Reuters Sports News Summary
Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
Spurs rule out Victor Wembanyama vs. Bulls due to back soreness
Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama is out with a bad back and will not suit up Thursday when San Antonio welcomes the Chicago Bulls. San Antonio officially dubbed the injury bilateral low back soreness in confirming Wembanyama was ruled out as a precaution. Zach Collins was expected to start in his place for the Spurs.
Women's Top 25 roundup: No. 3 South Carolina tops No. 8 Duke in OT
Chloe Kitts scored 21 points and pulled down 11 rebounds as No. 3 South Carolina held on for an 81-70 win over No. 8 Duke on Thursday night in an SEC/ACC Challenge game at Columbia, S.C. Te-Hina Paopao and Sania Feagin added 11 points apiece for South Carolina (8-1), which won its third straight game since absorbing its only loss of the season against then-No. 5 UCLA.
Reports: RHP Luis Severino agrees to 3-year, $67M deal with A's
Right-hander Luis Severino and the A's reached agreement on a three-year, $67 million contract, multiple media outlets reported Thursday. Per reports, Severino's guaranteed money is the largest in the history of the franchise. ESPN reported that Severino can opt out of the contract after the second year.
NHL-worst Blackhawks fire coach Luke Richardson
Mired in last place in the NHL standings amid a rebuilding process, the Chicago Blackhawks dismissed coach Luke Richardson on Thursday and named Anders Sorensen interim coach. In two-plus seasons with the Blackhawks, the 55-year-old Richardson posted a 57-118-15 record, including an 8-16-2 start to this season, in his first stint as a head coach.
Boxing-Pacquiao elected to International Hall of Fame
Manny Pacquiao, an adored figure in the Philippines and one of the most decorated boxers in history, has been elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025, it was announced on Thursday. Pacquiao, whose fast footwork and blistering speed of punches made him one of the top offensive fighters in the sport's history, won world championships in a record eight weight divisions from flyweight to super welterweight.
NBA-Lakers look for answers after 'embarrassing' loss
The Los Angeles Lakers' recent slump hit what the team can only hope is rock bottom with a humiliating 41-point road loss to the Miami Heat on Wednesday that left first-year head coach JJ Redick searching for answers. The Lakers, losers of six of their last eight games, showed little life in the 134-93 trouncing, which came on the heels of their 29-point loss to the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Monday.
Former All-Pro S Jamal Adams set to make Lions debut vs. Packers
The Detroit Lions elevated former All-Pro safety Jamal Adams, whom they signed as a free agent to the practice squad on Sunday, to their game-day roster on Thursday night. The Lions, who share the NFL's best record at 11-1, host their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers (9-3).
Lakers' LeBron James (foot) questionable vs. Hawks
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has said he wants to play every game in his 22nd season, but he is listed as questionable for Friday's road matchup against the Atlanta Hawks with left foot soreness. James, who turns 40 on Dec. 30, has started all 22 games this season and is averaging 22.3 points, 9.0 assists and 7.9 rebounds.
World Series MVP Freddie Freeman has ankle surgery
Los Angeles first baseman Freddie Freeman underwent surgery Thursday on the ailing right ankle that didn't prevent him from becoming the World Series Most Valuable Player as he led the Dodgers to the championship. The Dodgers announced that the surgery, performed by Dr. Kenneth Jung in Los Angeles, consisted of "debridement and the removal of loose bodies." The team expects Freeman to be able to participate in baseball activities when spring training starts in February but didn't address his timetable for playing in games.
A's get key approvals for Las Vegas stadium
The Athletics are three steps closer to relocating to Las Vegas. The city's stadium authority on Thursday approved a trio of agreements needed to greenlight construction on the A's new home ballpark, which will be built on the Strip. Construction is expected to start in the spring of 2025.
