Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 252

49ers’ Shanahan expects Jake Moody to be his kicker into the future

SANTA CLARA —  Jake Moody missed another goal attempt in Week 17, setting social media and talk radio ablaze.

Time for the 49ers to get a new kicker, or at the very least some competition during training camp in 2025.

Not necessarily, even if coach Kyle Shanahan threw his tablet on the sidelines in frustration after Moody missed a 41-yard attempt in a 29-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

“I believe we’ve got the right guy,” Shanahan said Thursday as the 49ers (6-9) began preparations to host the Detroit Lions (13-2). “He’s showed that at times. I thought he showed that at times in his rookie year. I thought he showed that in being 12 of 13 to start the year and I think he’ll show that in the future.”

But rest assured that Moody will be watched closely to see how he performs in the final two weeks of the season, beginning with a spotlight game on Monday night in a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship Game won 34-31 by the 49ers.

Since the game is at Levi’s Stadium, Moody should enter with some confidence. He’s 23-for-30 on field goal attempts a 76.7 rate that’s unacceptable in today’s NFL, let alone for a kicker who was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. But all seven of his misses have been on the road — one in Miami, two in Buffalo in the snow, three in Tampa Bay in the sunshine and one in Los Angeles.

Which apparently came as news to Moody.

“I actually didn’t know that,” Moody said. “That’s pretty interesting. I don’t think that necessarily has anything to do with it, being home or away. It’s just the misses, I’ve got to hit better kicks. It’s not any specific reason why I miss. I’ve just got to make sure I’m dialed in on my form.”

Moody is 15-for-15 in field goal attempts at home, starting off 6-for-6 in the opener against the New York Jets. But Moody sustained a high ankle sprain on his right kicking foot in Week 5 against Arizona, missing three games as the 49ers cycled through Matthew Wright (also injured on a kick return) and Anders Carlson.

“Since he’s come back, he hasn’t been as consistent, obviously,” Shanahan said. “I think a lot of it probably has to do with (the injury), just common-sense wise. Hopefully he can get to this offseason, heal up and find a stroke again.”

Having a midseason injury was a “learning experience,” according to Moody.

“Whether or not that was an issue, I don’t know. I’m still doing the best I can trying to keep everything what it was prior to the injury,” Moody said. “It’s not like you can really blame something.”

While tempted to alter his approach and preparation, Moody thought better of it. He considers kicking similar to golf, and said it can take years for golfers to master a swing change.

“In this business you don’t have that much time to try and dial something in and do big changes like that,” Moody said. “You’ve got to be consistent and not be changing too many things or you’ll be overwhelmed by everything.”

While the 49ers may bring another kicker into camp just for an extra leg, Shanahan didn’t sound as if he was looking to set up a competition for No. 1.

“I think you’ve got the wrong guy if you have to,” Shanahan said. “You do that when you don’t think you’re going to have a guy, but when those guys miss too much you go get a new one usually. And that’s what’s tough about the kicker position.”

GREENLAW DONE FOR THE YEAR

Shanahan hinted strongly Monday that linebacker Dre Greenlaw wouldn’t play in the last two games, saying he’d wait until talking to him before making it official.

“He’s not going to play in these two games,” Shanahan said Thursday. “He understood.”

Left tackle Spencer Burford (calf) did not practice and Shanahan thought there was a chance he’d be ready to face Detroit with Trent Williams and Jaylon Moore both on injured reserve. Left guard Aaron Banks (knee), who hasn’t yet been placed on IR, did not practice and neither did edge rusher Robert Beal Jr.

Those who were limited were safety Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle), running back Isaac Guerendo (foot/ankle). Nick Bosa (hip/oblique) was off the injury list.

Veteran offensive lineman Matt Hennessey was added to the roster with Williams going on injured reserve, with Sebastian Gutierrez joining the practice squad.

Shanahan will try to piecemeal an offensive line heading into Detroit, with newcomer Charlie Heck also in the mix.

“We’ve got to mix and match a number of guys,” Shanahan said.

The 49ers activated the practice clock on rookie linebacker Tatum Bethune, who has been out with a knee injury in hopes of getting him back before the end of the regular season.

 

Getty ImagesCoach Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers (left) greets Detroit coach Dan Campbell after last year’s 34-31 playoff win over the Detroit Lions.

LIONS EXPECT 49ERS BEST SHOT

Detroit Dan Campbell thinks last year’s loss to the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game helped prepare them for taking another run at this season.

“I think we’re really more mature,” Campbell told the Detroit media. “Every year you learn something about winning and losing. And when you take an `L’ like we did last year you learn from that . . . I think we’re much more prepared than at that time. You feel like you’re (prepared) but you get into that with a heavyweight that’s been there numerous times, you don’t always know. I think that as an experience has served us well moving into this year.”

The Lions have also taken notice of what happened to the 49ers in 2022 when Brock Purdy tore the UCL in his throwing elbow in the NFC title game against Philadelphia and didn’t have a viable quarterback. Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was signed to the roster, giving the Lions three quarterbacks along with starter Jared Goff and backup Hendon Hooker.

STAT WATCH

— Tight end George Kittle (68 receptions, 967 yards) needs 33 yards receiving to reach 1,000 for the fourth time in his career and second in succession. With eight touchdown receptions, he’s three shy of his career high of 11 set in 2022.

— Wide receiver Jauan Jennings (63 receptions, 856 yards) needs 144 yards in his last two games to reach 1,000 for the first time in his career. His six touchdown receptions are a career best.

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— Bosa has has seven sacks and needs three over the last two games for his fourth consecutive season in double figures. Bosa had 15 1/2 in 2021, 18 1/2 in 2022 (winning NFC Defensive Player of the Year) and 10 1/2 last season.

First, Bosa is thinking about his eighth sack.

“Just trying to get to the next one,” Bosa said. “But it would be cool.”

— Defensive end Leonard Floyd has 8 1/2 sacks and needs 1 1/2 over the last two games to reach double figures for the second consecutive season and for the fourth time in his career.

— Middle linebacker Fred Warner (117 tackles) needs 21 in his last two games to exceed his career high of 137 in 2021. Warner has exceeded 100 tackles in each of his seven seasons.

