Memorable Laker achievements extend from the glory days of George Mikan to their recent string of championships with Phil, Shaq and Kobe, but one of the most important contributions from Laker past came to an anticlimactic end this week. Vlade Divac’s retirement represents official closure of the first truly prominent European player in the NBA. Today, we know the Euro influence through names like Dirk Nowitzki (the good), Nikoloz Tskitishvili (the bad) and Antoine......

The greatest weekend of college football in recent memory was built around a single epicenter – another legendary addition to the USC-Notre Dame rivalry. USC’s victory over Notre Dame was lots of things. It was Reggie Bush’s rise to Heisman front-runner (sorry Vince, tearing up Colorado isn’t exactly on the same level), it was both teams rising up to the biggest challenge they’ll have all year and it was the first time a game......

Nearly 30 years ago, the legendary USC football coach John McKay left Los Angeles for Tampa Bay to become head coach of the Buccaneers. McKay took over the worst team in football, one which set a record for consecutive losses. When asked about his team's execution, McKay famously quipped "I'm in favor of it." Yet McKay eventually turned the Bucs around, as they reached the NFC Championship game under his leadership. A generation later,......

When pinch runner Pablo Ozuna crossed the plate to win Game 2 of the ALCS for the Chicago White Sox, losing pitcher Kelvim Escobar was charged with the run. However, it was unearned. In more ways than one. Home plate umpire Doug “Mr. Magoo” Eddings handed the White Sox an extra out after making the incorrect call on strike three to A.J. Pierzynski after he swung and missed, closing his fist for a strike,......

Ervin! Los Angeles sports fans haven’t screamed that name since the heyday of the Lakers’ Showtime era (sort of), but a scrawny kid with a big arm game them reason to once again. Rookie Ervin Santana led the Angels to a Game 5 victory over the Yankees to clinch the ALDS with 5 1/3 innings of sudden relief after starter Bartolo Colon went down after just one inning with a shoulder injury. Santana did......

After UCLA’s big win against California, fans of both the Bruins and the USC Trojans are finally on the same page, although a somewhat unfamiliar one. Both want the other to succeed. At least until December 3rd, because either side would relish the opportunity of putting an end to the other’s undefeated season. Assuming the Trojans are able to get past their two other big remaining challenges at Notre Dame and at Cal (which......

The glory and allure of the their 2002 World Series run has long faded away, but even though these ain’t your older brother’s Angels, they also ain’t facing your grandpa’s Yankees. Going up 2-1 after a beatdown of Randy Johnson, the Angels are primed to take the series sooner than later, although Saturday’s rainout makes “later” an equally possible option. Jarrod Washburn’s experience three years ago undoubtedly gives him the edge over the talented......