👑 Game fit for a King | Sports Daily Newsletter

It’s wild that we’re leading off today’s newsletter with a report from a Sixers preseason game, but that, Philly, is what you’d call The LeBron James Effect.

James suited up and played until halftime in last night’s second preseason game, a six-point loss to the Brooklyn Nets. He finished with 10 points, but his ability to find a generally onrushing Tyrese Maxey or dish it to the Big Fella, Joel Embiid, underneath was still very impressive.

The LeBron James Tour continues for Jaylen Brown’s return to Boston when the Sixers face the Celtics on Saturday in their penultimate preseason game (7 p.m., NBCSP).

Happy Friday, Philly. How’s another sunny day with temperatures in the 70s sound?

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Jake Majors is like that children’s book, The Little Engine That Could. Stuck in limbo as an Eagles practice squad player, the offensive lineman was chomping at the bit for a spot on a gameday roster.

It was tough to envision for the former Texas Longhorns center, considering he was on a team with one of the best defenses in the NFL, with entrenched starters ahead of him on the depth chart. However, after a shakeup this week on the O-line, all signs point to Majors getting the call for this weekend’s Eagles game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Sunday (9:30 a.m., Fox29).

So how’s he taking it all in? Alex Coffey caught up with him for his reaction and mindset.

📖 Reading: Stephen A. Smith apologizing for his comments on the “mental health” of former Eagles lineman Lane Johnson.

👏🏽 Applauding: The PGA for adding Merion Golf Club as an anchor site to host the U.S. Open at least once per decade.

🍟 Watching: DeVonta Smith serving up fast food to Eagles fans earlier this week.

🤔 Wondering: What difference playing eight fewer games per season really makes for MLB teams under a new proposed rule.

🏆 Honoring: Philly’s Premier Lacrosse League representative, the Waterdogs, receiving an award from city officials for being league champions.

The slow start to the 2026-27 season continued for the Flyers, who suffered another loss on Thursday to the Senators. But one could argue that a good reason for the loss was the Flyers’ inability to get out of the penalty kill, particularly in the first period.

Matvei Michkov got the team on the scoreboard in the second, but it was another game where too little, too late did the Flyers in. Even still, as Gabriela Carroll explains, there are positives to take from the game, but they are still lookint for their first win of the season.

When Dan Price went viral for rant on CBS Philadelphia following the Eagles loss to the Los Angeles Rams, he could’ve used that to springboard anything, really.

Instead, the South Philly native who said, “Nick [Sirianni] ain’t it,” referred to Sirianni as “cute,” and questioned whether or not the Eagles were “eating meatball subs” at halftime is using the fame he got from that interview to sell T-shirts. A portion of the proceeds will go to Philadelphia PAWS, the nonprofit dedicated to helping animals and pets here in the region.

Why?

“The two biggest loves in my life are animals and the Philadelphia Eagles,” Price said. “I can get some money to help some animals, take this embarrassing moment and, you know, turn it into something a little better.”

The whirlwind two weeks for five Union players is over as FIFA’s latest international window is closed and teams are back to action in club play. For the trio representing the United States, it was a memorable experience, none bigger than for Cavan Sullivan.

On Thursday, Sullivan noted that playing (and scoring) for the Stars and Stripes was not just for him, but for his grandfather, Larry Sullivan, who, in addition to being Philly soccer royalty, is also a decorated Vietnam War veteran. Conor Smith was at training Thursday to deliver this report as Sullivan and the Union readies for Real Salt Lake at Subaru Park on Saturday (7:30 p.m., Apple TV).

It’s been a wild week in Philly sports, with the Eagles dropping a close game to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. A day later, the Sixers played to a sold-out crowd for a preseason game against the New York Knicks. Sticking with hoops, Villanova held its annual Tip-Off event on Sunday, which only means one thing: College hoops will be here before you know it.

Fortunately, our team of Inquirer photographers captured all that and more for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy.

[Former Eagles offensive line coach Jeff] Stoutland managed the abilities and expectations of [former Eagles center Cam] Jurgens, who, after a season of mediocre play at right guard, became a Pro Bowl center. More than anything, though, Stoutland managed the mental health and the ego of [former lineman Lane] Johnson. Stoutland knew how to handle Johnson’s sensitive nature and his natural bravado. — Hayes wondered how much change on the Eagles offensive line there would be if Stoutland was still running the show.

SUNGA KIRDNIT

This local football product will be on the sidelines as a coach this Sunday when the Eagles take on the Jaguars (9:30 a.m., Fox29). Hint: He’s not with the good guys. Think you know? Take a guess and click here to see if you’re correct.

We asked: Is Lane Johnson the best Eagles player of his generation?

It’s a bit ironic that we are talking about Lane Johnson’s legacy just weeks after Zach Ertz returned to the team. Although Ertz will always be one of the finest in Eagles history — Lane Johnson is the finest Eagles player of his generation. Without him — his blocking for the run game and pass protection — it’s hard to imagine Philadelphia winning two Super Bowls and three NFC Championships. — Michael L.

Lane Johnson, who is one of the very few Eagles to play on two Super Bowl-winning teams, is certainly one of the team’s greatest offensive linemen, ranked right there with Bob Brown, Jason Peters, and Trey Thomas, but I think he might be edged out by Jason Kelce based on number of times as All-Pro, etc., but regardless of rankings, he’s definitely one of the best Philadelphia Eagles ever and a surefire Hall of Famer. — Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Chris Hine, Gabriela Carroll, Marcus Hayes, Conor Smith, Alex Coffey, Gabriela Carroll, Rob Tornoe, Olivia Reiner, Lauren Jones, Becca O’Reilly, and The Inquirer’s photography staff.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

That’s your week, Philly. I’m going to grab some coffee for a couple of early mornings ahead between my son’s soccer tournament and an Eagles game bright and early on Sunday. We’ll be back on Monday to recap all of it. Except my kid’s soccer game; I’ll spare you that. Take care. — Kerith