Coach JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from a three-game skid on Sunday night, earning a 125-101 victory against the Sacramento Kings.

The Lakers spent the weekend looking to regroup following a three-game losing streak. Los Angeles suffered three blowout losses, including a 119-96 loss on Christmas Day against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets at home.

Redick indicated after the loss on Christmas that an “uncomfortable” meeting was expected.

‘We don’t care enough to do the things that are necessary,” Redick said on Friday, Dec. 26. “We don’t care enough to be a professional.’

The Lakers had a team meeting on Saturday, Dec. 27, to work through some of the miscommunication and lack of effort from members of the team.

Redick spoke further about the results of the meeting and a longer-than-usual practice on Saturday.

‘We had a great meeting as a staff this morning,’ Redick told reporters on Saturday. ‘Came in super early and we met with the players, and it was very positive and it was also listening. It was also for our staff, myself, to listen to the players and what they need.’

There also appeared to be a level of frustration with the recent lack of success. LeBron James, Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura all declined to comment on Friday after the loss to the Rockets, according to ESPN.

‘We just talked about everybody (players, coaches), we just got to kind of tighten up,’ Hachimura said about the meeting. ‘We had a good stretch in the beginning, and now we kind of, I don’t know, we relaxed. Or we kind of got tired of winning. But we just stopped doing what we’re supposed to do.’

While Hachimura did speak with reporters the following day, James and Smart declined once again.

The Lakers were 10-4 to start the season before James’ season debut on Nov. 18. James missed the first 14 games of the season due to a sciatica injury.

The team managed to continue their success upon the return of the 23-year veteran, winning the first four games with James to start his season. Los Angeles has compiled an 8-5 record since James’ return.

James was one of several players who missed games during the season due to injury. Austin Reaves became the latest player expected to miss time after suffering an injury on Christmas Day. Reaves is likely to miss at least a month of action.

Redick indicated ahead of Sunday’s game against the Sacramento Kings that the Lakers would see changes in the lineup. He didn’t initially share the lineup during the pregame media availability, but mentioned that Nick Smith Jr. would see an increase in consistent minutes within the rotation off the bench with both Reaves and Gabe Vincent out.

Smart was the notable addition to the lineup, replacing Reaves in the starting lineup. Smart went scoreless in 20 minutes of play but produced three defesnive rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Smith had 21 points and three rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench, which was second most behind Jake LaRavia.

Lakers results in last 11 games

The Lakers have gone 5-6 since Dec. 1.

Dec. 1: Loss, Suns 125, Lakers 108
Dec. 4: Win, Lakers 123, Raptors 120
Dec. 5: Loss, Celtics 126, Lakers 105
Dec. 7: Win, Lakers 112, 76ers 108
Dec. 10: Loss, Spurs 132, Lakers 119
Dec. 14: Win, Lakers 116, Suns 114
Dec. 18: Win,  Lakers 143, Jazz 135
Dec. 20: Loss, Clippers 103, Lakers 88
Dec. 23: Loss, Suns 132, Lakers 108
Dec 25: Loss, Rockets 119, Lakers 96 
Dec. 28: Win, Lakers 125, Kings 101

Lakers’ upcoming schedule 

Dec. 30: vs. Detroit Pistons
Jan. 2: vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Jan. 4: vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Jan 6: at New Orleans Pelicans
Jan. 7: at San Antonio Spurs
Jan. 9: Milwaukee Bucks
Jan. 12: at Sacramento Kings
Jan 13: vs. Atlanta Hawks
Jan. 15: vs. Charlotte Hornets

CHARLOTTE – Have defense. Will travel.

That sums up a lot of what went down at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday. The Seattle Seahawks were not the ones to slip up with a clear path afoot for winning the NFC West crown and seizing a No. 1 seed for the playoffs.

Not with that defense.

Seattle smashed the Carolina Panthers, 27-10, to inch closer to its best-case scenario for the playoffs by providing Bryce Young and Co. a warning of the type of tests that loom in the postseason – if they get there.

Sure, Young scored a touchdown on a nifty 10-yard run to make it a one-possession game early in the fourth quarter. But that was the aberration.

The Seahawks (13-3) took control of the game by converting two Carolina turnovers into touchdowns in the third quarter. First, it was a Chuba Hubbard fumble – as Ernest Jones IV violently ripped at the football, DeMarcus Lawrence punched it out – that set up Zach Charbonnet’s 2-yard TD run. Then Julian Love intercepted Young to set up Sam Darnold’s 17-yard TD flip to tight end AJ Barner to make it a 17-3 margin.

Despite Young’s penchant for engineering late-game rallies, that was a bit much to expect against a unit that seemed hellbent on inflicting its will.

“If you give us an opportunity and we can turn the ball over and turn it into points, you’ve got trouble,” Jones told USA TODAY Sports while the beats thumped on the boom box in the visitor’s locker room. “We’re not giving up much. We’re just out there playing for each other. So, we know that once we get our hands on the ball, it’s time to go.”

