Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Los Angeles Lakers News / Lakers Nation / November 8

JJ Redick: Marcus Smart Has Been Quarterback Of Lakers’ Defense

Marcus Smart was a thorn in the Los Angeles Lakers’ side for nearly a decade as a member of the Boston Celtics. However, L.A. jumped on the opportunity of bringing in Smart when the Washington Wizards bought him out during this past offseason.

Austin Reaves News / EssentiallySports / November 8

Is Austin Reaves Playing Tonight? Lakers vs Hawks Injury Report, Where To Watch & More (Nov. 8)

The Los Angeles Lakers open a tough five-game road trip in Atlanta, riding a five-game winning streak despite missing key players. Yet, roster uncertainty continues with LeBron, Luka, and Austin Reaves each sitting out recent games.

Maxi Kleber News / Lakers Nation / November 8

Maxi Kleber Ready For Return To Action

The Los Angeles Lakers have been hit by the injury bug early this season as LeBron James has yet to play while Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have also missed time.

Milwaukee Bucks News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The '30-point, 10-rebound NBA game leaders' quiz

How many of the 25 NBA players to score at 30 points and grab 10 rebounds in at least 100 games in their NBA career can you name in five minutes?

The 'NBA franchise 30-point-game leaders' quiz

The 'Triple-doubles from the 2022-23 NBA season' quiz

The 'NBA 20-season club' quiz

Los Angeles Lakers News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / November 8

Former Lakers Coach Darvin Ham Gets Honest About Why Russell Westbrook Era Failed

Russell Westbrook is an undisputed future Hall of Famer. So why has he become such a passed-over journeyman in his NBA dotage? The 6-foot-4 UCLA product, 36, spent a year-and-a-half with his hometown Los Angeles Lakers, from 2021-22 through a portion of 2022-23, while on a maximum contract.

NBA News / Yardbarker

The 25 most notable one-time NBA All-Stars

The all-time list of NBA All-Stars is obviously long, and notably distinguished. However, there are some players — for various reasons — who the casual, or even most-dedicated, NBA fans can't recall having earned All-Star nods.

Los Angeles Lakers News / The SportsRush / November 8

Kevin Garnett Argues LeBron James Coming Back Won’t Hurt Lakers Offense

No LeBron James? No problem for the Los Angeles Lakers. The purple and gold have catapulted to a 7-2 record despite dealing with a variety of injuries.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Lakers Nation / November 8

Luka Doncic Believes Rui Hachimura Is Having Underrated Season For Lakers

An unsung hero for the Los Angeles Lakers so far this season has been Rui Hachimura, who has been a steady source of offense while holding his own defensively.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Lakers Nation / November 8

JJ Redick: Deandre Ayton Showing He’s Winning Basketball Player With Lakers

A storyline worth monitoring entering the 2025-26 season was Deandre Ayton with the Los Angeles Lakers. After last year, L.A. clearly needed a starting caliber center to pair next to Luka Doncic and general manager Rob Pelinka signed Ayton on a discounted price after he was bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers.

Luka Doncic News / Lakers Nation / November 8

Luka Doncic Putting More Focus On Defensive End Of Floor

One of the main criticisms throughout the career of Los Angeles Lakers Luka Doncic has been his defense, namely that he gave very little effort on that end of the floor.

Mark Walter Values Jeanie Buss As Partner & Will Take His Time Implementing Changes

Whenever a new owner purchases a team it seems like almost a foregone conclusion that said owner will look to make some big moves and changes in order to make their mark on the franchise, and oftentimes it turns out pretty bad.

Luka Doncic News / Field Level Media / November 8

Luka Doncic, Lakers embrace challenge vs. short-handed Hawks

Some of the luster will be missing Saturday night when the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Atlanta Hawks in a game that will be contested without two marquee stars.

