L.A. Times - Basketball

Prep talk: Sherman Oaks Notre Dame pitcher Ainsley Jenkins knows who to call for writing help

Eric Sondheimer — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Freshman Ainsley Jenkins is the daughter of former Sports Illustrated writer and Clippers executive Lee Jenkins.

Galaxy's Joseph Paintsil wants to be the latest African soccer player to give back home

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil, inspired by other African soccer players, started a residential soccer academy in his native Ghana as a way of giving back.

High school softball: City Section Monday playoff scores, updated schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Tue, 19 May 2026 04:36:45 GMT

City Section high school softball playoff scores for Monday.

Artists, community come together to welcome World Cup to Inglewood with murals and more

Chuck Schilken — Mon, 18 May 2026 17:19:56 GMT

Several Los Angeles-based artists have been taking part in public events to create artwork celebrating community and welcoming the World Cup to Inglewood.

Prep talk: Tyler Starling of Agoura shows you can try baseball, track at same time

Eric Sondheimer — Mon, 18 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

Senior standout headed to UC San Diego hit a home run on Friday, then finished fifth in Division 3 long jump on Saturday.

How Formula One problem-solving tactics are being used in fight against dementia

Kevin Baxter — Mon, 18 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Doctors and dementia researchers with ties to Formula One are embracing the high-pressure and experimental lessons from the sport to fight the neurological condition.

3 countries. 16 stadiums. 104 matches. 2026 World Cup set to become 'most polluting' games ever

Blanca Begert — Mon, 18 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The expanded number of teams at this year's men's World Cup will help make the games the worst for the climate in history, mainly because of massive air travel.

'We don't just create characters': Three stylists on the art of dressing athletes beyond tunnel fits

Darian Symoné Harvin — Mon, 18 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

There has been a significant shift in how fashion and sports intersect, both on and off the court. Why now? And how has athlete style evolved?

Shaikin: Justin Turner is playing for the Tijuana Toros. Why he 'wouldn't trade it for anything'

Bill Shaikin — Mon, 18 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

In Tijuana, Justin Turner has nurtured a special bond with his son and emerged as an improbable tourist attraction for Dodgers fans.

UCLA softball pummels South Carolina to advance to NCAA super regional

Jordan Puente — Mon, 18 May 2026 02:04:37 GMT

UCLA senior Megan Grant hit a grand slam and three other Bruins hit home runs during a 15-1 win over South Carolina Sunday to win their NCAA regional.

Kelsey Plum scores 28 points, but Sparks lose to Tempo

Steve Galluzzo — Mon, 18 May 2026 01:35:20 GMT

The Los Angeles Sparks end their season-opening four-game homestand with a loss to the Toronto Tempo.

High school boys volleyball: SoCal Regional playoffs schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:22:20 GMT

The SoCal Regional playoffs schedule for high school boys volleyball.

Ronda Rousey defeats Gina Carano in 17 seconds at a high-profile MMA event, retires

Eduard Cauich — Sun, 17 May 2026 19:49:22 GMT

In her return to MMA, Ronda Rousey quickly took out Gina Carano during an MVP fight card she hopes proves other promoters can compete with UFC.

Loyola wins Southern Section Division 1 lacrosse championship

Eric Sondheimer — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:37:07 GMT

The Loyola Cubs completed a dominant season by beating Santa Margarita 14-6 in the lacrosse final.

A son makes his ailing mother proud on and off the field

Eric Sondheimer — Sun, 17 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Riverside Notre Dame senior Kaden Tennyson has excelled in sports and the classroom while helping his mother twice battle cancer.

Prep talk: Harvard-Westlake rises to the top in Southern Section Division 1 tennis

Eric Sondheimer — Sun, 17 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

The Wolverines win the Southern Section tennis title, knocking off Orange County power Irvine University.

Shaikin: Hey, young athletes: Would you trust this former Dodgers pitcher to manage your money?

Bill Shaikin — Sun, 17 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Five years ago, former Dodgers pitcher Ross Stripling co-founded a financial services company. Nearly two years into retirement, Stripling is eager to help young players.

'We got really lucky:' Toronto Tempo say UCLA star Kiki Rice has not disappointed

Marisa Ingemi — Sun, 17 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The Toronto Tempo used the first pick in franchise history to select UCLA star Kiki Rice and has no regrets as the rookie has immediately contributed.

