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Sandro Mamukelashvili threw a jab at the Bucks after helping Lakers to win
Lakers forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, a former Bucks draftee, led Los Angeles to a 21‑point victory over Milwaukee on Nov. 11, scoring 23 points (9‑of‑15, 5‑of‑8 from three) with three rebounds, two assists and a steal in 26 minutes. After the win he jabbed at the Bucks, reminding fans they lost a valuable player when they waived him in 2023. Mamukelashvili’s $52 million, four‑year deal has him thriving as a top reserve, helping the Lakers post a 128.1 offensive rating per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor. The Lakers, now 11‑2, aim for an eighth straight win against Phoenix on Sunday.
The Lakers’ belief in Sandro Mamukelashvili is paying off
The Lakers’ $52 million, four‑year gamble on Georgian forward Sandro Mamukelashvili is paying off early. After three weeks he’s posting 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game, shooting 41.2% from three and 57.7% inside. Coach JJ Redick praised his freedom and confidence, especially after back‑to‑back 23‑point outings against Milwaukee and Atlanta, where he also added 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and a steal per game. Teammates like Walker Kessler note his growing offensive confidence, suggesting his versatile minutes could become a regular boost for Los Angeles.
Luka Dončić gave an encouraging health update after injury scare vs. Bucks
Luka Dončić reassures fans after an ankle knock in the Lakers’ 123‑112 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 11. Despite a brief limp and a free‑throw in garbage time, he told reporters he’s fine and expects no missed time. The star’s impact is evident: with Dončić on the floor the Lakers post a +19.3 net rating and a 131.0 offensive rating, while without him they drop to –11.1. Los Angeles remains 11‑2, riding a seven‑game streak, thanks to depth from Austin Reaves and others. The team heads into its final road game against Phoenix Sunday.
Player Grades: Lakers vs. Bucks
The Lakers extend their six‑game road streak with a 20‑point win over the Bucks in Milwaukee on Nov. 11, despite a rash of injuries to Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Collin Sexton. Dončić drops 32 points for an A‑‑grade performance, while Reaves adds 18 points and an A before exiting with a heel tweak. Sandro Mamukelashvili shines with 23 points and earns an A+, and Ziaire Williams contributes 9 points off the bench (B+). Bench players Walker Kessler (B) and Matisse Thybulle (B) provide solid rebounding and defense, while rookie Cameron Carr struggles. The detailed player grades help gauge each star’s impact in a gritty, injury‑marred win.
Austin Reaves suffers heel injury vs. Bucks, x-rays negative
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 11, but the win is marred by a left heel injury to Austin Reaves. Reaves attempted a dunk in the third quarter, landed awkwardly, and left the game after a brief attempt to play. Coach JJ Redick confirmed X‑rays are negative and there’s no Achilles concern, with further imaging scheduled. The Lakers also dealt with minor injuries to Collin Sexton (facial laceration) and Luka Dončić (ankle twist). The team now enjoys a rare extended break before facing the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.
Lakers rout Bucks for seventh straight win
The Los Angeles Lakers extend their winning streak to seven with a 123-112 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 11, 2026. Luka Dončić leads the way, dropping 32 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals, while the bench contributes 55 points. A decisive third‑quarter run puts the game out of reach, despite Milwaukee’s 19 turnovers. Injuries mar the win: Austin Reaves exits with a heel injury, Collin Sexton suffers a facial cut, and Dončić leaves after twisting his ankle. The Bucks shoot 50% but can’t close the gap, falling short in the final minutes.
What centers could the Lakers target on the trade market?
The Lakers, fresh off a six-game winning streak and league‑leading standing, are eyeing a backup center before the trade deadline. While Jarred Vanderbilt and Sandro Mamukelashvili provide short‑term spacing, the team doubts their playoff defense and is considering options like Brook Lopez (if price is right), Jericho Sims, or a potential chase for Milwaukee’s Kel’el Ware despite likely high cost. The club wants to preserve mid‑level exception space for next season, ruling out large, long‑term contracts such as PJ Washington or Daniel Gafford. Meanwhile, the G‑League Coachella Valley squad showcases prospects Chris Mañon, Kaluma and William Kyle, with Mañon posting a 32‑point game, highlighting future talent pipelines.
