Rivers denies Lakers rumors

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Doc Rivers denied rumors he’s interested in leaving the Clippers to coach the Lakers.

The LeBron Jamesled Lakers are 31-39 under Coach Luke Walton, whose job status is widely believed to be in jeopardy. Fueling the speculation involving Rivers is that he is close friends with Magic Johnson, Lakers president of basketball operations.

Rivers and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer agreed to a shorter contract extension last year that included an opt-out after this season. Rivers said the opt-out existed to “make sure it was the right fit for everyone.”

However, Rivers said that’s being replaced with a long-term deal.

“I have a job and the Lakers have a coach,” Rivers said. “Straight and upfront, I’m going to be here until Steve says, ‘Get out.’ ”

NFL

MATTHEWS JOINS RAMS » Longtime Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews agreed to a two-year contract with the Rams. The Rams announced the deal for Matthews, the former USC star who spent the past decade with the Packers. Matthews had 83 sacks in his 10 seasons with the Packers, earning six Pro Bowl selections and winning a Super Bowl ring. He has been a standout passrusher throughout his career, although his three sacks last season were the lowest total of his decade in the NFL. Matthews is a native of Agoura Hills, Calif., who lives in nearby Calabasas.

COBB TO COWBOYS » The Cowboys agreed to terms on a one-year contract with free-agent receiver Randall Cobb. Cobb spent the first eight years of his NFL career with the Packers, though he was limited to nine games last season because of a hamstring injury and a concussion. Cobb has 470 catches for 5,524 yards and 41 touchdowns for the Packers from 2011 through last season. The 28-year-old receiver was a Pro Bowl pick in 2014, when he had 91 catches for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns.

College football

MARTELL CLEARED BY NCAA » Tate Martell practiced with the Miami Hurricanes for the first time. Hours later, he got his first win. Martell is eligible to play for the Hurricanes this season and will not have to sit out the customary transfer year, after the NCAA approved a waiver for the former Ohio State quarterback. Miami announced the verdict about three hours after the Hurricanes’ first spring practice and first under new head coach Manny Diaz.