Austin Reaves News / Athlon Sports / November 8

Austin Reaves Development Emerges Amid Third Missed Game for Lakers

Austin Reaves has missed the Los Angeles Lakers’ last two games due to injury, including Wednesday’s hard-fought 118-116 victory against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

Los Angeles Lakers News / EssentiallySports / November 8

Darvin Ham Sends Russell Westbrook a Message After Clearing ESPN’s Lakers Rumors

Back in 2023, the Lakers pulled off a three-team trade, sending Russell Westbrook to Minnesota and Utah. The headlines weren’t just about the trade, it

Los Angeles Lakers News / EssentiallySports / November 8

Fired by LeBron James’ Lakers, NBA Coach Gets Real About 'Scapegoat' Claims

When the Lakers ruled out Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves against Portland, most fans braced for a loss. Instead, JJ Redick’s fiery leadership turned fatigue into fight.

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

The 'College Basketball 'Power 4' team names' quiz

The 'NHL all-time goal leaders' quiz

The 'Rookie TD pass leaders by team' quiz

The '2025 backup NFL quarterbacks' quiz

Los Angeles Lakers News / Larry Brown Sports / November 7

Lakers guard Austin Reaves' injury is more serious than previously thought

Austin Reaves’ injury may not be all that minor.

Unheralded Lakers pickup could have big impact this season

Ex-Lakers center Christian Wood fires at intruders in home invasion

The 25 greatest dunkers in NBA history

The 'Most points to start an NBA season' quiz

Los Angeles Lakers News / EssentiallySports / November 7

NBA Legend Warns Luka Doncic About LeBron James Ahead of Lakers Return

As the day of LeBron James’ return comes closer, the buzz around how things will look for the Lakers is getting louder. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported a few days ago that he might soon be gearing up for five-on-five live play while skipping the team’s five-day road trip.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Silver Screen & Roll / November 7

Luka Dončić is having a lot of fun with his Lakers teammates this season

Luka Dončić, at his core, is just a fun guy. Sure, he’s aiming to be the best player he can be and wants to win as many titles as possible with the Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers News / The SportsRush / November 7

Eddie Johnson Praises Lakers’ Success Despite Key Stars Missing Time

The Los Angeles Lakers were expected to be one of the top teams in the West with all their stars healthy, but the fact that they are No. 2 with a 7-2 start despite having their top three players out injured is insane.

J.J. Redick News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / November 7

Lakers' JJ Redick Reveals 'First Person I Called in Free Agency' This Summer

Even without 21-time All-NBA superstar power forward LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a stellar 2025-26 season start. More news:

Los Angeles Lakers News / Yardbarker / November 7

Unheralded Lakers pickup could have big impact this season

Nick Smith, Jr. was dumped by the Charlotte Hornets this summer. Now on a two-way deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, the 21-year-old could have a big impact this season.

Lakers’ LeBron James inching closer to season debut

LeBron James cleared to resume basketball activities

The 20 greatest trash talkers in NBA history

The '2003-04 NBA All-Stars' quiz

LeBron James News / Athlon Sports / November 7

Lakers Urged to Trade 40-Year-Old LeBron James

LeBron James is heading into an unprecedented 23rd season at 40 years old. But, despite the forward remaining in peak shape and still playing at All-Star caliber, Paul Pierce is urging the Los Angeles Lakers to trade him.

Austin Reaves News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / November 7

Lakers Receive Major Update on Austin Reaves’ Value in Free Agency

Ahead of the 2025-26 season, the Los Angeles Lakers received a massive update on the projected free agent value of Austin Reaves. On a recent episode of The Ringer's The Zach Lowe Show, The Athletic's Lakers beat reporter Dan Woike informed host Zach Lowe that Reaves was already in line for a major raise.

Deandre Ayton News / Fadeaway World / November 7

Deandre Ayton Gets Real On Lakers Culture

Deandre Ayton likes what he’s seeing in Los Angeles. After a strong start to the season, the Lakers’ big man credited the team’s chemistry and mindset for how well things are coming together, even with injuries keeping key players out of the lineup.