Sports
UCLA's offensive line vows not to let other teams feast on quarterback Ethan Garbers
UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers went out to dinner with his starting offensive line Sunday at a barbecue joint in Santa Monica. The only thing heftier than the five 300-pounders might have been the bill.
There was no doubt who was picking it up — the same guy who will rely on these beef-eaters more than anyone else this season.
“He did, yeah,” right tackle Garrett DiGiorgio confirmed Monday with a laugh.
Preventing Garbers from absorbing hits as the Bruins approach their season opener Saturday at Hawaii is among their top priorities, especially given what happened last season. UCLA allowed 42 sacks in 2023, ranking No. 113 out of 130 major college football teams.
Garbers was unable to play against Arizona State because of an injury and was knocked out of the game against California, leading to a pair of terrible home losses.
“Last year’s in the past,” DiGiorgio said. “Our main focus is to not let anybody touch Ethan this year. Even if that’s, like, in the run game or whatever he’s doing, we want to protect Ethan. That’s our No. 1 goal.”
It might help that even with three returning starters, UCLA’s offensive line looks nothing like last year’s. Josh Carlin has moved from guard to center, flanked by Spencer Holstege and Nevada Las Vegas transfer Alani Makihele. Reuben Unije, a transfer from Houston, takes over at left tackle opposite DiGiorgio, who has packed 10 pounds onto his 320-pound frame in preparation for the Bruins’ conference switch.
“Definitely put on a little weight for the Big Ten, you know what I’m saying?” DiGiorgio said.
Part of better protecting Garbers has been getting to know him better. The linemen have been spending more time with the quarterback, watching extra film with him in addition to grabbing meals. New offensive line coach Juan Castillo has insisted that the linemen protect Garbers outside the facility as well as inside.
“So anything he needs,” DiGiorgio said, “we’re there for.”
Does that mean DiGiorgio will open the door for Garbers?
“I mean, yeah,” he said, “of course.”
Depth chart
As expected, UCLA coach DeShaun Foster said redshirt sophomore Justyn Martin had secured the top backup quarterback spot behind Garbers.
The only battles for starting spots that remained before the opener, Foster said, were at kicker (Mateen Bhaghani or Blake Glessner) and punter (Brody Richter or Chase Barry). Bhaghani was listed as the starting kicker and Barry the starting punter on the depth chart released Monday afternoon.
Testing, testing, 1-2-3
The Bruins simulated game situations using new technology last weekend at the Rose Bowl in an attempt to prepare for their opener. They tested iPads on the sideline, allowing them to review plays in real time, and helmet communication systems that allowed a coach to communicate with one player on offense and defense.
There was also the matter of Foster and his new staff coordinating their communication based on which coaches sat in the press box versus standing on the sideline.
“I just wanted to get out there and kind of give them a little mock game,” Foster said, “just so they can get the special teams tied in with the offense and defense.”
Etc.
The Bruins are scheduled to depart for Honolulu on Thursday and return Sunday. The return is a day later than normal, giving players some beach time leading into the team’s first of two bye weeks this season. … UCLA defensive tackle Jay Toia on Hawaii’s Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, the Rainbow Warriors’ 15,194-seat temporary home while they await the completion of renovations to Aloha Stadium: “I mean, it’s got two end zones, so we’ve got an opportunity to play football.” … UCLA is a 14-point favorite over Hawaii.
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Winning two knockout stage games? That means you’re really in the running to win the World Cup.
Let’s check out the updated odds for which countries will make it to the quarterfinals at FanDuel Sportsbook as of July 1.
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To Reach Quarterfinals
France: -1250 (bet $10 to win $10.80 total)
Argentina: -425 (bet $10 to win $12.35 total)
Morocco: -260 (bet $10 to win $13.85 total)
Brazil: -240 (bet $10 to win $14.17 total)
England: -175 (bet $10 to win $15.71 total)
Spain: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)
Colombia: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
USA: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total)
Mexico: +140 (bet $10 to win $24 total)
Norway: +160 (bet $10 to win $26 total)
Portugal: +175 (bet $10 to win $27.50 total)
Canada: +180 (bet $10 to win $28 total)
Belgium: +185 (bet $10 to win $28.50 total)
Switzerland: +195 (bet $10 to win $29.50 total)
Senegal: +370 (bet $10 to win $47 total)
Algeria: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Egypt: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Ghana: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)
The USA is currently one of the favorites to reach the World Cup quarterfinals (Getty Images).