— Purdy has 31 rushing first downs, three more than Colin Kaepernick had in 2013 and 2014.

 

Most medical debt can no longer hurt your credit score under new California law

Everyday people across the country skip medical care because of cost. Those who do seek medical help may end up with a balance they can’t pay off. That debt can hurt people’s credit scores, resulting in long-term financial burdens.

Starting Jan. 1, a new state law will prohibit health providers and debt collectors from reporting medical debt information to credit agencies. That means unpaid medical bills should no longer show up on people’s credit reports, which consumer advocacy groups say is a boon for patients with debt.

Here’s why: While the law will not forgive someone’s debt, by keeping it off credit reports, it might provide some reassurance that a hospital stay or trip to urgent care won’t later affect their credit standing. Lower credit scores usually result in higher interest rates and make it harder for people to qualify for a home rental, a car loan or even employment.

During legislative hearings, the law’s author, Sen. Monique Limón, a Democrat from Santa Barbara, contended that because people don’t choose to have a medical emergency or illness, this type of debt should not count against them. Supporters also argued that medical debt is more prone to inaccuracies because of billing mistakes by health providers and insurers.

The main three credit bureaus – TransUnion, Equifax and Experian — stopped reporting medical debt under $500 in 2023. But most people with medical debt owe far more than that. The national average for medical balance is $3,100, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In California, an estimated 38% of residents carry some type of medical debt; that figure climbs to more than half for low-income residents, according to the California Health Care Foundation.

One key caveat is that patients can only take advantage of this law if the debt is owed directly to a medical provider or collection agency, but not when the debt is charged on a medical credit card or a general credit card.

This new law follows similar ones enacted in a handful of other states, including New York and Colorado. It also mirrors a proposal put forth by the Biden administration to do the same nationwide. However, with a new administration taking over in January, it is unclear whether the federal proposal will go anywhere.

Limón’s office explained that under the law patients have the right to sue a debt collector or provider who reports a medical debt to a credit bureau. Consumers may also choose to file a complaint with the state’s Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, which has authority over debt collectors. Consumers can also file a complaint with the California Attorney General’s office.

The Herald’s Player of the Year, Offense: Carmel’s Rees was there when team needed him

CARMEL >> It began as an experiment. A fierce hitting safety with an understanding of the offense, Ashton Rees was asked to moonlight as a tailback out of the “Wildcat” formation, where the runner, not the quarterback, takes the snap from center.

As a result in 2023 Rees rushed for a team-high 15 touchdowns on just 55 carries for Carmel High, while living up to the hype of being a college football-caliber safety on defense.

So, when the multi-sport athlete was asked to resume the role  on offense again this past fall for the Padres, Rees’ assumption was he would primarily be taking direct snaps out of the Wildcat,  nothing more.

“We needed someone to fill the spot,” Rees said. “But I had no idea it was going to turn into a full-time thing. I thought it would mainly be out of the Wildcat, or short-yardage situations.”

The more touches Rees got, the better he performed. An offense that could torch opponents with its aerial attack, had a ground game to complement its assault on opponents.

Carmel High’s Ashton Rees (21) runs the ball in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their CIF NorCal Division 5-AA title football game against Acalanes High at Monterey Peninsula College. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)

Not only did Reese leave a legacy at Carmel, but he piled up a school-record 36 touchdowns in the 13 games he touched the ball and was named The Herald’s Offensive Player of the Year.

“We knew we needed some volume at the position,” Carmel coach Golden Anderson said. “I did not necessarily foresee this. We just wanted to be creative and give him five or six more touches a game.”

That changed in the Padres’ season-opener when the 6-foot-2 Rees handled the ball 19 times for 139 yards and three touchdowns in a come-from-behind win over Christopher.

“I was shocked,” Rees said. “I’ve mainly played defensive most of my life. I’m used to putting the shots on people. Honestly, I started to like it. It’s fun to touch the ball.”

The 36 touchdowns are the second most in county history behind Palma’s Emilio Martinez, who rushed for 39 in 14 games in 2016.

His 1,648 rushing yards is the second most in school history, behind Holden Smith, who rushed for 1,678 in 13 games in 2011.

“We had kind of gotten away from effectively running the ball,” Anderson said. “We had a good mix of backs last year. But we didn’t have a lot of depth at the position this year.”

Rees solved that, carrying the ball over 250 times, taking tacklers with him with his upright, yet punishing style of running.

“We started incorporating him more into the offense,” Anderson said. “It evolved into multiple combinations. We had five or six formations we did with him.”

An offense, that averaged over 45 points a game this past season, upped it to 49.8 through five playoff games, with Rees taking his game to another level.

Carmel’s Ashton Rees is a threat out of the “Wildcat” formation. (Donald Fukui — Herald file)

Having gone over 100 yards rushing in four regular season games, Rees added five more to his resume in the playoffs, including a 208-yard effort in the state title game.

“I was blessed being behind that offensive line,” Rees said. “They made it easier. There were always gaps. Even after I got through the second level, my receivers kept blocking.”

Blessed with a high football IQ, Rees would maneuver through defenses, juke a defender before shooting through an opening like a sprinter.

“He’s one of maybe three players on our roster that played youth tackle football,” Anderson said. “Ashton is just a good football player. He makes the most of his opportunities.”

That was evident in the Northern California Division 5AA title game when Rees went down with turf toe in the first half and was unable to put any weight on his foot.

“I’ve had turf toe before,” Rees said. “It never felt like that. It felt like a knife was digging into my foot. It was throbbing. I just asked our trainer, ‘Can I finish?’”

Heavily taped, Rees limped out to start the second half, unsure if he could plant his foot when taking a handoff. Those concerns were erased when he rushed for two second-half touchdowns

The trainer “said we’ll do what we can for this game,” Rees said. “I don’t even know what he did. I couldn’t bend it. But I was able to finish.”

Placed in a walking boot all week leading up to the state title game, Rees hobbled onto the field during warmups, unsure of anything other than he wasn’t going to miss the game.

