Kings Captain, Dodger Legend Both Announce Plans To Retire

Two major Los Angeles sports figures announced they're retiring on Thursday.

After 18 seasons, Dodger pitcher Clayton Kershaw will retire at the end of this season, the team announced Thursday. The 37-year-old southpaw will make his final regular season start at Dodger Stadium on Friday against the San Francisco Giants.

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, 38, will retire after this season, his 20th in the NHL, he announced Thursday.

Kershaw's 'Legendary Career'

With 11 All-Star selections, three Cy Young Awards and a World Series title to his name in 2020, Kershaw will go down as one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation.

"On behalf of the Dodgers, I congratulate Clayton on a fabulous career and thank him for the many moments he gave to Dodger fans and baseball fans everywhere, as well as for his profound charitable endeavors," Dodgers owner Mark Walter said. "His is a truly legendary career, one that we know will lead to his induction in the Baseball Hall of Fame."

He was the National League MVP in 2014. He won the National League Cy Young Award in 2011, 2013 and 2014 and has amassed a record of 222-96 with a 2.54 earned-run average, according to Baseball Reference. He received the Roberto Clemente Award in 2012, given annually to the Major League Baseball player who "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team."

• Read more about Kershaw's career highlights and background

Kopitar, Kings' All-Time Leading Scorer

Kopitar announced his plans to retire at a Thursday news conference with his family following the first practice of training camp.

“My mind is made up,” Kopitar said. “It was a hard decision, and I will put 100% of my energy into this season. I know I’m going to give it all and leave the game with a positive mindset.”

The Slovenian center has spent his entire hockey career and adult life with the Kings since he made his NHL debut in October 2006. He is a five-time NHL All-Star, a two-time winner of the Selke Trophy as the NHL's best defensive forward and a three-time winner of the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanlike play.

Most prominently, he was a star on both of the Kings' Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2012 and 2014.

Kopitar has been Los Angeles' captain since 2016, and his 1,278 career points are 29 behind Marcel Dionne, the leading scorer in Kings franchise history. He is the Kings' franchise leader in games played with 1,454, and he was their leading scorer in 15 of his first 19 seasons.

Kopitar is still playing at an elite level after recording 21 goals and 46 assists last season, but he said he wants to have more time with his wife and children. He also plans to move his family back to Slovenia.

“We have a figure skater and a hockey player on our hands, so I want to be present with them for our competitions and our games,” he said, indicating his children.

City News Service and the Associated Press contributed to this report.