Nearly 1,900 vanished in and around Guadalajara. Now the World Cup arrives

Steve Fisher — Sun, 17 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The highway from the Guadalajara city airport to downtown is newly paved and the city's famous roundabout has gotten a $4-million facelift.

High school boys volleyball: City Section Saturday finals

Los Angeles Times staff — Sun, 17 May 2026 05:17:33 GMT

The CIF City Section high school boys volleyball playoff results from Saturday.

High school softball: Southern Section Saturday playoff scores

Los Angeles Times staff — Sun, 17 May 2026 05:15:34 GMT

Southern Section high school softball Saturday second round playoff scores for Divisions 1-8.

Southern Section track championships: Braelyn Combe three-peats, other records fall

Steve Galluzzo — Sun, 17 May 2026 04:43:23 GMT

The Southern Section track and field championships featured a slew of record-setting performances on Saturday at Moorpark High.

High school baseball: Saturday City Section playoff results and upcoming schedule

Los Angeles Times Staff — Sun, 17 May 2026 03:56:22 GMT

City Section high school baseball Saturday playoff results and upcoming schedules.

Prep sports roundup: Chatsworth wins City Section Open Division volleyball championship

Eric Sondheimer — Sun, 17 May 2026 01:41:41 GMT

Chatsworth wins City Section Open Division volleyball championship. In softball, La Habra eliminates top-seeded Murrieta Mesa in Division I playoffs.

UCLA softball rolls past South Carolina, Megan Grant extends NCAA home-run record lead

Jordan Puente — Sun, 17 May 2026 01:05:07 GMT

UCLA softball bounced back from a close NCAA regional opener, comfortably beating South Carolina 7-2 Saturday to move one win away from advancing.

What time is the Preakness? Post time, betting odds and more

Los Angeles Times Staff — Sat, 16 May 2026 21:04:15 GMT

The Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the triple crown being staged Saturday, could feature another female trainer mentoring the winning horse.

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano face off in what will be a major test for MMA

Eduard Cauich — Sat, 16 May 2026 18:32:06 GMT

The bout between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will be streamed on Netflix and is the first non-UFC MMA event promoted by Most Valuable Promotions.

High school softball: Southern Section Friday playoff scores and upcoming schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Sat, 16 May 2026 16:34:19 GMT

Southern Section high school softball Friday playoff scores and upcoming schedule.

High school baseball: Friday Southern Section playoff results and upcoming schedules

Los Angeles Times staff — Sat, 16 May 2026 16:29:05 GMT

Southern Section high school baseball Friday playoff results and upcoming schedules.

Prep talk: Three passing tournaments to watch on Saturday

Eric Sondheimer — Sat, 16 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

St. John Bosco, Dana Hills and Long Beach Millikan will be hosting seven-on-seven football passing tournaments.

Letters to Sports: Another split decision on future of LeBron James and the Lakers

Sat, 16 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sports section give their thoughts on the future of LeBron James and the Lakers, the Dodgers problems, the Angels and more.

UCLA surrenders 10 runs in an inning, rallies to win NCAA regional opener on walk-off

Jordan Puente — Sat, 16 May 2026 07:24:40 GMT

UCLA fell behind 11-7 during its NCAA regional opener Friday, but the Bruins' mighty bats helped them rally for a 12-11 win over California Baptist.

Mira Costa defeats rival Loyola to repeat as Division 1 boys' volleyball champions

Steve Galluzzo — Sat, 16 May 2026 06:01:45 GMT

The Mustangs sweep the rival Cubs to win a second consecutive Southern Section Division 1 boys' volleyball championship on Friday night.

Sparks hold off late Toronto Tempo rally, earn first win of season

Marisa Ingemi — Sat, 16 May 2026 04:42:25 GMT

Kelsey Plum nearly claimed a double-double and all five Sparks starters scored in double figures during a 99-95 win over the Toronto Tempo.

Dodgers lean on three homers and eight pitchers to end losing streak vs. Angels

Liana Handler — Sat, 16 May 2026 04:39:06 GMT

Andy Pages, Max Muncy and Teoscar Hernández each hit home runs as the Dodgers end their seven-game losing streak against the Angels in a 6-0 win.

Prep sports roundup: Lachlan Clark of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame throws shutout against No. 1 Norco

Eric Sondheimer — Sat, 16 May 2026 03:26:45 GMT

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame advances to the Southern Section Division 1 baseball quarterfinals with 4-0 win over No. 1 Norco.

