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The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to return to the NBA Finals. After trading for Luka Doncic, the Lakers are trying to build a team that is capable of winning multiple championships. After being eliminated in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, Los Angeles needs improvement, and it could make a blockbuster trade this offseason.

As Dan Woik and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported, the Lakers are expected to be aggressive in the trade market during the 2026 NBA offseason. Los Angeles was interested in Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo during the 2026 NBA trade deadline, so it could always make the rounds ahead of the NBA Draft.

After completing one of the biggest trades in NBA history for Doncic, the Lakers’ work is not done yet. However, who could be a target for Los Angeles on the trade market?

Potential trade targets for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2026 offseason

If the Lakers want to be aggressive on the trade market, there are a few players that make sense. The list starts with Antetokounmpo; However, does the organization have the assets to make the deal? It doesn’t seem like a very realistic possibility, but the trade block won’t be without elite talent.

New Orleans Pelicans forwards Trey Murphy Jr. and Herb Jones would be great additions to the team. Murphy scored 21.5 points per game while shooting 37.9% from the three-point line during the 2025–26 NBA season. Meanwhile, Jones would give the Lakers an elite defensive player who can also create offense.

What about Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler? If extension talks don’t go well with Utah, the Lakers could get an elite defensive center who can score and rebound very well. Kessler is a restricted free agent, so this will likely require a trade unless the offer sheet is too high for the Jazz’s liking this offseason.

The Lakers need starting centers, shooting and bench depth for the 2026-27 NBA season. Antetokounmpo would be a dream acquisition, but Murphy, Jones and Kessler all represent great options moving forward. The focus may start on the Bucks star, but end somewhere else

Los Angeles wants to return to the NBA Finals with LeBron James, and may need a blockbuster trade to accomplish that goal.

READ MORE: NBA Insider gives big update on Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James’ retirement

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work may also…More about Austin Konensky

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is poised to become one of the top players available in NBA free agency this summer. While Los Angeles is favored to re-sign him, contenders are already gearing up for a bidding war.

Dan Woik and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks are already two teams that have “known interest” in signing Reaves this summer.

RELATED: Executives predict potential cost of Austin Reeves contract

• Austin Reeves Stats (2025-26): 23.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.1 spg, 2.3 3pts per game, 36% 3pts

Reeves, age 27, is believed to still live in Los Angeles. The 6-foot-5 guard has expressed his desire to remain with the Lakers and there were reports during the season that he might take a waiver to remain with the team.

Los Angeles already knows what price he is looking for on a long-term deal. The lack of high-level talent in NBA free agency, especially under the age of 30, gives Reaves an advantage. With the rising NBA salary cap, over $40 million is being paid per season at this point.

RELATED: Executive details potential win-win contract for Lakers, LeBron

The challenge for the Lakers will be how they build their roster with a commitment of more than $90 million per season to Reaves and Luka Doncic. Los Angeles will also have to decide what to offer LeBron James, who will have a limited number of suitors and all of them will have financial restrictions on what they can offer.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The Los Angeles Lakers face two important offseason decisions this summer with LeBron James and Austin Reaves. While it’s uncertain how much it would cost if the Hall of Famer is retained in the future, there is more information on the rate at which Reeves is paired with Luka Doncic.

NBA executives who spoke to The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Dan Wolke said Reaves could get a multi-year extension in the range of more than $40 million per season.

RELATED: Executive details potential win-win contract for Lakers, LeBron

Reaves, age 27, is hitting NBA free agency at exactly the right time. The 6-foot-5 guard is coming off a season where he set career highs in scoring, free-throws and rebounds per game.

• Austin Reeves Stats (2025-26): 23.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.1 spg, 2.3 3pts per game, 36% 3pts

He’s also hitting the open market right this summer. LeBron will have a very limited number of suitors, and Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren is a restricted free agent. This makes Reaves the most coveted player available in NBA free agency this offseason.

Currently, the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls stand as the two guard-needy teams with the cap space to afford Reaves. There is also expected to be interest from the Utah Jazz.

In all likelihood, a bidding war would lead the Lakers to pay more than $40 million per season to retain Reaves. A deal would mean Los Angeles is committing more than $90 million per season to Reaves and Doncic together for the foreseeable future.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

A rival executive sabotaged the new contract the Los Angeles Lakers were supposed to give LeBron James, and it looks like it’s a win-win deal for both parties.

On Monday, the Lakers saw a disappointing end to their 2025-26 campaign as the Oklahoma City Thunder completed a stunning four-game sweep of the NBA Playoffs semifinals. Following their 115–110 loss at home, speculation immediately began regarding James’ future.

Over the next few weeks, the 22-time All-Star will have to decide if he wants to play another season in the NBA. If he returns for a 24th season, while other teams like the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers would be interested, a return to the Lakers makes the most sense.

“It’s hard to fit him anywhere,” a West scout told ESPN’s Tim Bontemps on Friday. But James won’t come cheap, and the prospect of them trading a veteran to capture a title doesn’t make business sense for them. An East team strategist also told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, “According to our metrics, he remains a top-25 player in the league, and if it weren’t for his age, we probably would have rated him at the max player level.”

Should the LA Lakers give LeBron James a one-year deal with a no-trade clause?

So what type of deal should the Lakers offer that makes sense for them in the short and long term, but doesn’t offend one of the greatest players of all-time, who is still playing at an All-Star level at age 41? An executive from an Eastern Conference team has an idea.

James earned more than $52 million this season. Still, with the team willing to give Austin Reeves a big pay raise in a new long-term deal this summer, it doesn’t make sense to pay him that amount again. Would the four-time MVP be willing to consider a contract in the $35 to $40 million range? Perhaps.

One-year James deal makes long-term sense for LA Lakers

While he wants to chase championships, James is a smart businessman and won’t waste his value to benefit a billion-dollar NBA club. The Lakers are one of the few competitive teams that can offer him the money he’s worth.

Additionally, LA showed over the final two months of the season that they can be a threat in the West if James, Reaves and Luka Doncic are healthy. If the front office can better complement the roster around him, James has a chance to chase a title in the city he wants to live in, and closer to market value.

For the Lakers, it makes sense to keep James for another season. As mentioned, they will be a very good team again. And if this is his final year, the club could pocket a hefty sum from a pseudo-retirement tour. But at the same time, re-signing him and waiting for the summer of 2027 makes long-term sense.

Big stars like Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, Karl-Anthony Towns and Kyrie Irving could be available next summer.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A new report suggests that if it’s up to Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves, LeBron James will be back in Los Angeles next season.

On Monday, the Lakers saw a disappointing end to their 2025-26 campaign as the Oklahoma City Thunder completed a stunning four-game sweep of the NBA Playoffs semifinals. Following their 115–110 loss at home, speculation immediately began regarding James’ future.

As of now, the basketball icon is unsure whether he will play again next season. However, if he does so, Los Angeles remains the favorite to retain his services. Nevertheless, there have been multiple reports regarding a growing rift between management and the 22-time All-Star as he reportedly feels he has been “taken for granted” by the team’s front office.

However, the big question is his fit in this team. Doncic and Reaves will be the faces of the franchise for a long time, especially if the Lakers sign a new long-term contract this summer. His views on James’ return will certainly be important for the management. And if it matters much, the four-time MVP will be back in purple and gold next season.

Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves both want LeBron James to re-sign with the LA Lakers

“A report that Los Angeles Lakers stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James are not getting along is not true,” sources reportedly told the Dallas Hoops Journal. “Doncic and James have a positive relationship, and Doncic wants James to rejoin the Lakers this summer.”

“Austin Reaves, who will decline his player option for next season, is expected to re-sign with the Lakers this summer,” the outlet said. “The undrafted guard also has a close relationship with James and wants James to continue playing for the Purple and Gold if he does not retire from the NBA.”

At least when it comes to the Lakers’ top two players moving forward, they both want the future Hall of Famer back on the team for at least one more season.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, and the future is now uncertain. James is set to become a free agent in June, but he is also considering retirement. However, is the four-time NBA champion’s return to Los Angeles more complicated than it seems?

Below, we’ll dive into the locker room tension between James and the Lakers during the 2025-26 NBA season.

LeBron James feels the Los Angeles Lakers took him for granted

James has been with Los Angeles for the past eight seasons and helped lead the organization to an NBA championship in 2020. The 41-year-old forward is still one of the best players in the NBA, but his role has changed over the past year and a half. Now, rumors of tension between James and the organization are emerging.

On March 31, James experienced “another example” of the Lakers “taking him for granted”, as reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Los Angeles defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers by 14 points, as James earned his 1,229th win. James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most wins by any player in NBA history.

That same night, Luka Doncic reached 15,000 career points, while Rui Hachimura reached 5,000. Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick acknowledged all the accomplishments before Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka addressed the team.

According to McMenamin, Pelinka gave the game ball to Redick, who had just earned his 100th coaching win, instead of James, Doncic or Hachimura. This did not please the four-time NBA champion, as he saw it as “another example of the Lakers taking him for granted.” The ESPN insider also said that James’ desire to play a supporting offensive role to Doncic and Austin Reaves further heightened his sentiments.

Tension has increased with James recently; However, will it be enough for him to leave Los Angeles?

Will LeBron James return to the Los Angeles Lakers?

If James does not retire he will be free to choose his next NBA team and the Lakers will be one of the favorite teams. The 41-year-old star has built a brand in Los Angeles and continues to play at a high level. However, does James want to return to the Lakers for another season?

A source close to James told ESPN he thinks a return to Los Angeles is up to the Lakers, as McMenamin reported. The person continued and said that James “loves” living in Los Angeles. If he does not retire, it would be best for both parties to continue this partnership.

James could leave the Lakers and go to a different team like the Golden State Warriors or Los Angeles Clippers, but would that really give him a better chance to win a fifth championship? Los Angeles was very strong before Doncic’s injury, and the Lakers should focus on building a championship team with James still there.

There will be much debate over what James should do after the 2025-26 NBA season. Retirement is on the table, but James is still playing at a high enough level to make a difference for a championship team. If so, it comes down to where James wants to finish his NBA career.

For now, the Lakers seem to have James as their best option to win the championship.

READ MORE: LeBron James post-sweep bombshell: Retirement, comeback, or something else?

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

On Monday night, what was supposed to be a pretty good season for the Los Angeles Lakers came to a disappointing end when they were officially eliminated from the playoffs by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Expectations were always low when top star Luka Doncic suffered a serious hamstring injury just before the postseason began. But the Roosters still showed their ability and courage to reach the semi-finals by defeating the Houston Rockets in the opening round.

Still, roster changes are coming this offseason. NBA legend LeBron James may have played his final game in Los Angeles – and possibly in the league. And DeAndre Ayton will almost certainly opt out of the final year of his deal. While those are notable losses, the Lakers aren’t too far away from being legitimate title contenders in 2026-27. But they still need better rim protection, big-time rebounding and more athletic versatility on defense.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at 10 impact players the LA front office should target this offseason to bolster the roster around young stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Sign Isaiah Hartenstein

Although his stats don’t jump off the page, Isaiah Hartenstein makes a notable impact wherever he plays. He is a classic dirty work player who will do whatever is necessary to win and that is what the Lakers need. But beyond those attributes, he is a great rebounder – especially on the offensive boards – a smart and tenacious defender and a skilled passer. If LA can get him for the right price in free agency, he will fill a lot of their needs in the front court.

trade for andrew wiggins

If Andrew Wiggins opts out of the final year of his contract with the Miami Heat (he is expected to), he should be a target for the Lakers. He is a classic 3-and-D player who would be a great fit on this Lakers team. He can guard many wing defenders Doncic or Reaves can’t despite being a legitimate three-point threat – he shot 41% from beyond the arc in 2025-26. Plus, if it doesn’t work out, he’ll be off the books after next season.

sign peyton watson

One player who will have a lot of interest in free agency this summer is Denver Nuggets swingman Peyton Watson. He had a breakout season in 2025-26 just in time to make the jump to the open market. Posting 14.6 points, nearly five rebounds and 1.1 blocks a game. Although it may be a small thing at just 23 years old, his success is huge.

With two young players at the core of the roster, the Lakers should target other young players to move forward with them. Watson should be at the top of their wish list. However, the major issue is that he is a restricted free agent, and the Nuggets have a chance to match any offer.

trade for jarrett allen

If the Cleveland Cavaliers do not reach the Conference Finals this month, Jarrett Allen will definitely be on the trade block, and the Lakers should be first in line for his services. The one-time All-Star brings the rebounding, rim-protection and lob threat Doncic wanted. He’s no star, but he’d be a perfect fit for LA.

Although he is still owed three years and more than $90 million, it will be worth it as he could address major needs this summer.

Trade for Yves Missy and Herb Jones

If the Lakers want to go a more budget-friendly route to address some issues, another option would be to talk to the New Orleans Pelicans on the phone and inquire about the cost of a trade for center Yves Messi and forward Herb Jones.

