MIAMI — The NBA, NHL, Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer are closing access to locker rooms and clubhouses to all nonessential personnel, including media, in response to the coronavirus crisis, the leagues announced in a joint statement Monday night. They said they made the decision “after consultation with...
Curry Scores 23 in Return, but Raptors Clinch Playoff Spot
SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry seemed every bit himself after a four-month layoff, save for a little long-range rust. “He looks exactly the same to me,” coach Steve Kerr said. Curry scored 23 points for Golden State in his anticipated return from a broken left hand, but the Toronto Raptors...
NBA to Players: Avoid High-Fives as Virus Concern Grows
MIAMI — The NBA has told players to avoid high-fiving fans and strangers and avoid taking any item for autographs, the league’s latest response in its ongoing monitoring of the coronavirus crisis that has spread to most corners of the planet. The league, in a memo sent to teams on...
LeBron's 40 Bests Zion, Sends Lakers Past Pelicans 118-109
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James sees a long, prosperous future ahead of Zion Williamson and the up-tempo New Orleans Pelicans. In the immediate present, James and Anthony Davis are a whole lot closer to basketball's ultimate goal, as they proved in their first meeting with their fellow No. 1 overall...
LeBron James Among 44 US Olympic Basketball Team Finalists
LeBron James is considering a return to the Olympics. James — a two-time gold medalist and three-time Olympian — is among 44 players announced by USA Basketball on Monday as finalists for the team that will play in the Tokyo Games this summer. James played in 2004, 2008 and 2012,...
WATCH: George Narrates Video Tribute to Bryant Before Clippers Game
LOS ANGELES — The first NBA game at Staples Center since Kobe Bryant's death was difficult for the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings. When the Los Angeles Lakers return to the court Friday night, that will be even more emotional. Clippers forward Paul George narrated a 2-minute video tribute...
Bryant's Helicopter Flew in Fog That Grounded Other Choppers
CALABASAS — The helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant and eight others that crashed into a rugged hillside outside Los Angeles was flying in foggy conditions considered dangerous enough that local police agencies grounded their choppers. The helicopter plunged into a steep hillside at about 9:45 a.m. Sunday with an impact that...
Kobe Bryant Left Deep Legacy in LA Sports, Basketball World
LOS ANGELES — Kobe Bryant inspired a generation of basketball players worldwide with sublime skills and an unquenchable competitive fire. He earned Los Angeles’ eternal adoration during his two decades as the fierce soul of the beloved Lakers, and he was respected by basketball fans from every place with a...
James Closes on Kobe, Davis Has 28 as Lakers Beat Knicks
NEW YORK — LeBron James spent the first half showing why he will soon pass Kobe Bryant for third place on the NBA's career scoring list. Then this season's assists leader put his own offense aside to help Anthony Davis find his. James scored 19 of his 21 points before...
LeBron's 31 Put Lakers Past Cavs 128-99 for 9th Straight Win
LOS ANGELES — Kevin Love and LeBron James hadn't played against each other since before they got together on the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 for a memorable four-year partnership. After their first meeting since James moved to the West Coast ended in a blowout win for the Lakers, they got...