Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Luka Doncic and LeBron James presence have big impact on weak defense, says LA Lakers star

One LA Lakers player isn’t too concerned about the weak defense from their team, thanks to Luka Doncic and LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers managed to get a big win over the Utah Jazz to go 19-7 for the season.

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The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

JJ Redick Turns To Banshees As Lakers Hit Quiet Reset

LOS ANGELES— The Los Angeles Lakers sit at 19–7 and tied for third in the Western Conference with San Antonio. They enter Christmas among the league’s best teams.

Luka Doncic News / NBA Analysis Network / December 19

Luka Doncic refuses ‘best basketball’ claim with LA Lakers, wants to improve MVP campaign

Luka Doncic isn’t satisfied with the way he has started the NBA season, despite leading the league in scoring with the Los Angeles Lakers The Los Angeles Lakers struck gold this past year, when they somehow managed to land Luka Doncic in perhaps the most shocking trade in NBA history.

Cooper Flagg News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Youngest 40-point NBA games' quiz

How many of the NBA players to score at least 40 points in a game before turning 21 years old can you name in six minutes?

The 'NBA's youngest 35-point scorers' quiz

The 'Most points in an NBA Christmas Day game' quiz

The 'NBA 10-block triple-doubles' quiz

NBA News / Yardbarker

Which NBA teams have the best Christmas Day records?

Christmas and the NBA go hand-in-hand. The day serves for the top hoops league in the world, like Thanksgiving for the NFL. However, while the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys are perpetual Thanksgiving participants, the NBA has mixed up the matchups and the teams throughout the years.

NBA News / Yardbarker / December 19

Lakers hoping offense wins championships

The conventional wisdom is that defense wins championships. The Lakers are hoping offense wins championships, too.

Luka Doncic's 45-point triple-double carries Lakers past Jazz

Who is the most-iconic player for every NBA franchise?

The 'Most 40-point NBA games since the merger' quiz

Los Angeles Lakers News / Silver Screen & Roll / December 19

Player Grades: Lakers vs. Jazz

The Lakers’ defense was suspect on Thursday, but in the fourth quarter, they tightened up on the road to secure a win against the Jazz. Luka Dončić had

Luka Doncic News / Field Level Media / December 19

Luka Doncic's 45-point triple-double carries Lakers past Jazz

Luka Doncic scored 45 points, dished out 14 assists, collected 11 rebounds, and had five steals to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 143-135 on Thursday night in Salt Lake City.

Los Angeles Lakers News / NBA on ClutchPoints / December 19

How Lakers’ Luka Doncic made Magic Johnson-esque history with monster game vs. Jazz

Only two things are certain in this world: 1. Magic Johnson will state the obvious on X and 2. Luka Doncic will show up for the Los Angeles Lakers. With Doncic doing his magic, the Lakers beat the Utah Jazz, 143-135, at Delta Center on Thursday.

NBA News / Silver Screen & Roll / December 18

Luka Dončić’s triple-double leads Lakers to win in Utah

Luka Dončić‘s 40-point triple-double and LeBron James’ 26 points led the depleted Lakers to another road win on Thursday, knocking off the Jazz 143-135.

Luka Doncic News / Lakers Nation / December 18

Luka Doncic Monster Triple-Double Helps Lakers Come Back To Beat Jazz

After getting a few days off to reset after the Emirates NBA Cup, the Los Angeles Lakers returned to the court on Thursday night when they traveled to take on the Utah Jazz.

LeBron James News / Bleacher Report / December 18

Watch: LeBron still got it in year 23

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'NFL's active TD-catch leaders' quiz

The 'Youngest 40-point NBA games' quiz

The 'Active NFL 5-passing-TD games' quiz

The 'Last 10-TD season by NFL team' quiz

NBA News / EssentiallySports / December 19

Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz Player Stats, Box Score and Game Recap (Dec 18) – 2025–26 NBA Season

The last time, the Utah Jazz were sacrificial lambs for LeBron James’ 23rd season debut. This time they’re planning a different outcome when they host the Los Angeles Lakers.

Austin Reaves News / EssentiallySports / December 19

Why Is Austin Reaves Not Playing Tonight vs Jazz? Lakers Broadcaster Drops Hopeful Injury Update

He’s the best storyline of the season and Luka’s least favorite teammate. LakeShow is obviously waiting for Austin Reaves to return. Sadly that’s not happening tonight at least.

Deandre Ayton News / EssentiallySports / December 18

Why is Deandre Ayton Not Playing Tonight vs Jazz? Latest Injury Update on Lakers Star and Expected Return

The Los Angeles Lakers’ frontcourt is facing an unexpected test on their road trip to Utah, as the team heads into Thursday’s matchup against the Jazz significantly shorthanded in the paint and on the perimeter.

Los Angeles Lakers News / NBA on ClutchPoints / December 18

What ClutchPoints insider is hearing about Lakers’ Herb Jones trade pursuit

The Los Angeles Lakers have performed well so far in the 2025-26 NBA season, currently sitting at 18-7 ahead of Thursday night’s game on the road against the Utah Jazz.

Luka Doncic News / NBA on ClutchPoints / December 18

Lakers star Luka Doncic’s reflection on 2025-26 play should strike fear in opponents

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic sent a strong message regarding his current play in the 2025-26 NBA season that will strike fear in opposing teams.

LeBron James News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / December 18

LeBron James' Next Title Only Counts for Legacy Under One Condition, Claims All-Star

As he continues in his NBA-record 23rd season, Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James has built one of, if not the most impressive, resumes in NBA history.

Gabe Vincent News / Lakers Nation / December 18

Gabe Vincent To Be Re-Evaluated In 1 Week With Lower Back Tightness

The Los Angeles Lakers announced that guard Gabe Vincent is dealing with lower back tightness and will be re-evaluated in one week. This is the latest injury setback for the veteran guard, who was forced to sit out 11 games earlier this season due to an ankle sprain.