A Blog devoted to Lakers News, Commentary, and Analysis
After stealing Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline in February, Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka easily could have rested on his laurels this offseason. He could have run back the same group in hopes that a full season with Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves would result in a […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Everything seems to be coming up Lakers. On the court, they’re in the midst of a five-game win streak led by Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Off the court, the return of another superstar is nearing. The Lakers announced on Thursday that LeBron James was cleared for basketball activities and would be re-evaluated in one […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
LOS ANGELES – After losing in the playoffs in five games against the Wolves, it was clear the Lakers needed an upgrade at the center position. The franchise viewed Deandre Ayton as a solution to their frontcourt problem and signed him in the offseason. But could he live up to his potential in LA, or would […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
It wasn’t easy, but the Lakers rallied back in the fourth to beat the Spurs 118-117 to extend their winning streak to five. Late in the fourth, the Lakers looked like they were in perfect position to win, until a costly turnover from Marcus Smart and a foul call on Jake LaRavia nearly choked away […]
3 months ago | 4 reads
The Lakers have taken one step forward and another back with their most recent injury report. Austin Reaves will miss his second game in a row due to right groin soreness as the Lakers take on the Spurs, but on the plus side, Los Angeles will have Luka Dončić available. Luka missed the team’s game […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Since the start of training camp, Lakers head coach JJ Redick has been all about establishing a culture. The team’s motto was labeled as obsession. Redick has spoken about championship habits, even going so far as to place them on a board for all to see at practice. Now with games underway, we’re seeing the fruits of […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Despite Luka Dončić playing in just half of their games and LeBron James yet to even suit up, the Lakers are 6-2 and drowning their opponents with buckets. Tuning into this team on a nightly basis feels like landing on rerun after the actors swapped roles mid episode. Out of necessity, head coach JJ Redick […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
The clearest sign of the Lakers’ depth this season is that, despite Luka Dončić playing in only half the games and LeBron James not yet suiting up, the Lakers are 6-2 and on a four-game winning streak. Despite players moving in and out of the lineup, the Lakers have hardly missed a beat. Equally as […]
3 months ago | 5 reads
After a quick stop in Portland where they managed to steal a victory without their three best players, the Lakers are back home again where they will take on the San Antonio Spurs. This is their last home game in the next two weeks as they go on a five-game road trip after this one. […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
One of the ultimate goals of every franchise is to develop a culture. Teams can have identities, but building a culture is how long-term success is achieved. Franchise like the Warriors, Celtics and Heat have a culture that has led to sustained success. The Lakers have not had that for a very long time. In […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Nick Smith Jr. stepping up for the Lakers against the Blazers had all the makings of a feel-good Hollywood movie. The shorthanded Lakers relied on their two-way guy to play 27 minutes on the road and he delivered, scoring 25 points in the road win. To add even more drama, Smith Jr. was not feeling […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Nick Smith Jr. went nuclear against the Blazers for the shorthanded Lakers on Monday, scoring 25 points in the shocking win, leaving it all on the floor in the process. Well, not literally. He actually left some bad parts elsewhere in Moda Center. Midway through his memorable night, Smith Jr. raced off the court and […]
3 months ago | 3 reads
Realistically, Steve Nash’s three seasons with the Lakers could hardly have gone worse. All the hope that came with the team unexpectedly trading was dashed away nearly immediately once he started playing games and his body began breaking down. At a certain point for Lakers fans, it became pretty clear Nash was never going to […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. The Lakers are known for their star power and championships. This season, though, they’ve been more […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Can you imagine being the person who suggested the Lakers were just punting this game against the Blazers when they announced Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves would be out? Surely that person wouldn’t have suggested it would be silly to play Deandre Ayton, too, considering he just missed Sunday’s game with back spasms. But I […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Despite the trio of Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and LeBron James all being out with injury, the Lakers had one of the most memorable wins in recent years, knocking off the Blazers, 123-115. Nick Smith Jr. caught fire in the second half, pouring in 25 points on 10-15 shooting overall and 5-6 shooting from range. […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
After some bright spots in his rookie season and a promising Summer League, Bronny’s sophomore season with the Lakers hasn’t started on a particularly great foot. With injuries affording him some cameos early in the year, Bronny hasn’t impressed, to say the least. However, head coach JJ Redick and his staff continued to allow him […]
3 months ago | 1 read
After picking up a win over the Heat on Sunday, the Lakers appear to be effectively punting the second night of the back-to-back on Monday. Hours before the game, the team announced that both Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves would be out. Deandre Ayton, who missed Sunday’s game with back spasms, is questionable. Maxi Kleber, […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
LOS ANGELES – This year’s iteration of the Lakers will go as far as Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves take them. But that’s more of an endgame reality. To not only survive but thrive during the 82-game gauntlet that is the NBA season, the Lakers will need everyone to pull their weight, including players […]
3 months ago | 1 read
Once the news that LeBron James would be sidelined for the opening weeks of the season came out, the belief was that Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves would have to carry the team as far as they could. With that in mind, to see the Lakers win by double digits in a game where Luka […]
3 months ago | 4 reads
After taking care of business at home against the Miami Heat on Sunday, the Lakers (5-2) are quickly back on the road as they take on the Portland Trail Blazers (4-2) on Monday. This will be the second time these two teams meet inside of a week. Start time and TV schedule Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
For the first time this season, the Lakers did not get a 40-point performance. Instead, it was a balanced attack from Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Jake LaRavia as the Lakers picked up their fifth win of the season, knocking off the Heat, 130-120. Luka Dončić notched a triple-double with 29 points, 11 rebounds and […]
3 months ago | 4 reads
After missing the second half of Friday’s game against the Grizzlies, Deandre Ayton will remain out for the Lakers on Sunday against the Heat. On the initial injury report on Saturday, Ayton was listed as probable. Hours before the game, he was downgraded to questionable before being ruled out just ahead of the game. Fortunately, […]
3 months ago | 9 reads
After sweeping their tw0-game road trip, the Lakers (4-2) are back home where they will be greeted by the Miami Heat (3-2) on Sunday. This is the first night of a back-to-back for Los Angeles. Start time and TV schedule Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat When: 6:30 p.m. PT, Nov 2 Where: Crypto.com Arena Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet The […]
3 months ago | 6 reads
Estimates for Austin Reaves’ next contract continue to rise amidst his scorching-hot start to the 2025-26 NBA season. On Friday, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported that “the belief around the league is that $30 million per year is the absolute baseline” for Reaves when he becomes an unrestricted free agent next offseason. As Bontemps noted, 59 […]
3 months ago | 1 read