Neither of them have impressive offensive stats, but they are impressive defenders the Lakers should target this summer. Jones is a top perimeter defender. Missy is an impressive 21-year-old rim protector who can be further developed. This is not a sexy business, but will yield big profits over the course of the season.

sign michelle robinson

Despite averaging 19 minutes and scoring only five points per game, New York Knicks fans can tell you how valuable Mitchell Robinson is. He is a top-notch defender at the center position and rim protector, but his elite offensive rebounding could be the difference between a playoff team and a contender.

Knicks fans will also tell you how hurt the big man is. He would certainly be a risk for the Lakers, but he’s still only 28 years old and that’s exactly what they need in the middle.

Draft Terrence Reed Jr. with the No. 24 pick

The Lakers clearly have options in the free agency and trade market. But the 2026 NBA Draft is deep and has some gems available at the end of the first round and the beginning of the second round. One player who should be on their radar is Connecticut big man Tyrese Reed Jr.

He is a strong rebounder who is adept at tearing down offensive boards. He is an agile athlete on defense, but he also has a solid offensive game after scoring only 20 points per game for the Huskies last season.

Trade up in Round 2 and draft Zubie Ejiofor

If the Lakers are willing to trade up in the second round of the June event, another interesting target would be St. John’s big man Zubie Ejiofor. The Big East Player of the Year is a good rebounder and effective rim protector (he averages more than two per game) at 6 feet 9 inches tall. His offensive performance has also taken off after averaging 16 points per game last season.

As a potential replacement for LeBron James at power forward, Ejiofor could be a sleeper option early in Round 2.

Sign Kristaps Porzingis

If the Lakers are looking for an affordable risk with a upside this offseason, 10-year veteran Kristaps Porzingis should be on their radar. His bizarre health problems have seriously affected him in the last two seasons. However, his 2023-24 season with the Boston Celtics showed he can make a serious difference on a title contender if healthy.

Although he is not a beast on the boards, he is a rim protector who is a lopsided threat and can stretch the floor. Due to his recent illnesses, he could come cheap this summer.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

We have bad news for Los Angeles Lakers fans who are hoping that Luka Doncic can return for their semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Lakers surprised many in the NBA when they were able to overcome injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves and defeat the Houston Rockets in the quarterfinals of the playoffs. However, they have an even bigger challenge ahead as they climb into the semi-finals against defending champions Thunder.

Unlike previous rounds, the Lakers will have Reaves available from the start. This is a huge boost for a team that could use all the help they can get against a team they went 0-5 against and lost by an average of 29 points this season. If they have any chance of pulling off another major upset, they need to get their MVP candidate Doncic back on the court.

However, it looks like that is not happening in this series. During a media discussion on Wednesday, the six-time All-Star revealed that when he was originally diagnosed with his Grade 2 hamstring injury, doctors told him it would take eight weeks to recover. This would mean no return during the Western Conference Finals.

The five-time All-NBA player recently talked about receiving platelet-rich plasma treatment in Spain and how he hopes the procedure can speed up his recovery. He has also started running. However, no contact work has been done with them yet.

Oklahoma City’s dominance over the Lakers continued on Tuesday as they won 108-90 in Game 1 of their series.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The second round of the NBA Playoffs ended on Monday night, with the New York Knicks earning an emphatic win in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals and the Minnesota Timberwolves defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

This takes us to the NBA games today, with a Game 1 matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder. With two great bouts on deck, we’re making some predictions for each contest.

Donovan Mitchell downed 30-burgers

The Pistons will bring a level of physicality that could result in some game-to-game inconsistency for Donovan Mitchell. However, they do not have a standout defender like Scotty Barnes who can really cause problems for them. Mitchell averaged nearly 21 shots per game in the first-round series and we should see a similar amount in Game 1. We are projecting him to score over 32 points tonight, he will be the only Cavaliers player to score 20 points.

Detroit Pistons beat Cavaliers in Game 1

While Mitchell will do his best to help the Cleveland Cavaliers get a Game 1 win on the road, it’s going to be a one-man operation. Both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley will struggle with the physicality provided in Detroit’s frontcourt with Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart. We also see that James Harden had an outing in which he turned it over 7 times while making only four shots. It would be relatively close in the fourth quarter, but Detroit won it.

• Prediction: Detroit Pistons 116, Cleveland Cavaliers 108

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reaches 50 points

We think there’s a chance we’ll see a 50-point game tonight. The Los Angeles Lakers have no answer for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander defensively. As highlighted by The Athletic’s Law Murray, SGA scored 83 points and shot 55.2 percent from the field against Los Angeles in the regular season. He’s willing to take more than 20 shots if necessary and it’s almost a lock that he’ll get to the free-throw line more than 10 times. In Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals on national television, SGA scored more than 48 points.

OKC Thunder blow out LA Lakers in Game 1

With Luka Doncic out, it looks like this is the only one-sided matchup in the NBA Conference Semifinals. The Lakers are relying heavily on Austin Reaves, who is recovering from injury, and 41-year-old LeBron James to carry this team forward. It worked against Houston, but is not going to have any success against a Thunder team that is deeper, better coached and more well-developed. Playing at home in Game 1, Oklahoma City would effectively win. When it’s over, the only question will be whether the Thunder will have to deal with rust in the next round since it will be a short series.

• Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder 122, Los Angeles Lakers 95

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

In ESPN’s latest NBA mock draft, the Los Angeles Lakers find an interesting replacement for Deandre Ayton in the June event.

This has been a very good season for the Lakers. Despite some early bumps in the road and major questions about the team’s chemistry and dedication to defense, LA came into the season in a much stronger position. However, injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves seemed to end any hopes of a deep run in this year’s playoffs. Or so we thought.

Thanks to the brilliance of LeBron James and some shockingly good play from Luke Kennard, the Lakers actually lead 3-1 in their opening-round series against the Houston Rockets entering Game 5 on Wednesday at home. Still, while the chance to go far in the postseason is back, the front office needs to keep an eye on the impending offseason.

In a few months, the team will have to find out if LeBron James, Austin Reaves, or Deandre Ayton are in their plans after this season. It seems like they want James back – at the right price – and will certainly give Reeves a huge raise in free agency. It seems Ayton is a strange man. Although he has been solid for them in 2025-26, he hasn’t made a case that he will be difficult to replace.

Los Angeles Lakers predicted to draft UNC’s Henry Vissar

Perhaps that’s why the Lakers have selected Ayton’s replacement with their first-round selection in ESPN’s new NBA mock draft.

Jeremy Wu writes, “The Lakers have some roster uncertainty next season with James and potentially Reeves (player option) entering free agency. The most glaring need is at center, where they stand to move on from the stellar Deandre Ayton.” “Henry Vissar will elevate their skill level and add a floor-spacing element that the roster is lacking.”

The North Carolina center is 7-feet and 225 pounds. The junior had a breakout year for the Tar Heels after transferring from Arizona. Posting 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and shooting 42% from three.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Ime Udoka’s comments following the Houston Rockets’ loss in Game 3 of the series against the Los Angeles Lakers fueled recent speculation that the team could trade young star Alpern Sengun this summer.

The Rockets’ 2025-26 campaign is on the verge of a stunning finish. They entered the year with serious NBA Finals expectations after acquiring future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant. But Houston finished fifth in the conference. Still, they were fortunate in a first-round playoff matchup against a Lakers team without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

However, after a bad loss on Friday night, where they blew a huge lead in the final minute of regulation, the Rockets advanced to Game 4 on Sunday by a 3–0 margin. After the loss, Houston head coach Ime Udoka was asked about their Game 3 collapse, and his opinion was surprising.

“Terrible mistakes. I don’t know whether you want to say young or scared of the moment,” Udoka said in his post-game press conference.

His comments were honest but also very interesting, as they seem to confirm why Alpern Sengun could be on the trade block this summer.

Did Ime Udoka confirm why Alperen Sengun will be traded?

On Friday, The Athletic’s William Guillory explained why the next few games were so important for Sengun’s future in Houston. After being a major part of the team’s rebirth in 2024–25, they had a poor performance late in the regular season and were even worse in the playoffs.

Guillory wrote, “The Rockets were expecting much better than this. More specifically, they were expecting a lot more from Sengun at this point in the season, especially after last year’s playoff run helped solidify the 23-year-old as one of the pillars of the franchise.”

“It’s no exaggeration to say that Sengun has been one of the biggest disappointments in this year’s playoffs – not just in Houston, but among all postseason teams.”

While the two-time All-Star played much better in Game 3, posting 33 points, 16 rebounds, and was +10 when he was on the floor, he couldn’t carry his team across the finish line in a very winnable game at home. It added to his reputation that he couldn’t do it under a bright spotlight for a franchise with championship aspirations.

The team was willing to give up Jalen Green despite notable development in order to trade Durant, with Guillory speculating that Sengun could easily be added to a winning proposal in a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo or Donovan Mitchell in the offseason.

While Udoka didn’t specifically call out Seungun, he was one of the guys who was scared at the moment, and that doesn’t bode well for his long-term prospects in H-Town.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Sure, LeBron James has turned back the clock in the first two games of the LA Lakers’ opening-round series with the Houston Rockets. But the Lakers’ playoff destiny still hinges on whether Luka Doncic can return and make an impact.

Doncic was ruled out of the remainder of the regular season and playoffs with a Grade 2 hamstring strain on April 2. This is an injury that usually takes four to six weeks to heal. At this point we’re three weeks out. However, great news for the Lakers on Thursday. Doncic was seen going through some light shooting drills at the practice site.

It seems Los Angeles Lakers fans can ignore past and future rumors regarding the team’s deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

A few weeks ago, the Lakers were looking like a dark-horse team in the Western Conference bracket of the NBA playoffs. Unfortunately, significant injuries to both Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves have completely destroyed their hopes of advancing to the postseason this year.

While they will be hoping that LeBron James can get them past the Houston Rockets and reach the quarterfinals, the Lakers’ front office will have to begin their pivot to tinker more with the roster they are building around Doncic. There are rumors that the team could be involved in trade talks regarding Milwaukee Bucks veteran Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Although he was not included in the discussion before the February deadline, they will have more interesting draft assets to offer the Bucks this offseason. Still, there may be one major problem. The 10-time All-Star is not a Los Angeles fan.

Giannis Antetokounmpo calls Los Angeles superficial

The Bucks were great guests on the first episode of the podcast, hosted by 15-year NBA veteran Goran Dragic. During the chat, Dragic asked Antetokounmpo where he would prefer to go on vacation, Miami or Los Angeles. And the two-time NBA MVP had a surprising opinion about LaLa Land.

“I think L.A. is superficial. I don’t like L.A.,” Antetokounmpo said.

Many believe the nine-time All-NBA honor winner will be able to choose where he goes in a potential trade, and that’s why the New York Knicks are viewed as the favorite. Since he has been on record about his appreciation for the city. If he’s not a Los Angeles fan, it wouldn’t make sense for him to approve a trade with the Lakers.

Meaning, some fans’ dreams of a potential combo of Doncic and Antetokounmpo may not be coming true this summer and perhaps ever.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A new report has opened the door for the Los Angeles Lakers to replace LeBron James this summer with an excellent prospect and perhaps at a very affordable price.

The Lakers and James have some big decisions to make in the summer. The 22-time All-Star will become a free agent this offseason, and staying in LaLa land for another season is far from a lock. James is 41 and very near the end of his career, while L.A. has made a big pivot in making Luka Doncic the face of their franchise and building around the young star.

A case can be made to get James back on a competitive and financial footing. He is still playing at a high level, and the retirement tour would be worth big money to the organization. However, he will likely demand good money in his next contract, and many will be surprised if he is not a good fit for what the team wants to build. Either way, the front office must prepare for life after LeBron James, whether it’s this year or the summer of 2027.

The team has been linked to a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade this summer. However, they will have to consider an eventual extension for young star Austin Reeves. Keeping three big contracts is not in the team’s best interest, so they should look at different ways to use their money smartly to build the right team around Doncic.

Zachary Rishachar could be on the trade block this summer

Well, an interesting potential trade target who could replace James in the long term will likely become available very soon. This week, The Athletic’s John Hollinger pointed to the diminishing role of Atlanta Hawks prospect Zackary Risacher.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft was a starter for most of the season. However, in its final third, he was relegated to a bench role. Now, over the past few weeks, he has been completely out of Atlanta’s rotation as they make a run at the NBA Playoffs. Considering the Hawks have picked up their club option on Jonathan Kuminga, Rishachar has no role in the team despite his ability.

The Frenchman is a talented spot-up shooter with a strong basketball IQ. At 6-foot-9 and with his good athletic ability, he is a valuable defender who can guard multiple positions. But the big hurdle in his game is that he still needs to get stronger – which hurts his comebacks – and he still has a lot of work to do on his playing skills.

However, he has just turned 21 and has only played two seasons in the league. He’s far from a finished product, and with his price at a new low, the Lakers could land him in a trade without giving up big assets. If JJ Redick and the Lakers are looking for a moldable piece of clay at large, Rishaer should be a summer target to potentially replace James.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The Los Angeles Lakers will have some big decisions to make this offseason regarding the potential future of LeBron James and looming Austin Reaves in free agency. However, the NBA rumors floating around right now are reportedly focused on another deal the team wants to make.

