NFL
L.A. Rams: The Rams lost a tough defensive battle against the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 6 despite constantly rattling the cage of reigning MVP and starting Carolina quarterback Cam Newton all afternoon. In their 13-10 loss, Los Angeles could not get any offense going with the exception of tight end Lance Kendricks, who had a solid day with 90 yards on seven receptions. The Rams did not come out of the brutal battle unscathed as three key defenders took injuries, including defensive tackle Michael Brockers and cornerback Trumaine Johnson. As playoff hopes continue to dwindle and clamors for Jared Goff start to increase, Los Angeles’ season continues in New York as they take on the similarly fading Jets on Nov. 13.
Player of the week: Tight End Lance Kendricks: 7 Receptions, 90 Receiving Yards
NHL
L.A. Kings: The Kings find themselves over the .500 mark for the first time this season at 7-6 after their impressive past three games. Los Angeles scored a big overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Nov. 3, followed by shutout wins over the Calgary Flames and the Auston Matthews-led Toronto Maple Leaves thanks to the dominant play by backup goaltender Peter Budaj.
Player of the week: Goaltender Peter Budaj 2 Goals Allowed, 66 Saves, .971 Save %
Anaheim Ducks: After being destroyed by the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-1 on Nov. 2, the Ducks routed the Arizona Coyotes and Calgary Flames with dominant offensive play. Unfortunately, Anaheim fell behind early 2-0 to the Columbus Blue Jackets and eventually lost 2-3 in overtime. The Ducks received commanding play from all of their centers en route to an even week. Even though the Ducks are now one game under .500 at 5-6-2, hope remains for this talented team as they usually improve as the season progresses.
Player of the week: Center Corey Perry: 0 Goals, 5 Assists
NBA
L.A. Clippers: Golden State and San Antonio should watch out as the Clippers find themselves on a hot streak as the Doc Rivers-coached team seems poised to challenge the Spurs and Warriors up until the very end. Los Angeles took down the defensive juggernaut Memphis Grizzlies on Nov. 4, followed it up by rattling off wins against San Antonio, who rested their starters for the most part, and the Detroit Pistons. Sixth year power forward Blake Griffin continues to dominate his competition, proving himself as the driving force of the Clippers’ success both offensively and defensively.
Player of the week: Power forward Blake Griffin: 14.3 Points per game, 4.7 Assists per game, 5.7 Rebounds per game
L.A. Lakers: The Lakers have found their niche within the past few games, highlighted by a 117-97 upset win over the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 4. In the game, the Lakers effectively locked up the Warriors’ reigning MVP point guard Steph Curry, as he went 0-13 from downtown. Curry last came up empty from the three-point arc in 2014, which proves how well the Lakers’ defense played. Los Angeles followed the upset by beating the Phoenix Suns then losing against the Dallas Mavericks.
Player of the week: Power Forward Julius Randle 17.7 Points per game, 2.3 Assists per game, 9.7 Rebounds per game
