GREG BEACHAM Sports Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) vie for the ball in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Feb. 10, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Deandre Ayton will join LeBron, Luka and the Lakers after Portland buyout, AP sources say

July 2, 2025

Deandre Ayton has agreed to join the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent, sources tell the Associated Press. The Portland Trail Blazers bought out Ayton’s contract last weekend, and he will now team up with LeBron James and Luka Doncic for the upcoming season. Ayton, a 7-footer and former No. 1 overall pick, averaged 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds over seven NBA seasons. His addition addresses the Lakers’ need for size in the paint after trading Anthony Davis. Ayton, who turns 27 this month, brings experience but has yet to make an All-Star appearance in his career.

FILE - Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, left, and forward LeBron James warm up before an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Oct. 22, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer, File)

Bronny James says he doesn’t follow rumors around LeBron while preparing for 2nd season with Lakers

July 2, 2025

Bronny James sounds prepared to spend a long, hot summer ducking rumors, pleading ignorance on innuendo and concentrating on the work necessary to become a contributor during his second NBA season with the Lakers. LeBron James has decided to pick up his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers. His longtime agent, Rich Paul, announced the news with ambiguous comments in which he declared LeBron’s desire to compete for a championship this season, even while the Lakers are building for the future. While many NBA observers are interpreting the comments as a prelude to a possible trade if the Lakers aren’t an elite team in the fall, Bronny James isn’t thinking or looking that far ahead.

Jake Paul celebrates after his cruiserweight boxing match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

Jake Paul enters WBA’s cruiserweight rankings, making him eligible for title shot

July 1, 2025

Jake Paul has entered the World Boxing Association’s cruiserweight rankings. That means the YouTuber-turned-boxer is eligible to fight for a world title. The WBA slotted Paul at No. 14 in the latest edition of its rankings. Two days earlier, Paul beat 39-year-old Julio César Chávez Jr. by unanimous decision in Anaheim, California. The WBA’s decision to rank Paul likely means the sanctioning body would allow him to fight WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. The WBA’s decision reflects Paul’s incredible financial potential more than his fighting resume, which still largely consists of fellow YouTubers and mixed martial artists as his opponents.

Jake Paul, right, punches Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. during their cruiserweight boxing match on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

Jake Paul beats former middleweight champ Julio César Chávez Jr. by unanimous decision

June 29, 2025

Jake Paul has beaten former middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr. by unanimous decision. The YouTuber-turned-boxer dominated the early rounds Saturday night before holding on against Chávez’s late-round rally. Paul appeared to be taking the biggest risk of his unique boxing career by facing his most accomplished opponent in the 39-year-old Chávez, and doing it in front of an ardently pro-Chávez crowd. Chávez stepped into the ring at Honda Center and looked lifeless, barely throwing a punch until late in the fourth round. He got going late, but Paul hung on and cruised to victory.

Simon Wang speaks to the media after the San Jose Sharks selected the defenseman with the 33rd overall pick in the NHL draft in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Greg Beacham)

Simon Wang becomes highest-drafted player born in China, going 33rd to Sharks in NHL draft

June 28, 2025

Simon Wang became the highest-drafted player born in China when the San Jose Sharks selected him with the first pick of the second round of the NHL draft. Wang’s family moved from Beijing to Toronto when he was 12. The 6-foot-5 defenseman surged forward in his development over the past year, showing more than enough potential to entice the Sharks with the 33rd overall selection. Wang is only the third Chinese-born player ever drafted by the NHL. Wang walked the red carpet with his mother, and he got to see his brother for the first time in nearly two years.

Matthew Schaefer, drafted first by the New York Islanders, middle, stands between Michael Misa, drafted second by the San Jose Sharks, left, and Anton Frondell, drafted third by the Chicago Blackhawks, during the NHL hockey draft Friday, June 27, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Islanders’ No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer pays tribute to late mother with a kiss and a promise

June 27, 2025

The New York Islanders selected defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft. The Islanders surprised nobody by using their first No. 1 selection since 2009 on the 17-year-old Schaefer, a 6-foot-2 blueliner from Hamilton, Ontario, who spent the past two seasons with the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters. He played only 17 games last season before breaking his collarbone in December, but Schaefer’s acumen on both ends of the ice still propelled him to the top of nearly all draft boards. Schaefer is just the fifth defenseman drafted No. 1 overall in the NHL draft since 2000.

