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Collin Sexton’s ‘insanity’ lifts shorthanded Lakers over Clippers
Collin Sexton ignites a shorthanded Lakers victory, scoring 21 points in a 103-87 win over the Clippers on Oct. 28, 2026. With Luka Dončić and Ziaire Williams out, Sexton’s relentless intensity – highlighted by a dramatic layup, a clutch free‑throw and a viral defensive stare‑down on Cam Christie – fuels a +23 plus‑minus in just 21 minutes off the bench. Coach JJ Redick hails Sexton’s ‘insanity’ and nonstop pressure as the spark the team needed, proving the guard can deliver when the roster is thin.
Player Grades: Lakers vs. Clippers
The Lakers defeat the Clippers at the Intuit Dome on Oct. 28, 2026, despite resting Luka Dončić and several role players. Key performances include Collin Sexton’s 21 points and A‑grade showing, Quentin Grimes’ 23 points and A‑grade, and Matisse Thybulle’s 15‑point effort earning an A. Jake LaRavia rebounds with a B+, Walker Kessler and Jarred Vanderbilt provide solid minutes, while Austin Reaves struggles with a C grade. The article grades each player against expectations, highlighting the depth that helped L.A. secure the win.
Defense, depth leads Lakers to blowout win over Clippers
The Lakers rout the Clippers 103-87 at the Intuit Dome despite missing Luka Dončić and Ziaire Williams. A dominant defensive effort forces 24 Clippers turnovers and yields 31 points off the fast break, while the Lakers tally 15 steals and 17 offensive rebounds. Austin Reaves leads L.A. with 16 points, Walker Kessler adds 11 and nine boards, and Collin Sexton bursts for 13 off the bench, sparking a 27-7 run that builds an 18-point halftime lead. Quentin Grimes and Jarred Vanderbilt anchor the defense, helping the purple and gold secure a convincing win on Oct. 28, 2026.
Lakers agree to two-way deal with center Lawson Lovering
The Los Angeles Lakers add depth at center by signing former Memphis Grizzlies big man Lawson Lovering to a two‑way contract, waiving AK Okereke to free up the roster spot. Lovering, a 7‑foot rookie who appeared in two NBA games last season—including an 11‑point, 11‑rebound effort against the Utah Jazz—averaged 7.0 points and 7.5 rebounds with Memphis, and posted 7.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 30 G League games for the Hustle. The move addresses the Lakers' need for a backup center after Kevon Looney’s underwhelming start, though Lovering may still be a developmental project.
Walker Kessler took responsibility for the Lakers’ poor defense vs. Blazers
The Lakers fell to a 136‑point loss against the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 27, posting a 132.0 defensive rating — the fourth‑worst of the 2026‑27 season. Center Walker Kessler takes ownership, saying he didn’t set the defensive tone and struggled with pick‑and‑roll rotations. Coach JJ Redick echoes the concerns, noting poor discipline and broken schemes. Despite scoring nearly 130 points, the Lakers’ defense couldn’t contain the league‑best offense, and they head into a back‑to‑back matchup with the Clippers, whose 20th‑ranked attack offers a chance to bounce back. Follow reporter Jackson on Twitter @jackfrank_jjf.
Luka Dončić out vs. Clippers with back tightness
The Los Angeles Lakers will miss Luka Dončić in their back‑to‑back game against the Clippers on October 28 due to back tightness, marking his first missed game of the season. Ziaire Williams also sits out with left‑foot soreness, while Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr remain unavailable. The injuries come amid a grueling five‑games‑in‑seven‑nights stretch, prompting the team to err on the side of caution. Coaches stress there is no long‑term concern for Dončić, and Carr continues rehab assignments, with Thiero still shut down for the opening week.
