Benjamin Royer
@thebenroyer.bsky.social
I cover the Lakers for OCR/SCNG | Stops at the LA Times, Daily Bruin | Email: broyer@scng.com & Signal: BenRoyer.53 | rt ≠ endorsement
Pinned
Personal news: I am officially joining @ocregister.bsky.social & the Southern California News Group as their Los Angeles Lakers beat writer.
I start next week. I cannot wait to get started.
Please reach out with tips or ideas via email (broyer@scng.com) or Signal (BenRoyer.53).
I start next week. I cannot wait to get started.
Please reach out with tips or ideas via email (broyer@scng.com) or Signal (BenRoyer.53).
On the Lakers’ comeback victory over the 76ers, led by Austin Reaves’ heroics (in just 25 minutes due to his restriction), despite Luka Doncic’s early exit due to left hamstring soreness.
“He was unbelievable tonight.”
Online for @ocregister.bsky.social now: www.ocregister.com/2026/02/05/a...
“He was unbelievable tonight.”
Online for @ocregister.bsky.social now: www.ocregister.com/2026/02/05/a...
Austin Reaves, Lakers edge 76ers despite Luka Doncic’s early exit
Reaves battles through a minutes restriction to score 35 points in his second game back from an extended layoff, leading the Lakers to a 119-115 comeback win while Doncic sits out the second half w…
www.ocregister.com
February 6, 2026 at 8:41 AM
On the Lakers’ comeback victory over the 76ers, led by Austin Reaves’ heroics (in just 25 minutes due to his restriction), despite Luka Doncic’s early exit due to left hamstring soreness.
“He was unbelievable tonight.”
Online for @ocregister.bsky.social now: www.ocregister.com/2026/02/05/a...
“He was unbelievable tonight.”
Online for @ocregister.bsky.social now: www.ocregister.com/2026/02/05/a...
Lakers Coach JJ Redick on Luka Doncic’s early exit:
“He felt some soreness in the hamstring.”
Redick said that Doncic would get imaging done — team/Doncic didn’t feel comfortable bringing him back in the game.
“He felt some soreness in the hamstring.”
Redick said that Doncic would get imaging done — team/Doncic didn’t feel comfortable bringing him back in the game.
February 6, 2026 at 5:43 AM
Lakers Coach JJ Redick on Luka Doncic’s early exit:
“He felt some soreness in the hamstring.”
Redick said that Doncic would get imaging done — team/Doncic didn’t feel comfortable bringing him back in the game.
“He felt some soreness in the hamstring.”
Redick said that Doncic would get imaging done — team/Doncic didn’t feel comfortable bringing him back in the game.
Lakers say Luka Dončić (left leg soreness) will not return to tonight’s game.
February 6, 2026 at 4:42 AM
Lakers say Luka Dončić (left leg soreness) will not return to tonight’s game.
Luka Doncic is not on the floor to start the second half.
February 6, 2026 at 4:24 AM
Luka Doncic is not on the floor to start the second half.
Doncic sent a pass intended for Maxi Kleber, but it was picked off by Quentin Grimes with just under four minutes remaining in the half.
As Doncic turned to play defense, he grabbed at his left hamstring. Turned to the locker room at the stoppage in action just before half.
Lakers trail 59-51.
As Doncic turned to play defense, he grabbed at his left hamstring. Turned to the locker room at the stoppage in action just before half.
Lakers trail 59-51.
February 6, 2026 at 4:08 AM
Doncic sent a pass intended for Maxi Kleber, but it was picked off by Quentin Grimes with just under four minutes remaining in the half.
As Doncic turned to play defense, he grabbed at his left hamstring. Turned to the locker room at the stoppage in action just before half.
Lakers trail 59-51.
As Doncic turned to play defense, he grabbed at his left hamstring. Turned to the locker room at the stoppage in action just before half.
Lakers trail 59-51.
Austin Reaves gets a loud cheer from the home crowd entering with 2:05 to go in the first.
February 6, 2026 at 3:33 AM
Austin Reaves gets a loud cheer from the home crowd entering with 2:05 to go in the first.
Rui sinks a 3 — first Lakers shot converted from beyond the arc today. 20-13.
February 6, 2026 at 3:28 AM
Rui sinks a 3 — first Lakers shot converted from beyond the arc today. 20-13.
