L.A. Times - Sports

Prep talk: Last of four softball-playing Justman sisters wants to go out a City champion

Eric Sondheimer — Fri, 29 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

Zoe Justman will try to help Granada Hills High win the City Section Open Division softball title on Friday against Carson.

Granderson: Who would dream of letting the NFL judge its own racism?

LZ Granderson — Fri, 29 May 2026 10:02:00 GMT

What was Brett Kavanaugh thinking of when he argued that the league shouldn't face justice in court? Not history.

High school softball: Playoff scores and schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Fri, 29 May 2026 05:48:51 GMT

CIF Southern Section and City Section high school softball playoff scores and schedule.

UCLA pitcher shares his secret weapon: A two-inch toy dinosaur named 'Jerry'

Joaquin Ruiz — Fri, 29 May 2026 04:26:50 GMT

UCLA freshman pitcher Angel Cervantes knows the two-inch toy dinosaur he carries with him to the mound is unusual, but he can't argue with the results.

Megan Grant's record-tying homer can't save UCLA from loss to Alabama in WCWS opener

Tim Willert — Fri, 29 May 2026 01:36:44 GMT

Megan Grant hits her record-tying 41st home run of the season, but UCLA can't stop Alabama from rallying late in a 6-3 loss at the Women's College World Series.

Rams star Puka Nacua opens up on seeking help, legal troubles and stalled mega deal

Gary Klein — Thu, 28 May 2026 23:59:15 GMT

Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua makes his first public comments since being sued for allegedly biting a woman in December.

Shaikin: As MLB proposes salary cap, Sacramento pursues team it might not be able to afford

Bill Shaikin — Thu, 28 May 2026 23:45:54 GMT

Sacramento wants Major League Baseball to stick around after the Athletics leave town, but a $4-billion price tag for an expansion team might be too much.

UCLA copes with pressure of being No. 1 target without ace Logan Reddemann

Joaquin Ruiz — Thu, 28 May 2026 23:09:31 GMT

Injured UCLA pitcher Logan Reddemann will miss the Los Angeles Regional, but the Bruins are confident they have the talent and poise to win without him.

USC ace Mason Edwards brings joy to the mound as he leads Trojans into NCAA regionals

Joaquin Ruiz — Thu, 28 May 2026 21:24:28 GMT

Mason Edwards' rise to elite USC pitcher and MLB draft prospect was far from certain his freshman year, but he never doubted his ability to develop.

Plenty of intrigue heading into state track and field championships

Steve Galluzzo — Thu, 28 May 2026 19:32:52 GMT

National and state records could fall this weekend in Clovis when Long Beach Wilson and Servite athletes take to the track.

Tom Meusborn announces retirement as baseball coach at Sierra Canyon

Eric Sondheimer — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:57:03 GMT

After close to 35 years at Sierra Canyon and Chatsworth, future Hall of Famer Tom Meusborn retires as a baseball coach.

Naomi Osaka has fun with fashion at the French Open. She'll have to win again to show off her next look

Steve Henson — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:35:05 GMT

Naomi Osaka's fashion statements depend on her on-court performance. A win earns her another grand entrance. A loss and nobody cares what she wears on the ride home.

Prep talk: Previewing top Southern Section baseball finals

Eric Sondheimer — Thu, 28 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

Southern Section baseball championship games are set for Friday and Saturday. Here's what you need to know.

Shaikin: For Dodgers, getting to playoffs is not good enough for Mark Walter. For Lakers?

Bill Shaikin — Thu, 28 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The Lakers can learn a lot by watching what Mark Walter did his first couple of years after buying the team.

High school softball: Wednesday's City Section playoff scores

Los Angeles Times staff — Thu, 28 May 2026 04:36:07 GMT

City Section high school softball playoff scores for Wednesday.

