Author: Associated Press
LeBron James was granted an excused absence from the Los Angeles Lakers practice on Wednesday for personal reasons, coach JJ Redick confirmed. James missed the Lakers’ win over Portland on Sunday due to left foot soreness, marking his first absence of the season. He was also absent from the Lakers’ training complex for the first practice during their extended break for the NBA Cup tournament, but Redick clarified it as an “excused absence.” With Los Angeles’ next game set for Friday at Minnesota, Redick remains uncertain whether James or fellow starter Austin Reaves will be available for the matchup against…
Tiger Woods is set to return to the PNC Championship, teaming up with his 15-year-old son, Charlie, marking his first competition since the British Open in July and following a sixth back surgery three months ago. Woods has participated in the 36-hole event alongside Charlie every year since 2020. The tournament invites major champions or Players Championship winners to play with a family member, often their children. “Playing together is something we look forward to, and it’s always more special when you’re surrounded by friends and family,” Woods said. The PNC Championship will be held Dec. 21-22 at the Ritz-Carlton…
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 37 points, and Damian Lillard added nine of his 28 in the final minute, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 114-109 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night, securing a spot in the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas. The Bucks, the only team returning from last year’s semifinals, will face the winner of Wednesday’s quarterfinal between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Jalen Suggs led a shorthanded Orlando squad with 32 points but missed a potential go-ahead 3-pointer with 12 seconds left. Lillard was fouled and sank two free throws with 9.1…
Memphis Depay, Brazil’s most popular footballer, didn’t emerge from the sun-soaked streets of Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo’s muddy fields. Instead, he grew up in the cold, quiet Dutch village of Moordrecht. But when the 30-year-old striker shocked fans by leaving Europe for South America in September, it raised plenty of eyebrows. After frustrating stints at Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, where his talents went underused, Depay could have easily joined one of the Champions League-bound clubs eager for his signature. So, why Brazil? Why Corinthians, a debt-ridden Sao Paulo team, struggling with relegation? And why choose a path that…
Formula One’s season finale in Abu Dhabi is bursting with drama: Lewis Hamilton is preparing an emotional farewell to Mercedes, top drivers are trading fierce personal barbs, and the constructors’ title is still up for grabs. Although Max Verstappen clinched his fourth drivers’ championship in Las Vegas two weeks ago, the Red Bull star remains in the spotlight – this time for a heated feud with Mercedes’ George Russell. Russell branded Verstappen “a bully” and accused him of threatening behavior following a dispute during qualifying at the Qatar Grand Prix last week. Verstappen was pushed off pole position in Qatar…
Olympic leaders are “very confident and relaxed” about collaborating with the incoming Trump administration ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games, outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach said Thursday. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has highlighted his role in securing the Games for LA in 2017, despite a failed meeting with an Olympic delegation, including Bach, during his campaign. However, the two men could meet again as soon as Saturday in Paris, which will host the 2024 Olympics, originally bid for by LA. Trump is traveling to the French capital for ceremonies this weekend to reopen Notre-Dame Cathedral, which was devastated…
Lewis Hamilton is reflecting on an “incredible journey” and the most successful partnership in Formula One history as he prepares to part ways with Mercedes and join Ferrari this week. The move marks a fresh start for the 39-year-old Hamilton, who has faced a tough conclusion to his final season with Mercedes. Ferrari’s first challenge next year may be helping him regain his form. “I don’t think we’ll end on a high,” Hamilton said after finishing 12th in Qatar on Sunday, following a race filled with penalties, a puncture, and even a request to retire the car. Just two days…
Lewis Hamilton is reflecting on an “incredible journey” and the most successful partnership in Formula One history as he prepares to part ways with Mercedes and join Ferrari this week. The move marks a fresh start for the 39-year-old Hamilton, who has faced a tough conclusion to his final season with Mercedes. Ferrari’s first challenge next year may be helping him regain his form. “I don’t think we’ll end on a high,” Hamilton said after finishing 12th in Qatar on Sunday, following a race filled with penalties, a puncture, and even a request to retire the car. Just two days…
Lewis Hamilton is reflecting on an “incredible journey” and the most successful partnership in Formula One history as he prepares to part ways with Mercedes and join Ferrari this week. The move marks a fresh start for the 39-year-old Hamilton, who has faced a tough conclusion to his final season with Mercedes. Ferrari’s first challenge next year may be helping him regain his form. “I don’t think we’ll end on a high,” Hamilton said after finishing 12th in Qatar on Sunday, following a race filled with penalties, a puncture, and even a request to retire the car. Just two days…
Kylian Mbappe conceded he is facing a challenging period after missing another penalty as Real Madrid stumbled in the La Liga title race with a 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday. Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala saved Mbappe’s 68th-minute penalty, adding to Madrid’s frustrations. The night worsened when Federico Valverde’s defensive misstep allowed Gorka Guruzeta to score the decisive goal in the 80th minute. “Bad result,” Mbappe wrote on Instagram. “A big mistake in a match where every detail counts. I take full responsibility for it. A difficult moment, but it’s the best time to change this situation and show…