“Every game I’m a little sore before from the previous week,” Rees said. “It was chilly. It felt like it did the week before. It (toe) was throbbing in the cleat. I just told coach I’m fine.”

Rees put on a performance that will be talked about at Carmel for years, turning 28 carries into 208 yards and four touchdowns, as well as catching a 16-yard touchdown pass.

“Each time I moved, it felt horrible,” said Rees, who is back in the protective boot. “I just forgot about it. There was no bruising this time.”

The injury, though, will keep Rees off the basketball court until mid-January, as doctors have told him the injury needs a minimum three weeks to heal.

“We’ll see,” Rees said.

The Carmel medical staff assists Ashton Rees off the field after Rees suffered a sprained toe in the second quarter of Friday’s Northern California Division 5AA title game. Rees scored four touchdowns on the night in the Padres’ 42-41 win over Acalanes. (Donald Fukui — Herald Correspondent)

While defense remains his likely destination in college, Rees embraced his role as a tailback, not concerned that it might keep recruiters from noticing his defensive skills.

“Playing tailback became a priority,” Rees said. “I accepted letting defense go a little bit. I knew I had to help the team on offense. It was nothing I was opposed to.”

Rees still got in his licks on defense, playing a lot of safety in the regular season, while returning a punt and two kickoffs for touchdowns this past season. He also caught 18 passes for a pair of touchdowns.

“I see myself as a safety in college,” Rees said. “It’s what I’ve been recruited for. It’s what I like. It’s my favorite position, where I’ve honed my skills. But I’d play anywhere in college.”

Rees’ older brother Wes is a redshirt junior safety at Moorhead State in Kentucky. The two have trained together at the position for the past four years.

“Ashton is a guy that makes a lot of plays,” Anderson said. “He creates turnovers, he forces fumbles. He picks off passes. He’s explosive on kickoff returns. He just makes things happen.”

While the University of San Diego has offered Rees a spot on the roster, he’s had other schools inquire about his film.

“I’m going to send it out to as many people as I can,” Rees said. “I’m not opposed to anything at this point.”

Having been honored by the City of Carmel with a parade, the milestone still hasn’t quite sunk in for Rees, who is working to get back on the basketball court.

“My family keeps asking me how do I feel?” Rees said. “I don’t know. I thought I was going to cry after the game. And maybe when it hits me, I will. Our main thing all year is play like it’s another game. After we won, that feeling was still there.”

When Rees does dip back into the past, he still remembers he and a group of seniors going up to Anderson and telling him to enhance the Padres non-conference schedule.

The result landed Christopher, whose only regular season loss this year was to Carmel; Miramonte, a perennial North Coast Section playoff team, and Monterey, which has made three straight postseason appearances.

“I remember coach Anderson telling us in August ‘You’re the ones that wanted a harder schedule,’” Rees said. “We just wanted to get better. No one saw 15-0.”

Yet, Rees’ voice does rise when you bring up that Carmel was one of two programs in California that went undefeated, joining national power Mater Dei.

“That’s the craziest part,” Rees said. “That’s unheard of. “

What’s never going to be forgotten in the halls of Carmel High is Rees accounting for five touchdowns in a state title game.

“It will be talked about for the rest of our lives,” Anderson said. “What he was able to do on that stage with the injury was incredible.”

High School football: The Monterey Herald’s All-County team, offense

Here’s a look at who turned out to be the top high school football players in the county this season. The Monterey Herald’s All-County team, offense.

Ty Arnold, Carmel, WR>>An unsung hero for the Padres, Arnold quietly caught a school record 88 passes for 1,325 yards and 14 touchdowns this past season for the State Division 5AA champions. The senior was a sure-handed receiver who grabbed balls in traffic, absorbed shots, while picking up yards after the catch. He also had seven interceptions on defense.

Kavon Collins, Monterey, WR>>Last year’s co-Offensive Player of the Year, Collins was met with double coverage most of the season. The senior still ended up with 52 catches for 841 yards and nine touchdowns for the Toreadores, while evolving into one of the better blocking receivers in the county. Collins, who has an offer on the table from Northern Arizona, also returned kickoffs and played defense. He led Monterey to a State Division IV basketball title last year.

Simeon Brown, Carmel, WR>>He will be remembered forever for the tackle at the 1-yard line as time expired on a 2-point conversation attempt in the Padres’ 42-41 win over Acalanes in the Northern California Division 5AA title game. But Brown put together one of the best receiving seasons in the county with 62 catches for 1,051 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also had seven interceptions on defense. A three-sport athlete, Brown was a member of The Herald’s All-County basketball team last winter.

Emarrcis Turner, Salinas, WR>> A difference maker with the ball in his hands, Turner caught a Gabilan Division-best 68 passes for nearly 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns. The 6-foot-1 Turner changed the dynamics of Salinas’ attack with what he did after the catch, with five of his touchdowns being 30 yards or longer. He also rushed for a touchdown and returned a fumble for a touchdown.

Hudson Rutherford, Carmel, QB>>One of a handful of repeaters on the all-county team, Rutherford threw for over 3,898 yards and 42 touchdowns. Rutherford’s accuracy was impeccable, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes, a number that rose to 75 percent in the playoffs. The senior multi-sport athlete finished with just six interceptions in more than 300 attempts.

Enobong Wirth, Monterey, RB>>A repeater on the all-county team, Wirth went over 100 yards on the ground six times, chalking up three 200-plus rushing efforts. The senior finished with 1,548 rushing yards on 221 carries, producing a team-high 14 touchdowns, averaging 7.1 yards each time he touched the ball.

Roman Garcia, Alvarez, RB>>The junior became the Eagles No. 2 single-season rushing leader after piling up 1,420 yards and eight touchdowns in 10 games. Garcia provided Alvarez with another option as a receiver out of the backfield, with 18 catches for 272 yards and two touchdowns, and completed three of four passes for a touchdown.

Eli Dukes, Palma, RB>>The sophomore became just the third player in county history to go over 2,000 yards, averaging 8.1 yards each time he touched the ball. Dukes rushed for a career-high 271 yards against Aptos, finishing the season with 17 rushing touchdowns for the CCS Division II finalists. He also caught 11 passes for 182 yards.

