Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Marcus Smart ‘Proud’ Of Lakers For Fight Vs. Thunder

The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the NBA playoffs at the hands of the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round. It was as positive an exit as a sweep can be, with LeBron James and Marcus Smart leading the team to a shocking first round win without Luka Doncic at all or Austin Reaves for the first four games.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

‘They Did It’: Kenny Smith Responds to Claims Lakers Took LeBron James for Granted

With LeBron James completing his 8-year tenure with the Lakers and his future in the league hanging in the balance, a recurring debate has resurfaced. While Stephen A.

Los Angeles Lakers News / EssentiallySports / May 16

Lakers Facing Tough Decisions on Bronny James and Marcus Smart as LeBron Drama Continues

While the major headline remains about LeBron James’ free agency status or potential retirement, there are other question marks that the Los Angeles Lakers must solve.

Los Angeles Lakers News / EssentiallySports / May 16

'Can’t Even Lie': LeBron James Teammate Called Dumb by Lakers Rival for Wasting Potential

JJ Redick has had an explosive argument with Jarred Vanderbilt. But the Los Angeles Lakers head coach is in awe of Vanderbilt’s energy. Redick labels him as a winning player.

Anthony Edwards News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Most 40-point games in a season' quiz

How many of the active NBA players to score at least 40 points in 10 or more games in a single season can you name in five minutes?

The '35-point playoff games by team' quiz

The 'Most NBA playoff games by team' quiz

The 'NBA franchise scoring records' quiz

LeBron James News / AirJordanChronicles / May 16

LeBron James Agent Sets the Record Straight on Disgruntled Reports

Amid LeBron James’ free agency, ESPN reported that James felt underappreciated by the Los Angeles Lakers. Most recently, after Rob Pelinka’s locker room act, but James’ agent, Rich Paul, pushed back against the reporting. “I think people are reading too much into the signed ball,” he told Max Kellerman on the Game Over podcast.

NBA News / Yardbarker

The 25 best rookie seasons in NBA history

Rookies are exciting for teams and their fans because they represent potential, hope for the future. While it can take years to see how a prospect will pan out, sometimes it clicks right away.

NBA News / Fadeaway World / May 15

Dillon Brooks Thinks Lakers’ Jarred Vanderbilt Is A Dumb Basketball Player

Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks has never been one to mince words, and he has now gone after another member of the Los Angeles Lakers. Brooks was asked to name a dumb NBA player on Rayasianboy’s livestream and went with Jarred Vanderbilt.

James Worthy News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / May 15

James Worthy Names Unexpected Player Lakers Should Target This Summer

The Los Angeles Lakers head into the NBA offseason with many questions to be answered, with the storied franchise expected to make major changes to the roster and the front office.

Los Angeles Lakers News / NBA on ClutchPoints / May 15

Why Paul Pierce thinks LeBron James should retire

LeBron James just completed his 23rd season in the NBA. His Lakers were unable to garner a single win in their second-round series against the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Luka Doncic News / Lakers Nation / May 15

Luka Doncic Feels ‘Very Comfortable’ As Member Of Lakers

When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for superstar guard Luka Doncic it came as an absolute shock to the entire basketball world, himself included. The guard loved being a member of the Dallas Mavericks and wanted to spend his entire career there, so being dealt away was a major blow.

Deandre Ayton News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / May 15

Deandre Ayton’s Future With Lakers Suddenly Feels Far From Certain

The Los Angeles Lakers had a bit of luck last summer when they were able to bring in two veteran players who unexpectedly became available. Deandre Ayton was bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, and Marcus Smart agreed to a buyout with the Washington Wizards.

NBA News / Yardbarker

The 25 best No. 2 overall draft picks in NBA history

The No. 1 pick is the prize of the draft. That's obvious, but sometimes, the second pick can be almost, or even more, valuable. These are the greatest No.

Luke Kennard News / NBA on ClutchPoints / May 15

3 best Luke Kennard free agent destinations after Lakers playoff breakout

Even though the Los Angeles Lakers’ season ended early in the 2026 NBA Playoffs at the hands of Oklahoma City, the Lakers’ overall season could be seen as a success given the circumstances.

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

The 'Most 40-point games in a season' quiz

The 'Active 40-HR MLB seasons' quiz

The 'NFL's active 1K-rushers' quiz

The 'Active NBA double-double leaders' quiz

Los Angeles Lakers News / EssentiallySports / May 15

'It’s Disrespectful': Lakers Put on Notice Over LeBron James Statue Debate by 3x NBA Champion

For many, LeBron James is the NBA’s GOAT. But is he the GOAT for the Los Angeles Lakers? Sure, he has won a championship with them, played for eight seasons, and also won the first NBA Cup with them.

LeBron James News / Hoops Wire / May 15

LeBron James’ free agency options limited, Lakers reportedly still lead

LeBron James is back in a familiar place. Another offseason. Another set of questions. Around the NBA, the Lakers are viewed as the most logical outcome.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Lakers Nation / May 15

What Specific Types Of Players Do Lakers Want To Surround Luka Doncic With?

At his end-of-season press conference, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka spoke about the front office’s desire to build the roster around superstar Luka Doncic this offseason.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Silver Screen & Roll / May 15

The Lakers are renovating their practice facility with new medical and recovery labs

With the Lakers having a new majority owner in Mark Walter, change has been happening quickly in Los Angeles. We’ve seen this in personnel moves, such as the franchise hiring Lon Rosen as President of Business Operations.

Austin Reaves News / Lakers Nation / May 15

Potential Austin Reaves Free Agent Suitors Beginning To Emerge

Austin Reaves will be one of the most sought after free agents this summer and is line for a massive pay increase after making just under $14 million this season.

Los Angeles Lakers News / HITC / May 15

James Worthy gives brutal verdict on whether LA Lakers should keep Deandre Ayton

James Worthy did not sound convinced that Deandre Ayton is the right center for the Los Angeles Lakers moving forward. The Lakers’ playoff exit against the Oklahoma City Thunder exposed several roster questions, but the frontcourt discussion may be the loudest.

J.J. Redick News / Silver Screen & Roll / May 15

JJ Redick’s comments on depth, continuity are revealing for Lakers offseason

It’s clear that for right now, the Western Conference belongs to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the San Antonio Spurs are next up, trying to take them down.