Blake Lizotte isn't a physically imposing force, but his role as a grinder embodies the approach the Kings are taking in hopes of defeating the Oilers.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/kings/story/2024-04-30/blake-lizotte-kings-oilers-game-5
Welsh soccer club Wrexham AFC faces extremely long odds of ever making it to the Premier League, but that isn't stopping the team from chasing its dream.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/story/2024-04-30/welcome-to-wrexham-football-promotion
The Lakers may not like doing whatever LeBron James demands, but the alternative — becoming irrelevant and rebuilding without him — is much worse.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2024-04-30/lakers-lebron-james-future
The Lakers fight to the finish in Game 5 at Denver, but Jamal Murray again hits the clutch shot with four seconds left to give Nuggets the victory.
Not a single one of the 44 batters who the Dodgers sent to the plate in an 8-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks struck out, a Dodgers first since 2006.
The Lakers aren't going to buy out LeBron James' contract or trade Anthony Davis, so fans better get used to the team underachieving in the playoffs.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2024-04-29/lakers-stuck-in-mediocre-hell-season-ends
Audrey Choi won her third title this school year, leading El Camino Real to victory over Taft for the City Section beach volleyball team title.
The Oakland Athletics hire Galatioto Sports Partners to attract $500 million in private investing for their proposed stadium on the Las Vegas Strip.
Nick Hardwick spent his entire NFL career with the Chargers and never aspired to coach, but when Jim Harbaugh called the former center he accepted a job he considers dream-like.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2024-04-29/jim-harbaughs-chargers-nick-hardwick-coach
James Harden, one of the Clippers' heroes in a Game 4 win on the road, says coach has provided a 'blueprint' to defeating the Mavericks.
Newly retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce is set to join ESPN's 'Monday Night Countdown,' the network's pregame show for its 'MNF' broadcast.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2024-04-29/jason-kelce-espn-monday-night-countdown
Entering play Monday, Freddie Freeman was batting .306 with eight doubles, two home runs and 19 RBIs. But his average had dipped to .259, requiring some work to raise it.
Major League Baseball is behind a venture to offer ballpark food from hundreds of locations, mirroring a NASCAR initiative that also utilizes IHOP kitchens.
USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb no longer has an experience problem, adding another seasoned transfer in Talia van Oelhoffen to bolster a young lineup.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/story/2024-04-29/usc-super-team-transfer-talia-von-oelhoffen
CBS is shaking up its Sunday studio show 'The NFL Today,' with Matt Ryan joining the crew in place of departing longtime analysts Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2024-04-29/matt-ryan-cbs-nfl-today-boomer-esiason-phil-simms
High school softball: Southern Section playoff pairings, division by division, including wild-card games.
The 25-3 Panthers get the No. 1 seed in Southern Section Division 1 baseball playoffs while all six Trinity League teams make the postseason.
After a regular season that started and finished in record-setting fashion, the Kings find themselves just a loss away from bowing out of the playoffs.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/kings/story/2024-04-29/kings-vs-oilers-game-4-analysis
Long Beach State setter Aidan Knipe and his father, the team's coach, have worked to avoid hints of favoritism while pushing to win a national title.
Former Dodgers pitcher Brock Stewart is excelling for the Twins, but his velocity pursuit offers insight into why pitchers might be sustaining more injuries.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2024-04-29/brock-stewart-resurgent-career-pitching-injuries
Absence of Bob Baffert horses lessens the star power of Kentucky Derby. Fierceness and Sierra Leone are the favorites. Can Forever Young break shipper streak?
https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2024-04-29/kentucky-derby-storylines-150th-running-of-the-roses
Everest guide Adrian Ballinger is breaking with decades of tradition to create what he believes are better and more ethical ways to climb the world's tallest mountain.