Joel Embiid has 10 early as JJ Redick calls timeout.
Whether Deandre Ayton or LeBron James on Embiid, the Sixers big is getting what he wants as the Lakers trail 20-10 in the first quarter.
Whether Deandre Ayton or LeBron James on Embiid, the Sixers big is getting what he wants as the Lakers trail 20-10 in the first quarter.
February 6, 2026 at 3:25 AM
Joel Embiid has 10 early as JJ Redick calls timeout.
Whether Deandre Ayton or LeBron James on Embiid, the Sixers big is getting what he wants as the Lakers trail 20-10 in the first quarter.
Whether Deandre Ayton or LeBron James on Embiid, the Sixers big is getting what he wants as the Lakers trail 20-10 in the first quarter.
Lakers coach JJ Redick can’t speak on the reported Gabe Vincent-Luke Kennard trade, with nothing official quite yet, shuffling a question off by stating that Vincent is inactive against the Sixers.
February 6, 2026 at 1:32 AM
Lakers coach JJ Redick can’t speak on the reported Gabe Vincent-Luke Kennard trade, with nothing official quite yet, shuffling a question off by stating that Vincent is inactive against the Sixers.
Lakers coach JJ Redick on Jaxson Hayes’ one-game suspension, being served tonight:
“I mean, he made an error in judgment, and he owned up to it and apologized. He hasn't had a chance to apologize in front of the team yet, but hopefully this is a learning opportunity for him.”
“I mean, he made an error in judgment, and he owned up to it and apologized. He hasn't had a chance to apologize in front of the team yet, but hopefully this is a learning opportunity for him.”
February 6, 2026 at 1:32 AM
Lakers coach JJ Redick on Jaxson Hayes’ one-game suspension, being served tonight:
“I mean, he made an error in judgment, and he owned up to it and apologized. He hasn't had a chance to apologize in front of the team yet, but hopefully this is a learning opportunity for him.”
“I mean, he made an error in judgment, and he owned up to it and apologized. He hasn't had a chance to apologize in front of the team yet, but hopefully this is a learning opportunity for him.”
Could get used to this.
February 6, 2026 at 12:22 AM
Could get used to this.
Story updated with details after the trade deadline closed.
The Vincent-Kennard swap ended up being the Lakers’ only trade on Thursday.
The Vincent-Kennard swap ended up being the Lakers’ only trade on Thursday.
The @ocregister.bsky.social story on the Lakers reportedly trading for Luke Kennard in a swap with the Hawks for Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick.
In the short term, Kennard provides the team a shot off the bench + financial flexibility for buyout market: www.ocregister.com/2026/02/05/l...
In the short term, Kennard provides the team a shot off the bench + financial flexibility for buyout market: www.ocregister.com/2026/02/05/l...
Lakers trade Gabe Vincent to Atlanta for Luke Kennard, reports say
Kennard is shooting a career-high 49.7% from 3-point range, bolstering the bench options for the Lakers, who also send the Hawks a 2032 2nd-round pick.
www.ocregister.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:45 PM
Story updated with details after the trade deadline closed.
The Vincent-Kennard swap ended up being the Lakers’ only trade on Thursday.
The Vincent-Kennard swap ended up being the Lakers’ only trade on Thursday.
The @ocregister.bsky.social story on the Lakers reportedly trading for Luke Kennard in a swap with the Hawks for Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick.
In the short term, Kennard provides the team a shot off the bench + financial flexibility for buyout market: www.ocregister.com/2026/02/05/l...
In the short term, Kennard provides the team a shot off the bench + financial flexibility for buyout market: www.ocregister.com/2026/02/05/l...
Lakers trade Gabe Vincent to Atlanta for Luke Kennard, reports say
Kennard is shooting a career-high 49.7% from 3-point range, bolstering the bench options for the Lakers, who also send the Hawks a 2032 2nd-round pick.
www.ocregister.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:03 PM
The @ocregister.bsky.social story on the Lakers reportedly trading for Luke Kennard in a swap with the Hawks for Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick.
In the short term, Kennard provides the team a shot off the bench + financial flexibility for buyout market: www.ocregister.com/2026/02/05/l...
In the short term, Kennard provides the team a shot off the bench + financial flexibility for buyout market: www.ocregister.com/2026/02/05/l...