FILE - Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras (11) plays during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, file)

Anaheim Ducks trade Trevor Zegras to Philadelphia Flyers for Ryan Poehling and draft picks

June 23, 2025

The Anaheim Ducks are trading forward Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers for forward Ryan Poehling and two draft picks. Zegras was the Ducks’ first-round pick in 2019. The Ducks also will get the 45th overall pick in the upcoming draft that initially belonged to Columbus, along with a fourth-round pick next season. Zegras had two 60-point seasons early in his NHL career but struggled with injuries for the past two seasons. The 26-year-old Poehling had 12 goals and 19 assists for Philadelphia last season.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to a Washington Nationals batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Shohei Ohtani pitches sharp first inning for Dodgers before driving in 5 runs at the plate

June 22, 2025

Shohei Ohtani pitched one hitless inning Sunday in his second mound start for the Los Angeles Dodgers, striking out two and allowing just one baserunner on an error. The three-time MVP then drove in five runs at the plate, hitting a three-run triple down the right field line in the seventh before adding a two-run homer in the eighth. Ohtani threw 18 pitches against the Washington Nationals at Chavez Ravine, recording 12 strikes with one wild pitch. After leadoff hitter CJ Abrams grounded out, Mookie Betts dropped James Wood’s popup in the sun, but Ohtani struck out Luis García Jr. and Nathaniel Lowe to end it.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, center is hit by a pitch thrown by San Diego Padres relief pitcher Robert Suarez, left as catcher Martin Maldonado watches during the ninth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Padres closer Suarez suspended 3 games, fined for hitting Ohtani with pitch; managers banned 1 game

June 20, 2025

San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez was suspended for three games and fined an undisclosed amount Friday for intentionally hitting Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers with a pitch in the ninth inning Thursday night. Suarez appealed the suspension that was scheduled to begin Friday night when the Padres faced Kansas City at home. Padres manager Mike Shildt and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also received one-game suspensions and undisclosed fines. Ohtani took a pitch to the back of his right (pitching) shoulder from Suarez in the Padres’ 5-3 victory Thursday in Los Angeles. With Dodgers players starting to move over the dugout railing, Ohtani waved back his teammates.

Dodgers announce $1 million donation to aid families of immigrants affected by federal raids

June 20, 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers have donated $1 million to assist families impacted by two weeks of immigration raids in Southern California. The defending World Series champion Dodgers also said Friday that they intend to form partnerships with the California Community Foundation, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and other organization to aid immigrant families. The Dodgers announced the steps in a five-paragraph news release that appeared to be delicately worded. The team said only that the financial aid would be provided “for families of immigrants impacted by recent events in the region.”

Botafogo's Igor Jesus celebrates towards fans after scoring his team's first goal during the Club World Cup group B soccer match between PSG and Botafogo in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Botafogo stuns Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in Club World Cup on Igor Jesus’ goal

June 19, 2025

Botafogo has stunned Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in each club’s second match of the Club World Cup. Igor Jesus scored late in the first half, and the South American champions made it stand up through a tense second half while improving to 2-0-0 in Club World Cup group play. PSG hadn’t lost in any competition since May 3, but the European champions looked understandably weary at times. Jesus’ stunning score in the 36th minute was the first goal allowed since May 17 by PSG. The French powerhouse had outscored its last three opponents by a combined 12-0, winning the French Cup and the Champions League final.

FILE - Los Angeles Lakers President Jeanie Buss dances in her seat to music as she attends the NBA basketball game between the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers in Los Angeles, Oct. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok, File)

After a whopping sale, the Los Angeles Lakers will no longer be the Buss family business

June 19, 2025

The Buss family’s decision to sell a controlling stake in the Los Angeles Lakers at a franchise valuation of $10 billion marks the end of nearly a half-century when one of the most valuable properties in the entire sports world was run by an eccentric father and his sometimes squabbling children. With high-living playboy Jerry Buss and current team governor Jeanie Buss in charge, the glamorous Lakers essentially have been the professional sports equivalent of a quirky family business for two generations. The Lakers and the Buss clan have been inextricable since 1979, but Mark Walter’s stunning purchase effectively ends this improbable era.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani runs after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Los Angeles, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Shohei Ohtani hits 2 homers against Giants, ending the Dodgers star’s 10-game homer drought

June 14, 2025

Shohei Ohtani has hit two homers against the San Francisco Giants, emphatically ending the three-time MVP’s longest homer drought since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani led off the game with his 24th homer, hammering Landen Roupp’s fourth pitch 419 feet deep into the right-field bleachers with an exit velocity of 110.3 mph. The slugger had been in a 10-game homer drought since June 2, going 10 for 40 in that stretch with no RBIs. Ohtani then led off the sixth with his 25th homer on Tristan Beck’s breaking ball outside the strike zone.