Lakers vs. Bucks Preview: Trap game in the making
The Lakers (10-2) head to Milwaukee on Nov. 11 for a potential trap game against a struggling Bucks squad (1-10) at the Fiserv Forum. After a six‑game winning streak on a grueling four‑game, seven‑night road trip, Los Angeles hopes to stay sharp before a three‑day rest, relying on stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves while role players like Kuzma, Jaquez Jr. and Ryan Rollins provide depth. The Bucks, minus Giannis and with Tyler Herro day‑to‑day, lack firepower despite solid rebounding. With Quentin Grimes questionable for the Lakers and no injury news from Milwaukee, the matchup could influence Western Conference standings.
Lakers waive Lawson Lovering, sign Carson Cooper
The Los Angeles Lakers waive two‑way center Lawson Lovering and sign fellow big man Carson Cooper to a two‑way contract. Lovering, who saw only garbage‑time action, is replaced by the 6'10" former Memphis Grizzlies forward who went undrafted in 2026. Cooper logged a single three‑minute stint with Memphis, posted 7.2 points and 4.6 rebounds in Summer League, and averaged 11.1 points with 7.1 rebounds at Michigan State. While the move adds depth, analysts note Cooper’s limited NBA experience makes his impact uncertain.
Collin Sexton has focused on patience as he tries to find role with Lakers
Collin Sexton is emerging as a key spark for the Los Angeles Lakers after a calf strain delayed his start to the 2026‑27 season. In back‑to‑back wins over Detroit (17 points, 5‑of‑10) and Atlanta (18 points, 6‑of‑11, six assists), he boosted his average to 17.5 points on 52.4% shooting and 50% from three, up from 8.7 points and 40% over his first nine games. Sexton says patience is his focus as he regains rhythm, and coach JJ Redick views him as the bench’s primary scorer and initiator, helping the second unit stay organized during a 124‑point victory. The guard feels a “right direction” and expects to be fully back within two weeks.
JJ Redick feels Lakers wins over Pistons, Hawks were ‘great examples’ of next guy up
The Lakers clinched back‑to‑back road wins over Eastern Conference powerhouses Detroit (Sunday) and Atlanta (Monday) despite missing Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Reaves dropped 43 points on Sunday, while Dončić posted a 32‑point, 10‑assist double‑double on Monday, but coach JJ Redick praised the “next‑guy‑up” effort of role players. Collin Sexton attacked the paint, Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 23, and Walker Kessler contributed 16.5 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists across both games. With a 10‑2 start, the Lakers aim to stretch the streak to seven and stay unbeaten on the road against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
Lakers ‘registered interest’ in Nique Clifford before trade to Thunder
The Sacramento Kings traded second‑year wing Nique Clifford to the Oklahoma City Thunder for two second‑round picks on Sunday. Clifford, who posted 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game as a rookie, fell out of the Kings’ rotation, appearing just 50 minutes in eight games this season. While the Lakers, Pacers and Nuggets showed interest, the Thunder leveraged their abundant draft capital—15 second‑round picks through 2033—to seal the deal. The Lakers, limited to three such picks and already stocked with young wings like Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr and Ziaire Williams, opted not to trade for Clifford.
Lakers Mailbag: Leading the league
The Los Angeles Lakers ride a six-game winning streak, highlighted by dominant victories on the road against Detroit and Atlanta, and now face a softer stretch of games that could further boost their record. The blog invites fans to submit questions about the Lakers or the NBA as the team aims to maintain its league‑leading form.
