L.A. Times - Bill Plaschke

Lakers legend Tex Winter needs to be encircled with care

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The inventor of the 'triangle' is recovering from a stroke and struggling to adapt and re-learn things. Basketball helps his spirits.

You never saw it. The Lakers never ran it. An 87-year-old stroke victim conceived it.

Angels know how to rally

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Simply obeying their marching orders has them flirting with first place.

Amid swirling fountains, sweaty drinks and the scent of sunblock, Saturday afternoons at Angel Stadium are like a lovely picnic.

The spirit of 1999 Women's World Cup lives on

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Not all women's sports have flourished, but there is a sense of belonging that wasn't there before soccer triumph.

Ten years ago, in front of the bulging eyes of a nation, a female athlete tore off her shirt, baring her black sports bra and her powerful soul.

Will Ron Artest's act work with Lakers and Kobe Bryant?

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The newest Laker will have the strongest locker room personality since Shaquille O'Neal. And we all know how that played out.

Not content with simply leaving first impressions, newest Laker Ron Artest showed up Wednesday pounding some serious first dents .

A burst from Manny, a dud from the bullpen

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dodgers look like they can't wait for the All-Star break

July Fourth with the Dodgers was an independence day indeed, although some handled their freedom better than others.

Manny did the time, but what about the crime?

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 23:14:00 -0700

In first game back from drug suspension, Ramirez is the celebrated straw that stirs the drink, with fans and teammates welcoming him with open arms, no questions asked.

Manny Ramirez was released from the substance slammer Friday, ending a 50-game drug suspension whose effects were immediate and overwhelming.

Lakers make the wrong move going with Ron Artest

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 23:12:00 -0700

The champs should have spent more time negotiating with Trevor Ariza and passed on the forward with a volatile past.

Less than three weeks after the parade, the NBA champion Lakers have already met the biggest threat to their throne.

SoCal really lets Manny have it . . . with love

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Ramirez returns to the Southland to play in a minor league game, and Dodgers fans are out in force -- but to cheer, not boo. Drug suspension? What drug suspension?

We arrived in hilly Riverside County on a scorching Saturday afternoon, the fertility drug fatale and I, same game, different missions.

It's a pretty shaky suspension bridge for Manny Ramirez

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Something needs to be done about the rule that allows banned major leaguers to play in the minors.

While the Dodgers were playing the 42nd game of Manny Ramirez's 50-game suspension Tuesday, Manny Ramirez was doing something very strange.

New USC basketball coach O'Neill is a tough guy in a tough job

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

He had run out of options and luck, as had USC amid NCAA inquiry, making it a perfect fit. In a dozen college seasons spent retooling junkers, O'Neill is still without stain.

Midway through Kevin O'Neill's first public appearance as USC's basketball coach Monday, a cellphone rang.