According to Jovan Buha, the Lakers are going to “shop” guard Dalton Knecht throughout the summer. While it’s unclear how much interest there will be in the former first-round pick, Los Angeles will scour the league for potential options.

• Dalton Knecht Stats (2025-26): 4.0 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.6 pts per game, 30.4% 3pts

Knecht, who will turn 25 later this month, played just 515 total minutes in 50 games during the regular season. He made his lone start on November 3 against the Portland Trail Blazers, recording 8 points with 4 rebounds in 23 minutes of action. He has played more than 20 minutes only five times this season and the last time that happened was on November 15.

He has not been a part of the Lakers rotation for over a month. He played 16 minutes against the San Antonio Spurs on February 10 in a 136–108 loss. Even including that action, Knecht has played an average of just 4.5 minutes per game in 16 games since January 15.

• Dalton Knecht Contract (Spottrack): $4.201 million cap hit (2026–27), $6.452 million club option for 2027–28 season, RFA in 2028

That’s a steep drop for the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Knecht showed flashes of promise as a rookie, averaging 1.6 three-pointers per game while shooting 37.6 percent from beyond the arc and averaging 9.1 ppg. However, it’s worth noting that the majority of that production came in his first 19 games, when he shot 43.9 percent from the perimeter and averaged 2.5 three-pointers and 12.2 PPG.

Knecht has achieved limited value as a perimeter scorer since then, and the 6-foot-6 forward is widely viewed as one of the worst defenders in the NBA. Given how expensive he has proven to be for the Lakers, it’s hard to see his trade value being very high this summer.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

At the worst time of the year, injuries have begun to pile up for the Los Angeles Lakers.

After being a good but inconsistent team for most of the season, the Lakers have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since the beginning of March. After a loss to the Denver Nuggets on March 5, LA won 13 of their next 14, including decisive wins over the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Houston Rockets (twice).

Unfortunately, the good vibes and confidence were derailed this week when top star Luka Doncic suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out of at least the last five games of the regular season. The news means LA will be without the player who averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per night for the team. Well, it looks like he’s not the only key player Lakers fans need to worry about.

Austin Reeves is also struggling with injury now?

LA Times Lakers reporter Brad Turner reported on Saturday afternoon, “Austin Reeves got imaging on his obliques on Saturday, and his status for the Lakers vs. Mavericks tomorrow is TBD. Marcus Smart is also TBD with an ankle injury.”

Obviously, both players are listed to be determined, which can still be seen as a positive. This is not a diagnosis to be ruled out for several days, weeks or months. But both of these are tough hits at bad times.

Smart has already missed one game this week due to a joint injury. This is an injury that can’t be rushed, and the team needs to make sure he’s ready for the playoffs starting in a couple of weeks. And must be 32 years old. However, Reeves is a bigger concern.

The forward’s obliques are the latest addition to the injury report, and are now worse than Smart’s ankle. Grade 1 strains may cause sidelining for up to three weeks. While a moderate strain or tear could mean up to two months of downtime.

Since Reaves is not listed as out for the Mavericks game, he appears to be in the light realm. However, this does not rule out a nightmare scenario where the Lakers could be without their top two scorers for the remainder of the season and possibly a game or two in the NBA playoffs.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

LOS ANGELES – Lakers star Luka Doncic will serve a one-game suspension for Monday’s game against the Washington Wizards after receiving his 16th technical during Friday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.

Doncic and Nets guard Ziaire Williams received a double technical with 5:12 remaining in the third quarter. As Williams stepped into his personal space, Doncic lightly patted her back. After this Williams slapped Doncic on the chin.

Doncic immediately took issue with the call, but it’s unclear whether the NBA will overturn his technical. The NBA had already granted Doncic this courtesy after he exchanged words with Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze during Saturday’s game. Afterwards, Doncic told reporters that Bitadze made lewd comments about his family, an allegation that Bitadze denied to ESPN and the Orlando Sentinel. After this, the Lakers appealed against this decision to the NBA.

NBA Insider for Sportsknot. Former NBA writer for NBA.com and USA TODAY, Warriors writer for The Mercury News, Lakers… More about Mark Medina

The Detroit Pistons continued their strong performance with another impressive win, as Dennis Jenkins had a standout performance against the Los Angeles Lakers. A clutch, game-winning shot clinched the victory, showcasing Jenkins’ confidence in a key moment.

Jenkins turned in a career night, finishing with a career-high 30 points, eight assists and four rebounds. The Pistons relied on him late in the game and his performance was crucial as they defeated a revived Los Angeles team 113–110.

With the win, the Pistons remain firmly on top of the Eastern Conference standings at 52–19, five games ahead of the second-place Boston Celtics. It was their fourth consecutive win and seventh in the last eight games, while the Lakers’ nine-match winning streak ended.

Jenkins took control late and scored key points. He sized up Austin Reeves on the right wing, delivered a powerful jab step, and created space with an effortless step-back before knocking down a confident mid-range jumper to put Detroit in front. After this, he converted the important free throw to ensure the victory and maintained his composure in a tough match.

NBA star Axe, formerly of the NBA, shared Jenkins’ postgame reaction on Twitter, in which he discussed his fearless mentality after burying the decisive shot.

“I’m in that position for a reason. I just have to go out and be me.”

“I’m in that position for a reason, I just have to go out and be me.”

Dennis Jenkins (career-high 30p) on his game-winner! pic.twitter.com/pWd6QSWO8u

– NBA (@NBA) 24 March 2026

The league’s post highlighted the second-year guard’s confidence after a career-best performance. His response reflects the growing confidence Detroit has placed in him during high-pressure situations.

The result further solidifies the Pistons’ position as a legitimate contender. Jenkins is emerging as a reliable late-game option, adding another dimension to the team’s success.

Ultimately, Detroit is building momentum at the right time. With Jenkins’ production increasing and the team’s winning streak continuing, the Pistons are becoming increasingly dangerous as the postseason approaches, with contributions coming from the entire roster. The team is also expected to welcome back superstar point guard Cade Cunningham around the start of the playoffs after a lung injury, which will provide a big boost.

The Los Angeles Lakers face the Orlando Magic on Saturday night and Austin Reaves is once again at the center of the injury report. He is listed as questionable because of left hip soreness, making the Lakers guard the focus of attention as the team tries to extend its eight-game winning streak and solidify its playoff position.

The Lakers entered the matchup at 45–25, No. 3 in the Western Conference, and continued their strong push toward the postseason. Meanwhile, the Magic dropped to 38-31, No. 6 in the East, looking to snap a three-game losing streak and make the playoffs. Here’s everything we know from the injury report regarding Austin Reaves and his game status vs. the Magic.

Reeves has played a major role this season. In 44 games, he averaged 23.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists. He is shooting 49.4 percent from the field, 36.6 percent from three and 86.5 percent from the free-throw line.

Additionally, Reeves continues to produce offense at a high level. He handles playmaking duties and consistently generates scoring opportunities. His presence gives the Lakers balance and rhythm, especially with their stars.

austin reeves injury status vs magic

The Lakers’ injury report notes Reeves’ availability as particularly important. Maxi Kleber (back) is out, putting pressure on the rotation. Los Angeles needs Reaves’ scoring and playmaking to maintain their current pace.

On the other hand, Magic is struggling with several injuries. Anthony Black (abdomen) and Jonathan Isaac (knee) are out. Franz Wagner (ankle) is also sidelined, while Wendell Carter Jr. (rib) is questionable.

The Lakers are looking to continue moving forward. Trying to stop the magic slide. So when it comes to whether Austin Reeves is playing vs. the Magic tonight, the answer is uncertain. His status is questionable, and his availability will depend on pregame evaluation.

The Houston Rockets lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in back-to-back meetings, going 4-6 in their last 10 games. Kevin Durant and company will need to regroup quickly if they want to avoid missing the playoffs.

The Rockets had no answer for the duo of Luka Doncic and LeBron James on Wednesday as they held off the Lakers for a 124-116 win at Toyota Center.

Los Angeles outscored Houston 35–24 in the fourth quarter, earning its seventh consecutive win and making the score 44–25.

Kevin Durant was held to just 18 points on 11 shots. He had six rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Athletic’s Law Murray pointed to a rare example involving Durant.

“Four Rockets attempted more field goals than Kevin Durant in the fourth quarter tonight vs. the Lakers,” Murray wrote on X.

“They’re a tribute to the 2024 (Phoenix) Suns.”

Durant had only two shots in the final period, with Alpern Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason all having more attempts.

During his tenure with the Suns, Durant often shared contact with Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, and Eric Gordon. The two-time Finals MVP averaged 18.5 attempts in Phoenix.

However, as The Athletic’s Will Guillory reports, Durant didn’t make a big issue of his lack of shots in the final quarter against the Lakers.

“It’s a team game. I’m getting two shots, it doesn’t matter. We’ve had six guys with double-digit shot attempts, and guys were pretty efficient tonight as well. I don’t think it’s a talking point,” the veteran forward said.

He averages 17.7 attempts with the Rockets.

They’ll look to bounce back on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks.

As new majority owner Mark Walter continues to put his stamp on the Los Angeles Lakers, the organization recently made the interesting appointment of former NCAA Championship coach Tony Bennett as an NBA Draft advisor to general manager Rob Pelinka. With March Madness approaching and the Lakers having their first round pick, there are some NBA Draft prospects teams should keep an eye on within the next month.

It’s no secret that the Lakers need a viable, long-term option at center. The DeAndre Ayton experiment has had mixed results, and while Jaxson Hayes has done a commendable job, he is at his best as an energetic guy off the bench. The Lakers could also use size on the wings.

That said, here are some of the top prospects who will play in March Madness that the Lakers should target in the 2026 NBA Draft.

1. Morez Johnson Jr. – PF/C, Michigan

Think of Johnson a bit like the current Jared Vanderbilt, with a better offense and a little more size. Johnson is exactly the kind of player the Lakers should target in the draft. He is able to slide between power forward and center, which is currently Vanderbilt’s role for the Lakers.

Johnson has been an impressive defensive player for Michigan this season, and he is projected to be drafted in the late first round should the Lakers land him. He is a versatile defender with the ability to cover the wings and then drop down and attack bigger players.

But where he excels is also on the offensive end. He’s a skilled finisher around the basket, and he’s shooting 66.7 percent from 2-point range. But not only this. He has shown he can space the floor with his 41.7 percent shooting from the 3-point line. His 3-point shot is something he has worked on since he didn’t attempt a single three as a freshman last year.

Johnson should be the Lakers’ main priority in the draft. With late selections in the first round, you may draft based on positional need rather than the best player available.

2. Jaden Quaintance – C, Kentucky

Quaintance is probably the best center prospect that may be available in the NBA Draft. He is just a puzzle. For one, it’s not yet clear whether he intends to declare for the draft or intends to return to school. Second, he has been dealing with a major knee injury that has kept him out for most of this season. In fact, his status is in doubt for Kentucky’s upcoming March Madness appearance.

But should Quaintance declare for the draft, he should be a top-two prospect for the Lakers in a worst-case scenario. The only thing is that he will need a little bit of luck to land at his projected draft spot. However, that could happen if teams are cautious about his injury situation.

Injury is definitely a risk, but the benefits almost outweigh it. He is still incredibly young and in the mold of a true center. During his freshman year at Arizona State, he showed the ability to become a true defensive anchor in the paint, averaging 2.6 blocked shots. On the offensive end of the court, he performs well around the basket. He would be a perfect fit as a threat playmaker for a playmaker like Luka Doncic.

If he were healthy, there’s no chance we’d be discussing the Lakers potentially taking him at the end of the first round. But it always happens that off-chance teams get scared due to injury and he slips away, as has happened with many players in the past. If Quinton is available when the Lakers select you, take him and don’t look back.

3. Patrick Ngongba II – C, Duke

In any other year, Ngongba would definitely be a lottery pick. A mobile big man with high potential who plays defense and even has a bit of play in his game. Definitely pick the lottery. But this is not a normal draft. Most experts consider 2026 to be one of the best draft classes in recent memory. This could benefit the Lakers because it means Ngongba will slide to the end of the first round.

If one of the above prospects is unavailable, Ngongba wouldn’t be a bad pick for the Lakers in the NBA Draft. He is still raw and can gain some strength before entering the NBA. But the talent is there. Their offensive skill-set works well with Doncic as the primary ball-handler.

On defense, Ngongba is a rim protector, which will benefit the Lakers a lot. He also has the ability to play strong post defense and dominate one-on-one situations. He competes well and has blocked an average of 1.1 shots this season.

However potentially worrying is Ngongba’s current injury situation. He was sidelined for the ACC Tournament, and his status for the NCAA Tournament is not 100 percent certain yet. Just keep an eye on if he declares for the NBA Draft.

