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For Jeremy Lin, no miracles necessary

Posted: February 28th, 2012, 4:06pm EST

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In his meteoric rise, Knicks guard Jeremy Lin has displayed a better-than-average skill set and a confident shooting touch that have taken opponents, including the Lakers' Kobe Bryant, by surprise.

The verbal backhand came from on high, a swipe by basketball royalty at someone he'd deemed a peon. Jeremy Lin's reputation was bruised, but he didn't notice until he was en route to Madison Square Garden to face the Lakers on Feb 10.

DeAndre Jordan getting in the picture with his Twitter photos

Posted: February 28th, 2012, 3:22pm EST

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A practical joke by Clippers' DeAndre Jordan — taking pictures of sleeping teammates and touting them on his Twitter account — has become so popular that players on other teams are copying idea.

DeAndre Jordan's Twitter photos of sleeping teammates are a hit

Don Mattingly: Sorry Angels, L.A. will always belong to Dodgers

Posted: February 28th, 2012, 1:15pm EST

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The manager compares the teams to the New York Mets and Yankees, saying the Dodgers' status as L.A.'s team "isn't going to change."

Phoenix – There isn’t a newcomer comparable to Albert Pujols or C.J. Wilson at the Dodgers’ spring-training complex.

Nashville hands Kings their fifth loss in six games, 2-1

Posted: February 28th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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L.A. struggles to score, as usual, and the Predators improve to 10-0-2 in their last 12 home games. The Kings drop to 10th in the Western Conference, two points out of the last playoff spot.

— The Nashville Predators didn't need their best effort to earn another home win. Not when their opponent was the struggling Kings.

Matt Kenseth wins one of wildest Daytona 500 races ever

Posted: February 28th, 2012, 2:10am EST

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He holds off Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a race postponed one day by rain, then delayed by several crashes and a fireball, caused by a service truck being struck during a caution.

Reporting from Daytona Beach, Fla. -- Daytona under water Sunday. Daytona on fire Monday.

Matt Kenseth wins crash-filled Daytona 500

Posted: February 28th, 2012, 1:40am EST

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He wins a green-white-checkered restart after a late wreck, which followed a two-hour delay from an earlier crash and explosion.

DAYTONA BEACH — Matt Kenseth won the rainy, fiery Daytona 500 early Tuesday morning, holding off Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Greg Biffle on the final lap.

Ducks buried by Avalanche in third period

Posted: February 28th, 2012, 12:35am EST

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Colorado breaks a tie 37 seconds into the final period and scores twice more for a 4-1 victory.

DENVER -- Ryan O'Reilly broke a tie 37 seconds into the third period and Semyon Varlamov stopped 27 shots, helping the Colorado Avalanche beat the Anaheim Ducks, 4-1, on Monday night in a game between two surging teams trying to climb back into playoff contention.

March comes in like a lion, stays that way for the Clippers

Posted: February 28th, 2012, 12:30am EST

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It's a 'beast' of a schedule, Chris Paul says, as the Clippers are set to play 20 games in 31 days, and players' health will be key. They will have nine road games and six sets of back-to-back games.

The question wasn't completed before Chris Paul gave his one-word description of the Clippers' March schedule, in which they will play 20 games in 31 days.

NHL's trade deadline passes without a major move

Posted: February 28th, 2012, 12:30am EST

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There are 16 trades made Monday, but none involving Blue Jackets star Rick Nash. The Canucks and Predators appear to improve themselves.

The buildup to the trade deadline was more exciting than the final shopping day, which turned into a dud when the Columbus Blue Jackets couldn't find anyone willing to pay their hefty price for unhappy winger Rick Nash .

NHL: Pluses and minuses around the league

Posted: February 27th, 2012, 11:15pm EST

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The Coyotes are benefiting from great leadership from captain Shane Doan and Coach Dave Tippett. Times are tough for San Jose and its coach, Todd McLellan.

Times columnist Helene Elliott rates the pluses and minuses in the NHL from the previous week:

Lakers' Kobe Bryant to see specialist about his broken nose

Posted: February 27th, 2012, 10:45pm EST

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Bryant, who suffered the injury during Sunday's All-Star game, will see an ear, nose and throat specialist Tuesday. It is uncertain whether he'll play in Lakers' next game, Wednesday against Minnesota.

Anybody wondering whether Kobe Bryant will play Wednesday against Minnesota?

Former NFL player Ed Cunningham hits Oscar gold with 'Undefeated'

Posted: February 27th, 2012, 10:15pm EST

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As one of the producers of Academy Award-winning documentary about Tennessee high school football team, the five-year NFL veteran tells of surreal experience of finding ultimate success in Hollywood.

Five seasons in the NFL didn't net Ed Cunningham a Lombardi Trophy, but the former Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks center has made up for that as part of the team that won an Academy Award for best documentary.

Ryan Braun's drug-testing case smacks of fantasy

Posted: February 27th, 2012, 10:00pm EST

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Milwaukee Brewers outfielder beat the rap on appeal because of a technicality, but the whole episode doesn't pass another test — the smell one.

Baseball has given us another "Alice in Wonderland" moment. Ryan Braun's drug-testing case just gets curiouser and curiouser.

Angels' Bobby Abreu is OK with limited role ... for now

Posted: February 27th, 2012, 10:00pm EST

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Outfielder and designated hitter is told by Manager Mike Scioscia that he will play more than once or twice per week and is taking a wait-and-see approach about future with team.

Reporting from Tempe, Ariz. -- Bobby Abreu emerged from a meeting with Manager Mike Scioscia and General Manager Jerry Dipoto on Monday no less determined to be an everyday player but a little closer to accepting a reduced role.

Kings' deal with Sacramento leaves Anaheim out of NBA game

Posted: February 27th, 2012, 9:45pm EST

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The team reaches a tentative financing agreement with the NBA and Sacramento for a new arena. Honda Center was ready to take the Kings if the Sacramento deal had fallen apart.

In a likely fatal blow to Anaheim's effort to bring an NBA team to Honda Center next season, the Sacramento Kings on Monday struck a tentative financing agreement with the NBA and Sacramento for an arena to be constructed near downtown rail yards.

Magic Johnson leads one of seven Dodgers bidding groups to advance

Posted: February 27th, 2012, 9:25pm EST

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The owner of the Memphis Grizzlies and a Milwaukee Brewers investor are in two groups eliminated from the process Monday. Sources say Johnson's group is among five potential owners with L.A. ties that remain in contention.

Magic Johnson leads one of seven groups selected Monday to advance in bidding to buy the Dodgers, according to multiple people familiar with the process but not authorized to discuss it.

Dodgers' Matt Kemp is king of the clubhouse now

Posted: February 27th, 2012, 9:20pm EST

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In keeping with his new role as primary team leader, and his new $160-million contract, Kemp has taken over a locker previously used by Manny Ramirez and Rafael Furcal, and is setting tone in camp.

Reporting from Phoenix -- At the northwest end of the Dodgers' spring-training clubhouse, several steps from the rear exit, is a wooden stall that shortstop Dee Gordon calls "the Big Dog locker."

Dodgers' Ned Colletti hangs out with a different group of stars

Posted: February 27th, 2012, 9:00pm EST

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Club's general manager attends the Academy Awards and even is shown on the telecast of the show for a few seconds while sitting among the celebrities.

Reporting from Phoenix -- Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly was flipping through television channels Sunday night when a familiar, mustachioed face appeared on the screen.

Sacramento Kings reach arena deal that may kill Anaheim's hopes

Posted: February 27th, 2012, 3:23pm EST

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The team reaches a tentative financing agreement with the NBA and Sacramento for a new arena. Honda Center was ready to take the Kings if the Sacramento deal had fallen apart.

The Sacramento Kings' owners have struck a deal with the city and the NBA to pursue financing for a new downtown arena near the Sacramento rail yards that could open as soon as fall 2015, officials announced Monday in Orlando, Fla., following a weekend of meetings.

Boxing-match delays can pack a fiscal punch

Posted: February 27th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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Postponed or canceled fights sometimes raise financial issues for fighters, trainers and promoters. Just ask Bob Arum, Lou DiBella or Gary Shaw.

Counting on millions of dollars for a site fee from an upcoming heavyweight title fight at Staples Center, boxing promoter Gary Shaw sought immediate gratification by adding a new car to his collection.

Hunter Mahan wins Match Play event, keeps Rory McIlroy from No. 1

Posted: February 27th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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Hunter Mahan becomes first American to win Match Play Championship since Tiger Woods in 2008, defeating Rory McIlory 2-and-1 in final and denying the Northern Irishman's bid to take over No. 1 ranking.

— Even as Hunter Mahan motored his way through the Match Play Championship by beating one tough opponent after another, he had reason to feel he was just along for the ride in the final match Sunday afternoon.

It's West by a nose as Kobe Bryant breaks nose

Posted: February 27th, 2012, 2:15am EST

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Lakers' Kobe Bryant breaks Michael Jordan's All-Star career scoring record but also suffers nasal fracture when hit by Dwyane Wade. Clippers' Blake Griffin, Chris Paul also shine in West's 152-149 win.

Reporting from Orlando, Fla. -- Kobe Bryant added another milestone to his career Sunday as he passed Michael Jordan to become the all-time-leading NBA All-Star game scorer.

Ducks sweat out long review of goal in 3-1 win over Blackhawks

Posted: February 27th, 2012, 12:25am EST

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It takes considerable time for NHL officials to confirm a first-period score by Andrew Cogliano that ties the score and sends the Ducks on the way to victory.

What were they doing in the War Room in Toronto?

Q&A: Ducks' Bruce Boudreau discusses success, trust and rivalries

Posted: February 26th, 2012, 10:25pm EST

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The Anaheim coach has directed the team to a 20-12-6 run since taking over. The Ducks were once thought to be trade-deadline sellers but have the NHL's best record since Jan. 1.

Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau arrived home from an eight-game trip at 3 a.m. Friday, but he had already been at work for a few hours by noon, sharing a conversation about Monday's NHL trade deadline with the team's general manager.

Daytona 500 is postponed one day because of rain

Posted: February 26th, 2012, 10:13pm EST

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It's the first time in the event's 54-year history that it hasn't been held on its intended date. It will be contested Monday at noon EST.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR has raced on the beach at Daytona, under the lights and even around a pesky pothole.

Stars rally for overtime win against Canucks

Posted: February 26th, 2012, 9:55pm EST

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Dallas ties the score in the final minute of regulation and wins it on Loui Eriksson's goal late in overtime.

