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).
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.
Snooping around on Reddit, but this comment on Katelyn Rosen's floor routine says it all. She's really picked right up where she left off in 2025.
Said Janelle McDonald earlier this week: "Kate put in the work all summer long."
Rosen stayed in LA during the summer to train.
Said Janelle McDonald earlier this week: "Kate put in the work all summer long."
Rosen stayed in LA during the summer to train.
December 13, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Snooping around on Reddit, but this comment on Katelyn Rosen's floor routine says it all. She's really picked right up where she left off in 2025.
Said Janelle McDonald earlier this week: "Kate put in the work all summer long."
Rosen stayed in LA during the summer to train.
Said Janelle McDonald earlier this week: "Kate put in the work all summer long."
Rosen stayed in LA during the summer to train.
Madisyn Anyimi looks far more controlled and confident in all of her events. A usable floor routine from her could go a long way.
December 13, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Madisyn Anyimi looks far more controlled and confident in all of her events. A usable floor routine from her could go a long way.
Jarring to see Emma Malabuyo now be the coach giving advice to gymnasts on balance beam — rather than the shoo-in anchor.
It's a new era on the event for sure.
It's a new era on the event for sure.
December 13, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Jarring to see Emma Malabuyo now be the coach giving advice to gymnasts on balance beam — rather than the shoo-in anchor.
It's a new era on the event for sure.
It's a new era on the event for sure.
UCLA announces that Chiles performed her Prince routine for the final time.
(Same floor routine as last season, as of now; if you were wondering)
December 13, 2025 at 10:06 PM
UCLA announces that Chiles performed her Prince routine for the final time.
Another year, another year of Jordan Chiles.
December 13, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Another year, another year of Jordan Chiles.
Impressed with Jordis Eichman's beam routine, a lot of potential there.
Same goes with Nola Matthews on floor — good routines from the Bruin freshmen.
Same goes with Nola Matthews on floor — good routines from the Bruin freshmen.
December 13, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Impressed with Jordis Eichman's beam routine, a lot of potential there.
Same goes with Nola Matthews on floor — good routines from the Bruin freshmen.
Same goes with Nola Matthews on floor — good routines from the Bruin freshmen.
Yeah — Ciena Alipio is a bona fide three-event gymnast. There's so much to work with in all of her routines: bars, beam, floor.
Senior season Ciena is here.
Senior season Ciena is here.
December 13, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Yeah — Ciena Alipio is a bona fide three-event gymnast. There's so much to work with in all of her routines: bars, beam, floor.
Senior season Ciena is here.
Senior season Ciena is here.
Thoughts on vault:
Rosen/Jenkins/Sullivan + Chiles and McGowan when they are event-ready, could offer five 10.0s. Jenkins has guaranteed herself a spot at every meet in 2026 — just a phenomenal Y 1 1/2, sticking both her warmup and intrasquad vaults to rousing applause.
Rosen/Jenkins/Sullivan + Chiles and McGowan when they are event-ready, could offer five 10.0s. Jenkins has guaranteed herself a spot at every meet in 2026 — just a phenomenal Y 1 1/2, sticking both her warmup and intrasquad vaults to rousing applause.
December 13, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Thoughts on vault:
Rosen/Jenkins/Sullivan + Chiles and McGowan when they are event-ready, could offer five 10.0s. Jenkins has guaranteed herself a spot at every meet in 2026 — just a phenomenal Y 1 1/2, sticking both her warmup and intrasquad vaults to rousing applause.
Rosen/Jenkins/Sullivan + Chiles and McGowan when they are event-ready, could offer five 10.0s. Jenkins has guaranteed herself a spot at every meet in 2026 — just a phenomenal Y 1 1/2, sticking both her warmup and intrasquad vaults to rousing applause.
How about twice?
Warmups are warmups, but Riley Jenkins just stuck a Y 1 1/2 vault.
December 13, 2025 at 9:26 PM
How about twice?
Katelyn Rosen sticks her bars routine. Rosen should be in for a big junior season — and the Bruins will need her to have one.
December 13, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Katelyn Rosen sticks her bars routine. Rosen should be in for a big junior season — and the Bruins will need her to have one.
UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond is here at Pauley Pavilion for the Meet The Bruins preseason intrasquad, watching with at least one of his children.
December 13, 2025 at 9:22 PM
UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond is here at Pauley Pavilion for the Meet The Bruins preseason intrasquad, watching with at least one of his children.