When last seen in action, the Seahawks survived an overtime shootout thriller against the Los Angeles Rams in what many hailed as the NFL’s Game of the Year. It had a huge comeback. Offensive fireworks. A controversial two-point conversion. And a championship-level defense torched by Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua.

Well, it was quite a different formula – smash mouth – on Sunday.

The Seahawks allowed just 139 net yards, with a 1-for-11 third-down conversion rate. Young passed for just 54 yards and finished with a 45.8 passer rating.

The numbers certainly didn’t lie. But neither did the optics.

When they review the film, the Seahawks will notice a scant few – if any – missed tackles. For a unit that has been one of the league’s best all season, the group had what was likely its best tackling game of the season, a clinic with many contributors. In one case after another, yards after the catch were squashed with open-field stops.

And yes, the numbers support it. Carolina’s longest reception went for 8 yards.

“Those are critical yards,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said.

“They say when you get towards the end of the season, teams will have a hard time tackling. Guys aren’t as fresh,” rookie safety Nick Emmanwori said. “We just make that an emphasis to work on it. It’s never easy. But that’s what wins games. Those yards, takeaways. That’s what wins games.”

It definitely sets a tone.

Darnold can surely vouch for that. The veteran quarterback is quite fortunate to have the Seahawks defense on his side. Although he won again, Darnold wasn’t particularly sharp. And he committed two more giveaways to fuel more questions about his turnover tendencies.

If there’s a reason to wonder about the Seahawks championship aspirations, it undoubtedly revolves around the turnovers. Seattle entered Week 17 with 26 giveaways on the season – second-most in the NFL (Minnesota, 29) – and had two more on Sunday.

Darnold fumbled in the second quarter, boxed in the pocket as he attempted to pass. But after giving the Panthers possession at the Seattle 26, the Seahawks defense limited the damage to a field goal after Hubbard hit a brick wall (for no gain) on a third-and-one plunge.

Early in the third quarter, Darnold was picked off in the end zone by Mike Jackson on a throw that was apparently deflected as itcame nowhere close to intended receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. But the defense saved Darnold again, and on just one snap with Jones forcing the Hubbard fumble.

Still, the Seahawks will be hard-pressed to flirt with such disaster when the competition rises in the playoffs. Macdonald tried to downplay concern, but that’s a tough sell.

“It’s really just the ball being in jeopardy,” Macdonald said during his postgame news conference. “Deflections. Those things happen. Really, if we take care of the front end better, it won’t be as big of an issue.”

There’s so much to like about the Seahawks’ viability for the upcoming playoff run, particularly given the foundation of Macdonald’s defense. Charbonnet had his most productive game of the season, rushing for 110 yards and 6.1 per carry in teaming with Kenneth Walker III for a formidable one-two punch. Rashid Shaheed was knocked out of the game in the first half with a concussion yet has proven vital as the wideout opposite Smith-Njigba and as an explosive kick returner.

And if Darnold gets hot…

“I don’t think as a team we’ve really played a complete game for four straight quarters,” Jones said. “So…we need to have those games. But ultimately, we’ve been making the plays when needed. We’ll have that game when we put it all together for four quarters. And watch out.”

The Panthers (8-8) can envision some growth, too. Yet in another sense, they were unable to take advantage of a great opportunity. With the Miami Dolphins hanging an upset on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina could have clinched the NFC South title with a victory.

Instead, the Panthers will meet the Bucs in a showdown at Tampa next weekend shaping up to decide the division crown.

The Seahawks, meanwhile, might have a similar arrangement when they visit the San Francisco 49ers in the regular-season finale. Whether the NFC West crown will be at stake depends on how the 49ers fare on Sunday night against the Chicago Bears.

Regardless, the Seahawks will have a chance to claim the top seed in the NFC playoffs.

Jones, for one, knows what to expect.

“A dogfight, man,” he said. “I’m mentally ready for it. I’m sure they are. So, let’s do it.”

Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow on X: @JarrettBell

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard produced a career night in the 112-99 victory over the Detroit Pistons at the Intuit Dome on Sunday, Dec. 28.

The performance helped lead the way for the Clippers to win their fourth consecutive game.

‘We need it,’ Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said after the game during the postgame press conference. ‘He willed this win for us.’

Leonard produced 51 of his 55 points through the first three quarters of play, including 26 in the third quarter alone.

Not only did Leonard’s career-high 55 points tie the Clippers’ franchise record, but he also became the first player in NBA history to produce 55 points, 11 rebounds, five steals and three blocks in a single game.

Kawhi Leonard stats vs. Pistons

Points: 55
FG: 17-for-26 (5-for-10 from 3-point line)
Free Throws: 16-for-17
Rebounds: 11
Assists: 2
Steals: 5
Blocks: 3
Turnovers: 3
Fouls: 2
Minutes: 39

Kawhi Leonard, Clippers vs. Pistons highlights

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The Cleveland Browns defensive end did not record a sack in his team’s 13-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, keeping him at 22 on the year. That means he remains a full sack away from shattering the league’s single-season mark.