Granada Hills, Carson advance to a fourth straight final meeting to decide City Section softball title

Eric Sondheimer — Thu, 28 May 2026 00:43:56 GMT

Granada Hills defeats San Pedro 12-9 in Open Division semifinals; Carson eliminates Birmingham 12-2

Kiké Hernández's oblique shows 'significant tear' as utility man returns to IL

Liana Handler — Thu, 28 May 2026 00:40:01 GMT

The Dodgers place utility man Kiké Hernández on the injured list after an MRI exam shows a "significant tear" in his left oblique. How will Alex Freeland and Hyeseong Kim fill in?

Lakers layoffs part of sweeping changes to business operations

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Wed, 27 May 2026 23:55:37 GMT

More than a dozen people were informed they would be losing their jobs, including those in marketing, communications and team content.

High school baseball: Southern Section championship schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Wed, 27 May 2026 21:18:14 GMT

CIF Southern Section baseball championship games are set for Friday and Saturday across the Southland.

Packers' Josh Jacobs released from jail but still might face charges over alleged weekend incident

Chuck Schilken — Wed, 27 May 2026 20:37:22 GMT

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been released from a Wisconsin jail a day after being arrested in relation to an alleged weekend incident. He still could face criminal charges.

Noted New York menace Spider-Man crashes J.K. Simmons' night at the Mets game

Tracy Brown — Wed, 27 May 2026 18:22:45 GMT

J.K. Simmons, known for playing J. Jonah Jameson in numerous "Spider-Man" films, was reunited with the friendly neighborhood hero at a Mets game.

Swanson: NBA's anti-tanking draft reform might be great for Lakers but is bad for basketball

Mirjam Swanson — Wed, 27 May 2026 16:54:36 GMT

The NBA's owners are expected to meet Thursday to approve new "anti-tanking draft reform" via a "3-2-1 lottery." It's likely to be convoluted, but can it help the Lakers?

Travis Kelce buys stake in Cleveland Guardians, continuing trend of athletes becoming owners

Steve Henson — Wed, 27 May 2026 16:07:30 GMT

Kansas City Chiefs star and burgeoning business titan Travis Kelce will be a minority owner in the Cleveland Guardians, the MLB team he rooted for growing up.

Jonah Jeovany Vasquez of Cathedral is going for Disney-like ending at state track championships

Eric Sondheimer — Wed, 27 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

In his first season of track, Jonah Jeovany Vasquez of Cathedral High has qualified to run in the 1,600 at state finals.

Prep talk: Will next season's state championships in baseball, softball produce fewer opt outs?

Eric Sondheimer — Wed, 27 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

Several Southern Section and City Section teams will not be participating in state playoffs this season.

Q&A: How UCLA softball leadoff hitter Rylee Slimp manages pressure as Bruins reach WCWS

Jordan Puente — Wed, 27 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

UCLA sophomore Rylee Slimp has shown signs she isn't afraid of the biggest stage for years. Slimp shares how she manages pressure ahead of her second WCWS.

Hiltzik: U.S. World Cup hotel bookings are disappointing, and Trump is a major reason

Michael Hiltzik — Wed, 27 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Why isn't the World Cup drawing foreign visitors as expected? Blame Trump's immigration policies, his Iran war and his tariffs.

High school baseball: Southern Section playoff results

Los Angeles Times staff — Wed, 27 May 2026 05:09:40 GMT

CIF Southern Section baseball quarterfinal playoff results from Tuesday.

Prep baseball roundup: St. John Bosco, Norco win to advance to Division 1 championship game

Eric Sondheimer — Wed, 27 May 2026 02:42:29 GMT

Moises Razo leads St. John Bosco to 3-1 semifinal win over Harvard-Westlake.

Victor Wembanyama rookie card sells for $5.11 million, a record for a non-autographed NBA card

Chuck Schilken — Wed, 27 May 2026 00:34:38 GMT

A Victor Wembanyama rookie card recently sold for $5.11 million, a record for a non-autographed NBA card. Wemby has helped the Spurs to a 2-2 tie with Oklahoma City in the Western Conference finals.

