Plain Dealing

Cleveland paper takes shot at King

Headline writers at the Cleveland Plain Dealer just couldn’t let it go.

Announcing LeBron James’ first game in Cleveland as a member of the Lakers, the paper buried the lead... and The King.

“Lonzo Ball and Lakers at The Q (Quicken Loans Arena) on Nov. 21” read the main headline, with a secondary headline then reading “Former Cav James also expected to play.”

Clearly the headline writer was having a little fun at the de- parted James’ expense.

Kawhi Leonard was on brand when he broke his silence. The stoic star, now with the Raptors, kept it simple in his first public statements since forcing his way out of San Antonio, bereft of depth. “I have been going back and forth the last few weeks trying to figure out the right things to say, and it comes down to two simple words: THANK YOU!” Leonard wrote in the San Antonio-Express, before extending his gratitude to the Spurs organization, its fans, his ex-teammates and coach Gregg Popovich.

Pats add $5M in incentives to Brady deal

The Patriots will add $5 million in performance-based incentives to Tom Brady’s contract by this weekend, according to ESPN. The quarterback and reigning MVP had been scheduled to make $15 million this season. Brady’s current average salary reportedly ranks 22nd in the league.

The Vikings lost a key member of their offensive line Thursday when left guard Nick Easton was placed on injured reserve because of a bulging disc in his neck. Easton hadn’t practiced since Aug. 3 because of the injury. Minnesota is also missing center Pat

Elflein (ankle/shoulder) and right guard Mike Remmers (ankle).

Verlander credits Upton with saving career

Astros ace Justin Verlander says supermodel wife Kate Upton helped saved his career, which he feared was over in 2014. “She was instrumental in me not ... like, jumping off a bridge,” Verlander told Bleacher Report.

The 35-year-old, who admitted he had been “depressed,” said she was someone he could talk to as he worked to get better.

K-State signs Bill Snyder to new 5-year deal

Just days after Bill Snyder said he felt energized heading into this season, Kansas State announced it had signed the 78year-old to a new five-year contract that includes a pay bump to $3.45 million this season and could keep him with the Wildcats through the 2022 season.