Player Grades: Lakers vs. Hawks
The Lakers pull off a win over the Hawks on Nov. 9, earning their 10th victory of the season. Luka Dončić leads with 32 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists (A‑), while Walker Kessler posts a double‑double (21/10) and earns an A grade. Sandro Mamukelashvili scores a career‑high 23 points (A+), and Collin Sexton adds 18 (A) as the bench steps up. Ziaire Williams impresses with 12 points and a B+ grade, and Matisse Thybulle contributes a crucial late three. The "next man up" mentality shines as the roster battles injuries and still thrives.
Luka Dončić made sure to get the basketball after Cameron Carr’s first basket
Luka Dončić helped rookie Cameron Carr score his first NBA points when he fed Carr a fast‑break dunk in the second quarter of the Lakers’ 112‑107 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 9, 2026. After the buzzer, Dončić chased down the game ball to give Carr a keepsake, sparking locker‑room chatter about first‑bucket memories. The brief seven‑minute stint marked Carr’s first rotation minutes and his debut dunk, while teammates, including Sandro Mamukelashvili, shared their own first‑bucket stories. The moment highlighted the Lakers’ growing camaraderie early in the season.
Lakers’ bench comes up big in road win over Hawks
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 124-114 road victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 9, extending their winning streak to six despite missing Austin Reaves (illness) and Quentin Grimes (sprained finger). The bench erupted for a season‑high 49 points, with Sandro Mamukelashvili contributing 23 points and 8 rebounds, while Collin Sexton added 18 off the bench. Luka Dončić led the starters with 32 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists and 5 steals, and Walker Kessler posted 21 points and 10 rebounds. The Lakers dominated the paint 52-42 and forced 20 Hawks turnovers, turning a 20‑point deficit into a comfortable win. Key moments included back‑to‑back dunks by Cameron Carr and Jarred Vanderbilt and clutch three‑point shooting in the final frame.
Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes out vs. Hawks
The Los Angeles Lakers face a new injury hurdle ahead of their Monday matchup with the Atlanta Hawks. Austin Reaves is listed as questionable after battling a flu-like illness during a gritty win over Detroit, while Quentin Grimes is ruled out after exiting the Pistons game with undisclosed issues (x‑rays were negative). Luka Dončić returns to the roster, but the Lakers may need to tap reserve guard Cameron Carr—or even rookie Bronny James—if both Reaves and Grimes miss the night. Coach JJ Redick hopes the team can replicate its shorthanded win and start the road trip 2‑0.
Around the West: Sizing up the conference behind the Lakers
The Lakers sit atop the Western Conference with a 9‑2 record after a five‑game streak, thanks to MVP‑level play from Luka Dončić, All‑NBA guard Austin Reaves and a thriving supporting cast led by Walker Kessler. Yet they’re not alone: the Spurs (8‑2, +12.2 net rating) ride an eight‑game winning streak, the Warriors (7‑3) string together seven straight victories behind Stephen Curry’s 31.3 PPG, and the Thunder (8‑2) rebound from injuries. The piece previews the West’s top five teams, their recent runs, key players, and how they stack up against Los Angeles moving forward.
Walker Kessler’s ‘relentless’ rebounding is proving vital for Lakers
Walker Kessler is emerging as a rebounding powerhouse for the Los Angeles Lakers, ranking sixth league‑wide in total and offensive rebounds and boosting the team's offensive rebounding rate by 6.9% when on the floor. He hauled 16 boards (seven offensive) in the Lakers’ road win over the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 8, adding 12 points, four assists, three blocks and a steal. Coach JJ Redick praised his relentless rim protection and consistency, noting Kessler’s career‑high 3.4 offensive rebounds per game and his 2024‑25 league‑leading 4.6 per game. Kessler credits timing and positioning, not just his 7‑foot‑2 frame, for his success.