Ashton Rees, Carmel, RB>>Asked to become a full-time tailback this season meant Rees would sacrifice his role as a receiver and become a part-time safety. Embracing the role, Rees rushed 1,648 yards, capping it with a 208-yard effort in the state title game. He also produced a school-record 36 touchdowns either through the air, on the ground or on special teams, finishing with 18 catches. Defensively, he remained among the top safeties in the area, finishing among the Padres’ team leaders in tackles during the regular season. On special teams, Rees ran back two kickoffs and returned a punt for a touchdown.

Gabriel Garduno, Salinas, OL>>A Gabilan Division first-team selection, Garduno pounded opponents in his path with a nastiness on game days. Garduno opened holes for the ground game, while pancaking opponents in passing situations, often getting downfield to lay a second block for the Cowboys.

Job Barroso, Palma, OL>>Asked to not only play on both sides of the ball but to be a leader, the senior chose the path of leading by example for the CCS Division II finalists. Barroso anchored a youthful offensive line, pulling on runs, or creating holes for the inside running game. The senior also kept his quarterback upright as a pass blocker.

Elijah Fisher, Monterey, OL>>The heartbeat of the offensive line, the 265-pound center called all the line signals this past season for the playoff-bound Toreadores. Fisher, who doubles as a defensive tackle on defense, pulled on power and counter runs for the Toreadores, while helping his guards in pass protection, earning his share of pancake blocks.

Jackson Lloyd, Carmel, OL>>The Mission Division South Most Valuable Player, the 6-foot-7, 290-pound Loyd changed how defenses game planned for Carmel. Already enrolled at the University of Alabama, Lloyd punished opponents on runs, often pushing them 5 yards upfield. He did not allow a sack all season in protecting the quarterback’s blindside. He was also a demon on defense.

Hector Pantoja, North County, OL>>Calling all the line signals for North County, the 255-pound Pantoja went from an all-league guard in 2023 to a unanimous all-league center this past fall. Pantoja decided who pulled, identifying blitzers. Part of his identity was pancaking opponents, getting under an opponent’s shoulder pads and driving them to the ground in finishing a block.

Gideon Llantero, Pacific Grove, Utility>>Leading the team in rushing for the second straight year, Llantero piled up nearly 900 yards, while scoring a team-high 11 touchdowns. Llantero also caught 21 passes for 338 yards and four touchdowns. The senior spent time on the defensive side as a pass rusher, recording five sacks, an interception, while recording 4.3 tackles a game. The senior also returned kickoffs.

Honorable mention: Rico Maturino, Salinas; Dayven Marquez, Salinas; Brady Ballesteros, Salinas; Preston White, Monterey; Abel Bailon, Alvarez; Abel Munoz, Alvarez, AJ Gomez, North County; Kenji Mellin, North County; Chris Rasmussen, North County; Xavier Jimenez, North County; Caleb Gabriel, Alisal; Josiah Escort, Seaside; Carson Tidwell, King City; Jagger Funk, King City; Garret Kuska, Pacific Grove; Isaac Sanchez, Pacific Grove; Brody Edmonds, Pacific Grove; Brooklyn Ashe, Carmel; Julio Camacho, Soledad; Fin Mink, Stevenson; Caden Olson, Stevenson; Ely Cisneros, Gonzales; Ray Blanco, Gonzales; Tony Garcia, Gonzales; Donovan Maben, Marina; Dylan Reynoso, North Salinas, Robert Lopez, North Salinas; Izaiah Gonzalez, North Salinas; Eric McKay, Palma; Lucas Milburn, Palma.

Rainy weather headed to Monterey County, calmer winds

A high surf advisory remains in effect for much of Monterey County, including the Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast areas until 4 p.m. Sunday.

The National Weather Service reported large breaking waves of 20 to 30 feet creating dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.

The public is encouraged to stay away from the water this weekend, as even experienced swimmers can get swept up in powerful currents.

“Most people should stay out of the water,” said Robert Gass, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service Bay Area. “If you’re going to go into the water then stay inland, otherwise don’t get close.”

A series of storms is expected to impact the Pacific Northwest through the end of the week, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall and some thunderstorms.

The Monterey Peninsula is forecast to have a rainy weekend following the holiday, with a storm coming in Friday evening and into Saturday, and another on Sunday.

Meteorologists say this storm is not expected to be as powerful as the storm a couple weeks ago where several cities on the Peninsula had power outages, downed trees and road closures.

“We’re not expecting the wind to be all that strong,” Gass said. “It will be in the North Bay and Santa Cruz mountains area, but on the Peninsula it’s below the advisory threshold. It’ll be breezy at times, but we’re not expecting any of these systems to have a major impact.”

Friday there is a 40% chance of rain mainly between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. with patchy fog before 3 a.m. and again after 5 a.m. Otherwise it’s expected to be mostly cloudy with a high around 62 and calm winds.

“There will be little bits of patchy fog, but that can still reduce visibility anywhere up to three to five miles,” Gass said.

Saturday there’s a 20% chance of rain in the early morning, then forecasts for another cloudy day with a high near 63.

The second storm will pass through Sunday, with rain forecast during the day and a little in the evening.

However, Monday it’s expected to dry up and the clouds are forecast to clear some into Tuesday and Wednesday with a tentative sunny New Year’s day forecast.

Native American patients are sent to collections for debts the government owes

By Katheryn Houghton and Arielle Zionts, KFF Health News (TNS)

Tescha Hawley learned that hospital bills from her son’s birth had been sent to debt collectors only when she checked her credit score while attending a home-buying class. The new mom’s plans to buy a house stalled.

Hawley said she didn’t owe those thousands of dollars in debts. The federal government did.

Hawley, a citizen of the Gros Ventre Tribe, lives on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in Montana. The Indian Health Service is a federal agency that provides free health care to Native Americans, but its services are limited by a chronic shortage of funding and staff.

Hawley’s local Indian Health Service hospital wasn’t equipped to deliver babies. But she said staff there agreed that the agency would pay for her care at a privately owned hospital more than an hour away.