If Garrett is to make history, he’ll have to do so in the Week 18 finale against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Here’s a full rundown of how things went for Garrett, who was chipped throughout the day, and the Browns on Sunday:

Steelers’ furious rally falls short

Pittsburgh stormed down the field but couldn’t finish the job.

Despite Aaron Rodgers slinging the Steelers 58 yards in nearly a minute, the offense came up empty after facing a first-and-goal from the 10. Rodgers’ four pass attempts all fell incomplete, including his fourth-down fade to Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

Garrett, meanwhile, was held without a sack for just the fourth game all season.

Now, there will be plenty at stake throughout the AFC North in Week 18. The division title will be decided by the Ravens’ meeting at the Steelers. And Garrett will have one last opportunity to notch the sack record against the Bengals.

One last chance for Steelers?

The Browns ran three straight times to force the Steelers to use all three of their timeouts before an Andre Szmyt 33-yard field goal extended Cleveland’s advantage to 13-6.

Pittsburgh will get the ball back with 1:40 remaining and a chance to tie the game.

Browns shut down Steelers, get ball back

Four downs, four incompletions.

That was the output for Pittsburgh on a drive that might end the team’s hopes of securing the AFC North title this weekend.

Rodgers was pressured on second down by Garrett, and the quarterback’s fourth-and-10 was batted down at the line of scrimmage.

The Steelers still have all three timeouts, but Cleveland takes over at the Pittsburgh 20.

Crunch time for Steelers

Aaron Rodgers led the Steelers to a field goal in a two-minute drill before halftime. Can he ace another crunch-time exercise to lead Pittsburgh to the end zone for the first time Sunday and a win that would secure the AFC North title?

Pittsburgh’s defense held firm to force a punt, but Corey Bojoquez boomed it 61 yards to leave the Steelers on their own 20-yard line.

With the Steelers needing to embrace the pass late, Garrett might have his bst opportunity all day of setting the sack record.

Garrett – and Steelers – running out of time

Myles Garrett might not see many more chances to set the sack record on Sunday. But his Browns are still clinging to a lead.

The Steelers ran the ball on all three downs of their latest drive. Despite giving up a 7-yard gain on first down, the Browns held firm and forced Pittsburgh to punt and give the ball back with less than five minutes remaining.

Browns give it back after costly penalty

Cleveland looked to finally have jump-started its offense when rookie running back Dylan Sampson ripped off a 26-yard gain on first down. But a holding call on offensive tackle KT Leveston negated the play and put the offense in a hole it wouldn’t climb out of.

After coming up short on third down, the Browns punted to Scotty Miller, who returned it 25 yards to the Pittsburgh 43-yard line.

Garrett forces fourth down with pressure

Another close call ended with Myles Garrett coming up empty-handed. But his threat helped Cleveland hold onto its lead.

After a false start on Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook pushed back Pittsburgh from a favorable third-and-1 setup, Garrett came screaming off the edge and nearly laid hands on Rodgers, who threw an incompletion to avoid a sack.

Pittsburgh opted to punt, putting Cleveland at its own 12-yard line with just under 10 minutes remaining.

Steelers get it back on Shedeur’s second interception

Pittsburgh didn’t have to wait long to be rejuvenated after Chris Boswell’s missed field goal.

On second-and-5 at midfield, Shedeur Sanders threw off his back foot and airmailed an interception to Kyle Dugger, who patiently waited to haul in the pass intended for Jerry Jeudy.

Aaron Rodgers sacked again, Chris Boswell misses field goal

The Steelers began the fourth quarter in prime position to take their first lead of the day. Instead, things quickly unraveled for Pittsburgh.

Having driven the ball to the Browns’ 27-yard line, the Steelers took a 4-yard loss on second down. On third down, Aaron Rodgers tried to maneuver in the pocket to buy time but was taken down by defensive end Alex Wright.

Then, Chris Boswell pushed his 54-yard field-goal attempt wide right, leaving Pittsburgh with nothing to show for a drive that ate up more than 8 minutes.

Garrett’s close call comes up empty

Myles Garrett had perhaps his best chance at Aaron Rodgers all day but still couldn’t notch that elusive 23rd sack.

Garrett found himself in Rodgers’ face on a first-and-10 play in the third quarter, but the quarterback dumped the ball off to Jonnu Smih for a 3-yard gain.

Rodgers flashed a smile at Garrett after the completion.

Browns drain clock but go nowhere

Cleveland managed to shave some precious time away in the third quarter, but the Browns don’t have much to show for it.

A seven-play, 18-yard drive melted away nearly six minutes. But Pittsburgh got the ball back at its own 22-yard line.

Aaron Rodgers sacked, but not by Myles Garrett

Aaron Rodgeres took his first sack on the day. But Myles Garrett wasn’t the one in on the play.

Safety Grant Delpit came on a blitz and managed to hit the quarterback, jarring the ball loose. It was plucked out of the air by Jonnu Smith, but the play still went down as a sack and fumble recovery.