DALLAS — Down a goal with less than a minute left in regulation, the Dallas Stars appeared to have little more than a slim chance against NHL points leader Vancouver.

Former NBA player Jason Hart shows how it's done as Taft coach

Posted: February 24th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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The first-year coach says he's taking all the advice he's been given and putting it into practice on the court. He's earning respect as he guides the Toreadors to the City Section playoff semifinals.

At the start of each practice, the No. 1-seeded high school basketball team in the City Section, Woodland Hills Taft, plays hopscotch under the guidance of its coach, former NBA guard Jason Hart.

Former NBA player Jason Hart shows how it's done as Taft coach

Posted: February 24th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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The first-year coach says he's taking all the advice he's been given and putting it into practice on the court. He's earning respect as he guides the Toreadors to the City Section playoff semifinals.

At the start of each practice, the No. 1-seeded high school basketball team in the City Section, Woodland Hills Taft, plays hopscotch under the guidance of its coach, former NBA guard Jason Hart.

Jason Isringhausen expected to have significant role with Angels

Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 7:08pm EST

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Manager Mike Scioscia says the right-handed pitcher, who signed a minor league contract with the Angels, will have a setup role.

Reporting from Tempe, Ariz. — Jason Isringhausen signed a minor league contract with the Angels, but he could have a major impact on the bullpen. Manager Mike Scioscia indicated Thursday that the veteran right-hander is a near-lock to make the club.

Jason Isringhausen expected to have significant role with Angels

Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 7:08pm EST

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Manager Mike Scioscia says the right-handed pitcher, who signed a minor league contract with the Angels, will have a setup role.

Reporting from Tempe, Ariz. — Jason Isringhausen signed a minor league contract with the Angels, but he could have a major impact on the bullpen. Manager Mike Scioscia indicated Thursday that the veteran right-hander is a near-lock to make the club.

Tiger Woods loses to Nick Watney at Match Play Championship

Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 6:28pm EST

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The former No. 1 golfer in the world misses a five-foot birdie putt on No. 18 that could have tied the match.

Nick Watney defeated Tiger Woods 1-up Thursday in the second round of theWGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Marana, Ariz. when Woods, who had a chance to send the match to a 19th hole, missed a five-foot birdie putt on the 18th.

Tiger Woods loses to Nick Watney at Match Play Championship

Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 6:28pm EST

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The former No. 1 golfer in the world misses a five-foot birdie putt on No. 18 that could have tied the match.

Nick Watney defeated Tiger Woods 1-up Thursday in the second round of theWGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Marana, Ariz. when Woods, who had a chance to send the match to a 19th hole, missed a five-foot birdie putt on the 18th.

Ryan Braun wins appeal, suspension is overturned in arbitration

Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 5:46pm EST

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Reigning National League MVP wins his appeal of a positive test for a performance-enhancing drug and has his 50-game suspension overturned by an arbitrator.

Ryan Braun, the reigning National League MVP, won his appeal of a positive test for a performance-enhancing drug and had his 50-game suspension overturned by an arbitrator.

Angels' Mark Trumbo accepts new role with open mind

Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 4:09pm EST

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Although the runner-up for American League rookie of the year last season, he has been forced out of first base because of the team's acquisition of Albert Pujols, but looks at learning to play third base as a challenge.

Dec. 8 was a day of celebration for the Angels. That's when they signed first baseman Albert Pujols, considered one of the greatest hitters in baseball history.

Angels' Mark Trumbo accepts new role with open mind

Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 4:09pm EST

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Although the runner-up for American League rookie of the year last season, he has been forced out of first base because of the team's acquisition of Albert Pujols, but looks at learning to play third base as a challenge.

Dec. 8 was a day of celebration for the Angels. That's when they signed first baseman Albert Pujols, considered one of the greatest hitters in baseball history.

Chris Paul, Blake Griffin lead Clippers to 103-95 win over Nuggets

Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 2:21am EST

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Paul scores a season-high 36 points and Griffin scores 27 as Clippers head to All-Star break on a positive note.

The goal for the Clippers on Wednesday night really was twofold.

Their play's the thing in Lakers' victory

Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 2:15am EST

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While Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant continue to ramp up the drama, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Derek Fisher lead 96-91 win over Dallas.

Reporting from Dallas — The franchise was tilting again, the drama creeping into the front office and dripping down to the roster.

Lakers continue to show a flair for the dramatic

Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 2:08am EST

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Despite the on-going drama engulfing the team, the Lakers are finding ways to overcome adversity and win games.

Another day, another drama for the Lakers.

Behind the bluster, Kenyon Martin has a heart

Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 1:40am EST

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Martin was teased as a child because he stuttered. Today the tough guy helps organizations that aid stutterers.

It figured to be one of those welcome to L.A. interviews, the scary, animated and intimidating tattoo that is Kenyon Martin saying, "Why don't you put on your basketball shoes, come on the court and I will run right through you."

Kings fall apart in 4-1 loss to Avalanche

Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 12:56am EST

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Goalie Jonathan Quick has his second straight rough outing and is pulled after Colorado scores three goals in the first period.

DENVER — Paul Stastny scored two goals, Semyon Varlamov stopped 32 shots and the Colorado Avalanche picked up a 4-1 victory Wednesday night for their first season sweep of the Kings in nearly two decades.

Clippers' Ryan Gomes looks for improvement

Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 12:05am EST

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Backup forward, who is averaging 2.6 points per game and shooting 33.7%, says he needs to play with more confidence to turn things around.

Ryan Gomes admits he is in a "slump."

Falling into a spring training rhythm

Posted: February 22nd, 2012, 10:27pm EST

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As the world of sports keeps moving faster, we need the comfortable insignificance of baseball's tuning-up period more than ever.

I always swore I would not be one of those aging sportswriters who, about the third week in February, starts waxing poetic about spring training.

Dodgers using Bankruptcy Court as shield, Bryan Stow lawyers say

Posted: February 22nd, 2012, 10:26pm EST

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Attorneys for the injured San Francisco Giants fan ask that court to yield to Los Angeles Superior Court.

The Dodgers should not be allowed to use the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to minimize their liability to Bryan Stow, attorneys for the injured San Francisco Giants fan argued Wednesday.

Albert Pujols doesn't like nickname 'El Hombre'

Posted: February 22nd, 2012, 8:05pm EST

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First baseman is not crazy about marketing campaign by the Angels in which he is referred to in Spanish as 'The Man.' He first objected to it in St. Louis out of respect for Stan Musial, the Cardinals great who was known by the moniker.

Reporting from Tempe, Ariz. — Albert Pujols is the focal point of the Angels' 2012 marketing campaign, which kicked off in late January with 70 billboards throughout Southern California, 20 of which refer to the former St. Louis Cardinals star as "El Hombre," The Man.

UCLA's Tyler Lamb looking for consistency

Posted: February 22nd, 2012, 7:49pm EST

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The Bruins' sophomore guard is his own worst critic, and he's been tough on himself in an up-and-down season.

UCLA guard Tyler Lamb can be a glass-is-half-empty guy, at least when looking at the stat sheet from the Bruins' last game, a 66-63 loss to St. John's.

UCLA's 64-54 win over USC is personal for Jerime Anderson

Posted: February 16th, 2012, 2:18am EST

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Anderson, a senior guard for the Bruins, scores 14 points and has five rebounds and five assists, giving himself a 5-4 edge in games against the Trojans.

This was the way to go out. UCLA senior guard Jerime Anderson was adamant about that.

UCLA's 64-54 win over USC is personal for Jerime Anderson

Posted: February 16th, 2012, 2:18am EST

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Anderson, a senior guard for the Bruins, scores 14 points and has five rebounds and five assists, giving himself a 5-4 edge in games against the Trojans.

This was the way to go out. UCLA senior guard Jerime Anderson was adamant about that.

Clippers finally check lag against Wizards

Posted: February 16th, 2012, 2:08am EST

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In first game after six-game trip, L.A. pulls away in the fourth quarter for a 102-84 victory over Washington.

Eleven days ago, the Clippers turned the Verizon Center in Washington into their playground.

Clippers finally check lag against Wizards

Posted: February 16th, 2012, 2:08am EST

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In first game after six-game trip, L.A. pulls away in the fourth quarter for a 102-84 victory over Washington.

Eleven days ago, the Clippers turned the Verizon Center in Washington into their playground.

Jeremy Lin scores only 10 points but still pumps up Knicks and crowd

Posted: February 16th, 2012, 1:58am EST

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Point guard who has several impressive performances lately to become the darling of New York fans still contributes with 13 assists in the team's 100-85 victory over Sacramento.

Reporting from New York — There's no telling where Jeremy Lin might take the New York Knicks and their fans.

Loyola Marymount upsets No. 21 St. Mary's, 75-60

Posted: February 16th, 2012, 1:46am EST

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Drew Viney scores 17 points as the Lions pick up their 10th conference win.

MORAGA, Calif. — Drew Viney scored 17 points, Anthony Ireland had 16 and Loyola Marymount bounced back from one of its most lopsided losses of the season to beat No. 21 St. Mary's, 75-60, on Wednesday night.

Ducks' hot streak continues with 2-1 win over Penguins

Posted: February 16th, 2012, 12:12am EST

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Teemu Selanne scores the deciding goal as the Ducks win in Pittsburgh for the first time in 11 years.

PITTSBURGH — Dog tired at the end of a lengthy shift, the Ducks' Matt Beleskey saw a familiar No. 8 out of the corner of his eye, flipped the puck in that general direction and hoped for the best.

Adam Plutko ready to step into leading role for UCLA baseball team

Posted: February 15th, 2012, 10:28pm EST

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Plutko, the Bruins' No. 3 starter last season, is being counted on to be the ace with the departures of Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer. The right-hander was 7-4 with a 2.01 earned-run average in 2011.

It's a difference of only 48 hours, less than a full weekend, but UCLA sophomore Adam Plutko is well aware of the challenge awaiting.

IOC conference in L.A. to focus on women in sports

Posted: February 15th, 2012, 10:19pm EST

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The role of female athletes on and off the field of play will be the central topic at gathering that starts Thursday.

The role of women in sports, on and off the field of play, will be the central topic of an International Olympic Committee conference that will start Thursday in Los Angeles.

IOC conference in L.A. to focus on women in sports

Posted: February 15th, 2012, 10:19pm EST

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The role of female athletes on and off the field of play will be the central topic at gathering that starts Thursday.

The role of women in sports, on and off the field of play, will be the central topic of an International Olympic Committee conference that will start Thursday in Los Angeles.