4. Florrie Bidunga – C, Kansas

Bidunga is potentially one of the more impactful players in the draft due to his size and strength. The players mentioned above are probably better long-term prospects, but if they are all off the board by the time the Lakers make their selection, the front office needs to take a long, hard look at Bidunga.

His offensive game is more in line with Luka Doncic. He’s a finisher at the rim. He would be a perfect compliment to a playmaker like Doncic who is always ready to throw a lob pass. Bidunga is adept at pick and roll as well as roller. He’s shooting 64.5 percent from the field this season, all 2-point attempts. He moves the ball very well.

Defensively, he is an anchor in the paint. Apart from being a strong man defender, he is also a good weakside defender. He may also find success switching to the perimeter. Of his 9.2 rebounds this season, 6.1 are on the defensive end.

Bidunga’s ceiling is probably lower than other players on this list, but he is without a doubt a big man in an NBA rotation. He’s not flashy or anything like that, he just gets the job done. Profile of a strong big man. He is definitely someone who should be on the Lakers’ radar in terms of NBA Draft prospects.

5. Isaiah Evans, G/F, Duke

While most of the players on this list are bigs, the Lakers also need a 3&D wing with size. Evans is potentially among the top players in the draft who fits that profile. Should he declare for the draft, he would likely be available in the Lakers’ draft range as well.

Evans is in the midst of a breakout season, averaging 14.9 points and shooting 36.5 percent from the 3-point line as a full-time starter. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective offensively, another attribute needed to play with Doncic.

On the defensive end, he is a strong on-ball defender and has the skills to become the main point defensive player of attack. Imagine him as a potential starting wing in the NBA one day based on his ability on both ends of the court.

The upcoming draft is really based on the Lakers’ choices. Obviously if one slips in the lottery, all bets are off and you become the best player available. But if it comes to a situation of need, any one of the five players listed above should perform well. This is a deep draft, and assuming all of the above announcements, at least one of them should be available if the Lakers select.

In the first half of the Houston Rockets’ 100-92 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, things were going pretty routine for superstar Kevin Durant. He scored 16 points in the first 24 minutes of the game as the Rockets took a six-point lead at 57–51. But at least it can be said that Durant’s sophomore season did not go according to plan.

The Lakers mixed up their coverage on Durant, as he challenged other Rockets players to beat him. After Alperen Sengun’s exit, this appeared to be a more viable strategy than ever. And it worked; Durant was held scoreless for the first 23 or so minutes of the second half, with his only two points during this period coming with just 30 seconds remaining in the game.

This disappearing act was nerve-wracking for one of the NBA’s best scorers, and as a result, he received some hearty mockery on social media – especially from bettors.

X user @DoYourHomeworkJ wrote, “What Kevin Durant just did is criminal, he’s crazy. Watching it at halftime I was like yes, this shit is easy. This guy had 0 points in the second half. A 2 point shot with 30 seconds left doesn’t count you’re terrible.”

@KimCarloCastro said, “Durant is being praised and lauded only because he got scared of the double team. And scored just 2 wasted points in the second half.”

@KingSenay added, “Kevin Durant only scored 2 points in an entire half of close games? You can’t tell me these players are paid.”

@PayMe_inPizza expressed, “Kevin Durant Hamburger Helper Hair is gonna talk about our bullshit too. You sold us out for a few more bucks, you scored 2 points in the entire second half. You’re the fuck king, you’re an idiot, you’re an idiot.”

The Lakers deserve credit for locking up Durant, but rational basketball sense never mattered to bettors who lost out on a spectacular pay day.

Kevin Durant has a ton of one-on-one counters, making him one of the greatest one-on-one scorers of all time. But things are different in a team setting. Durant faced an offensive scheme in the second half of the Houston Rockets’ Monday night contest against the Los Angeles Lakers, as the Lakers threw multiple defenders at the Rockets star at every turn to get the ball out of his hands.

This ploy of the Lakers worked; Durant remained quiet throughout the second half of the Rockets’ 100–92 loss, scoring just two points in the second half and finishing with 18 on the night. This was not at all the kind of performance that Houston needed from their best scorer in a game where they were missing Alperen Sengun.

After the game, Durant reflected on what he and the Rockets were doing should have done instead To try and counter the Lakers’ double-teaming.

“I think we just have to convert. Maybe I just have to move out of the way, go to the corner, make space for other guys. When I get the ball against some teams, they’re just going to sell out,” Durant said in his postgame presser, via WorldwideWeb on X (formerly Twitter).

“I’m starting to understand that I feel like I need to get out of the way and let other people dribble the ball.”

pic.twitter.com/AlDq9enBSe

– Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) 17 March 2026

The Rockets’ youth will have to step up to help Kevin Durant.

Durant is not innocent at all; He attempted to become a game starter for the Rockets, which went straight into the Lakers’ hands.

However, the Rockets’ youngsters, namely Reed Shepard, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson, will have to be more active in receiving the rock and making plays. This is going to be a learning moment for Houston, especially with less than a month until the playoffs begin.

The Los Angeles Lakers recorded their sixth consecutive win by defeating the Houston Rockets 100-92 at Toyota Center on Monday. The Lakers finished third in the Western Conference, surpassing the Rockets.

Luka Doncic once again led the attack with a game-high 36 points on 14 of 27 shooting, while adding six rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Purple and Gold improved to 43-25.

During a postgame interview with NBC, Doncic praised his response and his defensive effort in the final period, holding the Rockets under 100 points and handing them only their ninth loss at home.

“It was great. I thought we shared the ball well, especially in the last quarter,” said the NBA’s leading scorer.

“To hold them (the Rockets) to 92 points is awesome. We did a great job defensively.”

Houston is averaging 114.1 points per game.

Doncic, 27, also acknowledged the physicality of the game, which he said has been a clear theme amid his winning streak.

“We could have done a lot better, but what matters is that we won, we have to keep it going,” Doncic said.

“The last few games have been very physical, very playoff-like.”

Luka said tonight felt like a playoff game pic.twitter.com/fpCT49LtX6

– Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) 17 March 2026

The Lakers have been on a tough schedule, surviving the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks. They will face the Rockets again on Wednesday.

LeBron James had 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals against Houston, while also had a spectacular dunk on Jabari Smith Jr.

Austin Reeves had 15 points, three rebounds, five assists and four steals.

Rich Paul isn’t happy with talk of the Los Angeles Lakers playing better without his superstar client LeBron James.

James is going through the 23rd year of his illustrious NBA career. He has developed chemistry with co-stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, forming a powerful trio on the Lakers team.

However, there have been concerns about the team’s level of play should James play or be absent. The latter has been more active as Los Angeles seems to be winning more with James on the sidelines.

Paul shut down all the hot takes that the Lakers are better off without James. He says that James is a person who can play in any position, he has never had any problem fitting into any team and he always plays basketball the right way. In other words, he believes none of James’s teams will be better off without him.

“Do you know how hard it is to not start training camp and not be in a rhythm. Well, it’s not like he’s ever had a problem fitting in versus fitting out, or playing the right way. He’s always just played the right way. He’s a guy that can play, really play, and knows how to play, in every position on the floor. Think about it, if he was your five man, he’d be playing some small ball five,” Paul said in Game Over. Said at the 33:05 mark. podcast.

What’s next for LeBron James, Lakers

The Lakers benefit when their star trio is active and healthy. As for LeBron James, he will have to take care of his health as the quest for a fifth title continues.

Los Angeles has a record of 42–25 on the season, placing third in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets, while trailing the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Following their matchup against the Rockets on Monday, the Lakers will prepare for their next contest. They are scheduled to play a rematch against Houston as tip-off begins on March 18 at 9:30 pm ET.

LeBron James is a veteran of the NBA. Sometimes it doesn’t seem like it, but the Los Angeles Lakers are already on the wrong side of 40 this season. Even though he’s already older than everyone in the league, LA still relies on LeBron more than fans would like to see him power through the season.

It’s clearly working: The Lakers are in third place in the crowded Western Conference with a 42-25 record and trail the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. However, everyone knows that Los Angeles needs to find a way to involve James less in order to preserve him for the remainder of the season. Lakers head coach JJ Redick echoed this sentiment before their game against the Houston Rockets, but also highlighted that LeBron was at his best when he was used as more than a regular player.

According to Benjamin Royer, Redick said, “He was and still is a high-usage player compared to your average player.” The best thing for our team is he’s the third most used player, you know, and obviously he had to work more during parts of the year because of injuries or guys being out of the lineup.

Although James is no longer the solo world-beater he once was, the Lakers star still has great confidence in him. In terms of scoring, James is the third leading scorer after the All-Star break with 18.7 points per game in 10 games. He trails Luka Doncic (32.7) and Austin Reaves on the Lakers’ scoring list. James is also adding 5.2 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game, as he has handed control of the offense to both Doncic and Reaves.

James and the Lakers are looking for their first championship since arriving in the bubble in 2020. Los Angeles had come close in previous years, but they never got back to the Finals. Will this be the year James wins his sixth championship and matches Michael Jordan’s six rings?

While the outcome of playoff basketball will be determined by skill, depth and experience, the right seeding can work wonders, especially for a team that may need to take some breaks to reach the NBA Finals.

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off one of their most impressive wins of the season. All-Star Luka Doncic drained a game-winner with just 0.5 seconds on the clock in a 127-125 overtime win over Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, giving the Lakers a win over a group that many view as a true contender.

After the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised his team’s current chemistry, but kept his focus on the bigger picture.

“Is ‘coalesces’ a word? Is it the right word? To come together? To gel together?”. Redick asked the media after the win. “I think it feels like we’re coming together pretty well right now. Still a long way to go, still a long way to go, but definitely optimistic.”

Regardless of where the team starts netting, the Lakers would love to secure the No. 3 seed ahead of the NBA Playoffs. This result could provide them with a manageable early matchup and delay a meeting with arguably the league’s most dangerous juggernaut.

Lakers should shoot for Timberwolves in first-round matchup

If the regular season ended today, the Lakers would face the Timberwolves in the first round of the postseason. While it’s possible the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, or even the Phoenix Suns could finish sixth in the Western Conference, seeing the Timberwolves finish in that spot would be Los Angeles’ dream scenario.

The Lakers went 3-0 against Minnesota this season and won two of those games with the team from La La Land winning by more than 10 points. From a statistical standpoint, there is reason to believe that their offense will pose a real challenge for the Timberwolves.

While the T-Wolves are a more effective team from behind the arc, Los Angeles boasts a better offensive rating as well as the NBA’s best free throw attempt rate. Even if shots aren’t falling, the Lakers will find their way to the charity stripe and add points.

Despite elite talent like Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Nazi Reed and Donte DiVincenzo, LeBron James, Austin Reeves and Doncic should be able to dominate the Timberwolves in the seven-game series, even if their weak 3-point shooting remains an issue.

Third seed will delay playoff date with Thunder

Redick and the Lakers might not want to get too ahead of themselves, but if they were to win a first-round matchup as the third seed in the West, they would not have to face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Los Angeles has lost two games against the Thunder so far this season, and while the teams are set to play twice more before the tournament begins, the reality remains the same. If any team has to play the Thunder this postseason, they would likely prefer to do so in the later stages of the bracket. With the Western Conference Finals approaching, attrition could be a real factor for a team that also played late last season.

As the third seed, the Lakers’ likely second-round opponent will be the San Antonio Spurs, whom they have also struggled against this year. But the matchup with Victor Wembanyama is also more enjoyable than the matchup against Oklahoma City.

With 15 games remaining in the regular season, the Lakers appear to be finding their way. They have won eight of their last nine games, and after their thrilling win on Saturday, they are well aware of how important it will be to finish the season playing their best basketball.

“Obviously it’s a good win for us,” James told Khobi Price of the California Post. “but after [Saturday]We proceeded to a six-game roadie. We have to be prepared for this and it starts with Houston. In this league, it’s great to enjoy that moment, but when the next moment comes you have to move on.”

The Houston Rockets face the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night and Alpern Sengun is once again at the center of the injury report. The Rockets have listed Sengun as questionable due to lower back soreness, putting Houston’s All-Star center in focus as the team looks to win back-to-back games.

The Rockets enter the matchup at 41-25, which is good for No. 4 in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Lakers sit at 42-25, ranked No. 3 in the West, and are aiming to extend a five-game winning streak. With both teams firmly in the playoff race, Seungun’s availability could play a major role in shaping the outcome of the matchup.

Sengun has been a cornerstone of Houston’s offense this season. Through 58 games, he is averaging 20.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting 50.3 percent from the field. He also contributed 1.1 blocks and 1.2 steals per game, highlighting his impact on both ends of the floor. His ability to facilitate attacks from the post while scoring efficiently has made him one of the most versatile center backs in the league.

When the Sengun is available, the Rockets operate aggressively with more rhythm. His game internally allows Houston to run through multiple options on offense while keeping the defense guessing.

alperen sengun injury status vs lakers

Several other names are included on the Rockets’ injury report. Steven Adams is out after surgery on his left ankle. Fred VanVleet is also out after a right knee ACL repair. Ja’Sean Tate is out with a right knee sprain, while JD Davison is out on two-way assignment.