Here are our five favorite NFL 2026 schedule release videos

Chuck Schilken — Fri, 15 May 2026 18:56:30 GMT

Ranking our favorites of the 2026 NFL schedule release videos. Will the Seattle Seahawks repeat at No. 1? Will the perennial favorite Chargers move into the top spot?

Prep talk: Granada Hills coach Tom Harp goes for another boys' volleyball title

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

Tom Harp, with 15 boys' and girls' City Section volleyball titles, has his team facing Chatsworth in the finals on Saturday.

Swanson: Dave Roberts made the right call giving Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani a rare day off

Mirjam Swanson — Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Shohei Ohtani prefers to always be in the Dodgers' lineup, but manager Dave Roberts did the right thing scratching the two-way star from the hitting lineup for two games.

The board shorts that changed surf culture for girls

Claire Salinda — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Unlike the boys' pairs I used to borrow — long, baggy and cut straight across — these board shorts were actually made for us.

Will Smith and Alex Call help Dodgers overcome mistakes in win over Giants

Liana Handler — Fri, 15 May 2026 05:32:07 GMT

Hitting from the leadoff spot, Will Smith homers in the first inning before Alex Call delivers a pinch-hit, two-run single in the Dodgers' 5-2 win over the Giants.

Ducks' storybook season comes to an end with Game 6 loss to Golden Knights

Kevin Baxter — Fri, 15 May 2026 04:42:15 GMT

The Vegas Golden Knights jump out to a 3-0 lead and that proves too much for the Ducks to overcome as their season ends.

High school softball: Playoff scores and schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Fri, 15 May 2026 03:32:32 GMT

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

Prep baseball playoff roundup: Santa Margarita hits eight home runs in 19-1 victory

Eric Sondheimer — Fri, 15 May 2026 03:28:44 GMT

Andre Owens hits three of Santa Margarita's eight home runs in a Southern Section Division 2 playoff win over Rancho Christian.

Prep softball playoff roundup: Kelsey Luderer hits home run to ignite Sherman Oaks Notre Dame

Eric Sondheimer — Fri, 15 May 2026 02:47:19 GMT

Notre Dame Sherman Oaks rallies for a 6-3 win over Anaheim Canyon in a Southern Section Division 1 softball playoff opener.

High school baseball: Playoff results and schedules

Los Angeles Times staff — Fri, 15 May 2026 02:10:24 GMT

CIF City Section and Southern Section high school baseball playoff results and pairings.

Chargers couldn't resist making references to Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini in schedule video

Austin Knoblauch — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:07:23 GMT

The Chargers' schedule release video included subtle references to the saga involving Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini when introducing the Patriots.

Chargers open season against Cardinals, Raiders before grueling seven-game stretch

Sam Farmer — Thu, 14 May 2026 23:31:00 GMT

The Chargers play the Buffalo Bills and the Seattle Seahawks on the road in the first four weeks of the 2026 season before facing the Chiefs and Rams.

Rams' Super Bowl push in 2026 will be loaded with prime-time games

Gary Klein — Thu, 14 May 2026 23:31:00 GMT

The Rams will play seven prime-time games in 2026 and won't play against the Seattle Seahawks in an NFC championship game rematch until Christmas night.

Dodgers pitcher, horse racing jockeys linked to cockfighting in Puerto Rico

Hannah Fry — Thu, 14 May 2026 22:44:38 GMT

All-Star closer Edwin Díaz and brothers Jose and Irad Ortiz were allegedly linked to illegal cockfighting in Puerto Rico through social media posts, according to reporting from USA Today.

Lisa Leslie moved as she becomes the first Sparks star with statue outside Crypto.com Arena

Marisa Ingemi — Thu, 14 May 2026 17:00:17 GMT

Two-time WNBA champion and former MVP Lisa Leslie is going to be a pioneer again, becoming the first Sparks player to get statue outside Crypto.com Arena.

BTS, Madonna and Shakira to perform at World Cup final halftime show

Chuck Schilken — Thu, 14 May 2026 16:07:16 GMT

BTS, Madonna and Shakira will headline the World Cup final halftime show on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking the first Super Bowl-style performance at a World Cup final.

Kiké Hernández 'little bit shocked' by reception in Albuquerque while on rehab assignment

Liana Handler — Thu, 14 May 2026 14:17:34 GMT

Kiké Hernández, on a rehab assignment with the Oklahoma City Comets, was surprised by the cheers he received in Albuquerque, the former home of the Dodgers' longtime Triple-A affiliate.

