Jack Norris 
Lakers forward Jake LaRavia has spoken about his lifelong love for collecting sports cards, which started when he was a child. LaRavia’s passion has come full circle now that he is in the league and has his own card. He even adds “DM me” notes to connect with fans who pull them.
Austin Reaves has been upgraded to questionable for Game 3 of the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. Los Angeles has a surprising 2-0 series lead heading into Game 3 on Friday night despite playing without Luka Doncic and Reaves, its top two scorers. Reaves hasn’t played since he strained his oblique muscles.
Lawrence Butler’s early season performance has seen him struggle, with a .186/.263/.279 slash line. Despite this, there’s optimism due to factors like his BABIP being below average and his recovery from offseason surgery. Key adjustments in the past offer hope for a turnaround.
Austin Reaves has been upgraded to questionable for Game 3 of the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. The Lakers made the designation on their guard while the team flew to Houston. Luka Doncic is still out for Game 3.
Deandre Ayton was ejected after an accidental elbow to Alperen Sengun during the Lakers’ loss to the Houston Rockets. The flagrant foul 2 call was deemed ‘soft’ by Sengun and Rockets coach Ime Udoka. Ayton maintained the contact was unintentional, bracing for impact with Sengun.
LeBron James helped the Los Angeles Lakers to an overtime win at Houston, giving them a 3-0 series lead in the NBA play-offs. James levelled the score with 13 seconds left. The Lakers went on to win 112-108 in overtime.
The Stanley Cup playoffs continue with a handful of first-round series nearing their end. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2. The Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 1-0, winning the series 4-2.
LAFC will host Deportivo Toluca F.C. in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinals. The match will be at BMO Stadium. LAFC advanced to this stage by defeating Cruz Azul in the Quarterfinals.
The St. Louis Cardinals are rebuilding and not expected to make the playoffs. The team is focused on developing young players currently in AAA. The Cardinals’ pitching is inconsistent and needs improvement, but help is on the way.
Tarik Skubal delivered a strong performance against the Atlanta Braves, allowing just two runs in seven innings. Riley Greene’s home run put the Detroit Tigers ahead. Skubal struck out Ronald Acuña Jr. three times.