Introduction to the Sports Report
The shirt’s been inside LeBron James’ extra locker since the day he received it, a facsimile of the Lakers’ iconic golden jerseys with No. 77 on the front and “Doncic” on the back. James wore a shirt exactly like it during pregame warmups on Feb. 10, a very public signal from someone rarely subtle that he was ready to embrace the partnership put on him when the Lakers made the midseason trade that gave the team two of the NBA’s best big-game players.
Lakers’ Season Comes to an End
But in the Game 5 loss to Minnesota that ended their season Wednesday, Luka Doncic was grimacing after a foul jammed his lower back in the first half. And James barely put weight on his left leg as he limped off the court in the fourth quarter. Still, with a little more than seven minutes to go, the two were on the court, the Lakers ready to back up the widely held belief that the closer the game, the better off they’d be because of their leaders. But the duo couldn’t lift the Lakers to the heights they thought possible.
Post-Game Analysis
Hope that had been built over the last two months evaporated as the Lakers again failed to win the biggest moments, a 103-96 loss ending their season after just five games in the first round. “It doesn’t happen overnight,” JJ Redick said. “We obviously wished that.” James admitted postgame that the midseason trade that landed Doncic obviously changed the team’s identity, shifting ball-handling duties heavily from him and Austin Reaves into Doncic’s hands.
NBA Playoffs Schedule and Results
Western Conference
No. 3 Lakers vs. No. 6 Minnesota: Minnesota 117, at Lakers 95 (box score), at Lakers 94, Minnesota 85 (box score), at Minnesota 116, Lakers 104 (box score), at Minnesota 116, Lakers 113 (box score), Minnesota 103, at Lakers 96 (box score)
No. 4 Denver vs. No. 5 Clippers: at Denver 112, Clippers 110 (OT) (box score), Clippers 105, at Denver 102 (box score), at Clippers 117, Denver 83 (box score), Denver 101, at Clippers 99 (box score), at Denver 131, Clippers 115 (box score)
Dodgers and Angels Updates
The Dodgers have repeatedly proved they cast a wide net when constructing a starting rotation, seemingly with no financial constraints. Japan, South Korea, Latin America, via trades or free agent signings, they’ll go anywhere and do anything to ensure that each game they can hand the ball to a seasoned, well-compensated pitcher. Yet, inexplicably, the best laid plans continually fail, and they are forced to hand said ball to unproven rookies. J.P. Crawford hit a tie-breaking two-run single in a six-run seventh inning and the Seattle Mariners won their seventh straight series with a 9-3 victory on Wednesday over the Angels and Mike Trout, who left the game with a sore left knee.
Other Sports Updates
Top USC basketball recruit Alijah Arenas has been released from the hospital and is resting comfortably, his family announced in a statement Wednesday. The backstretch at Churchill Downs is a magical place during Kentucky Derby week. Big-name trainers talking to well-heeled owners, media haplessly standing around hoping to grab a quote or a quick stand-up interview. Yet the most important part of this annual carnival of horsedom is that one of the occupants will be the next winner of the Kentucky Derby.
NHL Playoffs Schedule and Results
All times Pacific. First round. Western Conference. Pacific 3 Edmonton vs. Pacific 2 Kings: at Kings 6, Edmonton 5 (summary), at Kings 6, Edmonton 2 (summary), at Edmonton 7, Kings 4 (summary), at Edmonton 4, Kings 3 (OT) (summary), Edmonton 3, at Kings 1 (summary)
This Day in Sports History
1920 — Legendary slugger Babe Ruth hits his first HR for the New York Yankees. 1920 — Joe Oeschger of the Boston Braves and Leon Cadore of the Brooklyn Dodgers both pitch 26 innings in a 1-1 tie, the longest game in major league history. 1926 — Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige (19) debuts in the Negro Southern League.
Conclusion
The Lakers’ season came to an end with a loss to Minnesota, and the Dodgers are dealing with injuries to their starting rotation. The Angels are also struggling with Mike Trout dealing with a sore knee. Other sports updates include the NHL playoffs and the Kentucky Derby.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of the Lakers’ last game?
A: The Lakers lost 103-96 to Minnesota.
Q: Who is the Dodgers’ newest starting pitcher?
A: Tony Gonsolin, a 2016 Dodgers draft pick out of St. Mary’s College.
Q: What is Mike Trout’s current status?
A: Trout left the game with a sore left knee but plans to try to play Thursday.
Q: What is the next step for Alijah Arenas?
A: Arenas has been released from the hospital and is resting comfortably, with his family focusing on his recovery.