That arrangement came through the Purchased/Referred Care program, which pays for services Native Americans can’t get through an agency-funded clinic or hospital. Federal law stresses that patients approved for the program aren’t responsible for any of the costs.

But tribal leaders, health officials, and a new federal report say patients are routinely billed anyway as a result of backlogs or mistakes from the Indian Health Service, financial middlemen, hospitals, and clinics.

The financial consequences for patients can last years. Those sent to collections can face damaged credit scores, which can prevent them from securing loans or require them to pay higher interest rates.

The December report, by the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, found these long-standing problems contribute to people in Native American-majority communities being nearly twice as likely to have medical debt in collections compared with the national average. And their amount of medical debt is significantly higher.

The report found the program is often late to pay bills. In some cases, hospitals or collection agencies hound tribal citizens for more money after bills are paid.

Hawley’s son was born in 2003. She had to wait another year to buy a home, as she struggled to pay off the debt. It took seven years for it to drop from her credit report.

“I don’t think a person ever recovers from debt,” Hawley said.

Hawley, a cancer survivor, still must navigate the referral program. In 2024 alone, she received two notices from clinics about overdue bills.

Frank White Clay, chairman of the Crow Tribe in Montana, testified about the impact of wrongful billing during a U.S. House committee hearing in April. He shared stories of veterans rejected for home loans, elders whose Social Security benefits were reduced, and students denied college loans and federal aid.

“Some of the most vulnerable people are being harassed daily by debt collectors,” White Clay said.

No one is immune from the risk. A high-ranking Indian Health Service official learned during her job’s background check that her credit report contained referred-care debt, the federal report found.

Native Americans face disproportionately high rates of poverty and disease, which researchers link to limited access to health care and the ongoing impact of racist federal policies.

White Clay is among many who say problems with the referred-care program are an example of the U.S. government violating treaties that promised to provide for the health and welfare of tribes in return for their land.

The chairman’s testimony came during a hearing on the Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act, which would require the Indian Health Service to create a reimbursement process for patients who were wrongfully billed. Committee members approved the bill in November and sent it for consideration by the full House.

A second federal bill, the Protecting Native Americans’ Credit Act, would prevent debt like Hawley’s from affecting patients’ credit scores. The bipartisan bill hadn’t had a hearing by mid-December.

The exact number of people wrongfully billed isn’t clear, but the Indian Health Service has acknowledged it has work to do.

The agency is developing a dashboard to help workers track referrals and to speed up bill processing, spokesperson Brendan White said. It’s also trying to hire more referred-care staff, to address vacancy rates of more than 30%.

Officials say problems with the program also stem from outside health providers that don’t follow the rules.

Melanie Egorin, an assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said at the hearing that the proposed legislation doesn’t include consequences for “bad actors” — health facilities that repeatedly bill patients when they shouldn’t.

“The lack of enforcement is definitely a challenge,” she said.

But tribal leaders warned that penalties could backfire.

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If that happens, White Clay said, Crow tribal members who already travel hours to access specialty treatment would have to go even farther.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report found clinics are already refusing to see any referred-care patients due to the program’s payment problems.

The bureau and the Indian Health Service also recently published a letter urging health care providers and debt collectors not to hold patients accountable for program-approved care.

White, the Indian Health Service spokesperson, said the agency recently updated the referred-care forms sent to outside hospitals and clinics to include billing instructions and to stress that patients aren’t liable for any out-of-pocket costs. And he said the staff can help patients get reimbursed if they have already paid for services that were supposed to be covered.

Joe Bryant, an Indian Health Service official who oversees efforts to improve the referral program, said patients can ask credit bureaus to remove debt from their reports if the agency should have covered their bills.

Leaders with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Washington state helped shape the proposed legislation after their citizens were repeatedly harmed by wrongful billing.

Tribal Chairman Jarred-Michael Erickson said problems began in 2017, when a regional Indian Health Service office took over the referred-care program from local staff.

It “created a domino effect of negative outcomes,” Erickson wrote in a letter to Congress.

He said some tribal members whose finances were damaged stopped using the Indian Health Service. Others avoided health care altogether.

Responsibility for the Colville Reservation program transferred back to local staff in 2022. Staffers found the billing process hadn’t been completed for thousands of cases, worth an estimated $24 million in medical care, Erickson told lawmakers.

Workers are making progress on the backlog and they have explained the rules to outside hospitals and clinics, Erickson said. But he said there are still cases of wrongful billing, such as a tribal member who was sent to collections after receiving a $17,000 bill for chemotherapy that the agency was supposed to pay for.

Erickson said the tribe is in the process of taking over its health care facilities instead of having the Indian Health Service run them. He and others who work in Native American health said tribally managed units — which are still funded by the federal agency — tend to have fewer problems with their referred-care programs.

For example, they have more oversight over staff and flexibility to create their own payment tracking systems.

But some Native Americans oppose tribal management because they feel it releases the federal government from its obligations.

Beyond wrongful billing, access to the referred-care program is limited because of underfunding from Congress. The $1 billion budget this year is $9 billion short of the need, according to a committee report by tribal health and government leaders.

Donald Warne, a physician and member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, called the proposed legislation a “band-aid.” He said the ultimate solution is for Congress to fully fund the Indian Health Service, which would reduce the need for the referred-care program.

Back in Montana, Hawley said she braces for a fight each time she gets a bill that the referral program was supposed to cover.

“I’ve learned not to trust the process,” Hawley said.

©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

7 tips to prepare for next year’s taxes now

By Kemberley Washington, CPA, Bankrate.com (TNS)

As the end of the year approaches, now’s the time to start preparing for filing your 2024 tax return in 2025.

When it comes to tax strategies, generally Dec. 31 is the deadline to make changes that might lower your tax bill. One major exception is the deadline for contributing to a Roth or traditional IRA: You have until April 15, 2025, to make a contribution to a Roth or traditional IRA for tax year 2024. If you qualify for deductible IRA contributions, then a contribution to your traditional IRA can reduce your taxable income for 2024.

Here are tips and strategies to prepare now for the 2025 tax-filing deadline.