Here’s what to know about this oddsboard.
Recent History: The quarterfinals are kinda a given for France, at least in recent years. The French have made it to at least the quarterfinals in five of the last seven World Cups, and they have made the final in four of the last seven years, winning the tournament twice. Les Bleus are now heavy favorites at -1250 to beat Paraguay and get back to the quarterfinals.
The Host Nations: Before this summer, Canada had never won a World Cup match in two tournament appearances. But that has all changed. Canada is through to the Round of 16 after beating South Africa in the Round of 32. As for Mexico, it has recorded four straight scoreless wins to start the tournament for the first time in its nation’s history. El Tri will look to get back to the quarterfinals for the first time in 40 years after dominating Ecuador in the Round of 32. After its win over Ecuador, Mexico jumped from +290 to +140 to make the quarters. The U.S. looks to replicate the other two host nations’ knockout stage performances against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday.
Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda celebrates after the Dodgers beat the Montreal Expos to win the NL pennant in 1981.
(Associated Press)
Years as manager: 1976-1996
Record: 1,599-1,439, .526 win pct
After serving as the team’s third base coach for four seasons, Lasorda took over as manager late in the 1976 season when Alston announced his retirement. He led the Dodgers to the National League pennant in his first two full seasons, losing both times to the Yankees in the World Series. He won his first World Series in 1981, knocking off the Yankees, and rallied his team to a surprise title in 1988 in which the Dodgers beat the heavily favored Athletics. Lasorda was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997, his first year of eligibility.
A fiery and vibrant presence who spent 71 years with the Dodgers, Lasorda managed nine players who won the NL rookie of the year award. The Dodgers also opened the Japanese player pipeline on his watch. Hideo Nomo, the first Japanese big leaguer to permanently relocate to the U.S., joined the Dodgers in 1995. Three decades later, the team features Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on its star-studded roster.
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Back in January, the odds that King James would retire before the beginning of the 2026-27 season were slightly longer than the odds that he would give it another go.
But as of now, it looks like LeBron will, in fact, give it another go but with a team other than the Lakers.
Here are the latest odds for where James could land next season at DraftKings Sportsbook as of June 30.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.
LeBron James Next Team Odds
Golden State Warriors: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)
Los Angeles Lakers: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total)
Cleveland Cavaliers: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
Miami Heat: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
New York Knicks: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Detroit Pistons: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Dallas Mavericks: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
San Antonio Spurs: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Milwaukee Bucks: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Brooklyn Nets: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Washington Wizards: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
NBA free agency begins on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET. However, hours before its official start, LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, made a jaw-dropping announcement.
According to ESPN reporting, Paul notified the Lakers that the franchise could move on without LeBron because he plans to play elsewhere for the 2026-27 season.
James played for the organization for eight years — the longest he’s played for any other team. While in L.A., King James broke the all-time scoring record, won an NBA title and earned his fourth NBA Finals MVP.
The imprint he’s left on the league in his more than 20 years has been immeasurable.
Where will LeBron land next season now that his time in Los Angeles is over?
In addition to his tenure in Los Angeles, he’s played for the Cavaliers and the Heat, winning titles with all three franchises. He won Rookie of the Year, has four regular-season MVPs and is a 22-time All-Star.
James has averaged 26.8 points, 7.5 boards and 7.4 assists over the course of his career.
During the 2025-26 season, he helped lead the Lakers to a 53-29 record in the regular season. The team secured the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference and defeated Houston 4-2 in the first round.
Eventually, Los Angeles got bounced by Oklahoma City in the conference semifinals, 4-0, which marked LeBron’s last dance in Hollywood.
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