GREG BEACHAM Sports Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, right, tries to pass while under pressure from Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Palm Desert, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Bronny James has a rough shooting night, but makes progress in his quest to earn a role with Lakers

October 4, 2025

Three days shy of a year after Bronny James made his preseason debut in this desert arena, the NBA’s most famous son resumed his quest to earn a regular role with the Los Angeles Lakers. While his 1-for-12 shooting performance in their preseason opener wasn’t ideal, James felt his effort Friday night was another step forward in a process that’s already showing results to JJ Redick and the Lakers’ coaching staff. Bronny James scored eight points while LeBron James and Luka Doncic sat out of the Lakers’ 103-81 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, left, tries to get by Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Palm Desert, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Lakers lose their preseason opener 103-81 to Suns with LeBron James, Luka Doncic sitting out

October 3, 2025

Austin Reaves scored 20 points and Bronny James added eight while the Los Angeles Lakers lost their preseason opener 103-81 to the Phoenix Suns with LeBron James and Luka Doncic sitting out. James is progressing deliberately in his return from a minor nerve injury to begin his record 23rd NBA season, while Doncic is also ramping up with caution after his busy summer playing for Slovenia at EuroBasket. Both superstars watched from courtside while the rest of the Lakers lost to the new-look Suns, who jumped to a 27-point lead in the third quarter. Bronny James went 1 for 7 on 3-point attempts.

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams, middle, runs against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, left, and middle linebacker Fred Warner (54) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Sean McVay ‘disgusted’ after Rams let win slip away due to ball security, special teams woes

October 3, 2025

Sean McVay was still quite clearly furious with himself on the morning after his Los Angeles Rams blew an eminently winnable game on a short week against short-handed San Francisco. McVay says he’s “disgusted” by the loss on Thursday night. He’ll be simmering through his long weekend because he knows the Rams let a remarkable start to their season slip away with razor-thin losses to the Eagles and the 49ers over the past three weeks. San Francisco beat Los Angeles 26-23 in overtime despite playing without most of its star players, and the game ended with Kyren Williams getting stuffed on fourth-and-1 at the 49ers 11.

San Francisco 49ers players celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Rams in overtime of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Short-handed 49ers stop Rams on downs in overtime, preserving a 26-23 victory

October 2, 2025

Eddy Piñeiro hit a 41-yard field goal in overtime before San Francisco stopped Kyren Williams on fourth down with 3:36 to play, and the short-handed 49ers hung on for a thrilling 26-23 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Mac Jones passed for 342 yards and two touchdowns for the 49ers, who won it in OT after a frantic fourth quarter featuring Piñeiro’s tiebreaking 59-yard field goal with 2:52 left, Williams’ subsequent goal-line fumble and Joshua Karty’s tying 48-yard field goal for the Rams with 2 seconds to play. Matthew Stafford passed for 389 yards and three touchdowns for the Rams.

Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington looks on before the team's baseball game against the Houston Astros Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Ron Washington won’t return as Angels manager after 2 seasons cut short by health issues

September 30, 2025

Ron Washington will not return for a third season as the manager of the Los Angeles Angels. The team announced the move on Tuesday. Washington missed roughly half of the current season after undergoing quadruple bypass heart surgery. The Angels said they will hire a new manager for 2026, which means interim manager Ray Montgomery also won’t get the job. The 73-year-old Washington was the oldest manager in the majors during his two seasons with the Angels, who hired him in November 2023. Los Angeles had the worst season in franchise history in 2024, going 63-99 after the free-agency departure of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.

San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. watches his grand slam during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Fernando Tatís Jr. returns from bout with COVID-19 to hit a grand slam in the Padres’ playoff push

September 27, 2025

Fernando Tatís Jr. says he fell ill with the COVID-19 virus several days ago, which meant he had to watch the party from his couch when the San Diego Padres clinched a playoff spot Monday. He returned to the Padres’ lineup on Friday after missing three games, and Tatís made sure the baseball world knows he’s healthy and ready for October. Tatís blasted a grand slam in the fourth inning of the Padres’ 7-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night, swinging the momentum in a win that kept San Diego in contention for a home playoff series.

