Sports
Stanford star G Ebuka Okorie enters NBA draft
Mar 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Ebuka Okorie (1) on the court in the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Stanford star guard Ebuka Okorie said Thursday that he is declaring for the NBA draft after leading the Atlantic Coast Conference in scoring as a freshman.
Okorie was overlooked by top-flight programs during the recruiting process but was a big hit with the Cardinal. He ranked eighth nationally with a 23.2 scoring average to go with 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals and was earned honorable mention All-America status.
“A year ago you guys took a chance on a kid from New Hampshire with zero high major offers, welcoming me with open arms and allowing me to be the best version of myself on and off the court,” Okorie said on Instagram. “… I’m truly blessed and humbled with this opportunity, and I’m thankful to Stanford for helping me chase my dreams.”
Okorie scored 719 points this season, third most in Stanford history. He finished behind Chasson Randle (724 in 2014-15) and leader Adam Keefe (734 in 1991-92).
Okorie recorded eight 30-point outings, surpassing the mark of Duke’s Marvin Bagley III (seven in 2017-18) for ACC freshmen.
Okorie, who shot 46.5% from the field, is rated as a first-round pick with a possibility of moving into the lottery.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Lakers add big-ticket courtside seats for playoffs
Mar 12, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Spike Lee (left) and Denzel Washington attend the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Lakers are making room for more movers and shakers — and celebrities — this playoff season.
The team announced Thursday the availability of additional floor seats, where Jack Nicholson, Denzel Washington, Will Ferrell, Ice Cube, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian and fellow celebrities have sat for years. The Lakers said their floor seats have been sold out for more than 50 years.
“Courtside Reserve is second-row courtside seating that places fans in the heart of the action within the highly sought-after and exclusive floor section, offering an immersive experience,” the Lakers said in a news release. “The new on-floor seating features premium hospitality, including in-seat food and beverage service, VIP club access and a seamless, elevated experience from the moment guests enter the arena.”
To buy tickets, fans must request access through a dedicated page on the team website. The team said buying one of the limited Courtside Reserve seats now, which are being “offered in the smallest quantity to preserve the exclusivity of the courtside environment,” will move the purchaser to the front of the line to buy season tickets in the section.
That must mean Courtside Reserve won’t be one and done just for the postseason.
But how much will the seats cost per game? The Lakers did not reveal the number, but the New York Post reported Thursday that courtside seats in the regular season range from $4,000 to $10,000 per seat, depending on the day of week and the opponent. Playoff tickets can cost between $20,000 and $40,000 per seat, per game.
Since winning the NBA championship in the bubble in the 2019-20 pandemic season, the Lakers have failed to make the playoffs once, been eliminated in the first round three times and reached the conference finals once.
With three games left, the Lakers and Houston Rockets are tied with 50-29 records, but Los Angeles currently stands as the No. 4 seed based on tie-breakers. Being the No. 4 seeds guarantees home-court advantage in the first round.
If the standings remain the same, the Lakers would host the Rockets to open the playoffs.
–Field Level Media
Sports
A's OF Brent Rooker leaves game vs. Yankees with flank discomfort
Apr 8, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker (25) hits a run scoring sacrifice fly in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The visiting Athletics lost Brent Rooker to right flank discomfort when the right fielder felt pain on a swing in the first inning of Thursday’s game against the New York Yankees.
Rooker appeared to feel pain when he fouled off a changeup by New York starter Ryan Weathers for a 0-2 count. He winced after appearing to feel something near his back and was lifted from the game after being checked out by manager Mark Kotsay and a trainer.
The A’s announced the injury in the fourth inning.
Rooker was replaced by Lawrence Butler in the third spot in the Athletics’ lineup. Butler took a called third strike on the next pitch and the at-bat was charged to Rooker.
Rooker hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the ninth inning off David Bednar to give the A’s a 3-2 victory on Wednesday night.
Rooker entered the day hitting .146 this season with two homers and eight RBIs this season. He drove in six runs on a pair of homers in Sunday’s 12-10 10-inning win over Houston, which he ended with a walk-off three-run homer.
–Field Level Media
Sports
NBA fines Magic $25K for violating injury reporting rules
Apr 6, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) is fouled by Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images The Orlando Magic were fined $25,000 by the NBA on Thursday for violating the league’s injury reporting rules.
Per the NBA, the Magic failed to disclose the game availability status of guard Anthony Black prior to Monday’s contest against the Detroit Pistons. Black was listed as “out” in the initial injury report and later played in the game.
Black, 22, scored 14 points in 15 minutes during the Magic’s 123-107 victory over the Pistons.
The third-year player is averaging 15.1 points, 3.8 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 62 games (40 starts) this season.
–Field Level Media
Lakers add big-ticket courtside seats for playoffs
A's OF Brent Rooker leaves game vs. Yankees with flank discomfort
