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Joaquin Ruiz

Joaquin Ruiz is an aspiring sports writer from the Los Angeles area with a concentration in the NFL and NBA. Inspired by Blake Griffin jumping over a Kia Optima, he studies media at the University of California, Berkeley. You can follow him on Twitter @WalkingRuiz for more sports talk. 

'Most prominent team' in James Harden trade talks revealed

76ers guard James Harden picked up his $35.6 million option on the eve of free agency to facilitate a trade out of Philadelphia, and talks of his next destination have moved quickly, with one team reportedly most interested.

Clippers rumored to break up superstar duo near NBA Draft

Late Tuesday night, NBA analyst Marc Stein shared news of the L.A. Clippers shopping around superstar Paul George ahead of Thursday's NBA Draft.

Report: Clippers primed to trade player unhappy with role

On Monday afternoon, The Los Angeles Times' Andrew Greif reported that forward Marcus Morris is unhappy with how the Clippers utilized him to end the year, likely causing both parties to split during the offseason.

Report: Clippers 'expected to pursue a reunion' with future Hall of Famer

The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly looking into a reunion with future Hall of Famer Chris Paul.

Why one L.A. team should stay away from this 12-time All-Star PG

The Suns want to part ways with Chris Paul, and according to multiple NBA analysts, the guard may return to Los Angeles. 

Clippers GM resigns, gains full control of Wizards, two other franchises

On Wednesday evening, Clippers GM Michael Winger abandoned ship to command Monumental Basketball, which controls the Washington Wizards, the WNBA Mystics and the G-League Go-Go's.

Russell Westbrook, Clippers back each other on day one

On Wednesday night, ex-Lakers guard Russell Westbrook's move across the hall became official as he signed with the Clippers after clearing waivers.

Kawhi Leonard's return to elite status is keeping Clippers afloat

The Clippers needed Leonard to help them escape their mediocre 23-24 start. Now, just 2.5 games out of the third seed, the Clippers hope he can continue helping them gain separation from the rest of the West. 

Clippers are running out of time to turn ship around

Before the season, many believed the Clippers would finally reach the NBA Finals. Instead, the disappointing Clippers are 23-23 with 36 games remaining this season.

Jarrett Stidham's stellar debut may cause Raiders brass to rethink plans at QB position

After the Raiders decided to bench nine-year veteran Derek Carr for the remainder of the season, backup Jarrett Stidham shined in his first career start Sunday versus the 49ers.

Cold truth: Las Vegas QB Derek Carr stinks in freezing temperatures

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr threw three interceptions and completed only 53 percent of passes in Saturday's 13-10 loss to the Steelers. The game underscored an element that flusters the nine-year veteran: cold weather.

Raiders' slim playoff hopes hinge on winning every game

Following their fourth loss when leading by double digits this season, the tumbling Raiders are 5-8 with four games remaining. The team has a four percent chance to make the playoffs, according to FiveThirtyEight's 2022 NFL Predictions.

Clippers must feel urgency to see Kawhi Leonard and Paul George share the floor

On Friday afternoon, Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue announced that superstar forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are questionable to return Saturday vs. the Kings.

These numbers reveal Josh Jacobs' importance to Raiders

The fourth-year running back averages 135 yards of offense per game and leads the league in rushing yards (1,159) and first downs (67). 

Raiders star RB Josh Jacobs deserves massive contract

Ten games in, Jacobs has dominated on the ground. The former Alabama superstar leads the NFL in first downs with 58 and ranks third in rushing yards (930). According to Statmuse, the fourth-year veteran also leads running backs with four games of over 150 total yards from scrimmage.

Raiders owner Mark Davis puts support beyond HC Josh McDaniels

QB Derek Carr's tears following Sunday's loss to the Colts seem to summarize the dark state of the 2-7 Raiders. Owner Mark Davis, however, believes first-year coach Josh McDaniels is doing a "fantastic job."

Raiders' woes continue as Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow head to IR

An avalanche of bad news continues to crush the dreadful Raiders.

Raiders get reminder of awful Yannick Ngakoue-Chandler Jones 'swap'

The signing of the older, more popular name over keeping the younger player has backfired for the Raiders. 

Raiders release Johnathan Abram, adding to Jon Gruden regime's awful draft legacy

The Mississippi State product, a former first-round pick, started 34 games for the Raiders, totaling 255 tackles.  

Raiders send confusing message to fans by standing pat at trade deadline

The last-place Las Vegas Raiders made no moves at the trade deadline, a surprise considering they have major holes on the offensive line and on defense.

Disappointing Raiders TE Darren Waller must deliver after signing contract extension

After signing a three-year, $51 million contract extension in September, Waller has 16 catches for 175 yards in five games.

Disappointing Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow has chances to fatten stat line

Las Vegas Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow, who signed a two-year, $32 million contract extension in the offseason, has yet to produce the expected numbers through five games.

Silver lining for 1-4 Raiders includes a path to playoffs

Over the next month, the Raiders can climb the standings with potential wins over the Texans, Jaguars and Colts. 

QB Derek Carr's wheels can keep Raiders offense running at peak performance

While Carr is far from a renowned scrambler, his wheels give the already-powerful offense an added dimension, as he showed against the Broncos.

HC Josh McDaniels, not Raiders players, must 'learn how to win'

The aimless Las Vegas Raiders are 0-3. The teams that have beaten them are winless in their other six games, losing by an average of 16.2 points.  Head coach Josh McDaniels has reiterated that Las Vegas must "learn how to win." Considering the team made the playoffs last year with a less talented roster, this is not encouraging.