J.B. Holmes is getting his health back; his game's recovering too

Posted: February 15th, 2012, 8:32pm EST

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He was having a fine 2011 on the PGA Tour until medical problems sidelined him. He has bounced back from brain surgery last summer. Now he's looking to get his game on track at the Northern Trust Open.

Before he was about to operate on the golfer's brain, J.B. Holmes' surgeon wanted to make sure there was one thing he didn't forget once he was finished with the delicate procedure. He had to remember to call his wife and wish her a happy birthday.

Colts should keep Peyton Manning, but not at all cost

Posted: February 15th, 2012, 8:18pm EST

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Indianapolis says it wants to retain the quarterback but not at the $28-million price tag it would take to do so since his career is in the balance because of injuries. They are right, especially with the prospect of drafting Stanford's Andrew Luck with the first pick in April.

This isn't football, it's an unseemly game of tennis.

Colts should keep Peyton Manning, but not at all cost

Posted: February 15th, 2012, 8:18pm EST

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Indianapolis says it wants to retain the quarterback but not at the $28-million price tag it would take to do so since his career is in the balance because of injuries. They are right, especially with the prospect of drafting Stanford's Andrew Luck with the first pick in April.

This isn't football, it's an unseemly game of tennis.

Permalink for 'L.A._Times___Sports/2012/02/15/Comparing_Lakers_fans_and_Clippers_fans___8212__on_the_analyst_s_couch'

Comparing Lakers fans and Clippers fans — on the analyst's couch

Posted: February 15th, 2012, 7:34pm EST

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Of course, they're different psychologically. For one thing, only one group needs its team to win. It's all in the "locus of control."

It's suddenly fashionable to be a Clippers fan, while Lakers fans lick their wounds or, as is often the case with Lakers fans, hire someone to lick their wounds for them.

Comparing Lakers fans and Clippers fans — on the analyst's couch

Posted: February 15th, 2012, 7:34pm EST

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Of course, they're different psychologically. For one thing, only one group needs its team to win. It's all in the "locus of control."

It's suddenly fashionable to be a Clippers fan, while Lakers fans lick their wounds or, as is often the case with Lakers fans, hire someone to lick their wounds for them.

Lakers and Kobe Bryant keep hitting low points, even in victory

Posted: February 15th, 2012, 2:19am EST

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The Lakers, and Kobe Bryant in particular, struggle again on offense, though defense clicks in plodding 86-78 win over Atlanta. Bryant shoots five for 18, but Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum take up slack.

The Lakers could be heard roaring in the players' lounge an hour before their game against the Atlanta Hawks.

These Lakers really aren't his type

Posted: February 15th, 2012, 2:08am EST

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Despite T-shirt entreaties of love at Lakers' first home game in two weeks, it's impossible to do so as they replace excitement with dullness. The buzz is off, and the owners need to do something.

Stuck here at Staples Center on Valentine's Day night, I might have been inspired to cite everything I love about the Lakers.

Mike Brown, Metta World Peace appear at odds

Posted: February 15th, 2012, 1:16am EST

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World Peace questions Mike Brown's substitutions and says Lakers coach is too reliant on statistics. Brown says he told the struggling forward, 'If I was a stats guy . . . you wouldn't be playing.'

For a guy who changed his name to promote harmony, there's very little of it for Metta World Peace these days.

Clippers accept but are not content with 4-2 trip

Posted: February 15th, 2012, 12:31am EST

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The Clippers differ from past seasons in that they expected more, and talk about missing the chance to win all six games instead of dropping those to Cleveland and Dallas.

This is a different Clippers team, one that's not satisfied just because they had a winning record on a just-completed trip.

For Kings' Dwight King and Jordan Nolan, a big change of scenery

Posted: February 14th, 2012, 10:45pm EST

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Called up from Manchester in the American Hockey League, both now have scored their first NHL goals.

The forward did not have to ring twice. In this case, Dwight King only had to knock once.

Corey Perry lifts Ducks past Wild, 2-1

Posted: February 14th, 2012, 10:24pm EST

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The reigning NHL MVP scores the winning goal and goalie Jonas Hiller makes 17 saves as the Ducks earn their fourth win in five games.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Corey Perry scored the winning goal at 12 minutes 21 seconds of the third period, Jonas Hiller stopped 17 shots and the Ducks defeated Minnesota, 2-1, Tuesday night, handing the Wild its fifth loss in a row.

Kyle Stanley takes aim at Riviera after emotional roller coaster

Posted: February 14th, 2012, 10:00pm EST

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Young golfer gets back to business after taking a week off to recover from two draining tournaments, one a brutal loss and the other a dramatic victory.

There's this memory of Kyle Stanley:

Jodie Burton's winning partnerships

Posted: February 14th, 2012, 9:53pm EST

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The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps coach notched her 500th victory for the school where she started in 1979. She shares credit with a fellow coach — her husband, David Wells.

Together they strategized game plans, celebrated wins and mourned losses.

Losses have piled up at a staggering rate for USC's basketball team

Posted: February 14th, 2012, 8:11pm EST

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The Trojans have lost five players to season-ending injuries, leaving them with only six scholarship players. At 6-20, they are three losses from setting a school record for defeats in a season.

Kevin O'Neill, who has been coaching basketball for more than 30 years, cannot explain the injuries that have befallen USC this season.

Is Long Beach livin' at-large?

Posted: February 14th, 2012, 8:09pm EST

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Long Beach State has positioned itself for an NCAA berth even if it doesn't win Big West automatic bid. Still, 49ers had better win conference tournament to make sure.

Syracuse is solid and Kentucky is kinetic, but several scenarios remain unresolved as college basketball marches toward March and the NCAA tournament.

Clippers' bid for happy ending on long trip falls short at Dallas

Posted: February 14th, 2012, 2:14am EST

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Clippers position themselves for a big win against NBA champion Mavericks, but Caron Butler's potential game-winning shot hits front of rim, and Dallas wins 96-92. L.A. settles for 4-2 mark on trip.

Reporting from Dallas -- It was the end of a six-game trip, and the Clippers were facing defending NBA champion Dallas in a city where they haven't won since April 19, 2006.

Clippers' Blake Griffin isn't basking in the spotlight

Posted: February 14th, 2012, 2:06am EST

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He acknowledges he is getting more attention from opponents and fans as he takes blame for loss to Dallas. But it is hard to not take for granted the talent and production the 22-year-old offers.

Reporting from Dallas — They blew it.

Plans are set for huge college league

Posted: February 14th, 2012, 1:10am EST

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Members of Conference USA as well as current and future members of the Mountain West will form a league beginning in 2013 that could have as many as 24 teams.

Members of Conference USA and current and future members of the Mountain West are taking a bigger-is-better approach to college sports leagues.

NHL: Pluses and minuses around the league

Posted: February 14th, 2012, 12:55am EST

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The New York Rangers sweep the Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals to solidify the top spot in the East. The Chicago Blackhawks are 0-7-1 since leading the league with 64 points on Jan. 20.

Times columnist Helene Elliott rates the pluses and minuses in the NHL from the previous week:

Lakers will mostly be homebodies for a while

Posted: February 13th, 2012, 11:55pm EST

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A game against Atlanta opens a period in which they play three of four games and six of nine at Staples Center.

Road life in the NBA isn't exactly a series of connecting flights and Motel 6s.

New TV home for the league is reason to celebrate

Posted: February 13th, 2012, 10:45pm EST

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NBC Sports Network is showing 100 regular-season games plus every playoff game, a bonanza for fans who were virtually left out in the cold after the NHL parted ways with ESPN after the 2004-05 lockout.

Once upon a time, a new TV network needed sports programming and made a deal to broadcast NHL games.

The Angel as guardian: Albert Pujols' charitable commitment

Posted: February 13th, 2012, 9:15pm EST

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The Pujols Family Foundation seeks to enrich lives of families of children with Down syndrome and aid the Dominican Republic's impoverished. 'This is my passion,' he has said.

Baseball is a game of endless numbers and statistics, but here's a line you've probably never seen before: From May 2005 through last May, Albert Pujols hit .527 (39 for 74) in 22 games, with 12 homers and 25 runs batted in, following events in which he interacted with people with Down syndrome.

L.A. has been involved with some real sports heartbreakers

Posted: February 13th, 2012, 9:10pm EST

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The McCourts and the Bryants are going through rather public splits, but other clashes have shaped teams' and athletes' destinies. Love lives can affect performance in positive and negative ways.

What flies between an athlete or owner and his/her significant other/others, theoretically, is none of anybody's business.

Irwindale Speedway cancels 2012 season

Posted: February 13th, 2012, 9:05pm EST

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The half-mile oval, which opened 13 years ago, has struggled with declining attendance and race entries in recent years as the economy soured. There is speculation it could be shut down or sold.

It opened 13 years ago with great fanfare, was called perhaps the best short track in minor league NASCAR racing and, on occasion, drew such star drivers as Tony Stewart and Joey Logano.

PGA Tour rides wave of excitement into resurgent Riviera

Posted: February 13th, 2012, 7:30pm EST

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After a dominating finish at Pebble Beach, Phil Mickelson leads a star-studded field into Los Angeles for this week's Northern Trust Open at Pacific Palisades.

There are residuals for Los Angeles from the high-interest day professional golf had Sunday at Pebble Beach.

You vote: What are the 10 best sports movies of all time?

Posted: February 13th, 2012, 1:44pm EST

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Just in time for the Oscars, vote in our balloting of the top 10 sports movies of all time. Will Oscar-nominee "Moneyball" make your list?

Women take Olympic boxing dreams into the ring

Posted: February 13th, 2012, 11:44am EST

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A handful of California boxers, including Patricia Manuel and Mikaela Mayer, continue their quest to reach the London Games with the U.S. trials this week.

Reporting from Spokane, Wash. -- For the last two years Patricia Manuel and Mikaela Mayer have shared a dream: representing the U.S. in the debut Olympic boxing tournament for women this summer in London.

Tiger Woods, golf's great finisher, no longer can finish

Posted: February 13th, 2012, 12:30am EST

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He fades despite a storybook setup as Phil Mickelson wins the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

From Pebble Beach -- In the wake of Sunday's Tiger-Phil showdown at the Pebble Beach corral, one prevailing image emerges.

USC meets Stanford only halfway in 59-47 loss

Posted: February 13th, 2012, 12:15am EST

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Trojans make a game of it in the first half but can't stay with the Cardinal in the second half, falling behind by as many as 20 points.

