup and will go against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors . James still looks forward to playing against his former foe during the holiday season because of their shared court experience. Fans will tune in to ESPN and ABC on Dec, 25 as the Lakers-Warriors game will be the fourth out of the five games on the special day. On Monday, James and his team suffered a 117-114 loss against the Detroit Pistons . The All-Star forward discussed playing his former adversary over the holidays after the game. “Anytime you get an opportunity to be on the court and compete versus one of the greats that have played this game,” James said. “You don’t take it for granted. Like I said, ‘How many more opportunities we’ll get them to go against each other, so it’s always fun.” Over the summer, James and Curry played together for Team USA, leading the national team to a gold medal finish. The Lakers star was asked what it would mean if he wins against his former national team colleague on Christmas. “Depends on what side I’m on,” he continued. “Got to see it this past summer with Team USA and it’s been a great feeling, I’ve seen on the other side and that’s what we’re for.” When the Lakers and Warriors match up Wednesday, it will be the 4th time LeBron James and Stephen Curry will have played each other on Christmas. LeBron: “I don’t know how many more opportunities we’re going to get to go against each other ...” pic.twitter.com/y8MCZJR1aD — Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 24, 2024 James has been around in the league and appeared in 18 Christmas Day games. During that stretch, he’s averaged 26.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists with a 10-8 record. Curry, on the other hand, has played 10 games on the special holiday, earning a 4-6 record. During the holidays, he’s averaged 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists. LeBron James wants the Lakers to play with more physicality Following the Lakers’ loss to the Pistons, LeBron James addressed one of the main issues the team has struggled with. According to him, Los Angeles needs to match the opposing team’s physicality to try and win. “We just gotta match physicality with physicality,” James said. “ I can’t speak for nobody but myself when it comes to there. I’m a football player so I don’t mind physicality, to be honest. As a team, we just gotta be better with it – just be strong, that’s all.” LeBron was asked if opposing teams’ physicality is getting the best of the Lakers. His response: “I’m a football player so I don’t mind physicality, to be honest.” (via @mcten ) pic.twitter.com/1eNGRLTdVr — Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 24, 2024 This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.Why does the name ‘David Mayer’ crash ChatGPT? Digital privacy requests may be at fault

The Calgary Flames’ Andrei Kuzmenko is having another rough stretch this season. As he did during a prolonged battle in Vancouver, he is once again struggling to live up to expectations and leaving fans and coaches frustrated. Once seen as a dynamic forward with significant scoring upside, Kuzmenko’s NHL journey has become inconsistent, with his effort and impact now called into question. Despite receiving substantial power-play minutes, he has gone nine games without registering a point and has failed to produce at 5-on-5. Critics have labeled him one of the Flames’ biggest disappointments this season. As his contract expires at the end of the year, rumors about his future are swirling. However, one potential path seems increasingly likely: a return to the KHL. Kuzmenko Was a Dominant Force in the KHL Before coming to the NHL, Kuzmenko was one of the KHL’s brightest stars. His tenure with CSKA Moscow and SKA St. Petersburg showcased his skill, creativity, and offensive dominance. During his final KHL season in 2021-22, he tallied 20 goals and 33 assists in just 45 games, finishing among the league’s top scorers. He added 14 points in 16 playoff games, solidifying his reputation as a game-changer and earning interest from NHL teams. From his breakout season with CSKA Moscow in 2017-18, where he scored 13 goals and contributed 12 assists, to his 53-point season with SKA St. Petersburg in 2021-22, Kuzmenko proved his ability to deliver under pressure. His performances in the KHL playoffs further cemented his status as one of the league’s premier talents. If Kuzmenko does return to Russia, the KHL will welcome back a proven star. Kuzmenko Could Follow the Path of Other Russians Kuzmenko wouldn’t be the first Russian player to leave the NHL for a return to the KHL. Many prominent players have taken similar paths, finding personal and professional fulfillment back home. Three former great NHL players stand out. First, Ilya Kovalchuk left the NHL at the height of his career in 2013 to join SKA St. Petersburg, where he won multiple championships and dominated the league. Kovalchuk had a solid NHL career and played for several teams. With the Atlanta Thrashers, he won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in 2004 (shared with Jarome Iginla and Rick Nash ) as the NHL’s top goal-scorer. Second, Alexander Radulov returned to Russia after early NHL struggles and became a KHL superstar before making a successful NHL comeback. He eventually returned to the KHL in 2022. He had stints with three different NHL teams, but most of his success came with the Dallas Stars, where he helped them reach the Stanley Cup Final. Evgeny Kuznetsov recently went back after leaving the Washington Capitals and following a short stint with the Carolina Hurricanes. Finally, Pavel Datsyuk , after an illustrious NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings, finished his playing days in the KHL, where he maintained his elite playmaking and leadership. For players like these, the KHL offers competitive hockey, high salaries, and a chance to be closer to family and cultural roots. Former NHL players often command premium contracts in the KHL due to their international experience, making the league an attractive destination for stars looking to rejuvenate their careers. What’s Next for Kuzmenko? As the Flames’ season unfolds, Kuzmenko’s future remains uncertain. If his struggles continue, the Flames are unlikely to re-sign him. If the Flames don’t make the playoffs, watch for him to be moved at the trade deadline. However, even then, his trade value might plummet. Returning to the KHL would allow Kuzmenko to reset his career and regain his confidence in a familiar setting where he thrived. While his time in the NHL has been a mixed bag, Kuzmenko’s skills and accomplishments in the KHL ensure he will be welcomed back as a marquee player. For the once-promising rookie star of the Vancouver Canucks, a move back to Russia might be the best path forward. This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

NoneUS consumer confidence rises further in November