1. Decide who will prepare your taxes

If you had significant changes in your life in 2024 — maybe you got married or divorced, started your own business, or had to claim unemployment benefits — your taxes may be more complicated.

As a result, you might need to hire a certified public accountant (CPA), enrolled agent (EA) or other tax professional to prepare and file your taxes. If you decide to hire someone, it’s best to start planning for that sooner rather than later. Waiting until the calendar flips to April could cost you.

The average fee for a professional to prepare and file a simple Form 1040 tax return, with no itemized deductions, is about $220, according to a survey by the National Society of Accountants in 2020-2021, the most recent data available.

But that amount rises quickly for more complex returns, and varies depending on where you live. For example, a Form 1040 with itemized deductions costs an average of $432 in states on the Pacific Coast, compared with $285 in New England.

No matter where you live, prices usually rise as the tax deadline approaches, so it’s smart to start searching for a tax pro soon.

2. Find ways to file for free

If you’re uncomfortable doing your taxes on your own and can’t afford a CPA, enrolled agent or other tax pro, or to pay for tax software, there are free options to consider.

The IRS currently offers three ways to prepare your taxes for free:

•With the IRS Free File program, the IRS partners with for-profit tax-software companies that offer free tax-prep software to eligible taxpayers so they can file their federal tax returns for free. Some taxpayers may also qualify for a free state tax filing, depending on the software provider. In January, the IRS will announce the income limit to qualify for the program for the 2025 tax season (for filing 2024 tax returns). For the 2024 tax season (2023 tax returns), taxpayers’ adjusted gross income (AGI) couldn’t exceed $79,000.

•The IRS also offers its Direct File program, a free tool that allows you to file your federal income tax return directly with the IRS at no cost. The program supports simple tax returns and is available only in certain states. Check to see if you qualify here.

•Another free-filing option is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. IRS-certified volunteers offer free basic tax preparation in person to people who earn less than $67,000 a year, are disabled or whose English is limited. The IRS has an online location tool for hundreds of free tax preparation sites in the U.S. (the locator tool is updated from February through April). Some VITA sites also offer online tax-prep assistance.

3. Create an online IRS account

Now is a good time to create an IRS online account. If you want to see your Form 1040 from last year, or you’re missing a prior year Form W-2 or mortgage interest statement, you can find your documents using this free tax tool.

Another benefit of creating an IRS online account is that it allows you to quickly obtain your prior year’s tax information without sitting on the phone for hours with an IRS representative, says Carl Johnson, a certified public accountant in New Orleans.

An IRS online account also lets you view your account balance and payment history for each year. You can also create a payment plan to settle your federal income tax debt within minutes.

4. Take your required minimum distributions (RMDs)

If you’re 73 years old and have enjoyed watching your 401(k) or IRA grow tax-free without touching it, remember that the IRS is going to want its share each year. That means you’ll have to make withdrawals — and pay income tax.

If you turned 73 in 2024, plan to take your required minimum distribution (RMD) at the latest by April 1, 2025. Read this IRS bulletin for more information.

The amount of your RMDs is based on your age and the year-end values of your retirement accounts.

5. Think long-term: Consider converting an IRA to a Roth

A Roth IRA has two big tax advantages over a traditional IRA: Qualified withdrawals are not considered income for federal (and usually state) tax purposes, and you don’t have to take distributions from a Roth every year once you reach age 73.

Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA may save you money in the long run. Just know that when you convert an IRA to a Roth, it’s considered taxable income, which will raise your tax bill for that year. Generally, it’s best to convert to a Roth IRA when you’re in a low-income year.

6. Protect yourself from tax scams and fraud

As tax season approaches, many people start receiving phone calls, emails and texts from entities claiming to be the IRS. Be wary, and understand that these are scams.

Typically, the IRS will mail you a notice before using any other method of communication to notify you concerning issues with your tax return. The IRS won’t reach out via social media or text messaging.

Relatedly, the IRS warns taxpayers to be careful when choosing a tax preparer. Taking time to vet your tax preparer is crucial to protect yourself from tax scams and fraud.

Before hiring a tax professional, search that person’s name in the IRS database of federal tax return preparers to avoid dishonest “professionals.”

“Taxpayers should check the tax professional’s credentials,” Johnson says. Tax pros without credentials “may take questionable positions without any degree of scrutiny or fear of losing their access to the profession,” Johnson says.

7. Don’t ignore the IRS

Taxpayers who don’t file a tax return and owe a tax bill, or who file but don’t pay their tax bill on time, risk severe penalties. The IRS can even seize assets if necessary. Respond quickly if the IRS has been sending you letters because it found an error on your return or claims you owe back taxes.

Typically, the IRS will send you a notice if you have a balance due, changes were made to your tax return, or the agency needs additional information.

“If you ignore a collection letter from the IRS, you may face wage garnishments, liens, bank levies, and other adverse action. And in some cases, the amount due may increase for failure to respond,” Johnson says.

Keep in mind the IRS does offer installment plans and other payment plans.

Make copies of your correspondence and use only the U.S. Postal Service, the postmark from which is your proof of timeliness when responding. But whatever you do, don’t ignore the IRS because this may cause more issues in the future.

©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Horoscopes Dec. 26, 2024: Jared Leto, focus on what excites and bring you joy

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Chris Daughtry, 45; Jared Leto, 53; Ozzie Smith, 70; John Walsh, 79.