For the Lakers, the injury report lists Maxi Kleber out with a back strain.

Still, Seungun’s status remains the biggest story in this matchup. Houston hopes to maintain its momentum near the top of the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Lakers will look to extend their winning streak and strengthen their playoff position.

So when the question comes whether Alperen Sengun is playing against the Lakers tonight, the answer is uncertain. His final status will depend on pregame evaluation as Houston looks for another win.

The Denver Nuggets lost a tough game against the Los Angeles Lakers in overtime, but it feels like some things should have been different at the end of regulation. Austin Reaves went to the free-throw line a few times with a few seconds remaining in the game, but the first time he went, Spencer Jones drew the foul.

The next day, the last-two-minute report said Reeves was not to get to the free-throw line.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, formerly of the

This would have changed a lot for the Nuggets and could have given them a chance to increase their lead. Instead, Reeves sank both free throws, and went to the line again after being fouled. That miss allowed him to get the ball back and shoot the floater, tying the game and sending it into overtime.

The Nuggets lost the game with a Luka Doncic game-winner, and now they do not have a tiebreaker against the Lakers. This makes a lot of sense at the position, especially since everyone in the Western Conference is tight.

The Nuggets still have plenty of time to make up some ground, but they need to start piling up wins before other teams overtake them.

Plus, no matter where the Nuggets finish, they will be a tough matchup for anyone because of Nikola Jokic’s strength and his dominance.

The Denver Nuggets visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Jamal Murray is on the injury report along with Aaron Gordon, with both players listed as probable. Murray is nursing a left ankle injury, while Gordon is nursing a right hamstring injury. The Nuggets defeated the San Antonio Spurs 136–131 after erasing a 20-point deficit. Here’s everything we know about Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon’s injuries and their status for the Lakers game.

Jamal Murray’s injury status vs. Lakers

Given that Jamal Murray is on the injury report as probable, he will likely be in uniform for Saturday’s game against the Lakers. Murray has been on the injury report these days, but continues to play at a high level as the All-Star guard’s 39 points led six Nuggets in double figures, including Nikola Jokic (31 points). He recorded another triple-double (20 rebounds, 12 assists) with three steals and two blocks.

Murray’s production has increased across the board, averaging 28.6 points on 49.6% shooting, including 46.7% through seven games. This is arguably his best offensive performance of the regular season. Meanwhile, Aaron Gordon has only played three games this month as the Nuggets are getting off to an easy start getting back into the crease.

Gordon’s knee forced him to play only 26 games this season as he continues to heal from a season-ending right hamstring injury, leading the Nuggets to what they hope will be a deep playoff run. Gordon missed Game 7 of the Nuggets’ Western Conference Semifinal matchup against the Thunder. After missing Thursday’s game against Spurs, he should be cleared to play in Saturday’s match.

With Thursday’s comeback win against the Spurs, the Nuggets improved to 41-26, the fifth-best record in the Western Conference standings, just a half-game behind the Lakers.

A win against the Lakers would move the Nuggets to fourth place. As far as the question of whether Jamal Murray is playing against the Lakers tonight, the answer is probably yes.

nuggets injury report

Aaron Gordon – probable – right hamstring; injury management

Jamal Murray – Probable – Left Ankle; Sprain

Peyton Watson – Out – Right hamstring; strain

Lakers injury report

Jackson Hayes – Probable – Back; agony

Maxi Kleber – outside – back part of the lumbar region; strain

It will be interesting to see how the Los Angeles Lakers handle the legacy of LeBron James after he essentially hangs up his sneakers. James has spent the last eight seasons with the Lakers, and he brought a title to LA in 2020, which means he should already be a franchise legend in the eyes of the team’s fans.

It remains to be seen whether this will result in a statue of James being installed outside Crypto.com Arena, home of the Lakers. But renowned pundit Colin Cowherd doesn’t believe James will get any from the team, especially when compared to other greats from the franchise who have been immortalized.

“I think if you ask Laker fans about a statue of LeBron outside of crypto, it’s not going to be it at all. People think of statues in front of crypto. Kobe five rings. Jerry West six as an executive, and then nine Finals appearances. Magic five titles, Shaq three, Kareem five, Pat Riley several. Chick Hearn 30-plus years of broadcasting,” Cowherd said in the latest episode of his podcast, The Herd. Said.

Cowherd compared James’ role with the Lakers to that of a mentor, unlike those who came before him who could be considered family.

“Is he really family? LeBron feels more like a consultant. He adds value, a fresh set of eyes, solves problems, and then when he leaves and the contract is done, you say, OK, let’s meet again. No tears shed, no crying, it’s not family, and that’s the downside of the dynamic. LeBron is not the Lakers family,” Cowherd said.

If anything, at least according to Cowherd, James deserves a statue outside Rocket Mortgage Arena as well as the Kasia Center for his contributions to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers.

“Miami, definitely. Cleveland, absolutely,” Cowherd said. “The first sentence with LeBron is Cleveland’s best ever, highest points, part of the Heat.”

Los Angeles is definitely Kobe territory, and if James receives the same recognition as the late, great Black Mamba, it could generate mixed emotions from the fan base — especially if the reactions to Bam Adebayo’s 83-point night are indicative of how much Bryant has regional fans.

With only a month left in the regular season, it never seems too early to be discussing the NBA playoff picture. The Western Conference, as always, is very competitive, with a few teams clustered in the middle seeding behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs – with the Los Angeles Lakers jockeying for position against three other high-tier teams in the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Lakers have had to deal with a number of injury problems, and there have been stretches this season where they have not looked like a competitive team in any way. Be that as it may, at the time of writing, the Lakers have a record of 40-25, which puts them in fourth place in the West standings.

Last season, it looked like the Lakers had a manageable first-round matchup against the Timberwolves. Minnesota swallowed them whole in the glass. There is no such thing as an easy matchup in the West, but some potential matchups may be easier than others.

Ultimately, this is a first-round matchup the Lakers will want to avoid at all costs.

Lakers say no to another playoff showdown vs. Nuggets

The four aforementioned teams competing for position in the West are playing musical chairs, meaning that every win and every loss causes them to change their position in the standings. Realistically, the Lakers could face any of those three teams in the first round of the playoffs, with the Phoenix Suns within striking distance of those four teams – so they’re also emerging as a potential first-round matchup.

But among those teams, the Lakers would like to avoid a first-round matchup against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets for obvious reasons.

The Nuggets faced the Lakers in the 2023 and 2024 NBA playoffs, and the purple and gold could not challenge Denver. They were keeping the game closed, but the story was all too familiar; Jokic would take over and hit ridiculous shots, and Jamal Murray would make things worse by hitting clutch shots of his own to put the Lakers away.

It’s hard to think that anything will be much different with Doncic still on the roster. Doncic provided the Lakers with a greater offensive level and ceiling than when Anthony Davis was on the team, but their defense is now even more helpless against Jokic without Bro.

This was very evident in their recent clash; The Lakers had to resort to fake defensive coverages to slow down Jokic, and it’s hard to see that working in a playoff setting where the Nuggets can gameplan for Marcus Smart coverages as well as Rui Hachimura matchups.

That series will be an offensive bloodbath, but suffice it to say that the Nuggets have a more explosive offense and a better superstar in Jokic. Deandre Ayton is not the answer, and never was. The Lakers can probably win at least a game or two in this playoff matchup, but in a seven-game series, their lack of size and defensive problems on the perimeter will make it impossible to win four against Denver.

Their aggressive defense against Jokic will force a lot of turnovers from the Lakers defense, and it doesn’t seem like the best idea at all to have a team with a backcourt of Doncic and Reeves have to cover a ton of ground on that end of the floor.

As far as other matchups, the Lakers can definitely handle the Rockets and Timberwolves, and they have the talent advantage over the Suns if it comes down to it.

Houston’s offense can be a clogged toilet at times, as they have to labor to take open shots, which will work in the Lakers’ favor as they have two explosive scoring guards in Doncic and Reaves. Houston doesn’t have as many offensive weapons as Denver, which will shorten the rotation for LA, making life easier.

He has the Timberwolves’ number this season; They swept the season series and learned a lot from their embarrassing first round loss last season. Ayton has been disappointing down the stretch this season, but he has helped tremendously in Timberwolves matchups where he was dominant against Rudy Gobert last year.

Seeing how Dillon Brooks makes LeBron James’ life miserable, the Suns could be a difficult matchup. Whatever the case, Doncic has beaten Devin Booker and the Suns in the past, and the Lakers should have the best player on the floor in that matchup.

Ultimately, the Nuggets are looking like the worst possible matchup for the Lakers, and L.A. will be begging the West standings to swing in their favor in a month’s time.

The Los Angeles Lakers may face a playoff dilemma when it comes to utilizing LeBron James.

NBA insider Brett Siegel participated in the latest episode of Clutch Scoops with Tomer Azrali on March 12. Los Angeles seems to be playing better without James, but Siegel argues they still need him to play to have a chance. The insider states this but in no way gives them a chance to win the first round series.

“You can’t play with LeBron. I think you’re a better team without him, but he’s going to have to play for this team to stay in title contention. It’s not going to happen, they’re not a title contending team, but in that fantasy world a lot of Lakers fans want to live in, for this team to potentially win in the playoffs, you need LeBron next to Luka and Austin Reaves. And when you have that, you see what happens. They Not good defensively, ball movement is kind of stagnant, you have five guys lined up,” Siegel said at the 39:43 mark.

“I think their record is overstated. I think it’s a lot better than the team actually is. And I think we’ll see it when they get into a first-round series. I feel very confident in saying that they won’t win a first-round series.”

What’s next for LeBron James, Lakers

The Lakers are 26-18 with James this season and 14-7 without him. Whether his style of play looks better or not, there is no doubt that James will be active in the rotation come the playoffs.

Los Angeles has a record of 40–25 on the season, finishing in fourth place in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves, while trailing the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs.

The Lakers remain at home awaiting their next matchup. They will host the Chicago Bulls on March 12 at 10:30 PM ET.

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to host the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night. However, both teams are struggling with injuries. For the Lakers, LeBron James is among the players dealing with injury concerns.

The Lakers are proceeding with caution when it comes to the 41-year-old’s availability. He is currently battling a right hip injury and arthritis in his left foot.

Everything we know about James’ status for tonight’s game vs. the Bulls.

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Lebron james injury status vs bulls

According to the NBA’s injury report, James is listed as questionable for Thursday night’s game.

The Lakers are 40-25 and are in fourth place in the Western Conference standings, while the Bulls are 27-38 and are in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. LA is ready for a big game, but the team would love to have LeBron available.

As far as the question of whether LeBron James is playing against the Bulls tonight, the answer is probably.

lakers injury report

The Lakers have four players listed on the injury report.

• Jackson Hayes (back pain): Probable
• LeBron James (right hip injury, left foot arthritis): Questionable
• Maxi Kleber (lumbar sprain): doubtful
• Marcus Smart (right hip injury): questionable

oxen injury report

There is an injury report for 12 Bulls players.

• Matas Buzzellis (right ankle sprain): Probable
• Josh Giddy (right ankle sprain): probable
• Jalen Smith (left calf strain): probable
• Isaac Okoro (right patellofemoral pain syndrome): doubtful
• Colin Sexton (left fibular head contusion): doubtful
• Patrick Williams (sprained left ankle): Questionable
• Guershon Yabusele (pain in left foot): doubtful
• Zach Collins (right toe surgery): out
• Noah Esengue (left shoulder surgery): out
• Jaden Ivey (left patellofemoral pain syndrome): out
• Effernie Simmons (left ulnar styloid fracture): out
• Mac McClung (G League two-way): out

The Chicago Bulls visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. Josh Giddy and Matas Buzzelis are listed as probable. Both have recently sprained their right ankle. On Tuesday, Bouzelis and Giddy played key roles in the Bulls’ 130–124 OT win over the Golden State Warriors. Bouzelis finished with a career-high 41 points. Meanwhile, Giddy moved into 20th place on the all-time list with a triple-double of 21 points, 17 assists and 13 rebounds. Here’s everything we know about Josh Giddy and Matas Buzelis’ injuries and their game status against the Lakers.

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Injury status of Josh Giddy and Matas Buzelis vs. Lakers

Given that Josh Giddy and Matas Buzelis are listed as probable on the injury report, the assumption is that they will both be out against the Lakers. Giddy has been a fixture on the injury report, particularly during the second half of the season.

From late December to late January, Giddy missed 11 games due to a hamstring injury. On January 22, Giddy made his return against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He scored 21 points off the bench and the Bulls won 120–115.

So far, Giddy has averaged 17.7 points, 8.7 assists and 8.4 rebounds over the course of 43 games. Meanwhile, Bouzelis has missed only one game this season due to injury. He was absent from the Bulls’ game against the Phoenix Suns on March 5.

Overall, Bouzelis averaged 15.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in 62 games.

The Bulls are 27-38 and have lost 7 of their last 10 games.