Mauricio Pochettino defends Gio Reyna selection, U.S. World Cup roster selection process

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 26 May 2026 23:30:35 GMT

U.S. Soccer staged a rally Tuesday to introduce the 26 members of the Americans' World Cup roster. Coach Mauricio Pochettino defended his selections.

Los Angeles lands expansion Major League Volleyball team amid competitive market

Marisa Ingemi — Tue, 26 May 2026 21:35:22 GMT

Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong and a fellow investor are reportedly paying around $15-$20 million to bring a Major League Volleyball team to L.A.

Ex-MLB star Wander Franco granted judicial pardon despite being found guilty of sexual assault

Steve Henson — Tue, 26 May 2026 15:50:34 GMT

Dominican Judge José Antonio Núñez gave former MLB shortstop Wander Franco judicial pardon even though Franco was found guilty of having sex with a minor.

Prep talk: JSerra to play La Mirada for Southern Section Division 1 softball title on Friday

Eric Sondheimer — Tue, 26 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

JSerra and La Mirada will play on Friday night for Southern Section Division 1 softball championship.

Inside U.S. soccer's World Cup camp at Orange County Great Park

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 26 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The Orange County Soccer Club has moved out of its home stadium, allowing crews to renovate Orange County Great Park for U.S. soccer's World Cup camp.

Dodgers ride Kiké Hernández's emotional comeback and seventh-inning surge to beat Rockies

Liana Handler — Tue, 26 May 2026 04:30:45 GMT

Kiké Hernández collected two hits in his first game since coming off the injured list, and the Dodgers rallied for a 5-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

High school boys volleyball state championship schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Tue, 26 May 2026 01:48:19 GMT

California high school boys volleyball state championship schedule of matches on Saturday at Fresno City College.

Lakers hire former Pelicans executive Rohan Ramadas amid front office expansion

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Mon, 25 May 2026 22:19:13 GMT

The Lakers made their first hire as they expand their front office this offseason, selecting Rohan Ramadas to be an assistant general manager.

High school softball: Southern Section finals schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Mon, 25 May 2026 20:25:59 GMT

CIF Southern Section softball playoff schedule, with games set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

No. 1 UCLA baseball to host Saint Mary's; USC and UC Santa Barbara earn NCAA bids

Joaquin Ruiz — Mon, 25 May 2026 19:25:44 GMT

UCLA earned the No. 1 overall and open NCAA regionals against Saint Mary's. USC will play Texas State in College Station, Texas.

Prep talk: Mattias Di Maggio of Dos Pueblos enjoys one of the best freshman years ever

Eric Sondheimer — Mon, 25 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Dos Pueblos outfielder Mattias Di Maggio finished his freshman season with one strikeout in 84 at-bats and set a school record with 11 home runs.

As critters and losses pile up, Angels fans call for owner Arte Moreno to sell team

Joaquin Ruiz — Mon, 25 May 2026 02:43:27 GMT

Despite a weekend sweep of the Rangers, the Angels are tied for worst record in baseball and their fans are fed up with owner Arte Moreno's leadership.

Reid Detmers strikes out 14, Angels score walk-off win on errant throw to sweep Rangers

Joaquin Ruiz — Mon, 25 May 2026 02:28:27 GMT

Pitcher Reid Detmers turned in one of the best performances of his career during the Angels' 2-1 win over the Rangers Sunday at Angel Stadium.

UCLA baseball team rallies to beat Oregon, wins its first Big Ten tournament title

Los Angeles Times Staff — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:57:52 GMT

UCLA's Phoenix Call was hit by pitch, advancing the game-winning run during the Bruins' Big Ten tournament championship game win over Oregon Sunday.

LAFC coach Marc Dos Santos hopes to restore attacking identity after World Cup

Jad El Reda — Sun, 24 May 2026 17:49:32 GMT

LAFC coach Marc Dos Santos acknowledged that a switch to a more defensive lineup adversely affected the team during the first half of the season.