UCLA and Arizona have won 20 national titles. Their fierce Pac-12 rivalry effectively ended Sunday, with both teams joining new conferences.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2024-04-28/ucla-softball-vs-arizona
Evan Bouchard scores on a power play and goaltender Stuart Skinner makes 33 saves to help give the Oilers to a 3-1 playoff series lead over the Kings.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/kings/story/2024-04-28/kings-lose-edmonton-oilers-game-4
The Dodgers had a chance to extend their winning streak when two reached safely with no outs in eighth inning but fail to deliver in clutch against Blue Jays.
Kawhi Leonard's swollen right knee forces him to sit out Game 4, but Clippers even series with Paul George and James Harden each scoring 33 points.
A look at the Los Angeles Times' top 25 high school baseball teams in the Southland after final week of the 2024 regular season.
A look at how the Lakers staved off elimination Saturday night, from the big games of LeBron James and Anthony Davis to the contributions of role players.
Bryce Rainer, Seth Hernandez, Ethan Schiefelbein, Nate Castellon, Cade Townsend, Dylan Volantis and Derek Curiel are among those to watch in playoffs.
Aleena Garcia, who first played baseball, is a five-tool softball star who perfected her swing and skills through endless training and has committed to UCLA.
The LeBron James-led Lakers were created to win games, and after ending their 11-game losing streak to the Denver Nuggets, the momentum is in their favor.
Former Harvard-Westlake star Kiki Iriafen says she will transfer from Stanford to USC in a move that turns the Trojans into national title contenders.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/story/2024-04-28/stanford-kiki-iriafen-transfering-usc-basketball
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell each have 20-plus points to help the Lakers force Game 5 in Denver on Monday night.
The Chargers new attitude starts with the drafting of a force on the offensive line, Joe Alt, adding beef to their interior defense and replacing receivers.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2024-04-27/chargers-draft-overview
Audrey Flanagan and Giselle Yau lead Mira Costa to victory over Redondo Union to take the Division 1 girls' beach volleyball title.
The Rams entered the NFL draft knowing one player could not replace the retired Aaron Donald, so they picked four defensive lineman to help fill the void.
DeShaun Foster's decision to move the UCLA spring showcase to the Rose Bowl draws a crowd and is a hit among players as the offense beats the defense.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2024-04-27/ucla-spring-showcase-rose-bowl-players
If Kawhi Leonard is able to play Sunday against the Mavericks in Dallas, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said there might be a minutes restriction.
Tyler Glasnow delivers six shutout innings before giving up a run and exiting the game because of cramping in the seventh inning of a 4-2 win over Toronto.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2024-04-27/tyler-glasnow-shines-dodgers-win-blue-jays
With college football players increasingly choosing to not leave school early because of NIL, the quality of players in the NFL draft is taking a hit.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2024-04-27/nil-in-college-football-impact-nfl-draft
Former LMU star Dominick Harris will address one of the Bruins' biggest offseason needs after shooting 44.8% from three-point range last season.
High school softball: Southern Section playoff pairings, division by division, including wild-card games.
The Rams had 10 picks in the 2024 NFL draft, picking five offensive players, four defenders and a kicker. They began by taking Florida State's Jared Verse.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2024-04-27/rams-day-3-nfl-draft
Pitcher Brianne Weiss, who is 16-1 with a 0.51 ERA, leads top-seeded Orange Lutheran into the Southern Section Division 1 softball playoffs.
Although Edmonton has dominated play in stretches, the Kings will look to make adjustments that can even the best-of-seven series on Sunday.
The Chargers had nine picks in the 2024 NFL draft, picking five offensive players and four defenders. They began by taking Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2024-04-27/chargers-draft-picks-capsules
High school baseball and softball scores from across the Southland for Saturday, April 26.
Readers of the L.A. Times Sports section express their opinions on the Lakers' problems, Reggie Bush and the Heisman Trust, and Caitlin Clark.
Zach Hyman and Leon Draisaitl each score two goals to help lift the Edmonton Oilers to a 6-1 win over the Kings and a 2-1 playoff series lead.
