L.A.’s All-Star Rosters Preview Thrilling Seasons Across All Sports – LAmag

· Los Angeles, California Local News · By ReportWire
L.A.’s All-Star Rosters Preview Thrilling Seasons Across All Sports – LAmag

Even after the World Cup, Los Angeles has plenty to look forward to this year. From massive trades and staffing changes to outstanding season openers, L.A. sports are having a moment. Here’s a look at what’s ahead.

Dodgers

Freddie Freeman and Teoscar Hernandez after the Dodgers defeat the Yankees
Freddie Freeman and Teoscar Hernandez after the Dodgers defeat the Yankees
Credit: Dodgers

The Dodgers hope to secure a third consecutive World Series title — a feat that has only been achieved twice in MLB history.

The Season: The 2026 MLB regular season runs from March 25 through Sept. 27. The World Series concludes in late fall.

The Players: Shohei Ohtani continues to lead the Dodgers as a designated hitter and starting pitcher.

The Latest: New Dodger Eric Lauer struggled in 2026, but his solid mound performance supports the offense in Mookie Betts and Ohtani.

The Outlook: The Dodgers remain the favorite to make the World Series (+200), followed by the New York Yankees (+500).

LAFC

LAFC party on during a home game at BMO StadiumLAFC party on during a home game at BMO Stadium
LAFC party on during a home game at BMO Stadium
Credit: (Photo courtesy of LAFC)

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After ending the 2025 season third in the Western Conference, LAFC hopes to restore the team that led them to the MLS Cup Final in 2023.

The Season: The 2026 MLS regular season runs from Feb. 21 to Nov. 7, with the postseason set to conclude on Dec. 18.

The Players: LAFC re-signed superstar forward Denis Bouanga with high hopes after he led the team to the 2022 MLS Cup Trophy.

The Latest: After the World Cup break ends July 16, coach Marc Dos Santos wants the LAFC to be aggressive.

The Outlook: The LAFC should keep morale high and utilize players like Son Heung-min in its offensive strategy through the season.

Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves dribbles during an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets in Los Angeles, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves dribbles during an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets in Los Angeles, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)Credit: AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

After the Lakers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals, fans are mourning the loss of LeBron James and wondering where he will take his talents next season.

The Season: The 2026-27 NBA season will begin in October 2026 and is expected to conclude in June 2027.

The Players: Point guard and offensive powerhouse Luka Dončić was voted into the All-NBA First Team for the sixth time.

The Latest: The Buss family sold majority ownership to Dodgers owner Mark Walter, who aims to make the Lakers champions again.

The Outlook: With LeBron James departing, the team loses a key offensive player — and should look to Dončić and Austin Reaves.

Clippers

Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers in action during the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on December 08Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers in action during the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on December 08Credit: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images

After just missing a playoff bid last season, the Clippers are entering a crucial offseason period of more roster changes and shifts in the starting lineup.

The Season: The 2026-27 NBA season will begin in October 2026 and is expected to conclude in June 2027.

The Players: Kawhi Leonard, who was recently traded to the Toronto Raptors, and the Clippers are under investigation by the NBA for connection to fraudulent banking startup Aspiration.

The Latest: Following a 6-21 start, the Clippers ended with a 36-19 run — and made history by recovering from 15 games below .500.

The Outlook: With Leonard moving on to the Raptors, the Clippers acquire Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and multiple draft picks in upcoming seasons.

Rams

Los Angeles Rams first-round draft pick Ty Simpson holds a jersey during an NFL football news conference Friday, April 24, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. AP Photo/Caroline BrehmanLos Angeles Rams first-round draft pick Ty Simpson holds a jersey during an NFL football news conference Friday, April 24, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. AP Photo/Caroline Brehman
Los Angeles Rams first-round draft pick Ty Simpson holds a jersey during an NFL football news conference Friday, April 24, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif.
Credit: AP Photo/Caroline Brehman

After falling short to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game last season, the Rams look to appear in the Super Bowl for the first time since 2022.