San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. celebrates after hitting a grand slam during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Fernando Tatís Jr.’s grand slam sends Padres past Diamondbacks 7-4, eliminating Arizona

September 26, 2025

Fernando Tatís Jr. hit a grand slam in the fourth inning, and the San Diego Padres eliminated the Arizona Diamondbacks from playoff contention with a 7-4 victory. Luis Arraez extended his hitting streak to 14 games with his 22nd career four-hit game for the postseason-bound Padres, who also prevented the Chicago Cubs from clinching homefield advantage in the clubs’ opening-round playoff series. Ketel Marte and Jake McCarthy hit early homers for the Diamondbacks, who lost their third straight and fell two games behind the Mets and Reds for the final NL wild card berth with two games to play.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Los Angeles, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Dodgers become the 10th team in baseball history to draw 4 million fans in a season

September 21, 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers say they’ve drawn 4 million fans this season for the first time in franchise history. Los Angeles is the first MLB team to draw 4 million fans in a season since the New York Mets in 2008. The 2025 Dodgers are only the 10th team in MLB history to hit the mark. The defending World Series champion Dodgers hit the mark Sunday in their regular-season home finale against the San Francisco Giants. They hadn’t yet determined their final attendance number. The Dodgers are wildly popular in Southern California, and they list the capacity of Dodger Stadium at an MLB-high 56,000.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw speaks to the media after announcing his retirement at the end of the season prior to a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Hollywood endings: LA icons Clayton Kershaw, Anze Kopitar announce impending retirements on same day

September 19, 2025

When Clayton Kershaw and Anze Kopitar announced their impending retirements two hours apart Thursday, the Los Angeles sports world was forever changed in an afternoon. The timing was pure coincidence for the Dodgers’ enduring ace and the Kings’ longtime captain, and their decisions were relatively unsurprising. These two 21st-century LA icons still created an epochal sports day in their adopted town. Kopitar said the timing was “kind of funny,” but he was also grateful for Kershaw to take some of the spotlight away from him.

By the numbers: An in-depth look at Clayton Kershaw’s remarkable career with the Dodgers

September 18, 2025

Clayton Kershaw joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008 as a gawky left-hander with an obvious potential for greatness. He will leave this fall with a stuffed trophy case, a massive list of accomplishments and a future appointment in Cooperstown. During the 17 years in between, Kershaw became one of Los Angeles’ most beloved athletes of the 21st century and one of the greatest pitchers of his generation. He won three Cy Young Awards, an NL MVP trophy and two World Series rings during an epic career.

FILE - Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar, of Slovenia, carries the Stanley Cup after beating the New York Rangers in double in Game 5 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final series, June 13, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

LA Kings captain Anze Kopitar says he will retire after his upcoming 20th season

September 18, 2025

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar says he will retire from his 20-year NHL career after the upcoming season. The 38-year-old Kopitar made the announcement Thursday following the first practice of training camp with the Kings. The Slovenian center has spent his entire adult life with the Kings since making his NHL debut in October 2006. He is a five-time NHL All-Star, a two-time winner of the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward, and a three-time winner of the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanlike play.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run against the San Diego Padres in the ninth inning of a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Derrick Tuskan)

Shohei Ohtani high-fives a heckler after his homer to cap Dodgers’ comeback rivalry win over Padres

August 24, 2025

A heckler next to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ dugout spent his entire Sunday giving an earful to the visitors, including a nonstop barrage of digs and chirps at Shohei Ohtani for his hitless performance in a portentous weekend series against the San Diego Padres. When Ohtani crushed his 45th homer in the ninth inning of the Dodgers’ 8-2 victory, he stopped on his way back to the dugout to slap hands and get the last word with the chagrined Padres fan. The Dodgers loved to see it, along with just everything else that transpired in the final four innings.

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nestor Cortes works against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Derrick Tuskan)

Nestor Cortes silences his Dodgers demons with 6 brilliant innings, pitching Padres into 1st place

August 23, 2025

Nestor Cortes had one of the lowest moments of his baseball life last October when he gave up the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history to Freddie Freeman. In a new uniform and a new pennant race Saturday night, Cortes faced his Dodgers demons head-on and came out smiling. The veteran left-hander produced six brilliant innings of one-hit ball while the San Diego Padres surged past Los Angeles into sole possession of first place in the NL West with a 5-1 victory. Cortes took a perfect game into the sixth inning, but he didn’t see his stellar performance as redemption.

