Who IS This Guy!?! 5 Things To Know Today In LA: Sports Edition

"Dear Los Angeles, You're welcome.”

Who is this guy? LA Times readers woke up Friday to see a full-page ad by the LA Galaxy’s newest player. And what did he have to say? "Dear Los Angeles, You're welcome.”

Things are about to get colorful in LA with the Galaxy’s signing of international Swedish soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovic. According to reports, Ibrahimovic took a 95 percent pay cut to come to LA from Manchester United where he made $27 million a year. So on behalf of Los Angeles, “Dear Zlatan, Thank you.”

Ibrahimovic will reportedly make his Galaxy debut March 31 against crosstown rivals Los Angeles FC.

Rams Go Nuclear

On Monday, the LA Rams signed five time Pro Bowler Ndamukong Suh. Suh joins defensive player of the year Aaron Donald to make the Rams defense downright scary. Added to rumors that the Rams are in the running to acquire Odell Beckham Jr., fans have reason to be feeling giddy this offseason. Vegas oddsmakers rank the Rams fourth for winning the Super Bowl next year.

Related: Rams Win Ndamukong Suh Sweepstakes

Do Or Die For The Kings

LA Kings fans aren’t feeling giddy. They are riding an emotional rollercoaster because there are five games left in the season, and the Kings haven’t locked down a playoff position. In the tight race for a wildcard spot, the Kings lost a must-win game to the Oilers Saturday but redeemed themselves against the Flames Monday. Their postseason hopes hang in the balance during Friday’s game against the Ducks and Monday’s game against the Avalanche. Optimistic Kings fans are reminding themselves of 2012, when the Kings squeaked into the playoffs on the last game of the season and became major league sports’ only 8th seed to ever win the championship in what also turned out to be the most dominant Stanley Cup run in NHL history.

Dodgers Open Season With Oddsmakers Betting Blue

The Dodgers season begins Thursday against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium, and there is reason to be hopeful after last year’s postseason heartbreak. Vegas Insider has the Dodgers and the Astros tied for the best chance of winning the 2018 World Series, so Dodgers fans could get the rematch they’ve spent the summer dreaming about. Last year, the Dodgers had the league’s best record (104-58) and fell just short of the title. They are still good and hungrier than ever.

RIP, Lakers

The Lakers lost to the Pistons Monday, and that means they are officially out of the playoffs for the fifth year in a row. Frankly, it’s too soon to talk about their prospects in the off-season despite all the talk about luring a certain King James who already has a house in Los Angeles. We’re still mourning this season. RIP, Lakers. RIP.

Related: LeBron James' LA Visit Prompts Pining And Billboards

Photo: Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Manchester United celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter-Final match between Bristol City and Manchester United at Ashton Gate on December 20, 2017 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)