Prep talk: This coach takes multitasking to a different level

Eric Sondheimer — Thu, 14 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

Armando Fernandez has been head coach at Sotomayor High for three different teams, plus flag football coach at Franklin.

Mother of transgender athlete AB Hernandez determined to push through protests

Marisa Ingemi — Thu, 14 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Nereyda Hernandez, the mother of transgender athlete AB Hernandez previously targeted by President Trump, says she is prepared to handle more protests.

High school boys volleyball: City Section Wednesday playoff scores and upcoming schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Thu, 14 May 2026 05:48:13 GMT

The CIF City Section high school boys volleyball playoff results from Wednesday and the upcoming schedule.

Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever overwhelm Sparks, who drop their second straight game

Marisa Ingemi — Thu, 14 May 2026 05:13:09 GMT

The Sparks vowed to improve their defense, but they couldn't keep pace with Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever while having 19 turnovers Wednesday.

High school baseball: City Section Wednesday playoff scores, Thursday schedule

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:09:17 GMT

Updated scores from CIF City Section baseball playoff games played Wednesday and the Thursday game schedule.

City Section baseball roundup: Luke Chau pitches Granada Hills to 2-0 victory

Eric Sondheimer — Thu, 14 May 2026 03:33:02 GMT

Luke Chau throws a shutout in Granada Hills' 2-0, eight-inning win over Bell on Wednesday.

Savannah Bananas' Jackson Olson joins 'Dancing with the Stars': 'I kind of manifested this whole thing'

Chuck Schilken — Wed, 13 May 2026 20:30:20 GMT

Jackson Olson, Savannah Bananas second baseman and influencer with 2.1 million TikTok followers, has been announced as the latest athlete to compete on 'Dancing with the Stars.'

Netflix adds three more NFL games including Thanksgiving eve

Stephen Battaglio — Wed, 13 May 2026 19:06:25 GMT

Netflix will have the first-ever regular season game in Australia and a late season contest in addition to its Christmas doubleheader.

Holly Winterburn found out she was cut from her WNBA team while boarding the bus to first game

Tracy Brown — Wed, 13 May 2026 18:49:40 GMT

Holly Winterburn had made the initial Atlanta Dream roster only to learn she had been cut by the WNBA team hours before the season opener.

The Sparks tunnel walk is an exhilarating act of ownership — and perfect ab showcase

Jade Chang — Wed, 13 May 2026 18:14:34 GMT

At the Mother's Day home opener, players including Nneka Ogwumike and Kelsey Plum transformed the tunnel walk into a celebration of individuality, autonomy and aesthetic expression.

JJ Rodriguez of Birmingham turns to coach, teammates for support after father's death

Eric Sondheimer — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT

JJ Rodriguez lost his father last month, but he's back playing with the support of his Birmingham baseball family.

Prep talk: Pitchers to watch in Southern Section softball playoffs

Eric Sondheimer — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

To win a championship, a top pitcher has come through during the Southern Section softball playoffs.

High school boys volleyball: City Section Tuesday playoff scores and Wednesday pairings

Los Angeles Times staff — Wed, 13 May 2026 05:41:51 GMT

The CIF City Section high school boys volleyball playoff results from Tuesday and the upcoming schedule.

High school baseball: Southern Section playoff scores and updated schedules

Los Angeles Times staff — Wed, 13 May 2026 05:38:53 GMT

Updated CIF Southern Section high school baseball playoff scores and schedules. Teams opened with pool play before switching to a single-elimination format.

High school baseball: City Section Tuesday playoff scores

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:30:38 GMT

Updated scores from CIF City Section baseball playoff games played Tuesday.

High school lacrosse: Southern Section boys' and girls' playoff schedule

Los Angeles Times Staff — Wed, 13 May 2026 05:27:37 GMT

Updated Southern Section high school boys' and girls' lacrosse playoff schedules.

'A fun opportunity.' Ducks remain confident after falling to Golden Knights in Game 5

Kevin Baxter — Wed, 13 May 2026 05:01:58 GMT

The Ducks rallied to tie the Golden Knights in the third period, but Pavel Dorofeyev scored on a rebound 4:10 into overtime to seal Vegas' Game 5 win.