Happy Birthday: You are sitting in a better position than you realize. Refuse to limit what you can do or wait for things to come to you. Embrace your dreams, hopes and wishes, and focus on what excites and brings you joy. Now is the time to put your best foot forward and capture what life offers. Follow your heart and pursue the road leading to progress and fulfillment, not regret. Your numbers are 7, 13, 21, 26, 32, 39, 45.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Interacting with others will broaden your horizons. Social events that expose you to something or someone new and exciting will get you thinking about what you want to pursue. Not everyone will agree with the choices you make. Listen to reason and do what’s best for you. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Avoid jumping to conclusions or acting before you have all the facts. Sort through differences using observation, direct questions and listening to explanations. Anger won’t solve problems, but common sense and logic will help you get your facts straight. Choose peace and love over discord and chaos. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Spend time pampering yourself and doing whatever makes you happy. Refuse to let anyone bring you down, play emotional mind games, or use manipulative tactics to pressure you to do what they want instead of looking out for your best interest. Rise above negativity and those trying to dismantle your confidence. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take care of matters that require attention before the year ends. Align yourself with people who share your likes and dislikes, and do your part to make a difference in your community. Your input will lead to opportunities and encourage others to pitch in and help. 5 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take the initiative to get things done. Idle time will result in frustration. Speak up, reach out and do your best to participate in events and activities that connect you with people who share your concerns. Mixing money and love will have its disadvantages. Keep your money separate to avoid conflicts. 2 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep tabs on what you eat and drink. Excessive behavior will cost you mentally, physically and financially. Size up your relationships with others to determine who is a good or bad influence. Say no to temptation and goodbye to those who drag you down. Good choices lead to a good life. 4 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Put more effort into making your space user-friendly. Decluttering will make you feel good about yourself and how you live. Traveling, watching documentaries and communicating with people who are already doing what you want to pursue will uplift and point you in the right direction. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Put your energy to good use. If someone challenges you, be smart and refuse to get into a no-win situation when you can use your time and skills better. Discipline and patience are your ticket to success. Let go of what’s not working for you and gravitate toward what is. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A steady pace will get you where you want to go and lead to opportunities you least expect. Promote what you have to offer, and you’ll find a way to use your skills in new and exciting ways. It’s time to morph into the future, meshing new ideas with techniques. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Divvy up what you want to keep and what you want to discard. Take a walk down memory lane, and you’ll discover what’s missing from your life. Realizing that you can rectify a situation you conveniently put aside will make your life choices more accessible. Live for today. 4 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Worry less about what others do and focus more on your goal. A change at home that adds to your convenience and comfort will also spark your imagination and encourage you to spin something you enjoy doing into a profitable adventure. Love is in the stars, but so are misunderstandings. 2 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Be careful what you say. Someone will twist your words to make you look bad. Have your facts in order, and only share with those you trust. Invest more time or money in personal growth, good health and looking your best. A change to how you handle money will pay off. 5 stars

Birthday Baby: You are dedicated, helpful and liberating. You are intuitive and enlightening.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

Christmas Day classic shows why ‘LeBron and Steph’ still the best matchup in NBA

SAN FRANCISCO – LeBron James dribbled down the court on a one-man fast break before finishing through multiple Golden State defenders for an and-1 layup on the Warriors’ bright yellow court midway through the third quarter.

The scene that Bay Area fans had seen play out dozens of times over the course of the past decade had unfolded yet again on Christmas Day, as James took on Olympic teammate Steph Curry and the Warriors.

After the Lakers withstood a last-second Curry bombardment and got a clutch layup by Austin Reaves to win 115-113, James sat at his visiting locker and had a succinct answer as to why fans should tune into the NBA amid a ratings crisis.

“LeBron and Steph,” James said.

After James put in 31 points and Curry had 38 as the stars on Christmas day, it’s difficult to argue with the league’s all time leading scorer. But how much longer will that be true?

Though the teams will meet three more times during the regular season, the Lakers won a game that may go down in the history books as James’ final Christmas Day showdown with Curry.

“Just enjoying the moment, being thankful,” James said. “Lot of gratitude to be able to play the game I love and do it on such a beautiful day. Had the luxury, I think today was my 19th time playing on Christmas, so you know I don’t take it for granted to go against one of the greatest to ever play the game and one of the greatest franchises since I’ve been in the league.”

With James, who turns 40 years old on Dec. 30, having made public statements hinting at retirement over the past year, both he and the Lakers organization know that games like Wednesday’s should be cherished.

“Its been awesome and its been different,” Lakers coach JJ Reddick said. “Part of that is just him enjoying the moment. You don’t have many of these left, and that’s just reality.”

The Lakers secured the victory when Austin Reaves made a driving layup with one second remaining in the game. That clutch shot came just six seconds after Curry had made his second 3-pointer in the final 12 seconds, a triple that left James both annoyed and amazed.

“You just tip your hat, because he’s a great player and you just have to tip your hat,” James said. “You have a feeling of ‘(expletive), versus us, why?’” But being a fan, you’re like ‘How did he make that’ because he’s special. You have an appreciation for it for sure.”

LeBron James expressed his admiration for Stephen Curry’s shotmaking after the Lakers won (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

What was once a perennial Christmas Day barnburner from 2015-18 was renewed after a six-year hiatus.

On a day when the NFL broadcast a pair of blowouts, James and Curry were the stars of the NBA’s trademark Christmas spectacle. Again.

“I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day,” James said on the ESPN after winning his record 11th Christmas Day game.

James’ Cleveland Cavaliers and Curry’s Warriors met in four consecutive Finals from 2015-18, with the Warriors winning in all but 2016, when James and Co. famously came back from down 3-1 to capture the franchise’s first and to date only title.

Since then, the James-led Lakers have defeated the Warriors in the 2021 play-in tournament and the 2023 Western Conference semifinals.

While the Lakers victory certainly did not possess the stakes of those playoff series or the late-2010s finals – the Lakers (17-13) and Warriors (15-14) are the seventh and eight seeds in the Western Conference – it did not lack intensity.

After Anthony Davis left the game with a sprained  ankle in the first quarter, the Lakers’ ageless superstar had to put on a vintage King James performance, scoring 31 and dishing out 10 assists just two days after compiling a 28-point triple-double against the Pistons.

The Lakers lineup late in the first quarter – youngsters Christian Koloko and rookie Dalton Knecht paired with middling veterans Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish – was a throwback to James’ lacking supporting cast in a few of those aforementioned Finals.

But that was for just a fleeting moment. Reaves stepped up in the absence of injured guard and former Warrior D’Angelo Russell. He put up a 26-point triple-double and scored the final four points to give James the help he needed.

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“It got to a hand we trust,” was how James described the final play. “The play was drawn up for me, and they doubled me at the top of the key, and its always great to have great options on the floor at the same time. AR has been in that position.”

James added to his Christmas Day points record (507) and games played (19).