Prep talk: State championships in track, volleyball set for this weekend

Eric Sondheimer — Sun, 24 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

Clovis and Fresno will host the CIF state championships in track and field and boys' volleyball on Friday and Saturday.

Swanson: UCLA softball star Megan Grant is cookin' up incredible home-run history

Mirjam Swanson — Sun, 24 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

A remarkable work ethic and attention to detail has helped UCLA senior Megan Grant break NCAA records and help the Bruins chase a national title.

UCLA softball pummels UCF, advances to Women's College World Series

Liana Handler — Sun, 24 May 2026 05:32:17 GMT

Aleena Garcia hit two home runs to lead a loaded UCLA offense past UCF on Saturday at Easton Stadium, punching the Bruins' ticket to the WCWS.

Southern Section Masters Meet: Clara Adams helps Long Beach Wilson break records

Steve Galluzzo — Sun, 24 May 2026 03:52:57 GMT

Southern Section athletes shined during the Masters Meet on Saturday, setting the stage for the upcoming state championship track and field meet.

High school boys volleyball: SoCal regional playoff scores

Los Angeles Times staff — Sun, 24 May 2026 03:49:19 GMT

High school boys volleyball SoCal regional playoff scores following matches on Saturday.

High school softball: Southern Section Saturday playoff scores

Los Angeles Times staff — Sun, 24 May 2026 03:24:54 GMT

CIF Southern Section softball playoff scores from Saturday.

Prep softball: JSerra, La Mirada advance to Division 1 championship game

Eric Sondheimer — Sun, 24 May 2026 01:47:37 GMT

JSerra defeated Norco 2-0 and La Mirada knocked off La Habra 5-1 during Division 1 semifinal games on Saturday.

UCLA's Mulivai Levu hits walk-off homer to beat USC, advance to Big Ten title game

Los Angeles Times Staff — Sun, 24 May 2026 00:55:07 GMT

UCLA earned its 27th comeback win of the season against USC Saturday, with Mulivai Levu delivering the knockout blow during back-to-back games.

High school baseball: City Section championship game scores

Sun, 24 May 2026 00:07:11 GMT

CIF City Section championship baseball game scores from Saturday, May 23.

Birmingham's Masen Ruiz hits three-run triple to produce championship moment at Dodger Stadium

Eric Sondheimer — Sat, 23 May 2026 23:45:39 GMT

The Patriots defeat El Camino Real 4-2 for their ninth City Section Open Division baseball championship

Iran moves camp from Arizona to Mexico, clearing path to play in World Cup

Kevin Baxter — Sat, 23 May 2026 22:46:07 GMT

FIFA approved Iran moving its World Cup team camp from Tucson, Ariz., to Tijuana, allowing the team to be housed and work out between games in Mexico.

U.S. World Cup roster revealed early; two big surprises in midfield

Kevin Baxter — Sat, 23 May 2026 22:21:11 GMT

Midfielders Tanner Tessmann and Diego Luna are left off the roster, while Gio Reyna, Chris Richards and Alejandro Zendejas make the cut.

Verdugo Hills claims City Section Division I baseball title

Eric Sondheimer — Sat, 23 May 2026 20:06:49 GMT

Verdugo Hills, the fourth-place finisher in the Valley Mission League, completed a remarkable turnaround on Saturday, winning its fourth consecutive playoff game.

Sparks' Cameron Brink is at full strength and eager to make her mark

Marisa Ingemi — Sat, 23 May 2026 19:05:46 GMT

The third-year reserve forward is averaging nearly two blocks per game while helping to anchor the defense as she continues to develop her game.

Prep talk: Teenage barber is helping baseball players look good during playoffs

Eric Sondheimer — Sat, 23 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

Noah Nolasco of Birmingham High has become a go-to barber for baseball players around the area.

Letters to Sports: Angels have gone from bad to worse

Sat, 23 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sports section give their thoughts and opinions about the Angels, the Dodgers, playoff nirvana and more.

