Will Astros beat Blue Jays? | LeBron James agrees to two-year deal with Lakers

Greetings, gamblers.

The most glorious time of the year is upon us, but it may have lost some of its pizazz. Thursday welcomes back the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island, and the Fourth of July tradition is normally one that is dominated by one Joey Chestnut. However, the defending champ has been banned from the competition for representing Impossible Foods. It's an unfortunate turn of events, but that does open the door for another participant to take home the coveted Mustard Belt. Our Matt Severance is taking the 2023 runner-up Geoffrey Esper at -120 odds to win the contest after Esper ate 49 hot dogs and buns in last year's competition. Esper was the 2017 and 2019 Hooters wing-eating champion and also holds a record of eating 26 soft pretzels in eight minutes, so he has some valid credentials. Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

• The Lakers have reportedly hired Scott Brooks and Nate McMillan as assistant coaches on JJ Redick's staff.
• Mario Chalmers becomes the latest player to file a lawsuit against the NCAA over his name, image, and likeness.
• The Brewers haveacquired starting pitcher Aaron Civale in a trade with the Rays.

All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

LEBRON JAMES AGREES TO TWO-YEAR CONTRACT WITH LAKERS

In a much anticipated move, LeBron James has agreed to a two-year, $104 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to CBS Sports NBA insider Bill Reiter. The deal allows the Lakers star to earn a maximum salary during the 2024-25 season, but also includes a player option for 2025-26. James' new contract also includes a no-trade clause, which marks the first time that James has ever had on in his NBA career. CBS Sports NBA writer Sam Quinn writes that James was willing to take a pay cut in order for the Lakers to have more financial flexibility to sign free agents.

• Quinn: "The price here is notable because James had previously been open to taking a significant pay cut in order to give the Lakers the financial flexibility needed to make a meaningful upgrade, either through the non-taxpayer mid-level exception or some other means. Reports indicated that he was willing to potentially leave as much as $20 million on the table to help the Lakers improve and have a chance to win at the highest levels again."
  

Astros at Blue Jays, 7:07 p.m. | TV: MLB.TV

• The Pick: Astros (-115)
• Key trend: The Astros are 10-2 in their last 12 games.

SportsLine expert Bruce Marshall is 8-4 in his last 12 Astros moneyline picks.

• Marshall: "Sometimes, you can find out a bit more about a team in defeat, and perhaps that's the case with the Astros last night. Houston's rediscovered resolve was on display when almost fighting all of the way back from a 7-0 deficit. Even with the loss, they've still won 10 of their last 12 games. Wednesday's starter Ronel Blanco has spun a 1.75 ERA across his last four outings, while Blue Jays counterpart Yusei Kikuchi has been hit hard to the tune of a 10.64 ERA in his last three starts. Additionally, Toronto is in the midst of a 4-10 skid."

Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game:The Projection Model has "C" picks on the moneyline, spread, and total.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*.Sign up here to get started!

Mets at Nationals, 6:45 p.m. | TV: MLB.TV

• The Projection: Over 8.5 (-120)| Grade: B -- Moderate

SportsLine's Projection Model has a "B" grade on the total and spread with a "C" grade for the moneyline for the contest. The over is 6-0-1 in the Mets' last seven games, so we're going to back their bats to stay hot against their NL East rivals.

SportsLine expert picks:Our staff has combed through the Wednesday night MLB slate and offered their best plays as the season continues.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo code NEWSLETTER*.Sign up here to get started!

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