Additionally, going to try and be far better about using this app.
Live updates tomorrow from Crypto.
Live updates tomorrow from Crypto.
Tip off ‼️ for me as @ocregister.bsky.social’s Lakers beat writer.
Wrote about the return of Austin Reaves and how that could impact a team that’s stood pat (so far) on trade deadline eve.
The Lakers play Thursday night at home versus the 76ers.
Online now: www.ocregister.com/2026/02/04/l...
Wrote about the return of Austin Reaves and how that could impact a team that’s stood pat (so far) on trade deadline eve.
The Lakers play Thursday night at home versus the 76ers.
Online now: www.ocregister.com/2026/02/04/l...
Lakers return home with Austin Reaves back in mix as trade deadline nears
Reaves, out since Christmas with a left calf strain, rejoined the lineup on Tuesday, reuniting with LeBron James and Luka Doncic, a rarity so far during the team’s injury-filled season.
www.ocregister.com
February 5, 2026 at 4:43 AM
Additionally, going to try and be far better about using this app.
Live updates tomorrow from Crypto.
Live updates tomorrow from Crypto.
Tip off ‼️ for me as @ocregister.bsky.social’s Lakers beat writer.
Wrote about the return of Austin Reaves and how that could impact a team that’s stood pat (so far) on trade deadline eve.
The Lakers play Thursday night at home versus the 76ers.
Online now: www.ocregister.com/2026/02/04/l...
Wrote about the return of Austin Reaves and how that could impact a team that’s stood pat (so far) on trade deadline eve.
The Lakers play Thursday night at home versus the 76ers.
Online now: www.ocregister.com/2026/02/04/l...
Lakers return home with Austin Reaves back in mix as trade deadline nears
Reaves, out since Christmas with a left calf strain, rejoined the lineup on Tuesday, reuniting with LeBron James and Luka Doncic, a rarity so far during the team’s injury-filled season.
www.ocregister.com
February 5, 2026 at 4:42 AM
Tip off ‼️ for me as @ocregister.bsky.social’s Lakers beat writer.
Wrote about the return of Austin Reaves and how that could impact a team that’s stood pat (so far) on trade deadline eve.
The Lakers play Thursday night at home versus the 76ers.
Online now: www.ocregister.com/2026/02/04/l...
Wrote about the return of Austin Reaves and how that could impact a team that’s stood pat (so far) on trade deadline eve.
The Lakers play Thursday night at home versus the 76ers.
Online now: www.ocregister.com/2026/02/04/l...
Personal news: I am officially joining @ocregister.bsky.social & the Southern California News Group as their Los Angeles Lakers beat writer.
I start next week. I cannot wait to get started.
Please reach out with tips or ideas via email (broyer@scng.com) or Signal (BenRoyer.53).
I start next week. I cannot wait to get started.
Please reach out with tips or ideas via email (broyer@scng.com) or Signal (BenRoyer.53).
January 28, 2026 at 10:58 PM
Personal news: I am officially joining @ocregister.bsky.social & the Southern California News Group as their Los Angeles Lakers beat writer.
I start next week. I cannot wait to get started.
Please reach out with tips or ideas via email (broyer@scng.com) or Signal (BenRoyer.53).
I start next week. I cannot wait to get started.
Please reach out with tips or ideas via email (broyer@scng.com) or Signal (BenRoyer.53).
Reposted by Benjamin Royer
Not sure if this is the real life or just fantasy. But I'll take it. www.latimes.com/sports/dodge... via @thebenroyer.bsky.social
Star outfielder Kyle Tucker reportedly agrees to four-year deal with Dodgers
Former Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker, one of the top players available in free agency, reportedly agrees to a four-year deal with the Dodgers.
www.latimes.com
January 16, 2026 at 5:28 AM
Not sure if this is the real life or just fantasy. But I'll take it. www.latimes.com/sports/dodge... via @thebenroyer.bsky.social
December 28, 2025 at 10:21 PM
UCLA women's basketball coach Cori Close said that I (from Los Angeles, not in Columbus), was the only media member to to talk with her after No. 4 UCLA's win vs No. 19 OSU. Close said she didn't mind if I printed her response, so here it is in full.