Garrett did manage to come close to reaching Garrett on third down, but he couldn’t get a hold of the quarterback, who threw an incompletion.

Mike Tomlin not concerned with Steelers’ receivers

DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin’s absences have loomed over the Steelers’ first half, but Mike Tomlin isn’t concerned about the outlook at wideout.

Tomlin said in a CBS halftime interview that the receiver rotation wasn’t playing a factor in the team’s offensive performance.

‘We just need to get seven (points) instead of three,’ Tomlin said.

Aaron Rodgers executes two-minute drill, but Steelers still trail at halftime

With pressure to get points on the board before halftime, Aaron Rodgers delivered for the Steelers.

The quarterback completed three consecutive passes on the final drive before halftime and then threaded a 23-yard completion to tight end Pat Freiermuth. After a false start penalty on Zach Frazier, Rodgers found Adam Thielen for an 11-yard gain that set up a 40-yard Chris Boswell field goal.

The Browns enter halftime with a 10-6 lead.

Browns avoid disaster but give ball back

Cleveland very nearly followed up one turnover with one that would have been even more costly.

Shedeur Sanders fired to his right on first down but nearly had his pass intercepted by edge rusher Nick Herbig, who couldn’t secure the throw for the interception.

The Browns still punted after a three-and-out, giving the Steelers – and Garrett – another opportunity before halfime.

Turnover gives Steelers big break, but Pittsburgh can’t convert

Pittsburgh’s defense provided a big opportunity for Aaron Rodgers and he offense late in the second quarter.

On a first-and-10 near midfield, standout edge rusher Alex Highsmith barreled down on Shedeur Sanders and hit the quarterback, sending a pass into the air before it landed in the arms of rookie outside linebacker Jack Sawyer.

Sawyer returned the ball to the Cleveland 31, but Aaron Rodgers missed on a fourth-and-1 deep shot to Scotty Miller.

Steelers come up empty as Garrett faces more tough sledding

Pittsburgh’s third drive started off with plenty of promise, as Jaylen Warren scampered up the middle for a 15-yard gain to get the ball to midfield.

But two incompletions by Aaron Rodgers – one a missed deep connection with Marquez Valdes-Scantling on second down, another a would-be first down to Adam Thielen broken up by Tyson Campbell on third down – left the drive to stall out.

Garrett continues to be chipped and denied any easy paths to Rodgers on dropbacks.

Browns’ fourth-down gamble goes bust

Faced with a fourth-and-7 from the Steelers’ 33-yard line, the Browns decided to take a shot rather than go for a field goal in sloppy conditions.

Shedeur Sanders dropped back and tried to find Sal Canella for a first down, but his pass to the practice-squad call-up was low and never gave the tight end a shot.

Steelers draw closer, Garrett held at bay

After a questionable offensive pass interference penalty threatened to end the Steelers’ second drive in the early going, Pittsburgh was given new life with a taunting penalty on Browns safety Rayshawn Jenkins.

The Steelers managed to get the ball to the Browns’ 19-yard line, but a 6-yard loss by Kenneth Gainwell and incomplete pass on third down left Pittsburgh to settle for a 44-yard Chris Boswell field goal.

Pittsburgh has thrown plenty of resources at slowing Garrett, who has been quiet outside of one tackle.

Shedeur Sanders, Harold Fannin Jr. extend Browns’ lead

The Browns built on their early lead with an unlikely scoring connection.

Shedeur Sanders lofted a ball up on second-and-8, but it looked to be off the mark. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr., however, contorted his body to corral a pass that was thrown inside and then rolled into the end zone untouched.

Fannin appeared to be shaken up on the play, however. He entered the game as questionable with a groin injury.

Sacks record not only NFL mark in jeopardy

Though Garrett’s pursuit of sack No. 23 is probably the most notable league benchmark under fire, several other star players are chasing their own spots in the record book — the 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey with a shot at two of them. Here are seven more team and individual records that could fall over the next two weekends.

Steelers go three-and-out on first drive

Garrett didn’t get a chance to chase down Aaron Rodgers and the opening drive, but Cleveland held firm.

The Browns sent the Steelers to a three-and-out after stuffing Kenneth Gainwell on a third-and-3 run.

Browns up early after field goal on opening drive

Myles Garrett will take the field with a lead.

After going 41 yards on nine plays, Cleveland capped its first drive with a 50-yard field goal by Andre Szmyt.

Garrett shooting for first sack of Aaron Rodgers to make history

Myles Garrett has put plenty of quarterbacks in his graveyard throughout his career, but he’s yet to bag Aaron Rodgers.

Doing so Sunday would give him the single-season record, and the weight of the moment isn’t lost on Garrett.

‘It’d be a historic moment, not only for us as a team,’ Garrett said in a pregame interview with CBS on Sunday.

Added Garrett: ‘They’re not stopping me today.’

Browns face Steelers team with plenty of motivation

Pittsburgh won’t be taking Sunday’s game lightly after all.

With the Baltimore Ravens’ win over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night, the Steelers need a tie or a win against the Browns to secure the AFC North. Otherwise, Pittsburgh’s matchup with Baltimore next week would be a winner-take-all affair.