Ziaire Williams defended himself after receiving flopping technical foul
Ziaire Williams defends a flopping technical he received during the Lakers’ 136-129 loss to Portland on Oct. 25, arguing the forearm contact from Deni Avdija forced him backward. The NBA fined him $2,000 for a similar incident against Utah the previous night, marking the league’s heightened focus on flopping for 2026‑27. Williams maintains he didn’t flop, saying he only used his arms to stay upright. Despite the controversy, he’s off to a strong start with Los Angeles, averaging 11.3 points, 3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals in four games while shooting 69.2% inside and 46.7% from three. The Lakers hope he can avoid further calls as they face the Clippers on Wednesday.
Cameron Carr completes ‘very important step’ as he nears return from injury
Rookie Cameron Carr is taking a major step toward returning to the Los Angeles Lakers after a right oblique strain sidelined him since Oct. 6. Coach JJ Redick confirmed Carr completed a full practice with the Coachella Valley Lakers on Tuesday, a key checkpoint for his rehab and ability to absorb contact. Carr posted 19 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in his preseason debut versus the Sacramento Kings, followed by a modest five‑point effort against the Warriors. The Lakers hope his G League stint with Coachella Valley, which starts Nov. 6 against the Salt Lake City Stars, will keep him ready for a big‑league role.
Lakers loss to Blazers unearths inevitable defensive problems
The Lakers’ 136-129 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 27 exposes a looming defensive crisis. Despite Luka Dončić’s 41 points, 9 assists, Austin Reaves’ 26 and Sandro Mamukelashvili’s 16 off the bench, Los Angeles could not stop Portland’s perimeter barrage. Damian Lillard (21), Deni Avdija (23), Ja Morant (23) and Jrue Holiday (22) led the Blazers, while Lakers rookie Walker Kessler admits he must be more aggressive defending the ball. Coach JJ Redick cites “personnel discipline” and consistent stops as urgent fixes before the playoffs.
Player Grades: Lakers vs. Blazers
The Lakers fall 136-129 to the Portland Trail Blazers, snapping any hopes of an 82‑0 start. Luka Dončić lights up with 41 points, 9 assists and earns an A+ grade, while Austin Reaves adds 26 points for an A‑ rating. However defensive lapses and poor shooting hurt Los Angeles, as the team shoots 39.5% from three and allows Portland to hit 59% overall. Bench contributors receive mixed marks: Sandro Mamukelashvili (A‑, 17 points) shines, whereas Matisse Thybulle (D) and Jake LaRavia (F) struggle. The piece breaks down each player's grade after the fourth game of a largely new roster.
Lakers vs. Clippers Preview: Battle of LA, round two
The Lakers (3-1) host the Clippers (1-2) on Oct. 28 at the Intuit Dome in the second leg of the Battle of LA. After a 28‑point outing from Austin Reaves and a narrow win last week, L.A. seeks revenge, targeting the Lakers' weak rebounding with aggressive paint play from Brook Lopez and Darius Garland. Luka Dončić must bounce back from a tough performance, while Walker Kessler looks to improve on his 22‑point, 10‑for‑14 showing. Both teams play back‑to‑back; the Clippers sit without Bradley Beal and others, while the Lakers delay their injury report until tip‑off. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. PT on Spectrum Sportsnet.
Lakers fall in shootout with Blazers for first loss of season
The Los Angeles Lakers suffer their first loss of the 2026‑27 season, falling 136‑129 to the Portland Trail Blazers in a high‑scoring shootout on Oct. 27 at Crypto.com Arena. Portland shoots 59% overall and 18‑of‑36 from three, with Damian Lillard sealing the win after a late dagger. Luka Dončić scores 12 points in six minutes, adding several threes, while Austin Reaves and Sandro Mamukelashvili spark the Lakers’ offense. The game features 52 fouls, 71 free‑throw attempts, and multiple lead changes, highlighting weak defenses on both sides. The Blazers out‑rebound the Lakers 34‑21 on the boards and dominate the free‑throw line, ultimately pulling away in the final minutes.