The Season: The NFL season will kick off on Sept. 9 and conclude with Super Bowl LXI on Feb. 14, 2027.

The Players: The Rams scored defensive player of the year Myles Garrett in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, which got Jared Verse.

The Latest: Rams owner Stan Kroenke seeks $400 million in reimbursement for improvements his company made in Inglewood.

The Outlook: The Rams drafted Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at 13th overall, suggesting he’ll replace veteran Matthew Stafford.

Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) celebrates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Atlanta. The Chargers defeated the Falcons 17-13. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) celebrates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Atlanta. The Chargers defeated the Falcons 17-13. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)Credit: AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Facing another disappointing season and early playoff exit, staffing changes on both the offensive and defensive sides — and renewed player contracts — might be what’s needed.

The Season: The NFL season will kick off on Sept. 9 and conclude with Super Bowl LXI on Feb. 14, 2027.

The Players: The Chargers have extended the contract of Derwin James — making him the NFL’s highest-paid safety.

The Latest: As the new offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel will implement a new offensive strategy that has explosive potential

The Outlook: New defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary is primed to have a strong lineup, but he’ll need to adopt a different strategy.

Kings

Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings during the game against the New York Rangers on December 10Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings during the game against the New York Rangers on December 10
Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings during the game against the New York Rangers on December 10
Credit: (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)

After being eliminated from its seventh consecutive first-round playoff game, the team seeks new leadership in the head coach and team captain positions.

The Season: The NHL season will begin in late September and end in June 2027, with a regular season expansion from 82 to 84 games.

The Players: Center Quinton Byfield and wingers Adrian Kempe and Artemi Panarin are key offensive contributors.

The Latest: After the Kings fired head coach Jim Hiller in March, the organization has named Peter Laviolette as their new head coach.

The Outlook: Team captain Anže Kopitar retired in June after a 20-season career with L.A., leaving a gap in leadership and offensive talent.

Angel City FC

Harrison, United States, September 7, 2025: Angel City FC starting eleven before the National Women's Soccer League match between Gotham FC and Angel City FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, NJ United States (EDITORIAL USAGE ONLY). (Rebekah Wynkoop / SPP) (Photo by Rebekah Wynkoop / SPP/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)Harrison, United States, September 7, 2025: Angel City FC starting eleven before the National Women's Soccer League match between Gotham FC and Angel City FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, NJ United States (EDITORIAL USAGE ONLY). (Rebekah Wynkoop / SPP) (Photo by Rebekah Wynkoop / SPP/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)
Angel City FC starting eleven before the National Women’s Soccer League match between Gotham FC and Angel City FC
Credit: Sipa USA via AP

Currently ranked 12th out of 16 clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League, Angel City hopes to bounce back from last year’s postseason absence with a strong defense.

The Season: The NWSL season kicked off on March 13 and will conclude on Nov. 1.

The Players: Savannah “Savy” King has returned to the pitch 10 months after suffering a cardiac event that resulted in open-heart surgery.

The Latest: Primal Kitchen and ACFC announced a multi-year partnership for 2026- 2027, which will support Girls Play Los Angeles.

The Outlook: Forward Claire Emslie — whose offensive presence was missed — has returned to the lineup following maternity leave.

Sparks

GettyImages-2155089045GettyImages-2155089045
Getty Images
Credit: Getty Images

After an unsuccessful 2025, the Sparks made a slew of coaching and roster changes the women’s basketball team hopes will make it a real contender for the playoffs.

The Season: The 30th WNBA regular season tipped off on May 8 and will conclude on Sept. 24. The playoffs will run through late October.

The Players: Before the season, the Sparks traded Rickea Jackson to the Chicago Sky for guard Ariel Atkins, who is becoming crucial.

The Latest: Forward Cameron Brink is excelling this season in defensive plays, proving her worth after suffering a 13-month injury layoff.

The Outlook: With a fresh lineup, inclusive of rising star Kate Martin, the Sparks are poised for a successful playoff-making season.

Fabián Gutiérrez Zúñiga

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