C4 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 • RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH

NBA NOTES NOTES Johnson’s in, Kupchak’s out Nationals end Lakers swing deal, he plans to leave Land- late that potential into mark Sports Agency to be- wins despite playing an ex- get Brewer and a come the Lakers’ general citing style under Walton. manager. Wieters’ wait Lakers-Rockets trade: pick for Williams made the By The extraordinary moves two swung its first Washington signs days before the NBA’s deal of the ex-Baltimore star LOS ANGELES — The Los trade deadline. The Lak- Johnson Kupchak Era, agreeing to send Lou Williams to Houston for Angeles Lakers fired gen- ers are 19-39 this season, the Lakers’ front office for to a one-year deal eral manager Mitch Kup- plummeting out of con- Corey Brewer and a future 19 years, including 12 in draft pick. By The Associated Press chak on Tuesday and put tention after an encourag- charge of oper- Magic Johnson in charge ing 10-10 start under new Williams led the Lakers WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — ations alongside Kupchak. with 18.6 points per game, of basketball operations coach , who The Lakers are mired in After waiting and waiting playing off the bench. in a major shake-up of got a strong vote of confi- the worst four-year stretch to find a free agent deal, Brewer was averaging 4.2 the struggling franchise’s dence from Jeanie Buss. in franchise history, miss- Matt Wieters, a four-time points for Houston. front office. In a statement, Jeanie ing the playoffs in three All-Star , finally Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said she “took a se- consecutive years with Williams has scored the found a match with the Buss also removed her ries of actions I believe their three worst records most points off the bench . brother, Jim, from his job will return the Lakers to ever. They finished 17-65 in the NBA this season. Wieters and the Nation- as the Lakers’ executive the heights Dr. last season, a franchise No. 2 on that list is new als agreed in principle on vice president of basket- demanded and our fans low in the last year of Kobe teammate . a $10.5 million contract ball operations. rightly expect,” referring to Bryant’s two-decade run Reserves have three for 2017, pending a physi- Jeanie Buss then pro- her father, the late Lakers with the franchise. games of 35 points or cal, according to a person moted Johnson, a Hall of owner. The Lakers’ recent in- more in the NBA this sea- familiar with the deal. The Fame guard who re- Kupchak has been the eptitude didn’t hurt their son, all by Williams, all in contract includes a player turned to the franchise ear- 16-time NBA champion place as Los Angeles’ most a dazzling seven-day span option for 2018 worth an- in early December. He had other $10.5 million. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS lier this year in an executive franchise’s GM since beloved sports franchise Matt Wieters, a longtime 40 points against Mem- Wieters has played his role. Johnson is the Lakers’ 2000, when left and a worldwide brand, Orioles catcher, .244 phis, 38 against Utah and entire career in the AL new president of basketball the team. Kupchak had but Jeanie Buss finally tired with 17 homers and 66 RBIs 35 against Phoenix. with the operations, reporting di- been in the Lakers’ front of the apparent lack of in 124 games last year. He is Williams has been to after being taken with the rectly to Jeanie Buss. office for 30 years, includ- progress. The Lakers have now with the Nationals. According to a person ing the past 17 as general a talented young core with the playoffs six times with No. 5 overall pick in the with