The Ravens, including tight end Charlie Kolar, are holding out hope that the Browns will deliver for them.

Will Myles Garrett set the NFL single-season sack record against the Steelers?

Garrett was held without a sack in his first meeting against Rodgers and the Steelers, marking just one of three instances in which he has been blanked this season. But Steelers coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged that replicating that effort in Cleveland will be difficult.

‘Myles Garrett has certainly been an issue for us in that venue,’ Tomlin said. ‘I think he’s had five sacks against us in our last two trips, neither of which we won. And so we understand the gravity of what we’re going into and how they engineer victory and who’s significant in doing so. He’s at the doorstep of history, and so we certainly have respect for that.’

For his part, Garrett wasn’t concerned about eclipsing the record on Sunday.

‘Pressure? Nah, no pressure,’ Garrett said Dec. 26. ‘Like I said, it’s going down, so I’m not stressed or worried about if I’m going to get it. It’s just a matter of when.’

Corralling Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP, for the first time would be a fitting way to put himself over the top, Garrett said.

‘It would be special,’ Garrett said. ‘He’s legendary himself and it’s a legendary record I’m out here chasing, so that’d be a great one to put a picture on the wall with.’

The Steelers will be without their top two receivers in DK Metcalf, who is serving a two-game suspension for his physical altercation with a Detroit Lions fan, and Calvin Austin III, who is out with a hamstring injury. Offensive guard Isaac Seumalo is also sidelined with a triceps injury.

But Rodgers has made life hard for all pass rushers, as his lightning-quick release – reflected by an NFL-best 2.63-second time to throw average, according to Next Gen Stats – has enabled him to be pressured on just 21.9% of his dropbacks, the lowest figure of all 33 qualified passers in 2025. On the season, he’s been sacked just 25 times.

Could Myles Garrett set NFL career sack record?

While the single-season mark is well within reach, Garrett still has a way to go before he can reach Bruce Smith’s career tally of 200, which still stands as the league’s high water mark.

Yet toppling that sum isn’t a farfetched notion to Garrett.

‘If I want to play that long,’ Garrett said Dec. 26 when asked whether he could shatter the career record. ‘I think at the pace I am now, I can get it in like five years. I think five years is right at that time to think I’ll go and hang the cleats up. So I do think about if I can do it. And I think I’m only getting better, I think the numbers will only continue to look similar to how they are right now. So I’ll be knocking on his door pretty soon. I used to have the little graveyard that he did a couple years back, he had all these graves and everyone to show me up, but it’s OK, I’m going to catch him.’

Smith has made it known he’s a big fan of Garrett’s.

“He is rare,” Smith told USA TODAY Sports’ Jarrett Bell earlier in December when asked about Garrett. “It’s the way he bends. He’s got the patented move where he gets off the line of scrimmage quicker than anybody, particularly for that size, when he gets in arm’s-length reach of an offensive lineman, he bends. He ducks under the stab of the offensive lineman, and he’s still able to get leverage. It virtually makes him unblockable.”

Who holds the NFL single-season sack record?

Hall of Famer Michael Strahan first set the record in the 2001 season. He was matched by Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt in the 2021 regular-season finale. While Watt had the benefit of an 18-week season, he only played in 15 games that year, missing two contests and part of another due to injury.

Myles Garrett stats, sack total

Sacks: 22
Tackles: 58
Forced fumbles: 3

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado and Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams were suspended for their recent on-court brawl, the NBA announced on Sunday.

Alvarado was given a two-game suspension for his role in the altercation. Williams was given a one-game suspension.

The Suns earned a 123-114 victory over the Pelicans, but in the final minutes of the third quarter, the two players started to exchange blows.

Collin Gillespie of the Suns had the ball at midcourt while Williams began to set up a screen, attempting to guard Alvarado.

The officials on the court quickly blew the whistle to call a defensive foul on Alvarado, leading to him briefly turning toward the referee to express his displeasure before he turned back around to exchange words with the Suns’ center.

The two exchanged words briefly and exchanged punches before the benches were cleared to break up the scuffle.

Both players were given technical fouls and ejected from the game.

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The Los Angeles Lakers knocked off the Sacramento Kings, 125-101, on Sunday, Dec. 28 behind a 34-point performance from Luka Dončić, including 24 in the first half.

The Lakers (20-10) were led by Dončić and LeBron James, who added 24 points on 84% shooting from the field. The Kings were playing on consecutive nights, following their win against the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 27.

On Sunday, Sacramento was led by DeMar DeRozan, with 22 points, and rookie Maxime Raynaud who recorded a double-double, 16 points and 10 rebounds. Six players scored in double-figures, including Malik Monk, Nique Clifford and Dennis Schröder, who each had 11.

The Kings shot just 28% from 3-point distance and had 19 turnovers on the evening, which turned into 23 points for the Lakers. Sacramento dropped to 8-24, going into their next game on Tuesday, Dec. 30 in an away game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Kings vs. Lakers highlights

1st quarter highlights

Lebron James hit a pull-up jumper at the top of the key to end the first quarter. It capped a 10-point first quarter for James, as the Lakers led 30-24 after 12 minutes. Luka had nine points.