Los Angeles hotels are still waiting for a surge in demand from the World Cup

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Sat, 23 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Around 80% of hotels surveyed by the American Hotel and Lodging Assn. reported that room bookings are lagging behind expectations for the 2026 World Cup.

Anaheim native Wade Meckler powers struggling Angels to a win over Rangers in his debut

Joaquin Ruiz — Sat, 23 May 2026 05:05:09 GMT

Wade Meckler hit three-run home run in his first at-bat as an Angel, leading the team to a win over the Rangers Friday at Angel Stadium.

City Section baseball finals: Friday scores, Saturday schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Sat, 23 May 2026 04:48:35 GMT

CIF City Section baseball final results from Friday, May 22, and Saturday's schedule.

High school softball: City Section playoff scores and updated schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Sat, 23 May 2026 04:14:12 GMT

CIF City Section softball quarterfinal playoff results from Friday and semifinals schedule on Wednesday.

UCLA softball bats catch fire, Bruins roll to super regional win over UCF

Liana Handler — Sat, 23 May 2026 03:33:23 GMT

Bri Alejandre sparked a surge of home runs that helped UCLA earn a 9-1 run-rule win over UCF to open the Los Angeles Super Regional on Friday.

High school baseball: Southern Section playoff results and updated schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Sat, 23 May 2026 02:42:01 GMT

CIF Southern Section baseball quarterfinal playoff results from Friday, May 22, and the semifinal schedule.

Prep baseball: Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, Harvard-Westlake, Norco advance in Division 1

Eric Sondheimer — Sat, 23 May 2026 02:20:48 GMT

Air Force-bound Malakye Matsumoto came through for Notre Dame in 7-2 win over Corona Friday, advancing in the high school Division 1 baseball playoffs.

What heated rivalry? A queer women's basketball rom-com with actual WNBA players is in the works

Tracy Brown — Fri, 22 May 2026 19:53:56 GMT

A rom-com about a women's basketball player who falls for her teammate is in the works. WNBA players Gabby Williams, Sydney Colson and Theresa Plaisance are set to appear.

Racing community pays tribute to Kyle Busch: 'He had a fire and competitive spirit that drove him to be great'

Chuck Schilken — Fri, 22 May 2026 19:08:09 GMT

Former NASCAR teammates and rivals are among those paying tribute to two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch following his shocking death Thursday at age 41.

Indy 500 and NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 info, including the first female driver to attempt both in the same day

Steve Henson — Fri, 22 May 2026 18:40:40 GMT

Katherine Legge not only will be the only woman among the 33 drivers in the Indy 500 on Sunday. She will then fly to Charlotte, N.C., to race in the NASCAR Cup's Coca-Cola 600.

From broken windows to delayed dreams, JJ Saffie is ready for Dodger Stadium moment

Eric Sondheimer — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT

El Camino Real High will take on Birmingham for the City Section Open Division baseball title on Saturday at Dodger Stadium

Prep talk: Fremont, once best in City Section baseball, plays for Division III title

Eric Sondheimer — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

A freshman from Venezuela, Roiber Colmenares, leads Fremont into City Section Division III championship game.

Transfer Soo-Jin Berry accepts smaller role at UCLA to be part of winning program

Jordan Puente — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Soo-Jin Berry was a top hitter at Iowa, but she was willing to give up her featured status to be part of a championship contender.

High school softball: Saturday's Southern Section semifinals playoff schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Fri, 22 May 2026 06:14:06 GMT

Saturday's Southern Section girls' softball semifinals playoff schedule

Spiraling Angels botch double play, sealing loss to Athletics

Joaquin Ruiz — Fri, 22 May 2026 05:33:41 GMT

The Angels' Adam Frazier bobbled a throw from shortstop Zach Neto, allowing the Athletics to score and steal a 3-2 win in 10 innings on Thursday at Angel Stadium.

High school softball: Thursday's City Section playoff scores, upcoming schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Fri, 22 May 2026 05:24:13 GMT

City Section high school softball playoff scores for Thursday.