Rams general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay confirmed quarterback Matthew Stafford wants his contract adjusted, seeking more guaranteed money.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2024-04-26/rams-admit-matthew-stafford-contract-guarantees
Kawhi Leonard only plays 25 minutes, finishing with nine points and four turnovers, in Game 3 loss as the Clippers trail Dallas 2-1 in best-of-seven series.
Jared Verse was thrilled to be the Rams' first-round NFL draft pick, and became even happier when they also selected his college teammate Braden Fiske.
The Chargers needed new starting receivers, and took Georgia receiver Ladd McConkey in Round 2. In Round 3, they took Michigan linebacker Junior Colson.
Playing in Toronto for the first time since picking the Dodgers in free agency, Shohei Ohtani was loudly booed before hitting a home run in a 12-2 win.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2024-04-26/shohei-ohtani-hits-home-run-toronto-boos
Even though they've lost 11 consecutive games to Denver, coach Darvin Ham and forward Rui Hachimura say the Lakers are capable of beating the Nuggets.
Joe Alt, the Chargers' first pick in the NFL draft, comes from a family of athletes. His father was a two-time Pro Bow player and his brother played in the NHL.
Lindsay Gottlieb, who guided the USC women's basketball team to its best season in 30 years, has agreed to a contract extension with the university.
Former USC quarterback Caleb Williams broke Caitlin Clark's Fanatics record for most draft-night jersey sales after being selected No. 1 overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2024 NFL draft.
The Dodgers feared they had lost Shohei Ohtani to the Blue Jays when rumors spread that he was flying to Toronto. Ohtani was sitting at home wondering what to make of all of it.
Five takeaways from the Lakers' 112-105 loss in Game 3 of their first-round series with the Nuggets that put L.A. on the verge of elimination.
High school baseball and softball scores from across the Southland for April 25.
Jim Harbaugh explains why Chargers drafted Notre Dame's Joe Alt: "When we talk ... about attacking on offense, offensive line is the tip of the spear."
USC produced the top pick of the NFL draft in Caleb Williams, and UCLA produced the first defensive player selected in Laiatu Latu, taken 15th.
The Lakers may struggle to contend for a title if they keep making quick coaching changes, but that might not be enough to save Darvin Ham's job.
Signed by the Dodgers, Art Schallock won three World Series titles with the Yankees. The oldest living MLB player, now 100, counted Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra as friends.
D'Angelo Russell struggles with his shooting and Anthony Davis and LeBron James can't rescue the Lakers in a 112-105 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 3.
The Rams went into the draft with thoughts of helping their pass rush, and Florida State's Jared Verse was still on the board when L.A. made the 19th pick.
Former USC star Reggie Bush says he never lost faith that he would some day get his Heisman Trophy back.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/story/2024-04-25/reggie-bush-news-conference
Sherman Oaks Notre Dame's JJ Harel clears 6-10 1/4 in the high jump at the Mission League track and field finals.
Many thought the Chargers might trade the fifth pick of the NFL draft, but they stuck with it and helped their offensive line by taking Notre Dame's Joe Alt.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2024-04-25/nfl-draft-chargers-round-1
Former UCLA QB Cade McNown has advice for Bears top pick Caleb Williams: "You've been drafted as the future, you have to live in the present."
Yoshinobu Yamamoto shines on the mound, Teoscar Hernández homers and the Dodgers complete a sweep of the Nationals with a 2-1 victory, their fourth win in a row overall.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2024-04-25/dodgers-nationals-yoshinobu-yamamoto-sweep
Raul Lara, former head coach at Long Beach Poly and St. Anthony, has been named Mater Dei's head football coach.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2024-04-25/mater-dei-names-raul-lara-new-football-coach
The Clippers are unsure if Kawhi Leonard will be able to play more than the roughly 35 minutes he played in the team's Game 2 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2024-04-25/kawhi-leonard-clippers-game-3-mavericks
Former USC quarterback Caleb Williams is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. How many other former Trojans have had their names called first?