Kawhi Leonard to miss Raptors game vs. Lakers with knee swelling
Kawhi Leonard will miss the Raptors' upcoming game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena and the subsequent matchup with the Clippers after his left knee swelled during the loss to Minnesota. ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that an MRI showed no structural damage, but the team plans a multi‑week rest to ramp him back up. Leonard entered the season averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 1.5 assists while shooting poorly (32.4% FG, 28.6% 3‑pt). Toronto won its first two games before the Timberwolves' 117‑94 rout, and now faces Orlando before a four‑game road stretch.
Walker Kessler says it was ‘crazy’ for Luka Dončić to get MVP chants on the road
Luka Dončić ignites MVP chants wherever he goes, most recently after his 52‑point, 4‑quarter blast lifts the Los Angeles Lakers to a 3‑0 start against the Utah Jazz. The Delta Center erupted in "M‑V‑P" cheers, joining similar ovations in Miami, Dallas and even before he joined the Lakers. Walker Kessler praised the "crazy" fan reaction, while rookie teammate Collin Sexton enjoys finally playing alongside the Slovenian star. Dončić’s next chance to spark road‑away chants comes Wednesday at the Intuit Dome against the Clippers.
How Walker Kessler is anchoring the Lakers defense
Walker Kessler is already shaping the Lakers into a defensive powerhouse early in the 2026‑27 season. After a modest offensive showing against Utah, his impact on the glass and rim protection has lifted the team’s defensive rating to a league‑top‑six 105.6 when he’s on the floor, with a +26 net rating. The Lakers employ Kessler in a drop‑coverage scheme, relying on his quick‑twitch mobility to hedge screens, recover, and contest shots—from forcing Darius Garland’s jumpers to blocking Rui Hachimura. Coach JJ Redick envisions him as a modern rim‑anchor akin to Victor Wembanyama, allowing aggressive wing players like Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams to press. His rebounding leads LA, and he ranks tied for second league‑wide in blocks.
Lakers were interested in Pete Nance as two-way signing after release from Bucks
The Los Angeles Lakers considered adding former Bucks forward Pete Nance to their two‑way roster after Milwaukee released the 26‑year‑old, but the Bucks retained him with their own two‑way offer. Nance, the younger brother of ex‑Laker Larry Nance Jr., posted career highs last season—47 games, 5.4 points per game and a 41.7% three‑point rate, including a 23‑point performance versus Houston. While the Lakers start the 2026‑27 season with two‑way contracts for Arthur Kaluma, Chris Mañon and AK Okereke, Nance remains in Milwaukee, leaving the Lakers to rely on their G‑League affiliates for depth.
Is Jarred Vanderbilt a solution at backup center for the Lakers?
The Lakers’ early unbeaten run masks a glaring depth issue at center after Kevon Looney’s recent struggles. With Sandro Mamukelashvili holding the spot, the team is debating whether bench forward Jarred Vanderbilt could fill the backup role. Vanderbilt’s rebounding could thrive in a five‑out system, but his lack of scoring and three‑point shooting raises concerns about offensive spacing. The article also examines the slim chances of signing an overseas big mid‑season, noting buyout rules and the talent drop from players like Kelly Olynyk or Maxi Kleber. Ultimately, the piece weighs Vanderbilt’s potential against the need for a more reliable backup center.
Lakers vs. Blazers Preview: Who’s taking their first loss?
The Lakers (3-0) host the 2-0 Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 27 at Crypto.com Arena in a back-to-back opener. Los Angeles relies on Luka Dončić’s 52‑point showcase and Austin Reaves’ 29 points, but defensive lapses—52 rebounds allowed and 34 second‑chance points—need fixing. Portland, fresh off a 41‑point win over Phoenix and a clutch victory vs. Sacramento, leans on Damian Lillard’s post‑Achilles form, Ja Morant’s health, and Deni Avdija’s 22‑point, 8.5‑rebond, 5‑assist average. Key injuries: Lakers missing Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero; Blazers out Shaedon Sharpe, with Carlson and Scoot Henderson questionable. The matchup could deliver the first loss for either unbeaten team.