FILE - New York Rangers' Chris Kreider celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning, in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs, May 22, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, file)

Chris Kreider bids a bittersweet farewell to Rangers, heralds his fresh start with Anaheim Ducks

June 12, 2025

Chris Kreider has known for months that his long, decorated tenure with the New York Rangers would probably end this summer. While the close of his run on Broadway is undeniably bittersweet, he’s also thrilled to raise the curtain on his next chapter on the West Coast. The Anaheim Ducks acquired Kreider and a fourth-round pick from the Rangers on Thursday in a trade for prospect Carey Terrance and a third-round pick. Kreider waived his no-trade clause after Rangers general manager Chris Drury decided he needed salary cap space more than Kreider, the left wing who became a Rangers mainstay over 14 seasons.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Will Smith (16) has sunflower seeds tossed at him by Teoscar Hernandez, right, after hitting a two-run home run against the San Diego Padres during the third inning of a baseball game Monday, June 9, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)

Andy Pages delivers in 10th, Dodgers edge Padres 8-7 in rivals’ first meeting of the season

June 9, 2025

Andy Pages led off the 10th inning with an RBI double before scoring on Tommy Edman’s single, and the Los Angeles Dodgers hung on to open their season series against the San Diego Padres with an 8-7 victory. Will Smith homered and drove in three runs in the first of seven meetings in 11 days between the Southern California rivals. Jackson Merrill slugged a one-out RBI double in the 10th for San Diego, but Tanner Scott finished for his 12th save. Tyler Wade had a three-run triple for the Padres, who have lost four of six.

Manny Pacquiao says return to boxing goes beyond comeback fight: ‘The book of politics is closed’

June 3, 2025

Manny Pacquiao says he is done with politics, and he’s back in boxing to stay. “The book of politics is closed,” Pacquiao tells The Associated Press. Pacquiao’s ring comeback at 46 years old is not just for a farewell bout, either: The former eight-division world champion intends to fight on indefinitely. The comeback starts July 19, when Pacquiao returns from a four-year layoff and attempts to break his own record by becoming the oldest welterweight champion in boxing history. The former senator and presidential candidate in his native Philippines will take on WBC champ Mario Barrios.

Alvarez delivers 10th-inning RBI double and Mets overcome Ohtani’s heroics for 4-3 win over Dodgers

June 2, 2025

Francisco Alvarez drove in his first run in four weeks with a double leading off the 10th inning, and the New York Mets overcame Shohei Ohtani’s 23rd homer and tying sacrifice fly for a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Francisco Lindor hit a leadoff homer and a 10th-inning RBI single for the Mets, who opened this NLCS rematch with their eighth win in nine games. Ohtani hit a 424-foot solo shot off Max Kranick in the seventh, getting his fifth homer in seven games to tie Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh for the major league lead with 23.

America's coach Andre Jardine and his players stand on the pitch with their second place medals after losing 0-2 against Toluca during the Mexican soccer league second leg final match at Nemesio Diez stadium in Toluca, Mexico, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

LAFC, Club América are anticipating their ‘massive’ play-in match to join Club World Cup field

May 30, 2025

The stakes are extraordinary when Los Angeles FC hosts Club América this weekend. The winner of this one-game play-in match gets the final spot in the FIFA Club World Cup and the remarkable chance for a North American team to face world soccer powers in the biggest-ever edition of this summer competition. What’s more, the winning team at BMO Stadium will be guaranteed at least $9.55 million for its Club World Cup berth, along with a shot at nearly $100 million from the tournament’s biggest-ever prize pool of nearly $1 billion. LAFC’s sold-out arena will be packed with raucous supporters of both teams.

FILE - Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela chases the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match against the Real Salt Lake on Oct. 1, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

Former MLS MVP Carlos Vela announces retirement after his record-setting career with LAFC

May 27, 2025

Former Major League Soccer MVP Carlos Vela has announced his retirement. The 36-year-old Vela spent the previous seven seasons with Los Angeles FC, which signed the Mexican forward as its first designated player in 2017. Vela became the club’s leader in goals, assists and games played in a career highlighted by his MVP season in 2019, during which he set an MLS record with 34 goals. Vela’s contract with LAFC ran out after the 2023 season, and he remained unsigned until last September, when he rejoined the club for the playoff stretch. He wasn’t re-signed for the current season.

Casey Wasserman, chairman of LA 2028, the organizing committee for the 2028 Summer Olympics, is interviewed at an NBCUniversal and U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee press preview event to promote the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

After NFL approval, LA28’s Wasserman is optimistic MLB players will also find a path to the Olympics

May 21, 2025

The organizers of the Los Angeles Olympics remain optimistic that Major League Baseball will find a way to join the NFL in sending the world’s best athletes in their respective sports to the 2028 Games. LA28 president and chairman Casey Wasserman said he has been in close contact with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred about the decision that must be made by both the league and the players’ union on whether to send players to the Olympics in the middle of the 2028 MLB season. There’s no current timetable for the decision. Wasserman says MLB participation is the right thing for everybody involved.

GREG BEACHAM Sports Writer.