Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

LeBron James sparks controversy about playing on Christmas

LeBron James is getting ready to suit up for his 20th Christmas Day game, but if you ask him, he’d rather be home. “I’d much rather be at home with my family,” LeBron said.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Is Luka Doncic Playing Tonight vs Suns? Injury Report (December 23)

After a promising start to the season, the LA Lakers have struggled to string together a few wins. Since their 7-match win streak was broken by the Phoenix Suns earlier this month, the Lakers have visibly struggled, managing 4 wins and just as many losses in the last 8 games.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Lakers Nation / December 23

JJ Redick Credits Jaxson Hayes For Improvements As Playmaker

For the most part, Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes thrives as a rim-running big man who uses his athleticism and energy to finish with big dunks and alter shots at the rim on the other end.

San Antonio Spurs News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'NBA Christmas Day 40-point games' quiz

In NBA history, a player has scored 40 or more points on Christmas Day on 30 occasions. How many of those can you name in five minutes?

The 'NBA all-time scoring leaders' quiz

The 'Most 40-point games in NBA history' quiz

The 'NBA playoff point-per-game leaders' quiz

Los Angeles Lakers News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / December 23

Byron Scott Gets Honest About Lakers Fans’ True LeBron James Feelings

LeBron James has had what many would call a sucessful tenure in Los Angeles. Since coming to the Lakers in 2018, he's helped the franchise win one NBA championship and appear in two West Finals.

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.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Lakers Nation / December 23

Adou Thiero Trying To ‘Get Back To Who I Am’ After Knee Injury

The Los Angeles Lakers have historically drafted well in the second round and the 2025 NBA Draft was no different as they were able to select Arkansas’ Adou Thiero with the No.

Deandre Ayton News / Lakers Nation / December 23

Deandre Ayton ‘Speechless’ After Winning NBA Community Assist Award

Deandre Ayton has been more than the Los Angeles Lakers could have hoped for when they signed him in free agency this past summer. As soon as Ayton was bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, the Lakers jumped on a chance to sign him to a two-year deal.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Lakers Nation / December 23

JJ Redick Always Believed Austin Reaves Could Be An All-Star

With voting for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game underway, there will undoubtedly be some locks to make the contest. But there will also be many players looking to make their first appearance and Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is certainly in that category.

Los Angeles Lakers News / EssentiallySports / December 23

LeBron James Drops Retirement Hint as He Shuts Down Claims of All-Time Record

Early-season injuries and the end of a double-digit scoring streak only add fuel to the chatter around LeBron James’ retirement. While he has only played 11 games so far in his record-breaking 23rd year in the NBA, LeBron is currently averaging a career-low 20.2 points per game.

Los Angeles Lakers News / FirstSportz / December 23

Rich Paul Defends LeBron James’ ‘Christmas with Family’ Comment with Michael Jordan Reference

After LeBron James finished their away game against cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, one of the questions reporters asked was his opinion of his team’s game on Christmas Day.

Jaxson Hayes News / NBA on ClutchPoints / December 23

Jaxson Hayes identifies key area of improvement amid strong Lakers season

LOS ANGELES – After last season’s playoff flameout that saw Jaxson Hayes ultimately benched by the end of the series, it might have come as a surprise to fans that the seventh-year big man opted to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in for the 2025-26 season.

Deandre Ayton News / Hardwood Heroics / December 22

Deandre Ayton Gives Strong Endorsement of Lakers Center Amid Absence: 'He’s Been Doing Phenomenal'

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton missed the past two games. In his place, backup big man Jaxson Hayes took over for him in the starting spot. During that stretch, Hayes averaged 12.0 points and 4.0 rebounds on 90.9% shooting, leading to a 1-1 record.

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

The 'Multiple 3-rushing-TD games in a season' quiz

The '2004-05 NFL passing leaders' quiz

The 'Most multi-rushing-TD NFL games' quiz

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

NBA News / Field Level Media / December 22

Suns, Lakers square off for third time this month

Western Conference rivals clash for the third time this month when Phoenix hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. The Suns split the first two games with the Lakers, winning 125-108 in Los Angeles on Dec.

Los Angeles Lakers News / The SportsRush / December 22

'First Guy That Ties His Shoestrings 100 Times in a Game': LeBron James Reveals How Teammates Roast Him Over 'Records'

LeBron James holds a host of NBA records, playing at an elite level for over two decades. Entering the league at just 18 years old, he gained a head start on his career compared to those who came out of college.

NBA News / Athlon Sports / December 22

Lakers Announce Deandre Ayton News Before Suns Game

The Los Angeles Lakers have been dealing with a considerable injury crisis of late, which includes starting center Deandre Ayton. The 7-foot big man has been sidelined by an elbow injury, which has cost him two straight games on the shelf.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Lakers Nation / December 22

Lakers Injury Report: Deandre Ayton Returns, Austin Reaves Questionable, Luka Doncic & Rui Hachimura Out Vs. Suns

The Los Angeles Lakers released their injury report for Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns and Deandre Ayton (left elbow soreness) is off it and good to go, while Luka Doncic (lower left leg contusion), Rui Hachimura (right groin soreness) and Gabe Vincent (low back soreness) are out and Austin Reaves (left calf strain) is questionable.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / December 22

Lakers Hall of Famer Pulls No Punches on Luka Doncic, LeBron James Fit

The Los Angeles Lakers' most recent win was a prime example of how potent their offense can be when LeBron James and Luka Doncic are playing at their best.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / December 22

Showtime Lakers Legend Calls Out Kevin Durant for Ring Chasing

Over its nearly 80 years of existence, the NBA has changed drastically, from merging with alternate leagues to introducing the three-point shot to adding the electrifying NBA tournament just three seasons ago.

Los Angeles Lakers News / NBA on ClutchPoints / December 22

JJ Redick drops glowing Austin Reaves All-Star endorsement

LOS ANGELES – NBA All-Star voting got underway this past week, and for the Los Angeles Lakers, Austin Reaves has been making the case for being selected to his first All-Star appearance.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / December 22

Lakers Facing Major Competition for Rumored Trade Target

The Los Angeles Lakers have been connected to seemingly every defensive wing on the trading block, as the 19-8 Lakers have struggled mightily on defense this season.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Athlon Sports / December 22

Former Lakers Center Joins New NBA Team on Monday

The Los Angeles Lakers spent much of last season evaluating their options in the frontcourt without ever settling on anyone for the center position. One of the players who got reps in there last year and this season is now heading to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Bronny James News / NBA on ClutchPoints / December 22

Lakers’ Bronny James comes up big in G-League showdown vs. Victor Oladipo

The Los Angeles Lakers spotlight followed Bronny James into the G-League on Sunday night, and he delivered under it. Earlier this season, after earning his first career start, James stepped into another proving ground.