Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

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.

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The Quiz of the Day

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.

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

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 / 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 / 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.

Los Angeles Lakers News / AirJordanChronicles / April 22

Ex-Laker Matt Barnes Ranks LeBron James Behind Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant

Former NBA player Matt Barnes has once again sparked the GOAT debate. And the fact that he stressed is widely accepted in the basketball community as well.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Lakers Nation / April 22

LeBron James Cautions Lakers After Game 2 Defensive Performance On Kevin Durant

One of the main stories coming into this playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets was the latest meeting between two of the best players of their generation in LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

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 / Lakers Nation / April 22

Marcus Smart Makes Lakers Playoff History In Game 2 Win Vs. Rockets

In Game 1, it was Luke Kennard who caught fire and made Los Angeles Lakers playoff history with his performance against the Houston Rockets. In Game 2, however, it was Marcus Smart who was the catalyst for the Lakers taking a 2-0 series lead.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Silver Screen & Roll / April 22

Luka Dončić set to begin on-court work ‘soon,’ no update on return timeline

The path to seeing Luka Dončić back on the floor with the Lakers is long and unknown. Ever since he went down with a hamstring strain against the Thunder back in early April, he’s done everything possible to return, including traveling to Spain to get treatment on his injury.

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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

Kevin Durant News / Lakers Nation / April 22

Kevin Durant Discusses How He Can Be Better Against Aggressive Lakers Defense

Kevin Durant returned to the Houston Rockets’ lineup for Game 2 of the first round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. But that didn’t lead to a change in results as the Lakers again came out on top, defeating the Rockets 101-94 to take a 2-0 series lead.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Silver Screen & Roll / April 22

The Lakers mercilessly hunted Alperen Şengün in Game 2

LOS ANGELES — As news broke on Tuesday night that Kevin Durant’s status had been upgraded to available, the collective tension in Crypto.com Arena rose.

Los Angeles Lakers News / The Spun / April 22

Courtside Reporter Ashley ShahAhmadi Is Clear Star Of NBA Playoff

It's safe to say NBC made a smart decision hiring Ashley ShahAhmadi as its lead courtside reporter for the 2025-26 NBA season. ShahAhmadi has worked alongside play-by-play commentator Noah Eagle and former All-Star forward Grant Hill for the majority of the NBA season.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Lakers Nation / April 22

JJ Redick ‘Disappointed’ Luka Doncic Wasn’t Included Among 2025-26 NBA MVP Finalists

Luka Doncic successfully appealed to become eligible for end-of-season awards despite not meeting the 65 games played threshold, but it wound up proving all for naught for the Los Angeles Lakers superstar in one regard.

NBA News / Larry Brown Sports / April 22

LeBron James takes a jab at Kevin Durant’s real height

LeBron James knows that height is a touchy subject for Kevin Durant. While talking about the threat that Houston Rockets star forward Durant presents to the Los Angeles Lakers, James brought up a particular topic that’s often viewed with intrigue — KD’s height.

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.