knowledge of the sit- manager — the longest D’Angelo Russell, Julius three teams, seeing action 2007 amateur draft. designated for assignment uation, prominent agent current stretch running a Randle, Brandon Ingram in 41 postseason contests. The defending NL East last week when New York has begun front office in the NBA. and Jordan Clarkson, but He’s under contract for $7 champion Nationals had agreed to a contract with informing his clients that had been in haven’t been able to trans- million next season. opened — first baseman Chris Carter. the first official full-squad To make room for Bleier workout was Sunday — on the 40-man roster, the with , who Orioles designated first NHL ROUNDUP batted .186 for the San baseman/outfielder Chris- Diego Padres last season, tian Walker for assign- projected as their starting ment. Walker batted .148 catcher. Wilson Ramos, an in 13 games with Balti- Byron lifts Montreal in shootout All-Star in 2016, left Wash- more in 2014 and 2015. ington as a free agent and The move Tuesday was Shea Weber had a goal Maple Leafs: A source Julien gets first Notes joined Tampa Bay. the Orioles’ fourth in four and an for the Can- with direct knowledge of Now the question be- days. They agreed to minor adiens. Andrew Shaw also Hurricanes: Carolina ac- the move told The Asso- win in second stint comes how this affects league contracts with out- scored for Montreal. quired the son of former ciated Press that Toronto Norris, and manager Dusty fielders Craig Gentry on with Canadiens The Rangers’ Mats NHL defenseman Ulf Sam- placed Brooks Laich on Baker indicated it’s likely Saturday and with Michael By The Associated Press Zuccarello opened the uelsson from Montreal in a waivers, two days after the Norris will be traded. Bourn on Monday and ac- shootout with a goal, and trade of minor leaguers. veteran center questioned But Baker also noted quired left-hander Vidal NEW YORK — Paul Byron Montreal’s Alexander The Hurricanes picked where he fit in the team’s “there’s a chance” Nor- Nuno from the Los Angeles scored in the fifth round Radulov tied it in the third up defenseman Philip plans. ris sticks around, because Dodgers on Sunday. of the shootout, and Mon- round. Samuelsson from Mon- The Maple Leafs ac- “you don’t want to just treal beat the New York Rick Nash and Oscar treal in exchange for de- quired the 33-year-old in give him away.” Unionto receivenotice Rangers on Tuesday night Lindberg scored in regu- fenseman Keegan Lowe. a trade with Washington Wieters, 30, is a switch- to give coach Claude Julien lation for the Rangers. The elder Samuelsson a year ago in a bid to have on someruleschanges hitter known for his abil- his first win in his second Henrik Lundqvist made made three All-Star teams the 13-season veteran PHOENIX — Major League ity to work with a pitching stint with the Canadiens. 26 saves as New York and won two Stanley Cups play a leadership role on Baseball intends give the staff. He has a .256 career Carey Price made 28 snapped its five-game in a 16-year NHL career a young, rebuilding team. players’ association the re- batting average with 117 saves for Montreal. Price home win streak. and is the coach of the Laich, however, has spent quired one-year advance homers and 437 RBIs in stopped Kevin Hayes and Lundqvist stopped Max Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate this season in the minors notice that would allow eight seasons. J.T. Miller twice in the OT, Pacioretty halfway through in Charlotte. His 25-year- since being demoted in management to unilater- Last year, Wieters hit including a diving in , and Montreal’s old son has one goal and October. He missed two ally change the strike zone, .244 with 17 homers and the closing seconds of the Tomas Plekanec also hit four assists in 40 AHL months because of an un- install pitch clocks and 66 RBIs in 124 games, after extra period. the post late in the period. games with St. John’s. disclosed injury. limit trips to the pitcher’s becoming a free agent and mound starting in 2018. accepting the Orioles’ $15.8 Commissioner Rob Man- million qualifying offer. Standings Washington at Philadelphia, 8 2–28. N.Y. Rangers 7-13-6-4–30. 