Close's full remarks are in the photo below:
Close's full remarks are in the photo below:
December 28, 2025 at 10:20 PM
UCLA women's basketball coach Cori Close said that I (from Los Angeles, not in Columbus), was the only media member to to talk with her after No. 4 UCLA's win vs No. 19 OSU. Close said she didn't mind if I printed her response, so here it is in full.
Close's full remarks are in the photo below:
Close's full remarks are in the photo below:
Thrilled to be with reporting legend Sam Farmer covering Chargers-Texans for the Los Angeles Times.
After covering practices and media availabilities from El Segundo throughout 2025, I’m looking forward to not just my first NFL regular season game, but my first credentialed.
Sidebar story to come.
After covering practices and media availabilities from El Segundo throughout 2025, I’m looking forward to not just my first NFL regular season game, but my first credentialed.
Sidebar story to come.
December 27, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Thrilled to be with reporting legend Sam Farmer covering Chargers-Texans for the Los Angeles Times.
After covering practices and media availabilities from El Segundo throughout 2025, I’m looking forward to not just my first NFL regular season game, but my first credentialed.
Sidebar story to come.
After covering practices and media availabilities from El Segundo throughout 2025, I’m looking forward to not just my first NFL regular season game, but my first credentialed.
Sidebar story to come.
“This is something that we’ve grown up just dreaming about.”
The wait was over.
Sienna and Lauren Betts on the court at the same time for UCLA.
The sisters together, at last, highlighted the historic and dominant Bruins’ victory.
For @ocregister.bsky.social: www.ocregister.com/2025/12/16/s...
The wait was over.
Sienna and Lauren Betts on the court at the same time for UCLA.
The sisters together, at last, highlighted the historic and dominant Bruins’ victory.
For @ocregister.bsky.social: www.ocregister.com/2025/12/16/s...
Sienna Betts makes her UCLA debut in rout of Cal Poly
The second-ranked recruit in the class of 2025, the freshman finishes with five points and two assists in 10 minutes while older sister Lauren has 20 points and 10 rebounds in the Bruins’ 115-28 wi…
www.ocregister.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:25 AM
“This is something that we’ve grown up just dreaming about.”
The wait was over.
Sienna and Lauren Betts on the court at the same time for UCLA.
The sisters together, at last, highlighted the historic and dominant Bruins’ victory.
For @ocregister.bsky.social: www.ocregister.com/2025/12/16/s...
The wait was over.
Sienna and Lauren Betts on the court at the same time for UCLA.
The sisters together, at last, highlighted the historic and dominant Bruins’ victory.
For @ocregister.bsky.social: www.ocregister.com/2025/12/16/s...
How cool is that? Lauren and Sienna Betts.
December 17, 2025 at 3:19 AM
How cool is that? Lauren and Sienna Betts.
At Pauley Pavilion, where we await to see if UCLA freshman forward Sienna Betts makes her college debut against Cal Poly.
Betts is listed as questionable, and is suited to play for the first time this season, as shown here as warmups begin.
Story for @ocregister.bsky.social to come.
Betts is listed as questionable, and is suited to play for the first time this season, as shown here as warmups begin.
Story for @ocregister.bsky.social to come.
December 17, 2025 at 2:52 AM
At Pauley Pavilion, where we await to see if UCLA freshman forward Sienna Betts makes her college debut against Cal Poly.
Betts is listed as questionable, and is suited to play for the first time this season, as shown here as warmups begin.
Story for @ocregister.bsky.social to come.
Betts is listed as questionable, and is suited to play for the first time this season, as shown here as warmups begin.
Story for @ocregister.bsky.social to come.
December 17, 2025 at 12:19 AM
UCLA forward Sienna Betts is QUESTIONABLE for the first time this season, as the freshman could make her debut against Cal Poly at 7 p.m. tonight.
Timea Gardiner remains OUT, while forward Angela Dugalic is also questionable.
Timea Gardiner remains OUT, while forward Angela Dugalic is also questionable.
December 17, 2025 at 12:13 AM
UCLA forward Sienna Betts is QUESTIONABLE for the first time this season, as the freshman could make her debut against Cal Poly at 7 p.m. tonight.
Timea Gardiner remains OUT, while forward Angela Dugalic is also questionable.
Timea Gardiner remains OUT, while forward Angela Dugalic is also questionable.