The Kings were led by DeMar DeRozan, who scored eight points in the first period.

2nd quarter highlights

Malik Monk got going early in the second, hitting on back-to-back three point field goals.

The Kings allowed the Lakers to get transition baskets including a LeBron James reverse dunk. The Kings got to their spots on offense for timely buckets.

The deficit grew as the Kings got sloppy with the basketball and threw consecutive turnovers. Luka Doncic scored 15 points in the second quarter. He had 24 total in the first half.

The Kings trailed 68-53 at the end of the first half.

3rd quarter highlights

The Kings came out lethargic to start the third quarter. A step slow to loose balls, offensively, they looked stagnant.

The lead grew to 20 before Sacramento head coach Doug Christie called a timeout. Kings trailed 73-53.

The Lakers had everything going in the third. They knocked down open threes, step back mid-range shots and points in the paint. The biggest lead was 26 for the Lakers.

At the end of the third quarter, Sacramento trailed 99-80.

4th quarter highlights

The Lakers’ 3-point barrage continued into the fourth quarter. The deficit proved to be too large for the Kings to mount a comeback, the largest lead for the Lakers grew to 30.

Sacramento lost by a final score of 125-101.

Recap: Kings keys

Frustrate their stars: Sacramento has played scrappy, stifling defense. It’s what helped them in their win against Dallas and a big win against Houston on Dec. 21. Keep that same pressure on Lakers stars Luka Dončić and LeBron James and make them uncomfortable. Dončić and James combined for 58 points. James shot 84% from the field.
Lean on youth for energy: In the second night of a back-to-back, the Kings should rely on their rookies and young guys to provide energy early and often throughout the game. Look for guys like Keon Ellis, Maxime Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell and Nique Clifford to spark fire. Raynaud tallied a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Cardwell scored seven points and seven rebounds, while being a +1 on the floor. Clifford scored 11, while Ellis only scored two.
Defend without fouling:As energetic and up-tempo as the Kings are, it’s important to defend without fouling as the Lakers are third in the league in free throws made and second in free throws attempted. The Kings had 19 free throw attempts, compared to the Lakers’ 18 shots.
Homecoming, revenge tour: It’s a homecoming for Los Angeles natives Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan. There’s nothing like home cooking. Plus, whenever Westbrook plays his former team or teammates, it feels personal. DeRozan led the team with 22 points but it wasn’t enough. Westbrook added 13 points and had six turnovers.

Kings next five games

Dec. 30 at Los Angeles Clippers
Jan. 1 vs. Boston Celtics
Jan. 2 at Phoenix Suns
Jan. 4 vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Jan. 6 vs. Dallas Mavericks

Michigan hired former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham two weeks after firing Sherrone Moore.
At 66, Whittingham dismissed concerns about his age, stating he still has a lot of energy for the job.
Whittingham said he was not deterred by Michigan’s recent scandals and that retaining players is a top priority.

In January 2024, days after Jim Harbaugh left for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers, Michigan hired a relative upstart to lead its program, promoting then-37-year-old offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore and giving him his first-ever head coaching job.

Two years later, the Wolverines are turning to one of the most known commodities in college football coaching.

When Michigan capped off a tumultuous two-week stretch by hiring Kyle Whittingham on Dec. 26, the move was met with widespread praise. A scandal-ridden program that had fired Moore earlier this month for an inappropriate relationship with a female staff member is now going to be led by Whittingham, who was one of the most consistent winners in the sport at Utah, where he built physical, tough-minded teams and did so without unsavory headlines hovering over his program.

If there was any question about Whittingham, it wasn’t about the identity of his teams or how he conducts himself. It was about his age.

At 66 years old, Whittingham is widely viewed as a short-term option for the Wolverines, but at his introductory news conference on Sunday, Dec. 28, he dismissed any concerns about whether he’s up for the job, noting that he still has “a lot of energy.”

“When I stepped down, one thing I didn’t want to be was the coach that just stayed too long at one place,” Whittingham said. “With 21 years, you’d say ‘Well, you did stay too long,’ but we ended up 10-2 this year. I thought this program is in a great place right now, excellent players, excellent coaching staff. I was able to hand the torch to my defensive coordinator, Morgan Scalley, who’s an outstanding young football coach, and I just felt like the time was right to exit Utah. But I’ve still got a lot of energy and felt like, hey, if the right opportunity came, then I would be all-in on that. That’s what Michigan afforded me.”

On Dec. 12, it was announced that Whittingham was stepping down from Utah at the end of the 2025 season after 21 years as the school’s head coach. He went 177-88 during that time, including a 10-2 mark this season.

Whittingham made it clear that the move wasn’t a retirement, with the coach joking that he was simply entering “the transfer portal.” Whittingham’s announced departure from Utah came only two days after Moore was fired at Michigan, opening up the kind of opportunity he wouldn’t have previously envisioned.

