Los Angeles Times Sports photos of the year 2018

Danny Davis hits his head while landing on the halfpipe in the Men’s Halfpipe Finals competetion in Mammoth Mountain.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Brian “T-City” Ortega, a UFC featherweight fighter, trains on the heavy bag, in the garage of his coach, James Luhrsen, right, in the Harbor City neighborhood of Los Angeles on Feb. 22, 2018. The two met about 10 years ago in a south bay surf spot and have trained together since.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Washington St. linebacker Willie Taylor walks back to the locker room after warming-up before a game against USC at the Coliseum.  (Wally Skalij/ Los Angeles Times )

Texas receiver Devin Duvernay dives but can’t make the catch as USC cornerback Greg Johnson defends in the second quarter at Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Rams Cooper Kupp, left, celebrates his touchdown catch with running back Todd Gurley against the Vikings in the second quarter at the Coliseum.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Red Sox Andrew Benintendi makes a leaping catch hit by Dodgers Brian Dozier in the 5th inning of Game 2 of the World Series at Fenway Park.  (Wally Skalij/ Los Angeles Times)

Kings center Anze Kopitar falls to the ice as he battles for the puck with Wild center Mikko Koivu during third period action at Staples Center.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

A Rams player enters the stadium through the tunnel.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Dodgers pitcher Ross Stripling (68) pitches against the Angels during a game at Angel Stadium on July 7, 2018.  (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

Rams running back Malcolm Brown leaps over Saints safety Marcus Williams to score a touchdown in the 3rd quarter at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in Louisiana.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

A lifeguard prepares to enter the water for the Bud Stevenson Intracrew Medley Relay during the International Surf Festival in Hermosa Beach.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Clippers Danilo Gallinari gets an elbow to the face from teamate DeAndre Jordan while battling for a rebound against the Pacers at the Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Chargers safety Derwin James wrestles Cardinals tight end Jermaine Gresham to the ground during third quarter action.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Derwin James, the first round draft pick for the Chargers, photographed at Grand Central Market in Downtown on April 27, 2018 in Los Angeles.  (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) dives safely back to first base despite being hit by the throw from Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Jose Berrios (17) as Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) couldn’t reach the ball in the fifth inning at Angel Stadium on May 10, 2018.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

April Ross, left, and Alix Klineman, right, celebrate winning the women’s final in the AVP Manhattan Beach Open on August 19, 2018.  (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

Lifeguards wipe-out in the Bud Stevenson Intracrew Medley Relay during the International Surf Festival in Hermosa Beach.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers LeBron James during media day in El Segundo.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Dodgers Yasiel Puig celebrates in locker room after Dodgers defeated Brewers 5-1.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Gonzaga’s Zach Norvell is fouled by Florida St.’s Ike Obiagu while attempting a shot in the 1st half in 3rd round of the NCAA Tournament at the Staples Center Thursday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

A competitor launches off a ramp during the Men’s Slopestyle Qualifier in Mammoth Mountain.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Dodgers Tommy Lasorda walks through a tunnel with caretaker Felipe Ruiz during a Dodger work out at Fenway Park in Boston.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Boxer Patrcio Manuel celerbates after winning a super featherweight fight against Hugo Aguilar and making history as the first transgender fighter to compete at a pro level at Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler celebrates the last out of the sixth inning against the Rockies at Dodger Stadium.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Local competitors warm-up before the lifeguard run relay during the International Surf Festival in Hermosa Beach.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Dodgers left fielder Joc Pederson (31) celebrates Yasiel Puig’s (66) three-run homer off Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) with teammates in the sixth inning during Game 4 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2018.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Boxer Canelo Alvarez answers reporters questions during a round table session before a press conference with Gennady Golovkin at L.A. Live.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Rams running back Todd Gurley is upended by Raiders cornerback Melvin Rashaan after picking up yards in the 3rd quarter at the Oakland Coliseum Monday night.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lions defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson waits to take the field before a game with the Rams at Ford Field in Detroit.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

The Chargers defensive unit faces off against a section full of Raiders fans after linebacker Melvin Ingram intercepted a Derek Carr pass in the end zone, stopping a third quarter drive.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Zoe Kalapos competes in the Women’s Finals Halfpipe competetion in Mammoth Mountain.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)