8:23. 7, Minnesota, Granlund 19 fred made the announce- Boston at Anaheim, 10:30 Goalies–Montreal, Price 25-15-5 (30 (Koivu, Niederreiter), 13:09 (pp). 8, EASTERN CONFERENCE SENATORS 2, DEVILS 1 shots-28 saves). N.Y. Rangers, Lun- , Toews 15 (Schmaltz), 18:58. ment Tuesday after union Atlantic WLOT Pts GF GA dqvist 27-14-2 (28-26). Shots on Goal–Chicago 15-13-11–39. Oriolesacquire Montreal 32 20 8 72 169 155 Ottawa 011—2 A–18,006 (18,200). T–2:39. Minnesota 14-5-13–32. head Tony Clark said he Ottawa 32 20 6 70 158 153 New Jersey 001—1 Goalies–Chicago, Crawford 23-13-3 left-handerBleier didn’t foresee players Toronto 28 20 11 67 186 177 ISLANDERS 3, RED WINGS 1 (32 shots-29 saves). Minnesota, Dub- Second Period–1, Ottawa, Turris 20 SARASOTA, Fla. — Florida 28 20 10 66 149 162 (Pageau, Dzingel), 0:59. N.Y. Islanders 111—3nyk 32-11-3 (38-34). Balti- agreeing to the changes Boston 30 23 6 66 159 156 Third Period–2, Ottawa, Karlsson 10 Detroit 100—1 A–19,333 (18,064). T–2:29. Tampa Bay 27 24 8 62 164 167 more acquired its second for 2017. Under baseball’s (Phaneuf, Brassard), 4:11 (pp). 3, N.J., First Period–1, N.Y. Islanders, Bailey MAPLE LEAFS 5, JETS 4, OT Buffalo 26 24 10 62 147 168 Zajac 12 (Palmieri, Blandisi), 6:37 (pp). 12, 15:00. 2, Detroit, Zetterberg 14 left-handed pitcher in labor contract, manage- Detroit 24 26 10 58 150 178 Shots on Goal–Ottawa 10-9-4–23. (Nielsen, Vanek), 19:59 (pp). Winnipeg 2200—4 three days when the New ment can make changes Metropolitan WLOT Pts GF GA N.J. 10-10-10–30. Second Period–3, N.Y. Islanders, De Toronto 1211—5 Washington 39 12 7 85 195 126 Goalies–Ottawa, Anderson 15-7-1 haan 4(Quine, Nelson), 10:46 (pp). First Period–1, Toronto, Komarov York Yankees dealt Richard to playing rules only with Pittsburgh 37 14 8 82 207 166 (30 shots-29 saves). N.J., Schneider Third Period–4, N.Y. Islanders, Ta- 9(Zaitsev, Leivo), 1:02. 2, Winnipeg, Bleier agreement from the union Columbus 37 16 5 79 187 143 19-18-8 (23-21). vares 22 (Bailey), 3:42. Laine 29 (Scheifele, Perreault), 4:25. to the Orioles for a N.Y. Rangers 38 19 2 78 198 155 A–12,343 (17,625). T–2:16. Shots on Goal–N.Y. Islanders 8-11- 3, Winnipeg, Little 17 (Byfuglien, player to be named or cash. — unless it gives one-year N.Y. Islanders 28 21 10 66 177 175 3–22. Detroit 9-12-6–27. Lowry), 10:33 (pp). Philadelphia 28 24 7 63 154 179 PENGUINS 3, HURRICANES 1 Goalies–N.Y. Islanders, Greiss 19- Second Period–4, Toronto, Kadri Bleier had a 1.96 ERA notice. With the one year New Jersey 25 25 10 60 139 172 Pittsburgh 111—311-3 (27 shots-26 saves). Detroit, 25 (Rielly, Leivo), 15:52. 5, Winnipeg, in 23 games for the Yan- of notice, management can Carolina 24 24 8 56 142 165 Carolina 100—1Mrazek 14-16-6 (22-19). Ehlers 20 (Morrissey, Wheeler), 17:24. A–20,027 (20,066). T–2:26. 6, Toronto, Komarov 10 (Matthews, kees last season. He was make changes on its own. WESTERN CONFERENCE First Period–1, Pittsburgh, Wilson 6 Nylander), 19:28 (pp). 7, Winnipeg, Central WLOT Pts GF GA (Hornqvist, Cullen), 2:15. 2, Carolina, LIGHTNING 4, OILERS 1 Laine 30 (Scheifele, Perreault), 19:57. Skinner 20 (Stempniak, Di giuseppe), Third Period–8, Toronto, Nylander Minnesota 39 14 6 84 198 138 Edmonton 010—1 8:00 (pp). 