He said he had actually contemplated stepping down from Utah after the 2024 season, noting that he had seen too many coaches hang on for too long at a particular job. Those plans changed, though, when an injury-ravaged team finished 5-7, the Utes’ first sub-.500 season in 11 years.

“I just couldn’t end on that note,” Whittingham said.

He added that it was his decision to step down, not the school’s. As he put it, he “just felt the time was right.”

At Michigan, he will take over a program 23 months removed from a national championship. The Wolverines produced uneven results under Moore, though, going 8-5 in 2024 before a 9-3 finish this season ahead of their Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas.

Whittingham is in Orlando for the game, though he’ll just be there to meet with players and coaches and to watch the game, not to coach.

Keeping Bryce Underwood is a top priority

Whittingham noted that one of his biggest priorities taking over at Michigan will be roster retention, with one player in particular — five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood — standing out. Whittingham said he met with Underwood for about 45 minutes on Sunday morning.

Should Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck make the move with Whittingham to Michigan, there’s a blueprint for success for a dual-threat quarterback like Underwood. During the 2025 season, Utes quarterback Devon Dampier racked up 2,867 total yards and 29 touchdowns.

“His ceiling is very high,” Whittingham said of Underwood. “The offense we’re going to bring in here I think is going to suit him to a T. I think he’s going to really, really excel and have a great experience here.”

Whittingham wasn’t scared off by Michigan’s recent scandals

Whittingham described Michigan during his news conference as one of the top five jobs in the sport, but he arrives at the university during a period of uncertainty.

The school is being led by an interim president, Domenico Grasso, and the football program and broader athletic department are under investigation after a series of scandals have swallowed the Wolverines in recent years. The probe is being conducted by Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block.

Whittingham said none of that factored into his decision on whether to take the job.

“No, I didn’t have any hesitation,” Whittingham said. “There’s some issues and missteps that are being taken care of, but the key is the players. The players are solid. The players here are rock solid. None of those issues and none of those things we’re dealing with involve the players. To their credit, they just kept grinding and kept after it. I’m so impressed with that because there were a lot of distractions and a lot of adversity. I’ve got no doubt that everything’s going to be handled properly.”

Whittingham is learning to hate Ohio State

While discussing his efforts to put together his first Michigan coaching staff, Whittingham mentioned that he has sought counsel from Urban Meyer, the former Ohio State coach under whom he worked at Utah from 2003-04.

After making that comment, Whittingham took a pause.

“I don’t know if that’s a four-letter word in this room or not,” he joked.

Meyer most recently was a college coach at Ohio State from 2012-18, when he guided the Buckeyes to a national championship and a 7-0 record against archrival Michigan in “The Game.”

Whittingham’s tenure with the Wolverines will be judged at least in part on how his teams fare against Ohio State in their annual rivalry clash. Michigan had won four consecutive games against the Buckeyes before a 27-9 loss last month in Ann Arbor.

Asked whether he dislikes Ohio State, Whittingham said “I do now” with a smile.

The Arizona Cardinals tight end set the NFL’s single-season record for most catches by a tight end in Week 17. McBride totaled the record-breaking 117th catch with 4:34 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Cardinals’ loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 28.

Take a look:

The record was previously held by Zach Ertz, who totaled 116 catches as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018.

It hasn’t been a memorable season for the Cardinals, who dropped their eighth straight game to fall to 3-13 after 17 weeks of action.

That doesn’t mean it hasn’t been a memorable season for McBride, however. The tight end’s 2025 campaign has been his best in the NFL to date.

McBride totaled another 10 catches in Week 17, adding 76 yards and a touchdown to go with it.

It brings his season total to 119 catches, 1,174 yards and 11 touchdowns with just one week to go.

The Toronto Raptors snapped the Golden State Warriors three-game winning streak with a 141-127 overtime victory Sunday, Dec. 28, despite a 39-point performance from Stephen Curry.

The Raptors were led by Scottie Barnes, who notched a triple-double with 23 points, 25 rebounds and 10 assists. He also had three steals on Sunday. The leading scorers for Toronto on Sunday were Immanuel Quickley and Brandon Ingram with 27 and 26 points, respectively. Seven players for the Raptors scored in double-figures.

‘Too many turnovers,’ Curry told reporters after the game. ‘They turned up the pressure, and we didn’t have an answer down the stretch. Obviously credit them, they made enough plays, got to all the loose balls, offensive rebounds, extra possessions. You get down to the last possession it can kind of go either way.’

The Warriors played in their 110th ‘clutch game’ in the past three seasons, which is the most in the NBA. With the loss, the Warriors dropped to 6-11 in clutch games this season.

Golden State forwards Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler added 21 and 19 points.

The Warriors had 25 assists to 21 turnovers on the game and allowed 35 points off those turnovers. Golden State had a double digit lead in the fourth quarter, but it slowly dissipated. The Warriors (16-16) fall back to .500 as they look ahead to their next game against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, Dec. 29.