So when the question comes up about whether Josh Giddy and Matas Buzelis are playing tonight against the Lakers, the answer is probably yes.

oxen injury report

Matus Buzzellis (right ankle sprain) – probable

Josh Giddy (right ankle sprain) – probable

Jalen Smith (left calf strain) – probable

Jaden Ivey (left patellofemoral pain syndrome)-out

Effernie Simmons (left ulnar styloid; fracture) – Outside

Isaac Okoro (right patellofemoral pain syndrome) – doubtful

Patrick Williams (sprained left ankle) – questionable

Guershon Yabusele (left foot, soreness) – doubtful

Lakers injury report

LeBron James (right hip injury, left foot arthritis) – questionable

Maxi Kleber (lumbar strain) – doubtful

Jackson Hayes (back pain) – probable

Marcus Smart (right hip injury) – questionable.

While many NBA veterans celebrated Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo’s historic 83 points, a fair share of the negativity originated from fans of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant. It was Bryant’s 81 points that Adebayo surpassed, and count former Lakers forward and Bryant’s former teammate Robert Horry as someone who wasn’t exactly thrilled with the performance.

During a segment on Spectrum Sportsnet, Robert Horry criticized Bam Adebayo’s 83 points during the Heat’s win against the Washington Wizards, citing the alleged manner in which he accomplished the historic feat.

Horry said, “83 points is impressive. But it gets to a point where you have to respect the game. And I think there were moments in this game where it wasn’t respected.” “83 points is a lot, I appreciate the effort, and it’s going to go down as the second-most points in the game. But it’s like you always say on certain things, there should be an asterisk by it, I’m putting an asterisk by it. It’s still a lot. I’m not taking anything away from Bam, it’s a lot.”

There is no doubt that what Horry was referring to was the end of the game in which the Heat intentionally fouled to extend the game and gain additional possessions to help Adebayo break Bryant’s record.

Adebayo’s historic night gives him the second-most points scored by an individual player behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100. He is now only one of three players to reach 80 or more points in a single game. Meanwhile, there are a few players who have hit 70 and above, including current players Luka Doncic, Devin Booker, Joel Embiid, Donovan Mitchell and Damian Lillard as well as former players Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, David Robinson and David Thompson.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves are set to face off on Tuesday night. LeBron James is dealing with injury concerns, so will he play tonight?

Despite James’ absence, the Lakers defeated the New York Knicks on Sunday with a final score of 110-97. Despite this, Los Angeles is still hoping for the future Hall of Famer to return as soon as possible.

Here’s everything we know about LeBron James’ injury status for tonight’s game vs. the Timberwolves.

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LeBron James’ injury status vs. Timberwolves

James is questionable at this time, as the NBA injury report lists him with a right foot injury and left foot arthritis.

The Lakers will enter the game with a 39-25 record. They are ranked fifth overall in the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the 40-24 Timberwolves are in third place in the Western Conference.

Tuesday’s game should be a competitive contest. James’ final position will be crucial to determining the outcome of the game. When it comes to the question of whether LeBron James is playing against the Timberwolves tonight, the answer is probably.

Lakers injury report

The Lakers only have one player on the injury report for Tuesday night’s game.

• LeBron James (injured right foot, arthritis in left foot): Questionable

timberwolves injury report

The Timberwolves have four players listed on the injury report for the contest.

• Kyle Anderson (right knee soreness): doubtful
• Jon Beringer (G League on assignment): out
• Enrique Freeman (G League Two-Way): Out
• Zion Pullin (G League Two-Way): Out

On Sunday afternoon, the New York Knicks returned to the loss column with a tough loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers. It was a tough day for Jalen Brunson, who shot just 8-19 from the field and scored 24 points in the loss.

On Monday, ESPN sports media personality Stephen A. Smith took to “First Take” to express his thoughts on the difficult performance.

“I’m not happy at all… I’m very concerned about the Knicks,” said Smith, formerly of First Take on X, on Twitter.

“This is not a Tom Thibodeau-led team,” he said. “It’s not the same team. They’re soft.”

In fact, many believe the Knicks have lost some of the patience and toughness under Mike Brown that they once had under Thibodeau, who was fired after New York lost to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

However, some expected this to pay off in the playoffs, as New York’s stars would theoretically be refreshed at the end of the year, as Brown does not run his stars into the ground from a minutes perspective the way Thibodeau did.

What’s interesting is that the Knicks beat the Denver Nuggets by nearly 40 points earlier in the week, just a day after that same Nuggets team beat the Lakers in comfortable fashion.

However, it just goes to show how much NBA results are matchup and context-dependent, with the Lakers headed to a win over New York on Sunday despite not having LeBron James in the lineup due to injury.

Overall, the Knicks are still in good shape in the Eastern Conference, sitting at 41-24 on the year, and are essentially locked into homecourt advantage at least in the first round of the playoffs.

They will next take the court on Monday evening against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Mike Brown was not happy with the New York Knicks’ performance in their 110-97 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon.

Brown has been in the coaching field since 1997, spending his first year as head coach of the Knicks. He wants to get the franchise to the NBA Finals, something they have not done since 1999.

However, there have been ups and downs for New York. While most of the season has been positive, they were underwhelmed by their loss to the Lakers, leading to questions about the team’s ceiling.

According to reporter James Edwards, Brown reflected on the loss after the game. The head coach said that not being able to control the controllables was the root of his frustration.

“We didn’t have a chance to win most of the game,” Brown said.

Mike Brown, how the Knicks did against the Lakers

Mike Brown and the Knicks look to get back on track during a West Coast trip after losing to the Lakers.

New York got off to a slow start and trailed 31–23 after the first quarter. He played better in the second period but was unable to remain consistent defensively as Los Angeles took advantage in the second half. The Knicks were unable to recover after the third quarter and lost 34–20 in that frame.

Four players scored in double figures for New York in the loss. Karl-Anthony Towns led the team with a stat line of 25 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. He shot 8 of 17 from the field, including 1 of 5 from beyond the arc and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line. Jalen Brunson came next with 24 points and seven assists, OG Anunoby had 13 points and eight rebounds, while Landry Shamet added 10 points and two assists.

New York fell to a 41–24 record on the season, finishing third in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors, while trailing the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons.

The Knicks will try to bounce back by remaining on the road in their next game. They will take on the Los Angeles Clippers as tip-off takes place on March 9 at 10 pm ET.

On Sunday afternoon, the Los Angeles Lakers will take the field at home for a marquee matchup against the rolling New York Knicks. LeBron James’ injury report for this game is currently listed as questionable due to both a left elbow injury and left foot arthritis. Here’s everything we know about James’ injury status and how he plays on Sunday vs. the Knicks.

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LeBron James’ state of play vs. the Knicks

Given his questionable designation on the injury report, there is currently some doubt as to whether LeBron James will be able to play against New York on Sunday. James missed the Lakers’ last game, Friday night, against the Indiana Pacers, for the same reason and has already missed being eligible for the All-NBA team this year.

Along with James, the injury report for the Lakers also includes wing Maxi Kleber, who is questionable with a lumbar back strain, as well as his son Bronny James, who is out due to dealing with the G-League.

For the Knicks, Landry Shamet is questionable for this game due to a cervical sprain.

The Knicks are coming into this game flying high, having defeated the Denver Nuggets the last time they took the floor this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have been picking up some wins against lesser competition in recent weeks, but lost to the same Nuggets team the night before the Knicks destroyed them, which is certainly not a good look as both teams are now set to match up.

Luka Doncic continues to put up monster stat lines on a nightly basis for the Lakers, but the fit between him, Austin Reaves and LeBron James has been put into further question now that all three players are relatively healthy.

Still, Lakers fans will expect James to be on the court on Sunday at 3:30 PM ET.

LOS ANGELES – A coach yelled at Luka Doncic for his frustration on the court and ignoring him during a recent substitution.

The Los Angeles Lakers star needs to collect just one more technical before serving a one-game suspension.

Still, Lakers coach JJ Redick downplayed those concerns based on how Doncic manages his competitive fire.

“He’s a special type of player, a special type of person and a special type of competitor,” Redick said. “I’d prefer someone who’s going out every night and trying to kill, rather than someone who you literally have to resuscitate with a different defibrillator every other day. So I’ll take Luca all day.”

So will Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, who managed Doncic during the first three of his seven seasons with the Dallas Mavericks (2018-2025).

“You show me a great player who isn’t stubborn and doesn’t get angry at things,” Carlisle said. “I’ll show you someone who’s not a great player.”

Instead, Carlisle views Dončić as “the greatest player I’ve ever coached”. Carlisle predicted that Doncic would eventually win the NBA regular-season MVP award. Carlisle described coaching against Doncic as “hell” and argued that “it’s impossible to gameplan for him.”

Over the next two and a half hours, Doncic proved his former coach right. He led the Lakers to a 128-117 win over the Pacers on Friday with 44 points, while going 14-for-25 from the field, 7-for-14 from 3-point range and 9-for-10 from the free-throw line, along with nine rebounds and five assists.

The Lakers missed LeBron James (left elbow soreness) and Deandre Ayton (left knee soreness). No matter. The injury-plagued roster only encouraged Doncic.

Doncic passed Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards for most 40-point games this season (10). by recording 12^th 40-point games in the last 1 1/2 seasons with the Lakers, Doncic passed Gail Goodrich for ninth place on the franchise’s all-time list. Ultimately,

“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a player who controls an NBA game in every possible way,” Carlisle said. “You can’t speed him up. You can’t slow him down. It’s really an impossible task. You have to hope he misses some shots. If you think double teaming is the answer, it’s not. The stats will tell you that when you double team him, things get worse because everyone else is going, and there are wide open shots everywhere. So he’s as difficult a player to gameplan as I’ve ever seen.”

It’s even more difficult considering the Pacers (15-48), who boast the Eastern Conference’s worst record. The Lakers’ Austin Reaves (19 points), Luke Kennard (15), Rui Hachimura (13) and Marcus Smart (11) also scored in double figures, making it even more difficult. Nevertheless, Redick observed that Doncic still had “ridiculous shot-making” against Indiana guards Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith, whom Redick praised as one of the NBA’s best on-ball defenders.

“He can make every shot,” Redick said of Doncic. “He can make floaters. He can make floaters that go left or right. He’s a shot maker. But he’s also a playmaker. He has the ability, whether it’s single coverage or double coverage, to make reads and make open shots and closeouts and lobs for his teammates. And he’s done that for seven years now. He’s seen every coverage. So he has a progression of reads.”

However, has Doncic made enough progress by keeping his emotions in check?

The numbers say no. Doncic scored his 15^th Technical during Thursday’s loss at Denver. The NBA automatically suspends a player without pay when he accumulates 16 technicals. With the Lakers (38-25) trailing the Nuggets (39-25) by a half-game for fifth place in the Western Conference, Doncic’s potential suspension could dramatically alter the team’s playoff seeding.

Against Indiana, Doncic looked more subdued in front of the referees. Redick said that “he had a very pleasant conversation with the officials.” Doncic argued that “I just want to play my game.”

“Just to me it shows that I really care about the game,” Doncic said. “I want to win every game. Obviously, there’s a lot of emotion in it. But it means caring a lot about the game. This game has given me everything.”

Doncic, meanwhile, is averaging a league-leading 32.3 points and third-best 8.6 assists per game. The Lakers also praised him for his improved defensive effort. Certainly, Doncic’s frustration with the officials could impact his focus on both ends of the floor. He may also be angry with the coaching staff. So, Redick’s anger erupted during the Lakers’ recent win at Golden State.

Still, the Lakers mostly encourage Dončić to play with emotion because he scores and passes more efficiently than gathering technicalities. Mavericks also generally came to the same conclusion.

“He’s a tremendous competitor. I don’t see that changing,” Carlisle said. “I don’t see that changing. But he’s great.”

Mark Medina is an NBA contributor for SportsNut. follow him x, blue sky, Instagram, Facebook And threads.

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The Indiana Pacers face the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night and Pascal Siakam is once again at the center of the injury report. The Pacers have listed Siakam as probable due to a left wrist sprain, putting the focus on Indiana’s leading scorer as the team tries to snap a seven-game losing streak.

The Pacers enter the matchup at 15-47, No. 15 in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Lakers have a 37-25 record and are sixth in the Western Conference as they aim to bounce back from their loss to the Denver Nuggets. As both teams look for speed for different reasons, the importance of Siakam’s availability has increased.

Siakam remained Indiana’s offensive focal point throughout the season. Through 53 games, he is averaging 24.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 48.5 percent from the field. He’s also converting 37.2 percent from three-point range and 68.9 percent from the free-throw line. Additionally, the forward contributed 1.1 steals and 0.4 blocks per game, continuing to make an impact on both ends of the floor.

When Siakam is on the court, the Pacers operate with much more structure. His ability to generate aggression in isolation and drive momentum in transition provides Indiana a much-needed scoring anchor during tough times.