San Diego Padres' Nestor Cortes follows through on a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Derrick Tuskan)

Nestor Cortes dominates the Dodgers, and the Padres surge into first place with a 5-1 victory

August 23, 2025

The San Diego Padres have reclaimed the NL West lead with a 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nestor Cortes took a perfect game into the sixth inning and combined with three relievers on a two-hitter. Ramón Laureano had a two-run single in the fourth and Xander Bogaerts added a two-run double in the eighth for the Padres, who have surged ahead of the Dodgers during the archrivals’ final series of the regular season by allowing just five hits and two runs in back-to-back wins. Alex Freeland hit his second career homer for the Dodgers.

San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth, center, throws to first base after forcing out Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) at second base to complete a double play during the sixth inning of a baseball game Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)

Yu Darvish, bullpen dazzle in 3-hitter, and Padres beat Dodgers 2-1 to even NL West race

August 22, 2025

Yu Darvish combined with three relievers on a three-hitter, and the San Diego Padres pulled even with the Los Angeles Dodgers atop the NL West once again with a 2-1 victory. Manny Machado had an RBI single and scored in the fourth inning for the Padres, who rebounded sharply after getting swept over three games last weekend in Chavez Ravine. The archrivals are even at 73-56 with 33 games left in the regular season. Alex Freeland hit his first major league homer for the defending champion Dodgers, who have lost three of five since last Sunday’s sweep.

FILE - Algeria's Imane Khelif, right, fights China's Yang Liu in their women's 66 kg final boxing match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File)

World Boxing will require sex testing for fighters before world championships in September

August 20, 2025

The governing body for Olympic-style boxing will require sex testing for all fighters wishing to compete in the women’s division at its world championships next month. World Boxing already had announced its plan to require competitors to undergo a polymerase chain reaction test or an equivalent genetic screening test to determine their sex at birth. It announced Wednesday that the rules will be implemented ahead of the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, England, in early September. The tests identify the presence or absence of Y chromosome genetic material as the indicator of biological sex.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to the plate during the third inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Shohei Ohtani fans Trout with 101 mph fastball while pitching into the 5th in return to Big A mound

August 13, 2025

Shohei Ohtani returned to the Angel Stadium mound with 4 1/3 innings of five-hit, four-run ball for the Los Angeles Dodgers in his first pitching appearance in Anaheim since he left the Los Angeles Angels nearly two years ago. Ohtani also staked himself to an early lead by tripling and scoring as the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter before he even took the mound, entertaining Angels fans with the same inimitable feats he accomplished regularly during his first six major league seasons with their club. Ohtani’s mound start was his longest since he returned to pitching two months ago, but he didn’t finish strong.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Dalton Rushing, left, is tagged out by Los Angeles Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel for the last out of a triple play during the sixth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Angels turn triple play when Shohei Ohtani lines out to Zach Neto and 2 Dodgers are caught off base

August 13, 2025

The Los Angeles Angels turned the eighth triple play in team history Tuesday night, capitalizing on a line drive to second by Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani. Miguel Rojas was on second and Dalton Rushing was on first for the Dodgers when Ohtani hit a drive right up the middle past reliever Brock Burke. Angels shortstop Zach Neto caught Ohtani’s drive and stepped on second in stride to get Rojas. Neto quickly threw to first, where Nolan Schanuel tagged out Rushing as the Dodgers rookie attempted to sneak back.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) strikes out swinging as Los Angeles Angels catcher Travis d'Arnaud, left, prepares to throw the ball during the third inning of a baseball game, Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Shohei Ohtani homers in 3rd straight game, but Dodgers’ malaise continues in another loss

August 11, 2025

Shohei Ohtani has homered in his third straight game. The Dodgers star hit his 42nd of the season in the eighth inning of their game against the Los Angeles Angels. The Dodgers trailed 7-0 when Ohtani connected off Shaun Anderson, driving his fourth homer in five games into the right field bleachers to tie Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber for the NL lead. Seattle’s Cal Raleigh leads the majors with 45 homers. Ohtani has a 10-game hitting streak in August, and he has four homers among his nine hits in the Dodgers’ last five games.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, center, stands on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