How many more Christmas Day games will the Bay Area see James play in against its team’s superstar guard? That is yet to be determined. But if this really was James and Curry’s final Dec. 25 duel, the two’s legacies are ironclad.

“In the same way Magic and Larry in the 1980s and MJ in the 1990s, and Kobe for a long time, they’ve, in someway, they’ve carried the league,” Lakers coach JJ Reddick said. “The popularity, the growth and all that stuff, they’ve had a big part of that.”

Steph Curry, LeBron James live up to billing, but Austin Reaves steals Christmas

SAN FRANCISCO — Steph Curry and LeBron James played like they know they might not have too many Christmas Day games left in their careers.

Curry and James traded buckets and the Warriors superstar scored the team’s last eight points, nearly putting Golden State on his back.

With 12.2 seconds left, Curry drained a high-arcing corner 3 over James’ contest to cut the Lakers’ lead to 111-110. He tied it six seconds later with another trey off a gorgeous Steve Kerr inbounds play.

But Austin Reaves, who finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, beat Andrew Wiggins (21 points, 12 rebounds) off the dribble and banked home the game-winner.

For two middling teams, the all-time legends levitated like they have for the bulk of the past two decades. But Reaves, stepping up in Anthony Davis’ absence, had the game-winner. For Warriors fans, Reaves was the Grinch. For the Lakers, he was their Santa Claus.

Reaves lifted the Lakers over the Warriors, 115-113, to hand Golden State (15-14) its 11th loss in the past 14 games. Curry finished with 38 points — a personal Christmas Day best — including eight 3s, and James poured in 31 points.

The last two minutes of the first half were familiar to any NBA observer from the past 15 years: two icons trading buckets.

Curry provided a flurry, and James tried to match him. After Curry snaked inside for a finger roll, James blew past Brandin Podziemski on the other end. Curry answered with a rainbow 3 from 28 feet, then another triple on a lethal step-back to discard Christie. In transition, he added a no-look dime to Jackson-Davis for a dunk.

Curry had two of the worst games in his career in the past week — a two-point dud in Memphis and 2-for-13 night against Indiana. But he’s still capable of rising to the occasion. As he’s wont to do, he elevates under the bright lights.

At that point, James led the Lakers in scoring with 19 points. Curry paced the Warriors with 16. Los Angeles entered half with a three-point lead, as Golden State failed to punish the Lakers’ small-ball lineups.

The Lakers had to play small because Anthony Davis departed after seven minutes with a twisted ankle and didn’t return.

Curry returned to a more standard substitution pattern instead of playing the first and last four minutes of each quarter. It appeared to help him find a rhythm quicker.

James on the other hand punished mismatches and drove to the cup relentlessly. He has taken significantly more 3-pointers in the past few years as he gets older, but shot six of his first 13 field goal attempts from inside the lane.

Playing with a depleted roster, James controlled each possession like it was the 2016 Finals. He’s not the same freight train as he once was, but you still don’t want to be in front of him on a fast break.

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Draymond Green sank a corner 3 after four misfires; the Lakers willingly ceded him that shot. Then Curry canned a fallaway trey five minutes into the third quarter to knot the score at 67.

Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (23) takes a shot against Golden State Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski (2) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

But James helped engineer an 11-2 run to put the Lakers back up by nine, and they carried an eight-point advantage into the final frame.

Kerr called on Curry to get the Warriors back in the game. He kept them steady; when Curry checked out with 6:52 left, the Warriors trailed by seven. The bench trimmed it to three for Curry’s return.

But a 3-pointer and a floater from Reaves — sandwiching a Curry missed layup — put the Lakers back up eight.

Curry nailed his Christmas Day-best sixth 3, but James responded with a deep pull-up of his own. They each cracked 30 points and then traded assists — James to Max Christie, Curry to Jonathan Kuminga.

James swatted Wiggins at the rim, but his signature block fell into Dennis Schroder’s lap for a 3. Curry raced down the floor for a reverse layup to make it a two point game with 25.7 seconds left.

Then Curry saved Christmas. Almost.

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) walks off the court following their 115-113 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

A miracle 3 in the corner over James pried the door open, cutting Los Angeles’ lead to one. Then Kerr drew up a perfect play to spring Curry open 30 feet from the hoop, and he rattled the game-tying bucket home.

The Chase Center was rocking. Then, moments later, it went silent.

Reaves beat Wiggins to the cup and finished. Weak-side help defense rotated late. There was no night-night, no silencer. Just a secondary player stepping up and seizing the moment in a game in which James and Curry shined.

In a game against a team without its second-best player — and essentially no centers — the Warriors came up with coal.

Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins (22) takes a shot against Los Angeles Lakers’ Max Christie (12) and Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis (3) in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) fights for the ball against Los Angeles Lakers’ Cam Reddish (5) in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Dennis Schröder (71) takes a shot against Los Angeles Lakers’ Austin Reaves (15) in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Gary Payton II (0) heads to the basket for a dunk against Los Angeles Lakers’ Gabe Vincent (7) in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Dennis Schröder (71) takes a shot against Los Angeles Lakers’ Dalton Knecht (4) in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga (00) dunks the ball against Los Angeles Lakers’ Max Christie (12) and Los Angeles Lakers’ Rui Hachimura (28) in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins (22) reacts to a call during their game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) takes a shot against Los Angeles Lakers’ Dalton Knecht (4) in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talks to a referee during their game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green (23) blocks a shot against Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (23) in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Gary Payton II (0) dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) dribbles against Los Angeles Lakers’ Cam Reddish (5) in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) takes a shot against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Dennis Schröder (71) dribbles against Los Angeles Lakers’ Cam Reddish (5) in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (23) dribbles against Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga (00) in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) scores the game tying three-point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers late in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green (23) blocks a shot by Los Angeles Lakers’ Max Christie (12) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (23) blocks a shot against Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins (22) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Los Angeles Lakers’ Austin Reaves (15) scores the game winning basket against Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins (22) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) walks off the court following their 115-113 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) hugs Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (23) after the Lakers 115-113 win at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

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Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins (22) takes a shot against Los Angeles Lakers’ Max Christie (12) and Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis (3) in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

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