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PORTS WATCH - The Los Angeles Dodgers, while not the most dominant squad in franchise history, led the National League West comfortably for much of the season, even as a few cracks showed in the rotation. A couple of younger arms helped patch those gaps, while Mookie Betts played with a confidence that didn’t need to shout. He just moved. Handled things. The team felt oddly subdued this season, less bombastic than years past, but maybe that was to their advantage. There wasn’t as much noise around them. Just clean, consistent execution, night after night. That said, the postseason hasn’t been their friend lately. Some Dodgers fans might admit they’re holding their breath.
On the basketball side, the Sacramento Kings quietly put together a season that, on paper, might not look remarkable—but context matters. They’ve been clawing their way back into relevance after decades spent mostly on the fringes. And this year, they didn’t just flirt with playoff contention; they grabbed it and held tight. De’Aaron Fox continued evolving, and Domantas Sabonis was a bruising, steady force. With odds sitting at 22-1, they are looking like a dark horse MVP candidate, where those that are following them, and other teams, can read more about offshore platforms that accept players from the Golden State.
The Sacramento Kings had to make decisions when their offense went flat or the bench disappeared, but they bounced back. That’s what made them one of the more interesting California teams to follow this year: there was actual grit there. Less hype, more push.
San Diego’s sports scene doesn’t always get the same level of attention as its glitzier neighbors to the north, but the Padres made enough noise to warrant mention. Their season had all the elements of a soap opera—high payroll, clubhouse friction, big expectations—but somehow they managed to keep their heads above water and make a late-season surge. Not the cleanest run, not even the most cohesive one. With 14-1 chances of winning the World Series, this is shaping up to be one of their best runs. And that’s part of what made it compelling. In a state full of polished franchises, the Padres looked a little cracked around the edges. And still, they didn’t fold. Sometimes, that’s worth more than a perfect stat line.
Switching gears, the San Francisco 49ers were almost surgical in how they dismantled opponents throughout the NFL regular season. Brock Purdy silenced doubters with poise, and the front office’s long-term roster planning paid off. Christian McCaffrey’s presence transformed the offense into something smoother and harder to predict. Not everything clicked from day one, but by midseason, they were rolling. And defensively? Not quite impenetrable, but close. They played with that kind of cold efficiency that’s easy to underrate until you look at the scoreboard. What’s interesting is how unflashy it all felt. They didn’t need the dramatics. They just did the work. Sitting at a 4.8% chance of winning the Super Bowl with +2000 Super Bowl odds, the 49ers are currently the sixth-best in the league, with ample room to improve.
The Golden State Warriors had one of their more turbulent years. Injuries, off-court tension, and age caught up with them in moments. Still, even with all that, they remained in the conversation. That says something. Curry kept producing, and Draymond was still Draymond—chaotic but essential. It wasn’t a winning formula every night, but they fought through the noise. People forget how hard that is in a league where younger, faster teams keep pressing forward. Maybe they didn’t finish on top, but they held the line longer than some expected. And it all paid off with their odds currently at -375, meaning they have roughly 78.95% to secure a postseason bid in 2025-26.
Los Angeles FC, who recently got Son Heung-Min, over in Major League Soccer, also deserves a nod. They were not the best, but their energy is unmatched, and that's the stuff of successful teams that will make it in the long run. Carlos Vela remains a leader, putting his experience and age to good use. His presence alone inspires the team, and what more could you ask from a leader? At certain points, LAFC dominated the ball possession, and they were the ones setting the tempo of the game.
While this didn't last, it shows that the potential is there, and all they need to do is find their stride. LAFC is near the top of the Western Conference, looking good and promising. CONCACAF competitions are their big chance to shine again, and since they are still in a relatively young league, still finding their place in the US, LAFC has nothing to be ashamed about. They can bask in the spotlight for now, as we eagerly anticipate the next match.
Back in the women’s game, Angel City FC continued to build both on and off the field. Wins came a little more slowly this season, and the attack lacked sharpness at times, but the growth was visible. There’s a rawness to the team that actually works in their favor. They’re still crafting their identity, and some matches felt more experimental than refined. But that’s alright. That’s part of expansion. The important thing is they didn’t plateau. They moved forward. Even if by inches.
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