Pascal Siakam Injury Status vs. Lakers

Pacers’ injury report includes several other prominent names. Johnny Furfee is out with a torn right ACL, while Tyrese Haliburton is out with a torn right Achilles tendon. Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith are both listed as probable with minor injuries.

Additional players are also included in the Pacers’ injury report. Talon Peters and Jalen Slauson are questionable on two-way assignment, while Ethan Thompson is questionable on a G League two-way deal.

As for the Lakers, the team has not yet submitted their official injury report.

Still, Siakam’s status remains the most important factor for Indiana heading into the matchup. The Pacers will look to stop their losing streak, while the Lakers will look to regain momentum in the Western Conference playoff race.

So when the question comes up is Pascal Siakam playing against the Lakers tonight, the answer leans towards yes. His final status will depend on pre-game assessment as Indiana looks to end the losing streak

The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, hoping to continue their three-game winning streak. The Nuggets come into this game coming off an easy win over the struggling Utah Jazz, but still have some injury concerns, including Aaron Gordon.

He is on the injury report along with Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones, with all three players listed out on the official injury report. Gordon is dealing with a right hamstring strain, the Nuggets are also missing Curtis Jones, who is on G League assignment.

Cameron Johnson is listed as questionable, though Gordon himself is close to returning and is expected to play a role in the Nuggets’ game against the New York Knicks, according to Brett Segel of ClutchPoints.

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Aaron Gordon injury status vs. Lakers

Gordon is certain to be out of this match. He has been out of action since January 23 due to a right hamstring strain and will miss the important match.
The Nuggets (38-24) currently hold a slim half-game lead over the Lakers (37-24) in the Western Conference standings. The Lakers come to Ball Arena on a three-game winning streak and will look to take advantage of a Denver defense that has slipped to 21st in the league without players like Gordon and Watson.

Offensively, this game is headed to be a shootout, which is reflected by the massive over/under of 240.5. Denver boasts the NBA’s highest scoring offense, averaging 120.5 points per game. Their anchors are Nikola Jokic, who leads the league in both rebounds (12.6) and assists (10.3), putting up 28.7 points per night, and Jamal Murray, who is fresh off a 45-point masterclass against Utah.

However, the Lakers pose a bigger challenge. They are 3-1 against Denver in the Doncic era, including a 115-107 win on Jan. 20.

LeBron James and Co. are also relatively healthy and the official injury report does not list any players out due to injury. The Lakers’ skid prior to their current win has left them struggling near the top half of the Western Conference table, and a win against Denver will prove crucial as they look to recover.

nuggets injury report

Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain): Out

Peyton Watson (right hamstring strain): Out

Spencer Jones (right shoulder strain): out

Curtis Jones (G League – Two-Way): Out

Cameron Johnson (right ankle inflammation): doubtful

Lakers injury report

Maxi Kleber (back pain): doubtful

For the first time since Los Angeles Lakers All-Star LeBron James hosted “The Decision” to announce his contract with the Miami Heat, the future of the 22-time All-Star remains uncertain. Although his option to join the Heat was unclear at the time, staying with the Cleveland Cavs felt like a viable option, whereas this time it is different. Despite having the sixth-best record (37–24) in the Western Conference, the Lakers have not shown signs of a long-term commitment to James.

Given LeBron’s age, the second tax apron and the need to build a roster around Luka Doncic for the future, the Lakers will have to make some tough decisions in the summer. James, meanwhile, continues to play at a high level even at this stage of his career. LeBron, 41, played in his 22nd consecutive All-Star Game. Even at this old age his talent is not in question; However, which team will he play for in 2026-27.

Even if the Lakers can make an unexpected championship run this season, it’s hard to envision James’ NBA career heading into the sunset. There’s a lot left in the tank. A reunion with the Cleveland Cavs is a possibility, and would be a unique storybook for LeBron, who led the Cavs to their only championship in 2016.

With All-Stars Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and James Harden, James and the Cavs will emerge as favorites to win the Eastern Conference and NBA titles in 2027.

Lakers reported ‘Plan A’ for LeBron James’ future

If the Lakers can add another All-Star talent during the offseason to complement Luka Doncic and LeBron James, they are all in on that plan. According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, Austin Reaves’ upcoming free agency will impact James’ future and whether the Lakers can find a team like the Bucks willing to agree to a package deal centered on their All-Star forward.

“The Lakers are one of the few teams this summer projected to have significant space under the cap to pursue top-tier free agents or pursue a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo via a lopsided trade,” Pincus wrote. “The $54-$80 million in cap room won’t be much if James returns to his $58 million max salary. Plan A for the Lakers appears to be to build around Luka Doncic, a young star, moving on from James, according to competition executives and player agents.

“Scouts across the league are skeptical that L.A. can defend well with a core of Austin Reeves, Doncic and James. Reeves is expected to opt out of his $14.9 million cap in his final year, so he may attempt to re-sign for closer to the maximum he can get (about a $41.5 million starting salary).”

James and the Lakers defeated the Pelicans 110-101 on Tuesday.

The New Orleans Pelicans travel to Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night to face a Los Angeles Lakers team that has won each of its last three games. They have overturned a three-game losing streak on the back of some extremely impressive shooting and will look to extend their run against New Orleans.

For the Pelicans, a lot depends on the status of Zion Williamson, who claimed in his recent interview with ESPN that he is expected to play after recovering from an ankle injury. However, according to a post on X by ClutchPoints, this has proven enough to change his status to ‘doubtful’.

The Pelicans say Zion Williamson (right ankle sprain) is questionable for tomorrow’s game against the Lakers.

He recently told ESPN that he “hopes to be back” for the L.A. matchup. pic.twitter.com/XUxZMjPaEm

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 3 March 2026

Williamson suffered the injury during Friday’s win over the Utah Jazz and had to sit out Sunday’s 137-117 loss to the Clippers, a loss that snapped New Orleans’ four-game winning streak. Despite recent improvement, the Pelicans continue to struggle.

They are 19-43 for the season and are in 13th place in the Western Conference, ten wins away from the 10th-place Portland Trail Blazers and need a turnaround in fortunes to reach the postseason.

Zion Williamson’s injury status vs. Lakers

While the questionable tag is a concern, Zion himself expects to play, and barring any late incidents, fans can expect him to at least be involved off the bench.

Speaking to ESPN’s Malika Andrews on Monday, Williamson said,

“I look forward to being back tomorrow against the Lakers.”

Before suffering an ankle injury, Zion was in the midst of his most durable stretch as a professional, playing a career-high 35 consecutive games. On the season, he is averaging 21.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting over 58% from the field overall.

Despite this, the Lakers (36-24) have found their rhythm and enter the night as winners of two straight blowouts. They have won nine of the last 10 meetings against New Orleans and are looking for another straight win at home.

pelicans injury report

Zion Williamson (sprained right ankle): Questionable

Trey Alexander (G-League Two-Way): Out

Hunter Dickinson (G-League Two-Way): Out

lakers injury report

nobody

Will Richard received unfortunate news during the Golden State Warriors’ clash with the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.

Richard is coming off the rookie campaign of his NBA career, having enjoyed an incredible collegiate career at Florida that included winning a national championship. He has made valuable strides in the rotation and has earned the trust of Steve Kerr as a reliable two-way player.

However, misfortune struck Richard during Golden State’s contest against Los Angeles. He injured his ankle in the first half and had to go to the locker room for evaluation.

Golden State confirmed Richards will miss the remainder of the game with an ankle injury. His night ends after five minutes of action, finishing with four points, one rebound and one block.

The Los Angeles Lakers will be looking to travel to Chase Center to play the in-form Golden State Warriors, having lost three of their last four games. The Warriors come into this game in better form, having won two of their last three games, including the latest, which was a 133-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Lakers have been given a big boost given the confirmation of Stephen Curry out in addition to Jimmy Butler. Their own injury report is almost clear, and they will once again look to Luka Doncic to provide offensive boost. The overall injury scenario has also transformed into odds, with DraftKings giving favorable odds to the visitors.

Lakers vs Warriors Odds

Lakers: -4.5

Warrior: +4.5

Above: 229.5

Under: 229.5

Lakers vs. Warriors Major Injuries

Stephen Curry has been officially ruled out with a knee injury. The Warriors will also be without Jimmy Butler III, Seth Curry and LJ Cryer. Forward Draymond Green is listed as probable, while big man Kristaps Porzingis is questionable to suit up.

The Lakers enter the contest relatively healthy, with Rui Hachimura questionable and two absent, including Bronny James, due to G League assignment.

Lakers vs Warriors Betting Trends

The Lakers are 21-13 against the spread (ATS) as a favorite this season, including a sharp mark of 10-6 ATS as a road favorite. Los Angeles has been extremely profitable in tight lines, going 7-2 ATS when favored by between two and five points. They are also 4-2 ATS in their last six meetings with Golden State.

Golden State has struggled to cover recently, posting a 3-7 ATS record in their last 10 games. They are 5-8 ATS this season entering as underdogs by 4.5 points or more.

Overs have been a major trend in this rivalry, with eight of the last 10 head-to-head contests between the Lakers and Warriors being overmatched. The over has been hit in 57.6% of Golden State’s games this season, including five of their last six contests.

Keys to Lakers vs. Warriors matchup

The Lakers (34-24) arrived at Chase Center desperate to stop a three-game losing streak, which included a 22-point loss against the Celtics and a close 113-110 loss at Phoenix. They have all three of their Big-3 fit and firing, although that has been the case in recent defeats. Still, the Lakers know they face a lineup without their best players and they have enough firepower to pull out a dominant win.

Golden State will need Draymond Green to orchestrate the offense while solidifying the defense, while they will continue to rely on Brandin Podziemski (12.3 ppg) and Moses Moody (12.0 ppg) for scoring.

Lakers vs Warriors Predictions and Selections

The Lakers have a stellar 18-12 record on the road and are looking much better on the injury report. Without Curry, the Warriors are always vulnerable and may struggle to hold up against the stack attack.

Additionally, LA continues to show weakness inside the paint and has actually gotten worse with their best players on the court. Still, this should prove straightforward for Luka Doncic and company.

Spread Pick: Lakers -4.5

Over/Under Pick: more than 229.5

The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Chase Center on Saturday night for a primetime Pacific Division showdown against the Golden State Warriors. LeBron James and Co. have lost each of their last three meetings and will face a team that has won two of their last three games.

According to the official injury report, both Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis are on the injury report ahead of this matchup. Green is currently listed as probable as he is dealing with a left lower back injury, while Porzingis is questionable due to a general illness.

While those two players can still play, Stephen Curry will not play as he has been confirmed out with a right patellofemoral injury. Curry joins players like his brother Seth, Jimmy Butler and LJ Cryer who have opted out.

For the Lakers, Rui Hachimura is questionable while Bronny James and Edou Thirou are out due to G League assignments.

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Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis’ injury status vs. Lakers

Given that Draymond Green is probable on the injury report, the assumption is that he will be involved in a marquee matchup. The veteran forward is currently averaging 8.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists per contest while shooting 41% from the field.

Porzingis is questionable and his chances of playing are slim given his questionable status. The division-leading Lakers (34-24) arrive in San Francisco desperate to snap a three-game losing streak after a narrow 113-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.

Despite their recent struggles, Los Angeles will once again look to their Big-3 for inspiration. Luka Doncic leads the NBA with 32.7 points per game (adding 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists), Austin Reaves is enjoying a career year averaging 24.6 points, and the ageless LeBron James is contributing 21.5 points, 7.0 assists and 5.7 rebounds per night.

Los Angeles and Golden State have split their first two head-to-head meetings this season, with both previous games taking place in Los Angeles. The Lakers are 18-12 on the road this year, while the Warriors are 19-11 at home.

Lakers injury report

Rui Hachimura: doubtful (illness)

Bronny James: Out (G League – On Assignment)

Edou Thirou: Out (G League – On Assignment)

warriors injury report

Draymond Green: Probable (left lower back injury management)

Kristaps Porzingis: doubtful (illness)

Stephen Curry: Out (right patellofemoral pain syndrome)

Seth Curry: Out (left sciatic nerve irritation)

Jimmy Butler III: Out (right ACL surgery)

LJ Cryer: Out (G League – Two-Way)

SAN FRANCISCO — After missing the past three games due to illness, Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis is headed in the right direction ahead of the Dubs’ matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Following the Warriors’ Friday afternoon practice, Steve Kerr gave a positive update on the big man’s status.

“Kristaps felt better in practice today. It’s the first time he’s done anything since his illness,” Kerr said. “He would be suspicious [for the Lakers game]”

It’s been a rough start to the Porzingis era in Golden State. After his mixed debut against the Boston Celtics, in which he scored 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting in 17 minutes of action, health has once again proven to be a hindrance for the big man. Before the Denver game, the first game Porzingis missed during this period, Kerr said that Porzingis’ illness was so severe that he could not leave his hotel room. And last week, Porzingis remained at the bay to recover as the Dubs went on the road for a quick back-to-back.

With the disease rearing its head, Porzingis’ medical history with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) certainly comes to the forefront of speculation. In the past, Porzingis has struggled with POTS’ chronic symptoms, primarily an increased heart rate that later leads to dizziness and extreme fatigue.