High school boys volleyball: SoCal Regional playoffs results

Los Angeles Times staff — Fri, 22 May 2026 05:16:08 GMT

The SoCal Regional playoffs results Thursday for high school boys volleyball.

Shotputter Lawrence Kensinger breaks 53-year-old record at City championships

Steve Galluzzo — Fri, 22 May 2026 02:26:29 GMT

The senior from Venice High throws the shotput 65 feet and 11 inches on Thursday afternoon at Birmingham High.

Matthew Stafford and Rams agree to a one-year contract extension

Gary Klein — Fri, 22 May 2026 01:42:01 GMT

Reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford and the Rams agreed to a one-year contract extension. Stafford is entering his 18th NFL season.

Ducks forward Troy Terry to have hip surgery, no return date set

Thu, 21 May 2026 22:44:38 GMT

The winger has a chronic hip impingement, the team revealed Thursday, and the procedure could endanger his availability at the start of next season.

Kyle Busch, two-time NASCAR Cup winner and 'a giant of the sport,' dies at 41

Chuck Schilken — Thu, 21 May 2026 22:21:30 GMT

Kyle Busch has died. The two-time NASCAR Cup champion, remembered as a 'giant of the sport,' had been hospitalized with what his family described as a 'severe illness.'

At the inaugural Enhanced Games, the athletes are juiced by design. Anti-doping groups are aghast

Steve Henson — Thu, 21 May 2026 20:20:52 GMT

At Sunday's Enhanced Games, a field of mostly steroid-fed athletes will compete for a total purse of $25 million. Anti-doping officials decry the event as unethical, irresponsible and dangerous. A key backer: Donald Trump Jr.

High school baseball: City Section playoff scores and updated schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Thu, 21 May 2026 17:46:47 GMT

CIF City Section baseball semifinal playoff results from Wednesday and championship game schedule for Friday and Saturday.

Ed Orgeron is returning to LSU as member of old USC pal Lane Kiffin's staff

Chuck Schilken — Thu, 21 May 2026 16:59:33 GMT

Ed Orgeron, who led Louisiana State to an undefeated season and national championship in 2019, is back at LSU as part of Lane Kiffin's staff. The two men worked together at USC and Tennessee.

Shaikin: Do the Dodgers need a "Will he hit?" drama every time Shohei Ohtani pitches?

Bill Shaikin — Thu, 21 May 2026 13:46:05 GMT

On the day he let Shohei Ohtani pitch and hit in the same game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts insisted he would make that decision on a "start by start" basis for the foreseeable future.

Prep talk: Carson High's Tatum brothers are rising cricket players

Eric Sondheimer — Thu, 21 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

Johnny and Johnathon Tatum will leave on trip to England this summer for international cricket tournament.

Sophomore Carlos Acuna grinds out complete game to send Birmingham to Dodger Stadium

Eric Sondheimer — Thu, 21 May 2026 03:59:43 GMT

Carlos Acuna (11-0) struck out seven and pitched Birmingham past Carson 4-1 in City Section Open Division semifinal

High school softball: Wednesday's Southern Section playoff scores

Los Angeles Times staff — Thu, 21 May 2026 03:23:56 GMT

Southern Section high school softball playoff scores for Wednesday.

High school softball: Wednesday's City Section playoff scores, upcoming schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Thu, 21 May 2026 03:15:31 GMT

City Section high school softball playoff scores for Wednesday.

Romeo Juarez of Reseda High wins City Section individual golf title

Steve Galluzzo — Thu, 21 May 2026 02:51:28 GMT

Switching courses doesn't bother Reseda High's Romeo Juarez on his way to the City Section golf title.

Prep softball roundup: Liliana Escobar pitches JSerra to 1-0 win over Garden Grove Pacifica

Eric Sondheimer — Thu, 21 May 2026 01:11:05 GMT

The senior right-hander strikes out 10 to send the Lions to the Southern Section Division 1 softball semifinals against Norco.