CeeDee Lamb takes big hit from sprinting official while WR is in street clothes on the sideline

August 9, 2025

CeeDee Lamb took a big hit and committed a penalty in the Dallas Cowboys’ preseason opener even though the star receiver wasn’t in uniform. A sprinting official ran straight into Lamb’s back on the sideline during the second quarter of the Cowboys’ game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Saturday night, resulting in a 15-yard penalty to Dallas for making contact with an official. Dressed in street clothes, Lamb was watching Joe Milton’s deep pass to Jonathan Mingo when he wandered too far into the white paint on the sideline. The official didn’t see him and knocked him down.

FILE - South Korea's Son Heung-min, left, and his teammates celebrate their advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals after the Asian qualifier group B match for 2026 World Cup between South Korea and Kuwait at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul, South Korea, June 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)

Son Heung-min signs with MLS’ Los Angeles FC after a decade at Tottenham

August 5, 2025

Son Heung-min agreed to a contract with Los Angeles FC on Tuesday, finalizing his move to Major League Soccer after a decade at Tottenham Hotspur. The 33-year-old South Korean superstar will join LAFC as a designated player after the club paid a reported fee of more than $20 million, which could end up being the most ever for an MLS transfer. Son formally announced his decision to leave Tottenham last week. The Spurs captain was a beloved fixture at the North London club, scoring 173 goals in 454 competitive appearances while rising to global prominence with his combination of speed, playmaking skill and finishing acumen.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Tommy Edman (25) celebrates a two-run homer with Esteury Ruiz (27) during the second inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Dodgers activate Max Muncy from injured list, but also put Tommy Edman on the shelf

August 4, 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Max Muncy from the injured list and put fellow infielder Tommy Edman on the list Monday. Muncy has been out since July 2, missing nearly five weeks with a bone bruise in his knee after a collision on a tag play during a game against the Chicago White Sox. The veteran slugger had been on a monthlong roll at the time of his injury, boosting his OPS to .832 with 13 homers and 55 RBIs. But just when Muncy is healthy enough to return, the NL West-leading Dodgers are losing Edman after he aggravated his injured right ankle.

The Los Angeles Lakers, from left, Coach JJ Redick, Maxi Kleber, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Adou Thiero, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes and general manager Rob Pelinka. congratulate Doncic on his three-year, $165 contract extension at the Lakers' training complex in El Segundo, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Greg Beacham)

Luka Doncic agrees to a contract extension through 2028 with the Lakers, committing to his new team

August 2, 2025

Luka Doncic has agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Slovenian superstar is bypassing a chance at free agency next summer to build a long-term future with his new team. The deal keeps Doncic with Los Angeles through 2028. The Slovenian superstar had a player option for the 2026-27 season under his previous contract. The Lakers acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks last February in a seismic trade for Anthony Davis. Doncic wrote on social media “Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud.”

Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh is greeted by teammates after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/William Liang)

Cal Raleigh is first to 40 homers this season with tiebreaking shot in Mariners’ 7-2 win over Angels

July 26, 2025

Cal Raleigh became the first player to hit 40 homers this season with a tiebreaking solo shot in the sixth inning of the Seattle Mariners’ 7-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Raleigh hammered a 97 mph fastball from José Fermin 416 feet into the right-field bleachers for his second homer in eight games since winning the Home Run Derby. Julio Rodríguez hit his fourth solo homer in three games at Angel Stadium, and George Kirby struck out nine over six difficult innings. Taylor Ward hit his 24th homer for the Angels, who have lost five of six.

FILE - Washington Wizards guard Marcus Smart (36) looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat in Washington, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams, file)

Marcus Smart will sign with the Lakers after getting a buyout from Wizards, AP source says

July 20, 2025

Veteran guard Marcus Smart will sign with the Los Angeles Lakers after receiving a contract buyout from the Washington Wizards, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Wizards had yet to announce their buyout of Smart, who excelled for the rival Boston Celtics for nine seasons before spending the past two years with Memphis and Washington. Smart will get a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers to join their supporting cast around Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

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.

Finance.