17 (Matthews, Gardiner), 3:30 (pp). Chicago 37 18 5 79 177 154 Tampa Bay 112—4 St. Louis 31 24 5 67 170 173 Second Period–3, Pittsburgh, Crosby Overtime–9, Toronto, Gardiner 9 Nashville 28 22 9 65 169 165 33 (Letang, Kessel), 16:21 (pp). First Period–1, T.B., Palat 12 (Matthews), 2:29. Winnipeg 28 29 6 62 184 199 Third Period–4, Pittsburgh, Malkin (Kucherov), 4:26. Shots on Goal–Winnipeg 8-7-4-1–20. Dallas 23 27 10 56 165 193 25 (Hagelin), 9:41. Second Period–2, T.B., Palat 13 (John- Toronto 15-12-8-2–37. Colorado 16 38 3 35 113 190 Shots on Goal–Pittsburgh 7-6-9–22. son, Kucherov), 0:16. 3, Edmonton, Pak- Goalies–Winnipeg, Hellebuyck 20- arinen 1(Klefbom, Larsson), 10:17. 15-2 (37 shots-32 saves). Toronto, Pacific WLOT Pts GF GA Carolina 14-10-6–30. Goalies–Pittsburgh, Murray 22-7-3 Third Period–4, T.B., Kucherov 22 Andersen 23-13-10 (20-16). San Jose 35 18 7 77 166 144 (Stralman, Johnson), 0:49. 5, T.B., T–2:55. Edmonton 32 20 8 72 172 156 (30 shots-29 saves). Carolina, Ward 21-19-7 (22-19). Namestnikov 8(Kucherov), 19:59. Anaheim 31 20 10 72 156 154 Shots on Goal–Edmonton 7-9-5–21. Late Monday Calgary 30 26 4 64 159 172 A–12,145 (18,680). T–2:26. T.B. 12-10-6–28. COYOTES 3, DUCKS 2 Los Angeles 28 26 4 60 143 145 CANADIENS 3, RANGERS 2, SO Goalies–Edmonton, Brossoit 1-1-0 Vancouver 26 28 6 58 142 172 Montreal 1100—3(27 shots-24 saves). T.B., Bishop 16- Anaheim 011—2 Arizona 21 30 7 49 140 183 N.Y. Rangers 1100—212-3 (21-20). Arizona 300—3 Monday’s Late Result Montreal won shootout 2-1 A–19,092 (19,092). T–2:35. First Period–1, Arizona, Dvorak 10 Arizona 3, Anaheim 2 (Perlini, Doan), 2:02. 2, Arizona, Chych- First Period–1, Montreal, Shaw 8 Tuesday’s Results BLACKHAWKS 5, WILD 3 run 4(White, Rieder), 4:46. 3, Arizona, (Weber, Emelin), 3:55. 2, N.Y. Rang- Vrbata 12 (Schenn, Domi), 14:50. Ottawa 2, New Jersey 1 ers, Lindberg 3(Skjei, Fast), 10:03. Chicago 023—5 Pittsburgh 3, Carolina 1 Minnesota 012—3 Second Period–4, Anaheim, Getzlaf Second Period–3, Montreal, Weber 10 (Manson, Ritchie), 12:26. Montreal 3, N.Y. Rangers 2, SO 14 (Pacioretty, Markov), 1:42 (pp). 4, Second Period–1, Chicago, Toews N.Y. Islanders 3, Detroit 1 Third Period–5, Anaheim, Getzlaf 11 N.Y. Rangers, Nash 17 (Vesey, Mc- 13 (Van riemsdyk, Campbell), 0:58. (Fowler, Vatanen), 19:33. Tampa Bay 4, Edmonton 1 donagh), 9:26. 2, Minnesota, Granlund 18 (Koivu, Shots on Goal–Anaheim 10-15- Winnipeg at Toronto, late Shootout–Montreal 2(Flynn NG, Niederreiter), 4:20 (pp). 3, Chicago, 11–36. Arizona 6-7-7–20. DEAN HOFFMEYER/TIMES-DISPATCH Calgary at Nashville, late Radulov G, Pacioretty NG, Gal- Panik 16 (Toews), 5:01. Goalies–Anaheim, Bernier 8-5-2 (6 Chicago at Minnesota, late chenyuk NG, Byron G), N.Y. Rangers 1 Third Period–4, Chicago, Schmaltz shots-3 saves), Gibson 23-15-8 (14- Steve Ruckman, the Flying Squirrels’ director of field Los Angeles at Colorado, late (Zuccarello G, Zibanejad NG, Stepan 5(Toews), 0:33. 5, Minnesota, Parise 14). Arizona, Smith 16-16-6 (28-27), Today’s Games NG, Vesey NG, Miller NG). 14 (Pominville, Scandella), 6:41. 6, Langhamer 0-0-0 (8-7). operations, figures The Diamond’s grass will be clipped Edmonton at Florida, 7:30 p.m. Shots on Goal–Montreal 10-8-8- Chicago, Toews 14 (Schmaltz, Panik), A–14,554 (17,125). T–2:28. about 150 times during the season. Squirrels’ groundskeeper Kickers, WTVR form broadcast package still on the cutting edge BY VIC DORR JR. Bay (April 29) and Ottawa tablished two attendance BY JOHN O’CONNOR Richmond Times-Dispatch (May 27), will be carried records in 2016: 6,123 for Richmond Times-Dispatch on subchannel 6.3. In all, a regularly scheduled USL The Richmond Kick- The Richmond Flying eight home and nine road game (Sept. 17 vs. Charles- ers attracted