In a season that has featured long stretches of losses, USC on Sunday wasted a chance to actually extend a winning streak.

Newcomers Jordan Nolan, Dwight King help Kings beat Stars, 4-2

Posted: February 12th, 2012, 11:50pm EST

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Jordan Nolan's first NHL goal proves to be the game winner, and Dwight King also notches his first as L.A. wins at Dallas and moves into a tie with Chicago for sixth in the West.

DALLAS — The Kings got some much-needed scoring from a pair of unlikely sources.

Corey Perry's hat trick leads Ducks past Blue Jackets, 5-3

Posted: February 12th, 2012, 11:30pm EST

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It is Perry's second three-goal performance against Columbus this season. Bobby Ryan and Jason Blake also score for the Ducks.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Unless their big stars are scoring and the power play is clicking, the Ducks don't have a chance to rally themselves into the playoffs.

John Force claims another Winternationals title

Posted: February 12th, 2012, 10:45pm EST

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He defeats teammate Mike Neff in the funny car final at Pomona to secure sixth championship at the event. Daughter Courtney Force loses in a quarterfinal matchup. Spencer Massey wins in top fuel.

Judging by her debut, much-heralded rookie Courtney Force has a solid future as a driver in drag racing's elite funny car division.

Lakers beat Raptors, and it all evens out in the end

Posted: February 12th, 2012, 10:25pm EST

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Lakers' 94-92 victory in Toronto is interesting, if not exactly fun, as Kobe Bryant hits the winning jumper with 4.2 seconds left and L.A. survives a wild final sequence to finish 3-3 on Grammy trip.

Reporting from Toronto -- These are the wild, even ridiculous, ways the Lakers have to win nowadays.

Phil Mickelson routs Tiger Woods, rest of field at Pebble Beach

Posted: February 12th, 2012, 10:15pm EST

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Mickelson's eight-under-par 64 gives him a two-stroke win over Charlie Wi at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. Woods' final-round 75 leaves him nine shots off the lead and tied for 15th.

Reporting from Pebble Beach -- Whether it was the 38-foot par putt that Phil Mickelson pounded in just after Tiger Woods had gotten everyone revved up with a birdie or Mickelson's spectacular eagle three on the par-five sixth hole, or Mickelson's sweet hug with wife Amy or her eagerly enthusiastic words, "What a round. Are you kidding me?" all the best moments Sunday belonged to Phil.

Clippers' Ralph Lawler has always been at the top of his game

Posted: February 12th, 2012, 9:20pm EST

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The team's longtime broadcaster took some advice from Marge Hearn and developed into a Hall of Famer, even if the NBA hasn't recognized him as such.

From Dallas -- I'm going to tell you a few things about Clippers honk Ralph Lawler you probably don't know.

For Albert Pujols and Angels, numbers don't lie . . . or do they?

Posted: February 12th, 2012, 8:00pm EST

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Albert Pujols' age (32 this season) and recent decline in production suggest Angels may live to regret giving him a 10-year, $240-million deal. But some who know him say team will be amply rewarded.

Reporting from St. Louis -- There are certain numbers related to Albert Pujols that should concern the Angels.

DeAndre Jordan steps outside and likes what he sees

Posted: February 12th, 2012, 12:33am EST

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The Clippers center makes a shot from outside the lane for the first time in his four-season NBA career, and that's something to be remembered.

We're talking history here. The kind of thing you might never see again in your lifetime.

Clippers take it easy in 111-86 rout of Charlotte

Posted: February 12th, 2012, 12:09am EST

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L.A. improves to 4-1 on trip, with North Carolina native Chris Paul contributing 18 points and 14 assists in his homecoming and Blake Griffin throwing in two crowd-pleasing dunks among his 21 points.

That was easy for the Clippers.

Randy Foye settling in as a starting guard

Posted: February 11th, 2012, 11:40pm EST

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Randy Foye, who's started all four games since the Clippers lost Chauncey Billups to a season-ending injury, says he's getting used to expanded role and increased attention, but team still comes first.

His role has changed, putting more of a spotlight on Randy Foye because of who he has replaced in the starting lineup.

UCLA's Joshua Smith has been a big disappointment

Posted: February 11th, 2012, 11:10pm EST

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Sophomore center, 6 feet 10 and 300-plus pounds, could have made a significant difference in the Bruins' season but didn't seem to care about getting in shape. He is apologetic and vows to make changes for next season.

The biggest Bruin is speaking as if he is small.

Early game could be reprieve for Lakers fans

Posted: February 11th, 2012, 11:05pm EST

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The Lakers have been tough to watch and a 10 a.m. tip-off Sunday against Toronto could allow fans to miss part of the action.

Bad news for Lakers fans in years past: Sunday's game against Toronto is at the early hour of 10 a.m. PST.

Cal shows UCLA who's the boss

Posted: February 11th, 2012, 10:19pm EST

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Bruins continue their stumbling season with a 73-63 loss to the first-place Golden Bears, who sweep UCLA for the first time in 18 years.

UCLA basketball fans can get their calendars out now.

NBA All-Star selections are mostly fitting

Posted: February 11th, 2012, 9:41pm EST

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The Times' Ben Bolch evaluates the West and East rosters for the Feb. 26 game at Amway Center in Orlando, Fla.

NBA All-Star selections can seem as predictable as upbeat endings in Disney movies.

Tiger Woods four shots behind Charlie Wi at Pebble Beach

Posted: February 11th, 2012, 9:35pm EST

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Wi leads Ken Duke by three shots, but Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are among those within striking distance going into the final round.

It was called the "big-boy leaderboard" Saturday.

Albert Pujols as a man among boys

Posted: February 11th, 2012, 8:02pm EST

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The Angels' new slugger was impressive even in high school, but somehow there were 401 players drafted ahead of him.

Reporting from Kansas City, Mo. — It's hard to fathom the trajectory of a ball hit from home plate at Liberty High to an air-conditioning unit on the roof of a two-story building behind the left-center field fence.

USC defense, turnover margin could be key against Stanford

Posted: February 11th, 2012, 7:18pm EST

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Last-place USC's few strengths — scoring defense and turnover margins — could play well against a recently struggling Stanford Cardinal on Sunday at the Galen Center.

Despite the numerous problems USC has experienced this season, the Trojans can still cling to a couple points of pride: Last-place USC ranks at the top of the Pac-12 Conference in scoring defense and turnover margin.

Poll: Is New York's Jeremy Lin the real deal?

Posted: February 11th, 2012, 2:46pm EST

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Is Lin a here-today-gone-tomorrow talent carried by Tim Tebow-like sensationalism or is he poised to become one of the biggest surprises of the season?

Lakers' 92-85 loss to Knicks is highly Lin-plausible

Posted: February 11th, 2012, 2:09am EST

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Jeremy Lin, the unlikely New York sensation, has 38 points and seven assists to outshine Kobe Bryant, who scores 34 but misses 18 of 29 shots as Lakers fall to 2-3 on their annual Grammy trip.

Reporting from New York — Stop the Lin-sanity? The Lakers tried and tried. And failed. Badly.

Jeremy Lin was there for the taking

Posted: February 11th, 2012, 1:10am EST

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Lakers discussed signing the guard when he was a free agent, before he was signed and released by Houston. Mike Brown didn't know anything about Lin, who scored 38 points Friday night.

Count the Lakers among the teams second-guessing themselves for not pursuing Jeremy Lin a little harder.

Chris Paul comes to praise his teammates and bury the 76ers

Posted: February 11th, 2012, 12:59am EST

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Clippers point guard Chris Paul wants to spread the credit, but he makes the difference in victory over the 76ers at Philadelphia.

From Philadelphia — The last guy I'm going to write about is Chris Paul , because he's already had his story.

Paralympic cyclist Anthony Zahn shrugs off disease

Posted: February 11th, 2012, 12:57am EST

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Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a hereditary disorder, has attacked Zahn's body, but he fights back by pushing on with his racing.

Cyclist Anthony Zahn of Riverside, winner of a bronze medal in the individual time trial road event at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, is accustomed to racing the clock.

Chris Paul shoots down 76ers, 78-77

Posted: February 11th, 2012, 12:34am EST

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Paul makes a jumper with 3.2 seconds left, but almost everyone contributes to the Clippers' victory.

Reporting from Philadelphia — When it was over, Chris Paul and Kenyon Martin slapped hands, the same hand Paul had used to hit the game-winning shot, the same hand Martin had used on defense in the final seconds to secure the Clippers' victory Friday night.

Kings' Kyle Clifford has potential to be more than just a fighter

Posted: February 10th, 2012, 11:38pm EST

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The 21-year-old left wing is known for his physical presence on the ice, but he could bloom into a top six forward. Clifford has four goals, including three in the last 13 games.

Hockey players always remember the key firsts: First goal. First assist. First fight?

Tony Schumacher is a man who would be top-fuel king, again

Posted: February 10th, 2012, 8:59pm EST

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Tony Schumacher dominated NHRA drag racing's elite series from 2004-2009 but inexplicably failed to win a race in 2011. This year he's looking to rebound, starting at the Winternationals in Pomona.

Tony Schumacher ruled the world of top-fuel drag racing for six years.

It took a village to raise Olympic volleyball hopeful

Posted: February 10th, 2012, 8:43pm EST

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Jonathan Winder's father died when he was 4, but friends, known now as the Three Wise Men, stepped in to create a new family dynamic. Winder is working for a spot on the U.S. men's volleyball team.

Ninth in a series of occasional stories.

Bruins play Pac-12 co-leader California on Saturday

Posted: February 10th, 2012, 8:04pm EST

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UCLA, the preseason pick to win the conference, face the Bears, who share the top spot.

Now would be a good time for the UCLA basketball team to live up to its preseason billing.

Antron Brown favored to win top-fuel title

Posted: February 10th, 2012, 7:46pm EST

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Two years after an accident in which a race spectator was killed by a tire that flew off his car, Brown is poised to become the first African American to win an auto racing championship.

On Feb. 21, it will be two years since Antron Brown and Susan Zimmer never met and became joined forever. It was Brown's 200th-something National Hot Rod Assn. event, Zimmer's first.

USC can't keep up with Cal in 75-49 loss

Posted: February 10th, 2012, 2:10am EST

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Harper Kamp finishes with 19 points and Allen Crabbe adds 18 points as California cruises to victory. Maurice Jones leads USC with 17 points.

On average, guard Maurice Jones plays all but one minute of every game for USC.

