L.A. Times - Sports

Nothing comes easily for Lakers, but they do win

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Golden State, the Pacific Division's last-place team, gives the Lakers all they can handle before they pull out a 124-118 victory. Kobe Bryant has 44 points and 11 assists.

Golden State, the Pacific Division's last-place team, gives the Lakers all they can handle before they pull out a 124-118 victory. Kobe Bryant has 44 points and 11 assists.

2009's sad fling with bling

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The Indianapolis Colts do the right thing and are booed.

The Indianapolis Colts do the right thing and are booed.

Department of defense carries the day for Bruins in Washington

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

UCLA shuts out Temple in the second half and overcomes 21-7 deficit to win the EagleBank Bowl, 30-21, and finish 7-6, its first winning season since 2006.

UCLA shuts out Temple in the second half and overcomes 21-7 deficit to win the EagleBank Bowl, 30-21, and finish 7-6, its first winning season since 2006.

Lakers' Ron Artest says he suffered memory loss

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The forward has missed three games because of a concussion and elbow injury he says he suffered in a fall after Lakers' Christmas Day game. The team hopes he can return for Friday's game.

Lakers forward Ron Artest stood before the media Tuesday night and faced a barrage of questions seeking an explanation for how he suffered a concussion Friday that has forced him to miss the last three games.

For Rick Neuheisel to rule at UCLA, he'll need Prince

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Development of Kevin Prince at quarterback is what matters most as Bruins move forward after EagleBank Bowl win over Temple.

OK, so UCLA proved it can win a game played in a dump that felt oddly like a walk-in freezer built on a skating rink.

Brian Price and Xavier Su'a-Filo won't return

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Price will make himself eligible for the NFL draft and Su'a-Filo will go on a Mormon mission.

UCLA will lose two key players, as tackle Xavier Su'a-Filo and defensive tackle Brian Price said they would not return next season.

This time around, sports aren't recession-proof

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Nearly every sport and sports team take hits in 2009, from layoffs to dips in advertising, attendance and sponsorships. They get more creative to lure fans who have seen discretionary income dwindle.

This year the Lakers e-mailed Christmas cards to save postage. The team cut back on corporate gifts, created an installment payment plan for season-ticket holders and noticed many fans didn't buy season parking passes.

Ducks ride wave of good news to beat the Wild, 4-2

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

They get big output from offense, take a season-high 17 shots in first period and Carter returns to play.

When you are closer to the bottom of the league standings than you are to the top, you take your victories where you can get them. And when they come in spades? Well, so much the better.

Donte Smith finds his way off the bench behind Mike Gerrity

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Trojans have surged thanks to success of Gerrity, who became eligible Dec. 18 after transfer. Now Smith has had to adjust to life as a reserve.

Donte Smith used to be USC's starting point guard.

Chris Kaman's All-Star hopes may be tied to Clippers' performance

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Coach Mike Dunleavy says team probably has to 'get to contention' before All-Star voters notice Kaman. Still, he's the highest-scoring center in NBA, which could be hard to ignore.

Ballot-Gate.