Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Luke Kennard News / Lakers Nation / April 23

Luke Kennard: Lakers ‘Gotta Believe In What We Have’

Almost no one could have predicted that the Los Angeles Lakers — missing both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves — would be leading the Houston Rockets 2-0 through two games of their first round playoff series.

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

Skip Bayless Makes Bold Claim About Lakers Without Luka Doncic

Just days after head coach JJ Redick publicly defended Luka Doncic and called out media bias around the team and MVP snub, the narrative around the Los Angeles Lakers has taken a strange turn, and one loud media voice is now questioning whether the team even needs Luka at all.

Cleveland Cavaliers News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Most 30-point NBA Playoff games' quiz

How many of the NBA players with at least 30 games with 30 points in the postseason can you name in five minutes?

The '40-point NBA games since 1976-77' quiz

The 'Active 30-point games in an NBA season leaders' quiz

The 'NBA franchise scoring records' quiz

Los Angeles Lakers News / Lakers Nation / April 23

LeBron James Has Special On-Court Connection With Marcus Smart

Without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers need some players to step up alongside LeBron James to take down the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

NBA News / Yardbarker

The 25 greatest playoff games in NBA history

In the NBA, it's all about showing up and showing out in the posteason. With that in mind, here are the 25 greatest NBA playoff games of all time.

NBA News / HITC / April 23

Los Angeles Lakers achieve never-seen NBA playoff feat in 2-0 lead over Houston Rockets

The Los Angeles Lakers hold a 2-0 lead in their playoff series against the Houston Rockets after winning both home games. The results put them in control early, but the context behind those wins is even more striking.

Los Angeles Lakers News / AirJordanChronicles / April 23

Stephen A. Smith Backs LeBron James’ GOAT Case Based on Recent Performance

Stephen A. Smith has historically favored Michael Jordan over LeBron James as the GOAT of basketball. However, on Wednesday, Smith backed the Los Angeles Lakers star’s case, citing his recent performance against the Houston Rockets.

LeBron James News / AirJordanChronicles / April 23

Michael Beasley recalls LeBron James moment during Club Shay Shay appearance

Michael Beasley spent only one season alongside LeBron James in Miami, mostly as a quiet observer, but that vantage point gave him a front-row seat to the infamous cookie incident from the 2013-14 season.

LeBron James News / NBA on ClutchPoints / April 23

As Lakers & LeBron James shine, Brian Windhorst admits he thought retirement was near

Father Time might be undefeated, but LeBron James is currently taking him to the limit. Despite being 41 years old, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar continues to defy logic, even if some of the league’s most seasoned insiders were ready to write his basketball obituary just a few months ago.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Athlon Sports / April 22

'Most Inefficient Player in the League': Skip Bayless Drops Harsh Verdict on Lakers' Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic has yet to play this postseason, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem, as his Los Angeles Lakers have gone 2–0 against the Houston Rockets, with LeBron James turning back the clock and Luke Kennard blossoming under JJ Redick’s system.

LeBron James News / Yardbarker

The 25 defining moments of LeBron James' career

LeBron's career can't go on forever, can it? If it were to end tomorrow, it would be the greatest run of sustained excellence the league has ever seen.

Marcus Smart News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / April 22

Marcus Smart Pinpoints One Thing Fueling Lakers’ Playoff Success vs. Rockets

Coming into the first-round playoff series against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Lakers were underdogs, with the consensus being that JJ Redick’s team could not beat Ime Udoka’s gritty squad without stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

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The 'Most 30-point NBA Playoff games' quiz

The 'Playoff debut scoring-record by team' quiz

The 'NBA minutes-per-game leaders' quiz

The 'Stanley Cup Playoff hat-tricks' quiz

LeBron James News / AirJordanChronicles / April 22

Nick Wright Claims LeBron James Got Robbed of Unanimous MVP, DPOY in 2013

Seasons are remembered for what legends have achieved on the court. But sometimes they are also defined by what slipped away. And Nick Wright claimed that LeBron James was robbed of major awards back in 2013. Nick Wright brought up this old debate on his show, What’s Wright?

Los Angeles Lakers News / Hoops Wire / April 22

Lakers’ Austin Reaves closer to return than Luka Doncic

The Lakers are in control of their first-round series. They just aren’t whole. Even without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Lakers have jumped out to a 2-0 lead over the Rockets.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Total Pro Sports / April 22

Stephen A. Smith Drops Bold LeBron James GOAT Take Amid Age 41 Run

Stephen A. Smith, known for his fiery takes, has shifted his tone toward LeBron James amid the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent success. Once an intense critic, Smith is now singing James’ praises as he leads the Los Angeles Lakers against daunting odds.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Total Pro Sports / April 22

Rich Paul Drops Major LeBron James Retirement Hint After Lakers Take 2-0 Lead

As the postseason approached, all eyes were on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. With injuries to key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves casting doubt on the team’s playoff hopes, many questioned whether the four-time NBA champion could rise to the occasion.

J.J. Redick News / Lakers Nation / April 22

JJ Redick Believes Regular Season Helped Lakers Build Resiliency

The Los Angeles Lakers have dealt with injuries all season long and got a double-dose at the worst possible time right before the playoffs. But despite being down their two leading scorers, JJ Redick has his squad with a 2-0 series lead in their first round series against the Houston Rockets.

NBA News / EasySportz / April 22

LeBron Just Proved Age Means Absolutely Nothing

At 41 years old, LeBron James is still doing things that don’t make sense — and Game 2 against the Houston Rockets was just another reminder of his greatness.

LeBron James News / The Spun / April 22

LeBron's Agent Makes It Sound Like He's Not Retiring Anytime Soon

Even in his 23rd NBA season, LeBron James is still capable of leading a franchise to playoff wins. James had 19 points and 13 assists for the Los Angeles Lakers in a Game 1 win over the Houston Rockets.

Marcus Smart News / Silver Screen & Roll / April 22

Marcus Smart ‘grateful’ for chance to be back in playoffs, competing at high level

When Marcus Smart joined the Lakers, the hope was that he could remain healthy and become a defensive anchor for this team. After seasons with the Grizzlies and Wizards, he could come to Los Angeles and play better basketball at higher stakes.

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

Lakers HC JJ Redick Calls Out Media Bias and Says Luka Doncic Deserved MVP Finalist Spot

Luka Doncic led the NBA in scoring this season, averaging 33.5 points per game, and fought his way through an eligibility battle just to stay in award conversations.

NBA News / Yardbarker / April 22

Kevin Durant returns in Game 2 vs. Lakers, but Rockets still lose

If the Houston Rockets can't win with a healthy Kevin Durant, their first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference playoffs could be a short one.

Jrue Holiday trade pays off big for Trail Blazers in comeback Game 2 win

Scoot Henderson shoots Trail Blazers past Spurs to even series

How VJ Edgecombe, Tyrese Maxey outdueled Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum in 76ers' upset win in Game 2

Jimmy Butler may not return in 2026-27

The 'NBA Playoff PPG leaders' quiz

Los Angeles Lakers News / Athlon Sports / April 21

JJ Redick Shares Update on Austin Reaves' Injury Recovery

The Los Angeles Lakers are missing the offensive production from Austin Reaves this playoffs. Reaves has been out with a Grade 2 left oblique strain before the 2025-26 NBA season ended.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Larry Brown Sports / April 21