Bruins' biggest takeaway against Stanford: A win

Posted: February 10th, 2012, 2:08am EST

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UCLA makes the most of 22 turnovers by Stanford and comes up with 15 steals against the Cardinal in a 72-61 victory.

Onward … and upward?

Jerry West says Lakers will be 'dangerous' in playoffs

Posted: February 10th, 2012, 1:44am EST

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The Hall of Famer and former Laker insists that there are better days ahead for the team despite 'spotty' performances.

Reporting from Boston — Jerry West is plenty busy these days as a consultant for the Golden State Warriors and executive director of the Northern Trust Open, which tees off next Thursday at Riviera Country Club.

Lakers' Pau Gasol is a star in 88-87 overtime victory over Celtics

Posted: February 10th, 2012, 1:30am EST

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Passed over for the NBA All-Star game, Gasol ties the game in the closing seconds of regulation before making a big block in overtime to preserve the win over the Lakers' longtime rivals.

Reporting from Boston — Maybe Pau Gasol should be snubbed by the All-Star team more often.

Cal's Allen Crabbe not bitter toward UCLA

Posted: February 10th, 2012, 1:10am EST

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The sophomore, who was lightly recruited by the Bruins, is interested only in helping the Bears and preparing himself for the NBA.

It would be an intriguing story if California guard Allen Crabbe, only lightly recruited by hometown UCLA after he led Los Angeles Price High to the 2010 Division IV state title, said he was especially motivated to beat the Bruins on Saturday.

For the pro athlete, it's just a job

Posted: February 10th, 2012, 1:06am EST

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The Patriots' Rob Gronkowski and Matt Light are seen partying after a Super Bowl loss, giving fans pause. Could it be the fans care more than the athletes do?

Within hours of creating one its most glorious moments, the pro sports world exposed one of its dirty little secrets.

Kings fall to Florida Panthers, 3-1

Posted: February 10th, 2012, 12:23am EST

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Drew Doughty scores for the Kings. Florida goalie Scott Clemmensen stops 22 shots as the Panthers defeat the Kings for the first time since November 2002.

SUNRISE, Fla. — The Florida Panthers bounced back from two road losses to regain first place in the Southeast Division.

Firing the coach to ignite the team

Posted: February 9th, 2012, 11:20pm EST

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Across pro sports, dismissing a coach at midseason seldom propels a team into the playoffs. But some teams respond with marked improvement, including the NHL's Kings and Ducks this season.

The reason can be as vague as a sense that a team isn't motivated, or as obvious as a superstar's rebellion.

Tiger Woods starts with a 68 at Spyglass Hill

Posted: February 9th, 2012, 10:26pm EST

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Woods is five shots behind leaders, but his round is impressive at the course. Dustin Johnson is one of three players at nine under.

Reporting from Pebble Beach — Tiger Woods is tied for 15th place.

Chris Paul passes along lessons on the importance of family

Posted: February 9th, 2012, 10:21pm EST

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The Clippers point guard makes sure he thinks of those close to him before each game, and he digs deep to bring out the best in others.

From Philadelphia — You hear about someone and how impressive he is as a person, solid and all that.

Ducks need overtime, and a lucky break, to defeat Hurricanes

Posted: February 9th, 2012, 2:05am EST

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Corey Perry scores 2:14 into overtime after avoiding an apparent tripping penalty and Jonas Hiller makes 31 saves in the 3-2 victory over Carolina.

If the Ducks are to have any hope of returning to the playoffs this spring they're going to need a lot more gutsy performances like the one they turned in Wednesday at Honda Center, where they beat the Carolina Hurricanes, 3-2, in overtime.

Memphis Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley is a bidder for Dodgers

Posted: February 9th, 2012, 1:30am EST

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Heisley is a Chicago businessman who bought the Grizzlies in 2000. If he bought the team he could bring former Grizzlies GM and Lakers great Jerry West into the front office.

Michael Heisley, the billionaire owner of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, has emerged as one of the remaining bidders for the Dodgers.

Mo Williams hurting himself and Clippers with selfish attitude

Posted: February 9th, 2012, 12:45am EST

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The backup guard is unhappy he has not gotten a contract extension. It's the wrong way to act for a player who is signed through next season.

From Cleveland -- What a bummer.

Coach rips Clippers after 99-92 loss to Cavaliers

Posted: February 9th, 2012, 12:45am EST

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Vinny Del Negro says Clippers don't play like pros in their first game since injury to Chauncey Billups.

Reporting from Cleveland -- Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro called his team out, ripped them, using words like "professionalism" and saying they didn't play like "pros."

Kenyon Martin makes solid debut with Clippers

Posted: February 9th, 2012, 12:45am EST

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Veteran power forward, who signed with the club as a free agent Friday, has six points, four rebounds and blocks two shots in 20 minutes on the court. He had last played in December with a Chinese team.

Reporting from Cleveland -- Power forward Kenyon Martin played in his first game with the Clippers on Wednesday night and his presence was felt right away.

In a career like jockey Mike Smith's, what's 12 more victories?

Posted: February 9th, 2012, 12:15am EST

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The two-time Eclipse Award winner has racked up impressive numbers in his career, including wins in each leg of the Triple Crown. With only a dozen more, he'll have 5,000 victories and become the 25th rider to reach that plateau.

Jockey Mike Smith is in the legacy-building stage of his career. That comes after bug boy, journeyman and star.

Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is back, and so is Tiger Woods

Posted: February 8th, 2012, 10:35pm EST

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The golfer is playing the tournament, which begins Thursday, for the first time in 10 years

Reporting from Pebble Beach -- Some things are familiar. The waves crashing against the rocks, sending ocean spray into the air. The sun putting finishing touches of color on the greens. And, for at least this one day, the wind deciding to be silent before it turns mischievous once play starts.

Despite Lakers' issues, Kobe Bryant 'obsessed' to win another title

Posted: February 8th, 2012, 8:00pm EST

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Bryant says the Lakers have been terrible at times, but the situation isn't as bad as the 14-11 record would indicate. He says the reserves have to play better.

Reporting from Boston -- These are difficult days for Kobe Bryant.

Byron Wesley is a bright spot in a dim USC basketball season

Posted: February 8th, 2012, 7:50pm EST

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Freshman guard is getting an opportunity to play because of injuries to other players and is more than holding his own.

USC 's struggles and injuries have put the Trojans on track for one of their worst men's basketball seasons in school history.

For UCLA, the math is simple, the task ... not so much

Posted: February 8th, 2012, 6:25pm EST

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The Bruins basketball team needs to finish in the top four of the Pac-12 to earn a first-round bye in the conference tournament, which they'll have to win to earn a ticket to March Madness. They're now tied for sixth with Stanford, their next opponent.

UCLA Coach Ben Howland rarely looks beyond the game at the end of his nose. Stanford, Thursday night at the Sports Arena, is the only thing he sniffs.

Alexis DeJoria: Another force to reckon with

Posted: February 8th, 2012, 11:42am EST

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DeJoria will give Courtney Force plenty of competition for the rookie to watch on the NHRA Funny Car circuit this year.

Alexis DeJoria will give Courtney Force plenty of competition for the rookie to watch on the NHRA Funny Car circuit this year.

Kings find some offense in 3-1 victory over Lightning

Posted: February 8th, 2012, 12:21am EST

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Kyle Clifford, Dustin Penner and Anze Kopitar score as the Kings improve to 15-0-1 on the season when finishing with three or more goals.

TAMPA, Fla. — The Kings are nearly unbeatable when scoring at least three goals. Too bad for them it has happened only 16 times this season.

Patrick Soon-Shiong intends to take part in bid for Dodgers

Posted: February 7th, 2012, 11:33pm EST

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The billionaire who owns a share of the Lakers is being courted by several of the bidders for the baseball team.

He's in, but with whom?

USC loses another football assistant, receivers coach Ted Gilmore

Posted: February 7th, 2012, 11:12pm EST

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Ted Gilmore is joining the NFL's Oakland Raiders, less than a week after linebackers coach Joe Barry agreed to terms with the San Diego Chargers. USC Coach Lane Kiffin now has three staff vacancies.

Recruiting season is still open at USC . . . only now it's for coaches in addition to players.

Clippers' Vinny Del Negro takes this loss personally

Posted: February 7th, 2012, 10:33pm EST

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Coach Vinny Del Negro drops his guard, and the cliches, when discussing how much Chauncey Billups means to the Clippers, and how deeply the veteran guard's season-ending injury has affected the team.

From Cleveland — It's a Vinny Del Negro I do not know.

Clayton Kershaw signs with Dodgers for $19 million over two years

Posted: February 7th, 2012, 9:48pm EST

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National League Cy Young Award winner and the club avoid an arbitration hearing by reaching a deal. The left-hander, who was paid $500,000 last season, can become a free agent after the 2014 season.

Clayton Kershaw became a newly minted millionaire and avoided a potentially contentious salary arbitration hearing by signing a two-year, $19-million contract with the Dodgers on Tuesday.

Lakers living on wrong side of the margin for error

Posted: February 7th, 2012, 9:38pm EST

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With less talent and depth than they've had in recent seasons, Lakers are making more mistakes than they can afford and keep losing close games. It's especially evident on the road, where they're 3-9.

Reporting from Boston — The Lakers' margin for error is credit-card slim, their lack of depth and talent costing them if they don't play a nearly perfect game.

Loss of Chauncey Billups means Clippers teammates have to step up

Posted: February 7th, 2012, 8:44pm EST

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Chris Paul must provide more of the steadying influence Billups brought. Several players will need to raise their on-court production.

Chauncey Billups wasn't trying to be prophetic earlier this month when he said, "What used to be the Clippers is no longer the Clippers." Sadly, those words have taken on a new meaning after the rejuvenated franchise lost Billups for the season Monday when the veteran guard ruptured his left Achilles' tendon against the Orlando Magic.

Tiger Woods 'feeling explosive' heading into PGA Tour

Posted: February 7th, 2012, 8:01pm EST

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Tiger Woods offers insight into his game ahead of the AT&T National Pro-Am at Pebble Beach, saying he has moved on from rehabilitating his injuries and is now able to focus on training.

Reporting from Pebble Beach — Tiger Woods, wearing a windbreaker and answering questions both humorously and seriously, spoke nearly 1,540 words of insight about his own game and that of his amateur playing partner this week at the AT&T National Pro-Am, Dallas quarterback Tony Romo.

Courtney Force is making the climb in family business

Posted: February 7th, 2012, 7:40pm EST

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The 23-year-old youngest daughter of drag-racing legend John Force will make her debut in premier Full Throttle Series at NHRA Winternationals. She knows comparisons to sister Ashley are inevitable.