‘Yeah just turnovers. End of the third and end of the fourth, we just got scattered,’ Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said postgame. ‘I’ve got to get us better organized during those stretches. That’s on me. They turned up the pressure, we didn’t handle it well and they scored 35 points off turnovers.’

The Raptors move to 19-14 and prepare for their next regular-season matchup against the Orland0 Magic on Monday.

Scottie Barnes’ historic performance

Barnes led the Raptors come back in the fourth quarter. He was grabbing rebounds and cleaning the glass like he was in a Windex commercial. Barnes’ career-high 25 rebounds tied Bismack Biyombo for most rebounds in a game in Raptors’ history.

He also entered elite company with his performance. Barnes joined Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić as the only players since Maurice Lucas in 1980 with at least 20 points, 25 rebounds and 10 assists in a game.

Additionally, since 2000, only Jokić, Russell Westbrook, DeMarcus Cousins and now Barnes are the only players to tally a game with at least 20 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals.

Warriors vs Raptors highlights

1st quarter highlights 

The Warriors played relatively good defense to start the game, but credit the Raptors for making shots, getting out in transition and opening the quarter strong. 

After the first period, the Raptors led 33-29.

2nd quarter highlights 

The Warriors’ defense really began to settle in the second quarter. They were physical, they got steals and stops, overall. However, it wasn’t enough as the Raptors continued to knock down shots, shooting 55% from the field. 

The Raptors got out in transition, scoring 11 fast break points. They scored 34 points in the paint, getting to the basket at will. At the half, the Raptors led, 65-64, against the Warriors.

There were seven lead changes and six ties. 

Brandon Ingram had 12 points for Toronto, while R.J. Barrett scored 10 in the first half. Scottie Barnes had nine points, six assists and 12 rebounds. 

Golden State was led by Stephen Curry with 15 points. Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green have 12 and 10 points, respectively. 

3rd quarter highlights 

The Warriors went on a 17-4 run, which included back-to-back three-pointers from Green, to open the third quarter. 

Golden State was in sync defensively as guys were rotating and closing out shooters. The Warriors looked to be running away with the game, but the Raptors pushed the Warriors into multiple late-quarter turnovers with a burst of intensity on defense.

Turnovers turned into easy points for Toronto, as they scored eight unanswered to end the quarter, cutting the Warriors lead to 100-96.

4th quarter highlights

In the opening minutes of the final period, the Warriors went back to the style of play – defense and high percentage looks.

Their lead grew to 10, but the Raptors didn’t go away, capitalizing any time the Warriors turned the ball over. Toronto’s big three of Barrett, Ingram and Barnes carried the Raptors as far as they could.

A key player was Warriors rookie Will Richard who impacted the game by getting steals, rebounds and drawing fouls in the process.

When the big moments crept in, the stars arrived. Timely big shots were delivered from Butler and Curry to help the Warriors hang onto their lead. But the Raptors answered with needed defensive stops, causing turnovers and generating easy points. Quickley connected on a three-pointer to tie the game at 120 with 46.1 seconds left.

Curry missed a go-ahead three, but Brandin Podziemski pulled down an offensive rebound and putback layup to give the Warriors a 122-120 lead with 32.8 remaining.

Ingram missed a three on the other end, but Barnes was there for the tip-in to tie the game at 122-122.

Curry was called for an offensive foul after swinging his elbow on a rip through and appeared to make contact with Jamal Shead. Ingram missed a go-ahead fadeaway three-point shot and sent the game into overtime.

Overtime

The Raptors opened the extra period with consecutive buckets, going on a 10-0 run. The Warriors could not keep Barnes, who had a career-high 25 rebounds, off the glass.

The Warriors continued to throw the ball away, and Toronto took advantage each time. The Raptors scored 35 points off of 21 Golden State turnovers en route to the141-127 victory.

Recap: Warriors keys

Sharing is caring: When the Warriors are playing unselfish basketball and everyone is involved, they are tough to beat. In their last game against the Mavericks, Golden State had 33 team assists and seven players scored in double figures. On Sunday, the Warriors committed 21 turnovers and had 23 assists, while the Raptors had 40 assists.
Defensive identity: This team has thrived whenever their defense has been a focal point. In an era overshadowed by a barrage of three-pointers, the Warriors’ true identity is on the defensive end. They know it’s the way to win games. The Warriors tallied nine blocks and nine steals, however they gave up offensive rebounds, allowing Toronto second chance buckets.
Attack early: Make the Raptors defense become slowly obsolete by attacking early and often. Take and make good shots. The Warriors shot 28 free throws.
Next man up, stay ready: Key players for Golden State are ruled out due to injury. It’s up to other players on the roster to remain ready and have a ‘next man up’ mentality when they’re called into the game. Will Richard scored 10 points, seven rebounds and five steals against the Raptors off the bench.

Warriors next five games

Dec. 29 at Brooklyn Nets
Dec. 31 at Charlotte Hornets
Jan. 2 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Jan. 3 vs. Utah Jazz
Jan. 5 at Los Angeles Clippers