The Lakers have the best minimum contract player in the NBA
The Los Angeles Lakers’ standout on a minimum contract is guard‑forward Matisse Thybulle, whose defensive impact exceeds his modest salary. Starting every game for a 9‑2 Lakers squad, Thybulle has logged four steals in a recent win over Detroit and ranks first on the team in steals and deflections, tied for third league‑wide. Paired with center Walker Kessler, they give Los Angeles an 11.8 net rating and a top‑10 defensive rating. He also contributes nine blocks, occasional three‑point shooting (39.5% on catch‑and‑shoot threes), and serves as a key ball mover. If his shooting improves, Thybulle could become a championship‑caliber wing at a minimum deal.
JJ Redick was impressed with the Lakers’ poise in win over Pistons
The Lakers extend their early‑season surge to 5‑0 with a 121‑116 win over the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 6, despite Luka Dončić’s injury. Austin Reaves fuels the victory with 43 points and just one turnover, helping LA post a 127.4 offensive rating against Detroit’s third‑ranked defense. Coach JJ Redick praises the team’s poise, especially in the final quarter when the Lakers outscored the Pistons 33‑0 to seal the game. The win moves Los Angeles to 9‑2 and sets up a showdown with the 7‑4 Atlanta Hawks on Monday, with hopes of Dončić returning.
Austin Reaves still had time for jokes about Luka Dončić after big game vs. Pistons
Austin Reaves erupted for a career‑high 43 points on Nov. 8 as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons, their biggest win of the season. With Luka Dončić out, Reaves delivered a Luka‑style showcase—floaters, step‑backs and a lucky banked three that he joked was "some bulls‑t Luka would shoot." He closed the game with a clutch three under a minute left and even waved goodbye to a courtside fan he’d earlier confronted. Reaves finished with 5 rebounds, 4 assists and a 14‑27 shooting line, prompting praise from teammate Walker Kessler.
Lakers vs. Hawks Preview: Streaking teams collide
The Lakers (9-2) continue a five‑game road swing in Atlanta on Nov. 6, facing a 7‑4 Hawks squad that rides a four‑game streak. After dismantling the Pistons’ top defense, Los Angeles tries to keep its momentum despite a back‑to‑back schedule and a questionable Luka Dončić, who missed Sunday with back tightness. Austin Reaves comes off a 43‑point outburst, while the Hawks rely on CJ McCollum, Nickeil Alexander‑Walker and Jalen Johnson to press the perimeter. Injury updates list Quentin Grimes (finger) and several Hawks players as out or doubtful. The matchup could decide which streak survives.
Player Grades: Lakers vs. Pistons
The Lakers edge the Pistons 112-105 on Nov. 8, 2026, propelled by Austin Reaves’ career‑high 43 points (14‑27 FG, 4‑6 3PT, perfect 11‑11 FT). Walker Kessler dominates the glass with 16 rebounds and an A grade, while Ziaire Williams drops 17 clutch points for an A. Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton each score 12‑17 points, earning B grades, and Jake LaRavia’s versatile play nets a B. Detroit’s Matisse Thybulle struggles with a C‑, and Sandro Mamukelashvili posts a quiet B‑. The piece grades every starter, highlighting the Lakers’ hard‑working, youthful effort under JJ Redick.
Austin Reaves leads Luka-less Lakers to road win over Pistons
Austin Reaves ignites a Luka‑less Los Angeles Lakers in a 121‑116 road victory over the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 8, 2026. Reaves drops a season‑high 32 points on 12‑for‑19 shooting, leading L.A. through multiple lead changes despite Luka Dončić’s back‑tightness absence. The Lakers jump out to a 24‑point first‑quarter edge, tighten after Detroit’s second‑quarter rally, and hold a 12‑point halftime lead. Detroit’s Daniss Jenkins scores 22, but Reaves’ late third‑quarter surge and key bench contributions from Ziaire Williams, Collin Sexton and Jarred Vanderbilt keep L.A. ahead. The game ends with a tense final minute, but the Lakers secure the win, out‑scoring Detroit in the paint 58‑46 and capitalizing on 13 Pistons turnovers.
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