Drag racing has a new Force to be reckoned with.

Joust horsing around, for olde times sake

Posted: February 7th, 2012, 7:24pm EST

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A reality show called 'Full Metal Jousting' will debut on the History Channel and have a 10-episode run, with the champion winning $100,000. It is the creation of Shane Adams, a Canadian who has been instrumental in reviving the sport that flourished in the Middle Ages.

Here's the instruction book for the newest/oldest/oddest sport you'll hear-ye, hear-ye about today:

Clippers win but also suffer a big loss: Chauncey Billups

Posted: February 7th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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Chris Paul leads L.A. past the Magic in an overtime thriller at Orlando, 107-102, but starting guard Chauncey Billups suffers an Achilles' tendon injury and it's feared he could be lost for season.

Clippers guard Chauncey Billups suffered a left Achilles' tendon injury Monday night, and there were concerns within the team it could be ruptured, which would end his season.

For Caron Butler, playing for the Clippers is no hard time

Posted: February 7th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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He has overcome a checkered past that included a prison stint to be an All-Star in the NBA and a valuable asset for the Clippers.

From Orlando, Fla. -- Day 1 of getting to better know the Clippers and I'm telling Caron Butler he better not stink against the Magic because I will be writing about him.

Kobe Bryant and Lakers go cold late in 95-90 loss to Philadelphia

Posted: February 7th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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Their road troubles continue as Bryant misses nine of 10 shots in the fourth quarter. That followed his solid first half, in which he passed Shaquille O'Neal on the NBA's all-time scoring list.

Reporting from Philadelphia — Kobe Bryant chewed on his jersey, his hands on his hips as the Philadelphia 76ers shot meaningless free throws in the final seconds.

Niklas Hagman's goal lifts Ducks over Flames, 3-2, in a shootout

Posted: February 7th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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He is the eighth shooter in the contest. Calgary hasn't won in Anaheim since 2004.

Niklas Hagman wasn't exactly sure where he fit in the long-and-winding-and-head-spinning shootout between the Ducks and Calgary Flames.

Kobe Bryant passes Shaquille O'Neal on NBA all-time scoring list

Posted: February 7th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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O'Neal congratulates Bryant via Twitter after the Lakers guard takes over the fifth spot on the scoring list with a long jump shot in the second quarter of a 95-90 loss to Philadelphia.

Maybe Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal will eventually look back on what could have been accomplished. For now, the weird, cautious chasm continues between two of the best in Lakers history.

Mo Williams, Randy Foye ready to step up for Clippers

Posted: February 7th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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With Chauncey Billups injured, team will turn to the reserve guards. Meanwhile, Billups will have an MRI on Tuesday.

Reporting from Orlando, Fla. -- When the season started, there had been so much talk about all the guards the Clippers have.

Jared Kushner a prospective Dodgers owner

Posted: February 6th, 2012, 11:45pm EST

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The Donald Trump son-in-law, 31, is a member of a prominent New York real estate family.

Jared Kushner, born into a prominent New York real estate family and son-in-law of Donald Trump, has emerged as a candidate in the bidding for the Dodgers.

Kings fans may have to be more patient as upgrade chances dwindle

Posted: February 6th, 2012, 10:30pm EST

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They will try to boost their anemic offense before Feb. 27 trading deadline, but the pickings are slim and the team is close to the salary cap. At some point promises to fans have to become results.

The Kings beat the clock once this season, scoring the winner against Columbus last Wednesday at Staples Center despite a one-second timing pause late in the third period (more on that later).

Another super season in the books, NFL still has work to do

Posted: February 6th, 2012, 9:05pm EST

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The NFL can address two of its most pressing problems by putting two new teams in Los Angeles and using the millions in expansion fees to take care of its ailing, virtually forgotten former players.

There are 366 days from this year's Super Bowl to the next, and there is a lot of work to do. Thank heavens it's leap year.

With Super Bowl over, NFL's focus returns to that other Manning

Posted: February 6th, 2012, 9:00pm EST

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The QB, a.k.a. Eli Manning's big brother, appears headed for free agency. His future and those of collegians Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III look to be top NFL off-season story lines.

Reporting from Indianapolis Next to his senior picture at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, a young Peyton Manning listed the typical cryptic acknowledgments and farewell shout-outs to friends, teachers, coaches and family. He also included this tidbit:

NBA suspends Lakers Coach Mike Brown for one game

Posted: February 6th, 2012, 1:18pm EST

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He also is fined $25,000 for making contact with referee Zach Zarba in the fourth quarter of the Lakers 96-87 loss to Utah on Saturday.

He also is fined $25,000 for making contact with referee Zach Zarba in the fourth quarter of the Lakers 96-87 loss to Utah on Saturday.

At Super Bowl, Patriots' act gets old

Posted: February 6th, 2012, 2:05am EST

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New England makes some major blunders to allow New York Giants to rally to 21-17 victory. It is a performance that reveals cracks in dynasty and shows how fragile the team really is.

Reporting from Indianapolis — If this was not the end of the New England Patriots dynasty, you could certainly hear it from here.

Free-throw shooting: Why are some so good, some just foul?

Posted: February 6th, 2012, 1:05am EST

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Looking for answers on what makes the Clippers' Chauncey Billups so good — and others much less so.

Each time Chauncey Billups steps to the free-throw line he is "very confident," uncluttered by the fear of missing, secure in believing the routine he developed while a kid on the playground has prepared him for success.

Eli Manning, Giants don't let Super Bowl slip through fingers

Posted: February 6th, 2012, 12:45am EST

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Manning earns MVP award in New York's 21-17 win after leading late drive to the winning TD against Patriots for the second time in last five Super Bowls. A long pass to Mario Manningham is key play.

Reporting from Indianapolis -- His older brother built this house.

Super Bowl has special meaning for Manning family

Posted: February 6th, 2012, 12:45am EST

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Archie Manning says the victory for son Eli and the New York Giants was particularly special because it was played in Indianapolis, a town where older son Peyton created so many memories.

Reporting from Indianapolis -- It's a strange time for the Manning family. Eli just won the Super Bowl, and Peyton is almost certainly on his way out of Indianapolis, with the Colts eyeing his successor in Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck .

Kenyon Martin ready to help Clippers

Posted: February 6th, 2012, 12:00am EST

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The power forward who signed with the Clippers on Friday says he can help Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan with his knowledge of how to be a successful big man.

Reporting from Orlando -- The smile on Kenyon Martin's face said a lot.

Lakers' Mike Brown keeps them guessing with ejection, lineup moves

Posted: February 5th, 2012, 8:25pm EST

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Lakers are still learning about their first-year coach, who could be suspended after he appears to bump referee in Utah loss. He also is unpredictable in rotating in reserves in fourth quarter.

Reporting from Salt Lake City — The Lakers gathered Sunday in a meeting room inside their Philadelphia hotel to watch the Super Bowl.

Q&A: Sugar Ray Leonard on Angelo Dundee and mega-fights

Posted: February 5th, 2012, 8:00pm EST

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The boxing great talks about trainer Angelo Dundee, who died Wednesday; mega-fights with Thomas Hearns, Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran; and a mega-bout that isn't happening: Pacquiao vs. Mayweather.

It wasn't just the words — "You're blowing it, son!" — that Sugar Ray Leonard heard as he peered into the wise, aged eyes of trainer Angelo Dundee more than 30 years ago.

Kyle Stanley rallies to win Phoenix Open

Posted: February 5th, 2012, 7:55pm EST

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He takes advantage of Spencer Levin's meltdown and overcomes an eight-shot deficit for the victory, one week after squandering a seven-shot lead at Torrey Pines and losing in a playoff.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Kyle Stanley rebounded from a devastating loss to win the Phoenix Open, overcoming an eight-shot deficit Sunday in a comeback as unlikely as his collapse last week at Torrey Pines.

Miami Heat holds off Toronto Raptors, 95-89

Posted: February 5th, 2012, 7:50pm EST

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LeBron James scores 30 points and Dwyane Wade has 25. The Heat has a 15-point lead trimmed to three in the final minutes before James goes to work.

LeBron James scored 30 points, Dwyane Wade had 25 and the Miami Heat survived a shaky fourth quarter to beat the Toronto Raptors, 95-89, on Sunday afternoon.

Rangers continue dominance of Flyers with 5-2 win

Posted: February 5th, 2012, 7:44pm EST

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New York beats Philadelphia for the fourth consecutive time this season and the sixth time in a row overall.

NEW YORK — Artem Anisimov broke a 17-game pointless streak and Henrik Lundqvist made 21 saves as the New York Rangers beat the Philadelphia Flyers, 5-2, on Sunday.

Joshua Smith leads UCLA to road win

Posted: February 5th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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He scores 19 points in a 63-60 victory at Washington State that improves the Bruins to 6-5 in Pac-12 play.

— Joshua Smith scored 19 points Saturday, leading UCLA past Washington State, 63-60.

First-place Huskies beat undermanned USC, 69-41

Posted: February 5th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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The Trojans miss their first 14 three-point attempts. Tony Wroten leads Washington with 13 points, eight assists and six rebounds.

SEATTLE — Tony Wroten had 13 points, eight assists and six rebounds as Washington kept a hold on first place in the Pac-12 with a 69-41 win over USC on Saturday night.

Dejection follows ejection for the Lakers

Posted: February 5th, 2012, 1:25am EST

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Coach Mike Brown is tossed from the game after apparently bumping a referee and the Jazz use a 14-0 run in the fourth quarter for a 96-87 victory over L.A.

Reporting from Salt Lake City -- Even the Lakers had never been this lost on the road.

Clippers begin long trip with easy win over Wizards, 107-81

Posted: February 5th, 2012, 12:10am EST

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Blake Griffin almost has a triple-double without playing in the fourth quarter, with 21 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Chris Paul scores a season-low two points.

The Clippers' game Saturday against the hapless Washington Wizards was both the end of a brutal five-game week and the start of a six-game, 10-day trip.

Kings take early lead, but fall, 2-1, to Hurricanes

Posted: February 4th, 2012, 11:41pm EST

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The Kings' travels catch up with them after taking an early lead over the Carolina Hurricanes. They arrived in North Carolina at 2 a.m. and leave with 2-1 loss.

After the Kings took an early lead, the Carolina Hurricanes waited for the Kings' travel schedule to catch up with them.

I'll Have Another gets in the Derby picture

Posted: February 4th, 2012, 11:10pm EST

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Trained by Doug O'Neill, the 3-year-old longshot wins the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at 43-1 odds at Santa Anita.