Former USC running back Reggie Bush won the Heisman Trophy in 2005, lost it in 2010 and finally got it back this week. Here's how it all unfolded.
As the Kings head back to L.A. after exhilarating Game 2 OT win, they'll find Crypto.com Arena to be very busy as three tenants host multiple playoff games this week.
High school baseball and softball scores from across the Southland for April 24.
The Angels haven't made the postseason since 2014. It's time for them to finally do something about that.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/story/2024-04-25/shaikin-column-on-angels
The Bears have tried and failed to secure a franchise quarterback for years, and Chicago wonders whether Caleb Williams or J.J. McCarthy is the right choice.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2024-04-25/nfl-draft-chicago-bears-caleb-williams-jj-mccarthy
Caleb Williams' unique style and emotional responses have spurred misconceptions. His top moments at USC reveal a clearer picture of the quarterback.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/story/2024-04-25/nfl-draft-pick-caleb-williams-top-moments-at-usc
Athletes and entertainers lose money because they're inattentive, make risky investments and overspend on loved ones and expensive toys, financial experts say.
Anze Kopitar scores 2:07 into the extra period of Game 2 as the Kings defeat Edmonton to even their first-round series.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/kings/story/2024-04-24/kings-vs-edmonton-oilers-game-2
The slumping second baseman shows signs of life, with two hits and two RBIs in the Dodgers' win over Washington
https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2024-04-24/dodgers-vs-washington-nationals
Erik Puodziunas loses his no-hitter in the seventh in Sherman Oaks Notre Dame's 6-0 win over Crespi.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/highschool/story/2024-04-24/prep-sports-roundup
For the Clippers to beat Dallas in Game 3, they will need a better version of the Kawhi Leonard they got in Game 2.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2024-04-24/clippers-kawhi-leonard
The Lakers are looking for reasons why their offensive efficiency declined in the second half of Games 1 and 2 in the playoff series against the Nuggets.
Reggie Bush and USC should celebrate the return of his Heisman Trophy, but the NCAA findings that still hinder the Trojans can't be forgotten.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/story/2024-04-24/its-about-time-reggie-bush-heisman-trophy
With pass-rushing help needed even before Aaron Donald retired, the Rams will need to address their defensive line in the 2024 NFL draft.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2024-04-24/rams-draft-preview
With the fifth pick of the NFL draft in Detroit, the Chargers are in great position to trade down for extra picks and still fill their needs in Round 1.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2024-04-24/chargers-nfl-draft-number-5-pick-trades
William Kyle III is the fifth transfer UCLA coach Mick Cronin has landed as he works to revamp the Bruins' roster and offset key departures.
The Times ranks all eight USC Heisman Trophy winners. Where do Reggie Bush, O.J. Simpson and Caleb Williams fall on the list?
If you want to know what has made Shohei Ohtani the hottest hitter in the majors the last three weeks, look no further than his ninth-inning at-bat Tuesday.
High school baseball and softball scores from across the Southland for April 23.
The Heisman Trust reinstates the trophy to Reggie Bush and USC, three years after the era of forbidding college athletes from receiving compensation ended.
The Clippers dropped Game 2 in what was Kawhi Leonard's first game since March 31, but it's clear his presence is key to L.A.'s title aspirations.
Youth sports in Southern California owes a big thank you to proceeds from 1984 Olympic Games through LA84 Foundation.
L.A. Times NFL writer Sam Farmer predicts quarterbacks will be taken 1-2-3 atop the draft Thursday after a surprise trade happens in the third spot.
After dropping off luggage at my hotel, I hit my first stop: Larry's Steaks, a sandwich shop in the Wynnefield neighborhood that makes Bryant's favorite Philly cheesesteak.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-04-24/kobe-bryant-philadelphia-tour
Sean McVay has not had the chance to draft in the first round during his years with the Rams until this year ... "If we do pick in the first round."