fans in re- Squirrels open their sea- matches will be televised. ton); and 68,497 for 17 cord numbers during son on April 6 at The Dia- WTVR general man- HARRISBURG AT KICKERS openings overall. their 2016 home season. mond, but the team’s chief HARTFORD AT USL season opener In addition, each of the This year, they hope to at- ager Stephen Hayes said mowing man recognized FLYING SQUIRRELS Kickers’ 32 USL contests tract viewers, as well. The the station is “thrilled” March 25: 5 p.m. Monday as opening day in Eastern League season opener will be available on You- two are not necessarily by the partnership. Said ance with WTVR “will put his turf world. April 6: 7:05 p.m. Tube via USLsoccer.com’s synonymous. Hayes: “Given their avid us in front of people we Steve Ruckman, the Official Match Center. 150 times. He’ll be on the The Kickers and local fan base and the growing haven’t been in front of in Squirrels’ director of field riding mower for about CBS affiliate WTVR on popularity of the sport, the past. It’s going to make [email protected] operations, cut the grass 125 of those jobs, with as- Tuesday announced an we’re excited to present it possible for us to tell our (804) 649-6442 for the first time in 2017. @RTDVicDorr sistants clipping the rest of alliance that will create a this platform to watch the story to a different audi- Ruckman, The Dia- BROADCAST SCHEDULE the time. 17-match home-and-away Kickers this season.” ence. It’s absolutely what mond’s groundskeeper March: 25, Harrisburg (5 p.m., CBS 6.1) Each field mow takes broadcast package over the Daryl Grove and Taylor we need to keep moving in April: 8, Louisville City FC (5 p.m., 6.3); since the Squirrels came one man about 1:45. Ruck- course of the seven-month Rockwell, the co-conduc- the right direction and to 22, Pittsburgh Riverhounds (5, 6.3); 29, to Richmond for the 2010 at Tampa Bay Rowdies (7:30, 6.3) man listens to music, USL regular season. tors of the Richmond- keep growing not only the May:13, Harrisburg City Islanders (7 season, determined Mon- p.m., 6.3); 27, at Ottawa Fury FC (2, 6.1) mostly country and hip Three matches, includ- based “Total Soccer Show” club, but also the sport.” June: 10, at Charleston Battery (7 p.m., day was the right day to hop, while riding. ing the Kickers’ March 25 podcast, will provide Tuesday’s announce- 6.1); 24, Charlotte Independence (7, 6.3) start mowing by the height July: 15, at Harrisburg City Islanders “I would much rather home opener against Har- commentary for home ment continues the Kick- (7 p.m., 6.3); 29, Saint Louis FC (7, 6.3) of the grass, a bit higher be out here than in an of- risburg, will be carried on matches. Road-game im- ers’ two-year ascent Aug.: 5, at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (7 p.m., 6.3); 19, Toronto FC II (7, 6.3); than 1 inch many areas. fice,” said Ruckman. “I the station’s main channel ages and description will be toward mainstream status. 26, Charleston Battery (7, 6.3) Between opening day Sept.: 2, at Charlotte Independence think that’s just the way (6.1). Fourteen, including provided by the host team. City Stadium attendance (7 p.m., 6.3); 16, at Charleston Bat- and the close of the Squir- I’m wired.” a home date with Charles- Santiago Lucio, the Kick- has increased 40 percent tery (7, 6.3) rels’ season in early Sep- Oct.: 7, at Saint Louis FC (8:30 p.m., [email protected] ton (Aug. 26) and high- ers’ director of business since the conclusion of the 6.3); 14, at Louisville City FC (7:30, 6.3) tember, Ruckman figures (804) 649-6233 profile matches at Tampa development, said the alli- 2014 season. The club es- Note: Dates, times subject to change. the grass will be cut about @RTDjohnoconnor