Saturday at Santa Anita brought the expected bright sunshine, impressive scenery and nice crowd. It also brought the completely unexpected.

The Easter Bunny, Santa Claus . . . and the Clippers

Posted: February 4th, 2012, 8:55pm EST

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Who knows where a little belief can take you? Well, it's taking Page 2 on the road with Donald Sterling's team, which is generating excitement and making believers all over. Who'd have thought?

I believe!

Pick, don't pick on, the Patriots in the Super Bowl

Posted: February 4th, 2012, 8:00pm EST

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If you think the evidence points to a New York Giants victory over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, you're in for a surprise.

Reporting from Indianapolis -- You're wrong.

Giants vs. Patriots: A Super Bowl with no quit in it

Posted: February 4th, 2012, 6:00pm EST

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Both teams in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday have earned reputations for never giving up, in games or in the standings. It's also a matchup of top QBs — New England's Tom Brady vs. New York's Eli Manning.

Reporting from Indianapolis -- Two indisputable things can be said of Super Bowl XLVI:

In baseball, a premium on smart shopping

Posted: February 4th, 2012, 5:50pm EST

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There were plenty of big spenders in free agency, but which major league teams got the most for their money and which ones might wind up with buyer's remorse?

This winter's free-agent class included a Prince (Fielder) who got a deal fit for a king and a reliever who came away looking like a pauper by major league salary standards.

Christmas was Mother's Day for Chivas defender

Posted: February 4th, 2012, 5:40pm EST

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Jorge Flores changed his name to Jorge Villafana to honor the person who raised him. And he still has a dream: to make the U.S. Olympic team.

For 22 years Jorge Flores carried his father's name but not his memory.

Lakers avoid stumble at start of trip

Posted: February 4th, 2012, 2:15am EST

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A series of big fourth-quarter plays lift them to a 93-89 victory over the Nuggets in Denver in the first of six road games.

Reporting from Denver -- The Lakers arrived here ahead of the winter storm that blanketed the area with more than a foot of snow, causing near-whiteout conditions amid swirling winds and frigid temperatures.

Clippers sign Kenyon Martin to one-year deal

Posted: February 4th, 2012, 12:17am EST

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The 6-foot-9 power forward signs a mini mid-level contract for $2.5 million.

Reporting from Washington — The first call Kenyon Martin received came from former Denver Nuggets teammate Chauncey Billups, telling the 6-foot-9 power forward that the Clippers would be a nice fit. Then Clippers All-Star Chris Paul called Martin, reiterating that the Clippers would love to have his services.

World B. Free, Clippers' last All-Star starter, has fond memories

Posted: February 4th, 2012, 12:16am EST

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Free, an All-Star in 1979-80 when he averaged 30.2 points a game for the then-San Diego Clippers, likes what he sees in current Clippers and their newly minted All-Stars, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.

World B. Free is no longer the answer to a trivia question.

Mitch Kupchak remains positive despite Lakers' road woes

Posted: February 4th, 2012, 12:15am EST

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L.A. General Manager Mitch Kupchak hasn't let the Lakers' dismal road record dim his hopes for the season.

Reporting from Denver -- The Lakers lost Lamar Odom as well as most of their first nine road games.

Staples clock problem may not have been the first

Posted: February 3rd, 2012, 11:30pm EST

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Video shows time stopped in Kings' Jan. 21 game against Colorado, but nothing happened that time.

While the NHL investigates the addition of one second to the third period of the Kings' game against Columbus on Wednesday, footage has surfaced of another apparent pause by the clock at Staples Center during a game last month.

NFL needs to get out ahead of concussion problem

Posted: February 3rd, 2012, 10:00pm EST

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While Commissioner Roger Goodell, at his state-of-the-league address, trumpets efforts to reduce concussions, a much smaller news conference nearby showcases how much more the NFL should be doing.

From Indianapolis -- The rooms were separated by 40 steps. It could have been 40 miles. It might, one day, be 40 lifetimes.

Onion dip at a Super Bowl party? That's so cliche.

Posted: February 3rd, 2012, 9:05pm EST

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Seriously, the next interesting thing said by a player the week before the game will be the first interesting thing said.

So I'm coming out of Staples the other night, and I look at the fan next to me on the street. "Katzenberg!!!" I yell, when it turns out to be just another one of those steely eyed bald dudes that L.A. produces like pigeons. I avert what could've been an embarrassing moment by skipping down the street shouting out famous names randomly. "Minnie Driver! Donald Duck!" as if suffering from some sort of celebrity-induced dementia. "Mel Gibson! Larry Hagman! Donna Reed!"

Dodgers want Bryan Stow claim thrown out of bankruptcy court

Posted: February 3rd, 2012, 8:59pm EST

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The team asks a federal bankruptcy to reject claims for damages filed by Stow, who was beaten in the Dodgers Stadium parking lot on opening day last year.

Long Beach State seniors are eager to finish what they started

Posted: February 3rd, 2012, 8:15pm EST

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The 49ers, who fell short of an NCAA tournament berth last season after they were upset in the Big West Conference championship game, are determined to fill that gap in their resume this season.

Long Beach State players, coaches and trainers wrapped up a morning practice this week at the Pyramid by clasping hands and forming a large circle at center court.

NFL has failed to tackle plight of retired players

Posted: February 3rd, 2012, 8:10pm EST

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The Super Bowl is a bittersweet experience for many retired NFL players dealing with health and financial problems after enduring punishing years on the field.

Sunday, on the most sacred day of the football year, there will be several thousand older men with gnarled fingers and replaced hips watching with mixed emotions.

Kenyon Martin agrees to deal with Clippers

Posted: February 3rd, 2012, 12:38pm EST

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Free-agent forward averaged 13.5 points and 7.2 rebounds in 11 seasons with New Jersey and Denver.

Kings' win over Blue Jackets may be result of clock mismanagement

Posted: February 3rd, 2012, 3:00am EST

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Drew Doughty scored winning goal Wednesday just before final buzzer. But a review shows the game clock paused with 1.8 seconds left. Doughty's goal should have been disallowed, an NHL official says.

The NHL is investigating whether human error or a glitch in the clock system at Staples Center was responsible for prolonging the Kings' game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday long enough for Kings defenseman Drew Doughty to score the decisive goal in a 3-2 victory.

Clippers' four-game winning streak ends with a thud against Nuggets

Posted: February 3rd, 2012, 2:10am EST

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Denver avenges a home defeat four days ago with a 112-91 victory over L.A. at Staples Center.

A wet blanket dousing a roaring fire — that's one way to describe the Clippers' 112-91 loss to Denver on Thursday.

Calling All-Stars in Los Angeles

Posted: February 3rd, 2012, 2:10am EST

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Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will join Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum in West lineup, a big moment for Clippers, who have never had an All-Star starter in L.A.

The Clippers were so nonchalant about Blake Griffin and Chris Paul being chosen to start for the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star game that you'd almost think it happens every day.

USC can't keep up with Washington State in 60-53 loss

Posted: February 3rd, 2012, 1:57am EST

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The Trojans go on a 14-4 run in the second half, but their rally falls short. Greg Allen leads USC's scorers with 17 points.

PULLMAN, Wash. — Brock Motum scored 26 points to lead Washington State past USC, 60-53, on Thursday night.

UCLA falls apart in 71-69 loss to Washington

Posted: February 3rd, 2012, 1:33am EST

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UCLA is held to three points over the final 12 minutes to help the Huskies overcome a 10-point deficit.

SEATTLE — Anytime that look shows up on the face of Terrence Ross, Washington Coach Lorenzo Romar knows his sophomore star needs to get shots.

Blake Griffin's monster dunks bring to mind Shawn Kemp

Posted: February 3rd, 2012, 12:26am EST

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Kemp, like Griffin, threw down some powerful dunks in his day, allegedly including one that threw off sparks.

Blake Griffin's posterizing dunk on Oklahoma City center Kendrick Perkins forced Twitter into a near-overload on Monday, causing each of their names to trend worldwide.

Kings' win over Blue Jackets may be result of clock mismanagement

Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 10:50pm EST

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Drew Doughty scored winning goal Wednesday just before final buzzer. But a review shows the game clock paused with 1.8 seconds left. Doughty's goal should have been disallowed, an NHL official says.

The NHL is investigating whether human error or a glitch in the clock system at Staples Center was responsible for prolonging the Kings' game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday long enough for Kings defenseman Drew Doughty to score the decisive goal in a 3-2 victory.

Trojans hope small class doesn't limit their potential

Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 10:45pm EST

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Despite signing only 12 players Wednesday, USC isn't worried about depth issues going into a season with the highest of expectations.

Quality over quantity. That was the catch phrase USC preached to describe the even-smaller-than-expected recruiting class that football Coach Lane Kiffin announced after the Trojans' first foray into three years of scholarship restrictions.

Lakers' Andrew Bynum reaches All-Star goal

Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 10:25pm EST

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Center wins easily over his closest competition for first berth on All-Star squad.

Lakers center Andrew Bynum was handling his newly minted All-Star status with a touch of humility, pride and, yes, some kid-like joy.

Heart and soul of the Patriots? It's Vince Wilfork in a slam dunk

Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 9:45pm EST

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Wilfork, all 6-2, 350 pounds of him, may or may not be able to dunk a basketball as he claims. But his love for the game is sky high.

From Indianapolis -- The biggest man in the Super Bowl yawns, a gaping chasm of a yawn, and it's as if all the air in the hotel conference room is sucked up under his backward camouflage baseball cap.

Ryan Palmer's 64 is good for lead in Phoenix Open

Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 9:10pm EST

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His seven-under round is one shot better than Webb Simpson when play, which began an hour late after a frost delay, is suspended because of darkness.

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona -- Ryan Palmer parred his final hole at dusk for a seven-under-par 64 and the lead Thursday in the suspended first round of the Phoenix Open.

Permalink for 'L.A._Times___Sports/2012/02/02/He_s_Tom_Brady_the_hero___8212__but_also_the_human'

He's Tom Brady the hero — but also the human

Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 9:00pm EST

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The New England Patriots quarterback has had tremendous Super Bowl success, but the New York Giants know he can be pressured. Wife Gisele Bundchen seeks help from above on his behalf.

Reporting from Indianapolis -- The doors of the Pro Football Hall of Fame will swing wide open for Tom Brady.

Rob Gronkowski practices with Patriots

Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 8:25pm EST

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The New England tight end participates Thursday for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain Jan. 22 in the AFC championship game. The team plans to continue to evaluate his progress.