JJ Redick had fun watching ‘showman’ Luka Dončić against Jazz
Luka Dončić erupts for 52 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in the Lakers' 18‑point comeback win over the Utah Jazz on October 25, 2026, marking his fourth 50‑point, 10‑assist, five‑rebounds game – the second‑most in NBA history. Coach JJ Redick praises Dončić’s “showman mode,” noting his clutch performance in the final seven minutes where he contributed 13 points and two assists, directly influencing 19 of the Lakers’ last 24 points. Austin Reaves also shines with 29 points and a decisive late three. The win gives Los Angeles its third straight victory to start the 2026‑27 season.
The Lakers got an early reference point in comeback win over the Jazz
The Lakers erase an 18‑point first‑quarter hole to beat the Utah Jazz 132‑123 on October 25, snapping a 3‑0 start to the season. After trailing 47‑29, Los Angeles flips the game, taking a 74‑71 halftime lead and ultimately pulling away thanks to clutch contributions from Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves late in the second half. Coach JJ Redick praises the comeback as a vital early‑season reference point for a roster with many new faces, highlighting the team's resiliency and the significance of a road win against a historically tough Jazz opponent.
Walker Kessler felt he let emotions get the best of him in return to Utah
Walker Kessler struggled in his return to Utah, scoring just two points on 1‑of‑2 shooting and picking up four fouls in 28 minutes despite averaging 24 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4 blocks over the Lakers' first two games. He blamed the off‑night on letting emotions run high against his former team, where he spent four seasons. The Lakers still won, thanks to Luka Dončić’s 52‑point, 10‑rebounds, 8‑assists performance and Austin Reaves’ 29 points. Kessler looks to rebound Tuesday at 8 p.m. against Portland.
Lakers Mailbag: A perfect start
The Los Angeles Lakers open the 2026‑27 NBA season with a flawless 3‑0 record, highlighted by a dominant win over the Warriors, a narrow victory against the Clippers, and a comeback triumph against the Utah Jazz on Oct. 25. While an 82‑0 run remains fanciful, the early success sparks fan questions about the team’s direction. The post invites readers to submit their queries about the Lakers or the NBA.
Player Grades: Lakers vs. Jazz
The Lakers edge the Utah Jazz 112-107 in a dramatic comeback, largely thanks to Luka Dončić’s 52-point, 10‑assist explosion and Austin Reaves’ 29 points. After a disastrous first quarter where the Jazz dominated the paint (24‑4 advantage) and built a sizable lead, the Lakers rallied in the second through Dončić’s hot shooting (14‑22 overall, eight of the last 13 threes) and Reaves’ 15‑point burst. Rookie Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle each earn B+ grades, while Walker Kessler struggles with only two points. Quentin Grimes drops to a C‑ after a quiet night. Overall, the win showcases Dončić’s superstar impact but highlights rebounding woes the Lakers must address.
Lakers survive slow start, silence Jazz behind Luka Dončić 52-point game
Luka Dončić ignites the Lakers’ season‑opening road win, dropping a career‑high 52 points as Los Angeles overcomes an 18‑point first‑quarter deficit to beat the Utah Jazz 132‑123 on Oct. 25, 2026. After a sluggish start, Dončić barrels the comeback with clutch threes and free throws, while Austin Reaves adds 15 points, including a critical three in the fourth. The Jazz, led by Bailey’s 13 points, briefly surge but cannot contain Dončić’s burst, especially late in the third when he nails a go‑ahead three. The victory marks the Lakers’ first road triumph of the season, showcasing Dončić’s offensive dominance.
Luka Dončić is hopeful that he can retire a Laker: ‘It’s amazing to be here’
Luka Dončić tells the California Post he feels at home in Los Angeles and hopes to retire as a Laker. After an unexpected trade from Dallas two years ago, the Slovenian star says training camp showed he belongs with the purple‑and‑gold organization and praises the city and franchise. While he admits NBA futures are uncertain, Dončić’s remarks signal a long‑term commitment, leaving the Lakers’ front office to build a competitive roster around him. The interview, dated Oct 16 2026, highlights his enthusiasm and the stakes for Los Angeles.
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