Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

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.

NBA News / NBA Analysis Network / December 19

3 lessons from Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz: Narrow win can’t hide pathetic defense from Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers might have gotten the win against the Utah Jazz, but their lack of defense was on full display. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 143-135 to go 19-7 for the NBA season, but it was far from a pretty win.

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.

Dallas Mavericks 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

LeBron James News / Bleacher Report / December 18

Watch: LeBron still got it in year 23

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 / 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.

NBA News / Silver Screen & Roll / December 18

Edwin’s Journal: Jarred Vanderbilt had his moment in the sun against Phoenix

The Lakers’ elimination from the NBA Cup meant there wasn’t as much game action for the purple and gold over the last week as the tournament wrapped up in Las Vegas.

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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

Could Lakers Remove Emirates NBA Cup Championship Banner After Knicks Decline To Put One Up?

The Los Angeles Lakers were the winners of the inaugural Emirates NBA Cup back in 2023 with LeBron James being the first ever NBA Cup MVP. In celebration of the accomplishment, the Lakers would hang a banner in the rafters of the Crypto.com Arena.

Luka Doncic News / Lakers Nation / December 18

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.

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.

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.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Yardbarker / December 18