Report: Lakers target Raptors assistant Griffin
The Lakers, in their search to replace former coach Frank Vogel, requested and received permission to interview Toronto assistant Adrian Griffin, a source confirmed to The Times.
He’s the second known candidate for the Lakers’ coaching job.
The team previously received permission to speak to Milwaukee assistant coach Dar vin Ham.
Like Ham, Griffin is a former NBA role player with an extensive resume as an assistant coach, winning a championship as a member of Nick Nurse’s staff in Toronto in 2019.
In addition to their front office, the Lakers are also receiving consultation from former coach Phil Jackson.
— Dan Woike
Ben Simmons, who sat out the entire season, will have surgery Thursday to alleviate pain in his back caused by a herniated disk, the Brooklyn Nets said.
Real Madrid reaches CL final
Real Madrid, the 13-time European champion produced yet another magical Champions League night, rallying late with two goals in two minutes by substitute Rodrygo to force extra time and defeat Manchester City 3-1 to reach its first final in four seasons.
In the NWSL Challenge Cup semifinals, Aubrey Kingsbury saved Jess Fishlock’s penalty shot and the Washington Spirit beat the OL Reign on PKs, 9-8 after a scoreless tie. In the other semifinal, North Carolina defeated Kansas City, 2-1 to advance . ... In the CONCACAF Champions League final, Raúl Ruidíaz scored twice as the Seattle Sounders beat Pumas UNAM 3-0.
Rafael Nadal got off to a good start in his return from injury. He defeated Miomir Kecmanovic in two sets to reach the third round at the Madrid Open.
The Rams announced they agreed to terms with 17 free agents: receiver Lance McCutcheon (Montana State), tight ends Roger Carter (Georgia State) and Jamal Pettigrew (McNeese State) and offensive lineman Jack Snyder (San Jose State). The defensive players are linemen Elijah Garcia (Rice) and Dion Novil (North Texas), linebackers Andrzej Hughes-Murray (Oregon State), Jake Hummel (Iowa State), Brayden Thomas (North Dakota State), Keir Thomas (Florida State) and Benton Whitley (Holy Cross), cornerbacks T.J. Carter (Texas Christian), Caesar DancyWilliams (Wisconsin) and Duron Lowe (Liberty) and safeties Dan Isom (Washington State) and Jairon McVea (Baylor). The Rams also signed punter Cameron Dicker.
— Gary Klein
The Chargers signed veteran cornerback Bryce Callahan, who spent the first six seasons of his career with Chicago and Denver.
— Jeff Miller
The first regular-season NFL game in Germany will be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. the Seattle Seahawks at Allianz Arena in Munich on Nov. 13, the NFL said. Also, Green Bay will play the New York Giants in the Packers’ first international regular-season game.
The New Jersey Devils shook up their assistant coaching ranks, firing Mark Recchi while not renewing the contract of Alain Nasreddine.
NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth, fellow driver Hershel McGriff and crew chief Kirk Shelmerdine were also selected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
The commissioners of the Southeastern Conference and Pac-12 are scheduled to meet with lawmakers in Washington on Thursday to lobby for federal legislation to regulate name, image and likeness compensation to athletes. Greg Sankey of the SEC and George Kliavkoff of the Pac-12 plan to meet with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Sen. Marsha Blackburn (RTenn.) and other lawmakers, a person who has been briefed on the commissioners’ trip told the Associated Press.
Reds outfielders Tyler Naquin and Nick Senzel were placed on the injured list. They were added without injury designations, an indication that both are out with COVID-19-related issues . ... Former Cal State Fullerton softball star Kelsie Whitmore relieved for the Staten Island FerryHawks with the bases loaded and retired former major leaguer Ryan Jackson, becoming the first woman to pitch in the independent Atlantic League.
The Sparks released popular guard Te’a Cooper less than four months after signing her to a new contract. The team also released Arella Guirantes and Kianna Smith.