Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Luka Doncic Named To Emirates NBA Cup All-Tournament Team

With superstar guard Luka Doncic leading the way, the Los Angeles Lakers went undefeated in group play of the Emirates NBA Cup. And even though the run ended in the quarterfinals with a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, who made it all the way to the championship game, the tournament overall was an outstanding showcase for Doncic.

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The Quiz of the Day

Jarred Vanderbilt isn’t the ideal solution, but he can still help the Lakers

After playing just three minutes in a single appearance in the Lakers previous 10 games, Jarred Vanderbilt played 15 minutes against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday and was a critical figure in his team getting the victory.

Gabe Vincent News / Hoops Wire / December 18

Lakers’ Gabe Vincent expected to miss at least one week

The Lakers will be without Gabe Vincent again, and yes, it is starting to feel familiar. Los Angeles announced that Vincent has been diagnosed with lower back tightness and will be reevaluated in roughly one week, as relayed by Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times.

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

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.

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.

LeBron James News / HITC / December 18

Ex-Lakers star suggests current squad don’t respect LeBron James enough

LeBron James is heading into his eighth season with the Los Angeles Lakers. It is the longest stretch he has spent with any one team, and it comes as he edges closer to the end of his career.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Yardbarker / December 18

Is Luka Doncic's latest claim a sign of change or an empty promise?

Doncic acknowledged a shortcoming from him and the team, but will anything actually change?

Dillon Brooks takes more shots at LeBron James in the media

Puka Nacua's brother arrested for allegedly stealing Lakers rookie's car

The most iconic game-winners in NBA history

The 'NBA's all-time 30-point game leaders' quiz

J.J. Redick News / Lakers Nation / December 18

JJ Redick Outlines Ideal Role Players To Surround Lakers’ Stars

The Los Angeles Lakers undoubtedly have a trio of superstars good enough to compete with just about any team’s top players in Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Last Word On Sports / December 18

Injury Woes Continue for Lakers Veteran Guard

The Lakers’ guard rotation continues to drop like flies, as the team announced a concerning update to veteran contributor Gabe Vincent. Vincent will miss at least one week due to “lower back tightness,” according to The Athletic’s Dan Woike.

Gabe Vincent News / Hoops Rumors / December 18

Lakers’ Gabe Vincent Out At Least One Week

Lakers guard Gabe Vincent has been diagnosed with lower back tightness and will be reevaluated in approximately one week, the team announced today (Twitter link via Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times).

Deandre Ayton News / Lakers Nation / December 18

Deandre Ayton: Lakers Must Have More Pride On Defensive End

So far this season, the Los Angeles Lakers have been an outstanding offensive team led by Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James. The defensive side of the ball has been up-and-down, however, with some really rough outings leading to blowout losses.

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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

Los Angeles Lakers News / Lakers Nation / December 18

JJ Redick Challenged Luka Doncic & LeBron James To Give More Defensively

Through the first quarter of the 2025-26 season, Luka Doncic has propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to near the top of the Western Conference standings. The Lakers currently sit with an 18-7 record, which is good for third alongside the San Antonio Spurs.

NFL News / Yardbarker / December 18

Puka Nacua's brother arrested for allegedly stealing Lakers rookie's car

Nacua's brother, Samson, has been arrested for allegedly stealing the car of Lakers rookie Adou Thiero.

NBA News / Lakers Nation / December 18

Suns’ Dillon Brooks Accuses LeBron James Of Being ‘Social-Media Junkie’

Throughout his illustrious career, LeBron James has had his fair share of rivals and opponents that would try to get in his head and throw him off by talking trash or being physical with him.

Los Angeles Lakers News / The SportsRush / December 18

Former All-Star Confused Why Bronny James Isn’t On The G-League Lakers If Dalton Knecht Is

Bronny James’ path to the NBA was never going to be easy, but it always came with a challenge unlike that faced by most aspiring players. As LeBron James’

Los Angeles Lakers News / Last Word On Sports / December 18

Trade Season Begins: Breaking Down The Lakers’ Options

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers enter Christmas in unfamiliar comfort. They sit third in the West with an 18–7 record. This is their strongest early-season position in years.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Fadeaway World / December 18

NBA Insider Proposes Smart Plan For The Lakers To Acquire Two Excellent Players In 2026 FA

The Los Angeles Lakers made some impressive moves this offseason by signing solid rotation pieces, including Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Hoops Wire / December 18

Lakers Notes: Luka Doncic, JJ Redick, Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt

The Lakers have one of the best records in the league. JJ Redick still isn’t satisfied. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Redick has made defense a major point of emphasis, calling on the Lakers to lock in earlier and more consistently.

NBA News / Field Level Media / December 17

Lakers looking to ratchet up defense as they take on Jazz

Defensive deficiencies have caused the Los Angeles Lakers some headaches in recent games ahead of Thursday's clash with the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Athlon Sports / December 17

Lakers Announce Deandre Ayton News Amid Austin Reaves Injury

Deandre Ayton had one of his best games as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. The Lakers secured a 116-114 win over the Phoenix Suns despite missing the services of the injured Austin Reaves.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Last Word On Sports / December 17

Lakers Seem Unwilling to Trade Veteran Guard Despite Interest

With offseason acquisitions now eligible to be traded, many Lakers fans are clamoring for the team to make a move, and LA appears to be focused on 3-and-D players.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Hoops Wire / December 17

Lakers searching for perimeter answers under tight cap rules

The Lakers have options. The problem is deciding which ones actually help. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Los Angeles is operating just $1.1 million below the first apron and is hard-capped, meaning flexibility is limited in terms of making trades.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / December 17

Lakers Pressured to 'Tread Carefully' at Trade Deadline

The Los Angeles Lakers are in need of a versatile defender if they are to compete in the stacked Western Conference this season. With a bottom 10-ranked defensive rating, the Lakers have struggled to contain opposing offenses, allowing the 17th-most points per game.