Reporting from Indianapolis -- Good news for the New England Patriots: Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski practiced Thursday for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain Jan. 22 in the third quarter of a 23-20 victory over Baltimore in the AFC championship game.

Bryant, Bynum, Paul and Griffin lead All-Star picks

Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 7:15pm EST

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The Lakers' Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum and the Clippers' Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are voted in as starters for the West team.

Stars are bright, and mobile, in Coliseum League boys' basketball

Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 3:00am EST

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There are plenty of talented players on Coliseum League rosters. But off-court issues and the lure of other programs sometimes make it difficult to keep them around.

It's 20 minutes before tipoff, and Locke High boys' basketball Coach Lloyd Webster has sent his stat keeper to Nickerson Gardens in Watts to retrieve one of his top players, who had to go home because of a family problem.

Angelo Dundee dies at 90; corner man for Ali, Leonard

Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 3:00am EST

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Dundee was Muhammad Ali's trainer for the Fight of the Century, the Rumble in the Jungle and the Thrilla in Manila, and in Leonard's corner for his No Mas match against Roberto Duran.

Angelo Dundee, who trained the two most celebrated fighters of his era, Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, and 15 world champions in all in a Hall of Fame career that began in 1952, has died. He was 90.

Kings get it done just in time to beat Blue Jackets, 3-2

Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 2:26am EST

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Drew Doughty scores a power-play goal with 0.4 of a second left as L.A. wins in its first game since the All-Star break.

It occurred to Drew Doughty soon after he slammed himself against the glass to exult over the decisive goal in a 3-2 victory for the Kings over Columbus on Wednesday that maybe he hadn't beaten the clock, and that he'd have a red face when the puck was dropped for overtime at Staples Center.

Ducks hit speed bump in 6-2 loss to Stars

Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 2:18am EST

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Stars score three goals in a span of 3 minutes 54 seconds in the first period, including two in a stretch of 69 seconds.

Amazing how a few weeks of hard work and well-deserved momentum can be undercut by, say, 69 seconds of bad hockey.

Veteran Chauncey Billups is keeping up with young Clippers

Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 2:09am EST

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Much-traveled guard might be 35, but he hasn't lost a step and lends valuable experience to a youth-dominated and contending team.

With his name, Chauncey Billups should be leading Parliament, not fastbreaks.

Clippers finally salt one away, 107-105

Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 2:07am EST

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Clippers get first victory in Salt Lake City in more than nine years, ending a 16-game losing streak behind big games from Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.

Reporting from Salt Lake City — Stop that beat.

Kobe Bryant looking to gain some playoff momentum

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 11:12pm EST

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Bryant doesn't think the Lakers will get one of the top two seedings in the West, but he isn't worried about that.

The Lakers have played one-third of their games and would be on the road if the playoffs began today.

National signing day is a commitment to craziness

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 10:47pm EST

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Sticking with a school is an issue for players and coaches alike. And several schools dealing with NCAA issues (USC, Ohio State, Oregon) still manage to bring in top-notch classes.

The biggest winner coming out of college football's national signing day Wednesday had to be Thursday, the day it would finally be over.

Dodgers' James Loney won't face charges for November accident

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 9:26pm EST

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Drug and alcohol tests come back negative and there is insufficient evidence to proceed with the case against the first baseman, who police said sideswiped three cars and passed out on the freeway.

Dodgers first baseman James Loney, who was arrested in November on suspicion of driving under the influence, won't face criminal charges, prosecutors said Wednesday.

This would be Eli Manning's biggest pass

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 8:41pm EST

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With a Super Bowl victory over the Patriots, the Giants quarterback would have two rings to Peyton Manning's one.

From Indianapolis — On the signs, it is Super Bowl XLVI.

Jim Irsay, Peyton Manning to discuss quarterback's future after Super Bowl

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 8:27pm EST

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Colts owner Jim Irsay says Peyton Manning's situation is "a very complicated medical issue." Team will have to pay Manning $28 million by March 8 if they plan to keep him.

Reporting from Indianapolis — Jim Irsay , owner of the Indianapolis Colts, said he plans to sit down with Peyton Manning after the Super Bowl and discuss his future with the franchise but called the quarterback's situation "a very complicated medical issue."

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski 'a new kind of monster'

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 8:20pm EST

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At 6-6 and 265 pounds, he's a major weapon for New England QB Tom Brady, with 17 touchdowns in the regular season. The Giants don't expect an ankle injury to keep him out of the Super Bowl.

Reporting from Indianapolis — His nickname — "Gronk" — makes him sound like a Dr. Seuss character. But the New York Giants use other words to describe Rob Gronkowski, the 6-foot-6, 265-pound tight end for the New England Patriots, a guy who vacuums any pass thrown in his general vicinity.

James Blasczyk tries to fill a tall order at USC

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 7:50pm EST

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Injuries are forcing the 7-foot-1 center, the only active player on the roster over 6-7, to pick up the slack with the Trojans even though he is dealing with a bone bruise and a sprained foot.

James Blasczyk is not the last man standing for injury-riddled USC, but he's the only one taller than 6 feet 7.

Receiver Darreus Rogers chooses USC

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 7:37pm EST

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The Carson High receiver, who is regarded as one of the top prospects nationally at his position, announces he had signed a letter of intent with USC.

The Carson High receiver, who is regarded as one of the top prospects nationally at his position, announces he had signed a letter of intent with USC.

James Loney had head injury, was not intoxicated, attorney said

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 6:23pm EST

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Dodger James Loney's behavior after a car crash in November was the result of a head injury, not intoxication, his attorney said Wednesday.

Soccer clashes kill at least 36 people in Egypt

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 3:17pm EST

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Mayhem erupted Wednesday at an Egyptian soccer game between two longtime rivals when hooligans from the winning team stormed the field, attacking opposing players and fans.

Mayhem erupted Wednesday at an Egyptian soccer game between two longtime rivals when hooligans from the winning team stormed the field, attacking opposing players and fans.

National signing day: Jordan Payton's odd journey ends at UCLA

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 2:39pm EST

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The Oaks Christian standout, ranked 15th nationally among receivers, had previously orally committed to USC, California and Washington.

The Oaks Christian standout, ranked 15th nationally among receivers, had previously orally committed to USC, California and Washington.

Floyd Mayweather says he plans to fight Miguel Cotto on May 5

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 1:55pm EST

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Mayweather told the Nevada State Athletric Commission at a licensing hearing Wednesday that he intends to fight the super-welterweight world champion at MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.

Mayweather told the Nevada State Athletric Commission at a licensing hearing Wednesday that he intends to fight the super-welterweight world champion at MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.

Lakers reserves stand and deliver against Bobcats

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 11:09am EST

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The Lakers' starters get a rare breather as the bench helps subdue Charlotte, 106-73, two nights after Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol had to play the entire second half against Minnesota.

A fitting label for the Lakers' bench in the second half against Minnesota on Sunday would have been, "Use only in case of emergency."

Playing in high school is no longer vital for college scholarship seekers

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 3:00am EST

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Some athletes are giving up playing for their school teams and joining club teams that participate in showcases attended by college recruiters. But college coaches say they are by no means ignoring players in high school programs.

There has been a longtime assumption, if not an unwritten commandment, in the world of high school sports: Thou shall play for your high school team if you want to be spotted by a college recruiter and offered a scholarship.

If Stan Kroenke gets the Dodgers, doesn't L.A. get the Rams?

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 3:00am EST

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The baseball team needs a new owner and St. Louis may not be able to keep its football team.

I had dinner with Georgia Frontiere , where the Rams' owner chose to tell me about each of her seven husbands — four too many for me to make a newspaper deadline and still explain to the people of Los Angeles how she had just won approval to move her team to St. Louis.

Lakers enjoy rare easy night in 106-73 win over Bobcats

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 2:17am EST

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Kobe Bryant scores 24 points in only 27 minutes and Andrew Bynum adds 20 points and 11 rebounds. Lakers begin six-game trip on Friday in Denver.

The big, bad Charlotte Bobcats came to town and the Lakers didn't even flinch.

NFL sells tickets to Super Bowl media day, and 7,300 fans attend

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 1:44am EST

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They pay $25 to watch media circus and eavesdrop on interviews of the likes of Eli Manning, who praises Indianapolis hero Peyton Manning, his brother.

Reporting from Indianapolis — Just how crazy are some football fans about the Super Bowl?

Metta World Peace is a Lakers starter, but nothing is permanent

Posted: February 1st, 2012, 12:40am EST

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He is latest in revolving door at small forward position, after Devin Ebanks and Matt Barnes don't produce big numbers. World Peace seems to accept things could change again depending on performance.

It's Metta World Peace's turn. It's anyone's guess whether he can do the job for the Lakers.

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Posted: February 28th, 2012, 4:06pm EST

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Posted: February 28th, 2012, 3:22pm EST

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Posted: February 28th, 2012, 1:15pm EST

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Posted: February 28th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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Posted: February 28th, 2012, 2:10am EST

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Posted: February 28th, 2012, 1:40am EST

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Posted: February 28th, 2012, 12:35am EST

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Posted: February 28th, 2012, 12:30am EST

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Posted: February 28th, 2012, 12:30am EST

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Posted: February 27th, 2012, 11:15pm EST

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Posted: February 27th, 2012, 10:45pm EST

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Posted: February 27th, 2012, 10:15pm EST

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Posted: February 27th, 2012, 10:00pm EST

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Posted: February 27th, 2012, 10:00pm EST

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Posted: February 27th, 2012, 9:45pm EST

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Posted: February 27th, 2012, 9:25pm EST

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Posted: February 27th, 2012, 9:20pm EST

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Posted: February 27th, 2012, 9:00pm EST

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Posted: February 27th, 2012, 3:23pm EST

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Posted: February 27th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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Posted: February 27th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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Posted: February 27th, 2012, 2:15am EST

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Posted: February 27th, 2012, 12:25am EST

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Posted: February 26th, 2012, 10:25pm EST

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Posted: February 26th, 2012, 10:13pm EST

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Posted: February 26th, 2012, 9:55pm EST

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Posted: February 24th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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Posted: February 24th, 2012, 3:00am EST

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Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 7:08pm EST

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Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 7:08pm EST

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Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 6:28pm EST

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Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 6:28pm EST

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Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 5:46pm EST

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Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 4:09pm EST

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Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 4:09pm EST

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Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 2:21am EST

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Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 2:15am EST

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Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 2:08am EST

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Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 1:40am EST