UCLA rewards national title-winning coach Cori Close with contract extension

Marisa Ingemi — Wed, 13 May 2026 03:10:08 GMT

UCLA announced women's basketball coach Cori Close signed a contract extension through the 2029-30 season after she led the Bruins to a national title.

Prep baseball roundup: St. John Bosco wins Division 1 playoff opener on walk-off hit in 11th inning

Eric Sondheimer — Wed, 13 May 2026 02:40:34 GMT

Moises Razo delivered RBI single in the bottom of 11th inning for St. John Bosco during a 2-1 victory over Cypress in a Division 1 playoff opener on Tuesday.

Lakers continue retooling of organization with plans for more hires

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Tue, 12 May 2026 22:52:59 GMT

Two new assistant general managers will help in scouting and player development plus analytics, while their El Segundo training facility will get upgrades.

Shaikin: Mark Walter says the Dodgers can't win all the time. Even Magic Johnson agrees

Bill Shaikin — Tue, 12 May 2026 21:54:52 GMT

Dodgers chairman Mark Walter said on opening day that MLB needs parity. How does that sit with Magic Johnson, one of Walter's ownership partners and the ultimate L.A. winner?

Lakers want LeBron James and Austin Reaves to return next season

Broderick Turner — Tue, 12 May 2026 20:40:45 GMT

General manager Rob Pelinka says of the 41-year-old star that "any team, including ours, would love to have LeBron James on their roster."

Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies forward and former first-round pick, dies at age 29

Chuck Schilken — Tue, 12 May 2026 19:03:00 GMT

Brandon Clarke, a Memphis Grizzlies forward and a former first-round draft pick, has died at age 29. No cause of death has been disclosed.

How 'Welcome to Wrexham' kickstarted a $250-million economic boom for Welsh town

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Before the docuseries' new season debuts, it is already known the club has fallen short of getting promoted to the Premier League, but the show is about much more.

Prep talk: Villa Park pitching duo will be tough to stop in Division 2 baseball playoffs

Eric Sondheimer — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Logan Hoppie and Jack McGuire provide a formidable one-two punch for Villa Park's chances in the Southern Section Division 2 playoffs.

Swanson: Just say no. Lakers should learn their lesson, avoid Giannis Antetokounmpo

Mirjam Swanson — Tue, 12 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

While everyone expects the Lakers to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo, the 31-year-old two-time NBA MVP and 2021 NBA champion, it's the wrong move.

Fútbol fashion at its extreme, in the best possible way

Keyla Marquez — Tue, 12 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

This is what happens when you let us be ourselves.

'I don't know.' LeBron James unsure if he'll return for 24th season or retire

Broderick Turner — Tue, 12 May 2026 08:10:50 GMT

Lakers star LeBron James says he hasn't made a decision yet on whether he'll play what would be his 24th season in the NBA or retire.

Lakers fight to the finish but are eliminated by Thunder

Broderick Turner — Tue, 12 May 2026 05:48:08 GMT

LeBron James, in possibly his last game with the Lakers, has 24 points and 12 rebounds, Austin Reaves scores 27, but Oklahoma City rallies late to finish off the series.

High school boys volleyball: City Section playoff scores and pairings

Los Angeles Times staff — Tue, 12 May 2026 04:34:12 GMT

CIF City Section high school boys volleyball playoff results from Monday and upcoming schedule.

UC Irvine proud of its NCAA tournament run despite loss in men's volleyball title game

Jordan Puente — Tue, 12 May 2026 03:37:03 GMT

UC Irvine put together a string of upsets, but the Anteaters couldn't knock off Hawaii in the men's volleyball NCAA tournament played Monday at Pauley Pavilion.

Preakness draw: Brittany Russell eyes 'Triple Crown' for female trainers with Taj Mahal

Jay Posner — Mon, 11 May 2026 22:44:54 GMT

Brittany Russell is looking to become only the third woman to train a Triple Crown race winner with Taj Mahal in the Preakness Stakes.

René Cárdenas, broadcasting pioneer who was Dodgers' first Spanish-language announcer, dies

Ed Guzman — Mon, 11 May 2026 20:49:45 GMT

René Cárdenas, the first radio announcer to broadcast major league baseball games in Spanish to a domestic audience while with the Dodgers, has died.

High school volleyball: Southern Section boys' playoff schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Mon, 11 May 2026 17:50:39 GMT

CIF Southern Section boys' volleyball upcoming playoff schedule.