However, the Warriors have not officially linked this particular disease to that specific condition. Details about Porzingis’ symptoms and the specifics of his illness remain scarce and vague. Still, this is an ailment that Golden State knew about when they traded for him and were confident they could manage.

So far, health has hampered Porzingis’ start in Golden State, but hopefully they can get him back against the Lakers.

Draymond Green injury update

As for other injury updates, Kerr said Draymond Green was able to participate in practice and he expects to be available against Los Angeles after lower back pain sidelined him against the Memphis Grizzlies.

But the problem with Green, lately, has been when he’s been available and on the court. Whenever Green takes the field, his decline in offensive performance has a negative impact on the rest of the team. In the last two games he has missed, the Warriors have scored more than 120 points. And in the last two games, they have decided not to finish with him; They have managed to pick up some close wins over the Phoenix Suns and Grizzlies.

On the season, when Green is on the floor, the Warriors are 4.3 points worse per 100 possessions, which is in the bottom 22nd percentile among players at his position. For a player who had historic on-off, positive plus/minus in his heyday, the situation he is in now is a far cry from his peak.

It’s a problem of which Kerr is acutely aware. Last week, he said it was up to him and the coaching staff to put him in the best position to succeed. After practice, Kerr talked about how they can find a rhythm with him out there.

“We have to read the situation. New Orleans, we found more rhythm in the second half with Dre than we did in the first, and so it’s some type of sets we can call,” Kerr said. “We’re doing some of our off-ball things. And then some adjustments that he’s going to have to make without Steph, and those are all things we talked about internally and with the whole group.”

PHOENIX – Before Rasheer Fleming’s NBA campaign began, there was one player he wanted to protect.

“LeBron James,” Fleming said emphatically during a Phoenix Suns fan event before the season started.

Although the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix have met three times, Fleming has never had a chance to guard James or Doncic. He has spent those games either with the Valley Suns (Phoenix’s G-League affiliate) or playing trash.

Due to frequent injuries, he has seen his workload increase. Being mostly a defender, his offensive game has increased rapidly.

He may not surprise anyone yet, but confidence is building. Fleming’s athleticism, wingspan and defense make him a worthy addition to the rotation.

The emerging offensive game—and the 3-point shot in particular—has intrigued fans as well as the Suns’ coaching staff.

Head coach Jordan Ott matched Fleming up against Boston Celtics guard Peyton Pritchard on Tuesday, where the latter shot 1 of 11 from the field.

Two days later, the coach spoke about the rookie’s responsibility to guard “some of the best players in the world”, in reference to James and Luka Doncic. The starry nature was not disturbing him at all.

“I think later,” Fleming said when asked about matching up with James and Doncic. “Like, I’m going to go home and maybe think about it more. But during the game, I’m too competitive to focus on it.”

I asked Rasheer Fleming if he gets starstruck in the middle of a game or does it happen after.

He’s been guarding Luka Doncic regularly and had his eye on LeBron James tonight.

“I think later. Like, I’m going to go home and maybe think about it more. But during the game, I also… pic.twitter.com/KVcKFD89Wx

– Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) 27 February 2026

Suns teammates see Rasheer Fleming’s emerging potential

Fleming has all the tools to become an elite NBA defender. But an elite offensive player? Apart from his colleagues, this thing has not come to the mind of many people.

He has been hired for Valley Sons, and is reaping the rewards of his labor. There can be slight fluctuations between G-League and NBA games, sometimes on the same day.

But it’s all part of the process and Fleming took it seriously. Since the start of the new year, his work ethic and commitment to being prepared has paid off.

In the second half, Ott replaced the starters with the second unit, of which Fleming was part. He hit two 3-point shots and fired up the Phoenix crowd.

His aggressive play further increased his influence.

While he sat on the bench cheering, it was another game for Fleming in the eyes of Colin Gillespie, who raved about his rookie’s potential for about 30 seconds after the game.

“We always tell him he doesn’t know how good he can be,” Gillespie told reporters.

“He can be so, so good. I don’t even think he’s (close to) his ceiling. He probably doesn’t even know what the ceiling is. I don’t even know what his ceiling is. He still has a lot to discover offensively, but defensively, just on the ball, his length, deflections. He does everything.”

With injuries plaguing the team, this could be a legitimate opportunity for Fleming to fully integrate himself onto the Phoenix Suns roster.

The Phoenix Suns snapped a three-game losing streak on Thursday and they have a lot to thank Royce O’Neal for. O’Neal broke the tie by hitting a dagger 3-pointer with one second remaining in the fourth quarter to give Phoenix a 113–110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Suns played brilliantly in that game, leading to a wide-open try from deep by O’Neale, who finished the game with 13 points.

It all started with Grayson Allen attacking the Lakers’ defense, and when everyone’s attention was on him, he threw the ball to Collin Gillespie, who immediately passed the ball to O’Neal. Without hesitation, former Baylor Bears forward O’Neal launched a shot from behind the arc that found nothing but the bottom of the net.

Royce O’Neale leads with less than a second left 😳🍿

pic.twitter.com/LbNWE9B86Q

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 27 February 2026

There was still time left on the clock after O’Neal, but the Lakers could not convert a bucket after the timeout, as Austin Reaves missed a last-gasp 3-point attempt from the corner.

O’Neal finished his evening with 13 points with three triples, while Allen and Gillespie provided 28 and 21 points, respectively, for the Suns, who won despite missing star shooting guard Devin Booker and forward Dillon Brooks.

That shot from O’Neal also summed up the Suns’ unselfishness in the contest. He had 22 assists on 40 field goals and also hit a total of 22 3-pointers on 50 attempts from deep. It seemed a little easier for Phoenix to make outside shots from deep against the Lakers’ defense.

Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ loss to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, Deandre Ayton was heard saying the team has put him in a Clint Capela-like role. Capela, who is currently playing for the Houston Rockets, has made his career as a big man who does the dirty work on the glass and on the defensive end.

Capela was never a major scoring threat in the NBA, and he was never one to take many shots during a game. His career average is 8.1 field goal attempts per game, and in his 12-year career so far, he has only had two seasons where he made double-digit shot attempts.

But then again, Capela was a late first-round draft pick. He was not expected to become any kind of star player. He always knew what his role was in the NBA and he played that role well. Ayton, on the other hand, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. There has only been one season in his eight-year career where he has attempted fewer than 10 shots per game, and that is this season with the Lakers.

When the Lakers initially signed Ayton as a free agent last offseason, it wasn’t without some doubts. His previous stints with the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers were marred by alleged behavioral issues. But Ayton insisted he knew what was at stake in terms of his career when he joined the Lakers.

And now, more than halfway through the season, some of those issues are starting to resurface. But if DeAndre Ayton wants to continue to shape his image and the overall perception of him in a good way, he needs to embrace Clint Capela’s role for the Lakers.

Deandre Ayton becoming Clint Capela would help the Lakers

The way Ayton referred to his role in Capela’s transformation made it seem like he was a player of his caliber. But beyond all that, Capela actually played a major role as the starting center during a period when the Rockets were viewed as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.

His Rockets career averages are 11.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocked shots while shooting 61.4 percent from the field. During the playoffs, he averaged 8.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots making 60.2 percent of his shots from the field. Again, Capela knew his role and played it to perfection.

According to Daniel Starkund of Lakers Nation, coming into this season, Ayton himself knew he would have to sacrifice some of his offense while playing alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves. The same three players will have the ball in their hands most of the time and will take the lion’s share of shot attempts. This is not a bad thing and this is how the Lakers should operate.

Ayton has already shown that he can be a good defensive anchor for the Lakers team. He has shown he can be employed on both ends of the court and on the glass. Before the Lakers’ matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on January 13, head coach JJ Redick mentioned how Ayton couldn’t fool anyone by giving up effort on the defensive end on a consistent basis.

“When he’s been engaged, he’s been good. There are some technical things we’ve worked on with him throughout the season, both in his individual workouts and in our defensive circles,” Redick said. “It’s just more consistency. He’s shown he can do that… DeAndre has shown it himself. He can be a really good defender.”

For a Lakers team that has faced problems defensively, Ayton could be the one that can make a big difference. It’s just that he has become more active on the defensive end when he is getting more consistent shot attempts.

However, there is a trade-off to this. Ayton is attempting a career-low 9.0 shots, but he is shooting a career-high 66.7 percent from the field. Playing alongside creators like Doncic, James and Reeves, the quality of his looks is going to be better.

Capela’s embrace of a role of playing strong defense and driving hard on the glass is important not only to raising the team’s ceiling, but also to furthering his NBA career. Should Ayton exercise his team option, he potentially has one more year remaining on his signed contract with the Lakers.

Whether he stays with the Lakers or chooses to go elsewhere, if he can show that he is capable of playing a Capela-like role, he will find a place in the league. The NBA is often a rude awakening for those who are accustomed to having the ball in their hands and being the primary offensive option. That was Ayton’s role during his lone season in Arizona. That was his role in high school.

But in the NBA, players don’t become No. 1 options at the end of their careers. It’s either there or it’s not. And Ayton has the potential to be a good complimentary player on a winning team. He just needs to understand this before it’s too late.

Paolo Banchero had a 36-point performance Tuesday night to lead the Orlando Magic to a 110-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, capping a four-game Western Conference road trip and cementing his name among the franchise’s greats.

Banchero finished with a game-high 36 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in 38 minutes. He shot 12 of 22 from the field, 2 of 6 from 3-point range and 10 of 11 from the free-throw line, as the Magic improved to 31–26.

According to the team’s PR account on X, formerly known as Twitter, Banchero recorded the 14th game of his career with at least 35 points. This total ranks third in Orlando Magic history behind Tracy McGrady (75) and Shaquille O’Neal (54), and ahead of Anfernee Hardaway (13) and Dwight Howard (13).

This performance marked the third time in Banchero’s career that he posted at least 35 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a game. This total ties him with O’Neal for the second-most such games in franchise history. McGrady holds the record with 16.

Jamahl Mosley praises Paolo Banchero’s aggressiveness, downhill attack against Lakers

Head coach Jamahl Mosley credited Banchero’s pressure and tenacity as the driving force behind the victory.

“Yeah, I think his aggression level, quick decisions, getting downhill, finding matchups he likes, attacking the basket, putting pressure on defense. I mean, more than anything, when you look at it, he got to the free throw line 11 times. That’s aggression. That’s determination. That’s focus, getting downhill. And then he’s knocking them down.”

Jamahl Mosley on Paolo Banchero’s 36 in win over Lakers:

“His aggressiveness – going down 11 times and getting to the line. That’s the focus. That’s the determination.

“He creates mismatches. Drive and kick to Desmond for a three – big-time play. pic.twitter.com/wgAXpc0Bxw

– Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 25 February 2026

Mosley emphasized Banchero’s ability to create mismatches and make timely decisions, including a late drive-and-kick that led to a key 3-pointer from Desmond Bain.

“So just staying aggressive. As soon as he steps on the floor, he creates mismatches. He has eyes on him. These guys are full of him. So his quick decision-making ability, getting downhill, that last play where he attacks the downhill and passes it to Desmond for a knock down three, those are big-time plays. And that’s what we’re going to continue to need from him.”

Magic gains momentum after statement win in Los Angeles

Banchero took the same approach when asked about his performance.

“Yeah, just being aggressive, you know, being aggressive downhill, making plays for others. I think that always opens up the game for me. If I’m able to keep the defense honest with my passing. Yeah, being aggressive when the ball is in my hands, you know, making the defense respect me and always hunting my shots and looking for the pass as well.”

The 23-year-old has averaged 21.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists over his last 10 games, while shooting 42.4% from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range in 36.4 minutes per contest. On the season, he averaged 21.5 points, a career-high 8.4 rebounds and five assists in 46 games while shooting 45% from the field.

Paolo Banchero on his offensive mindset against the Lakers

“Just being aggressive down the slope and making plays for others. It opens up the game for me. When I have the ball in my hands, it’s about hunting my shots and keeping the defense honest with my passing.” pic.twitter.com/VD3wfzJKyg

– Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 25 February 2026

This victory also has historical significance. As noted by Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel on X, Orlando’s wins over the Clippers (111–109) and Lakers (110–109) marked the franchise’s first season since 2012–13 in which it defeated both Los Angeles teams.

The Magic return home to open a four-game homestand against the Houston Rockets (35-21) on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET on Prime Video, looking to extend their two-game winning streak behind continued growth in the distinguished company of Banchero.

The Orlando Magic (30-26) once again listed Jalen Suggs as questionable ahead of their matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers (34-22), but the nature of his injury designation changed into a development that could impact his availability.

According to the team’s latest injury report, Suggs’ condition changed from back spasm to a back strain. While the guard remains questionable, the updated diagnosis represents a more defined injury classification as Orlando prepares to kick off its four-game road trip following the All-Star break.

Suggs has missed the Magic’s last two games due to being ruled out shortly before tip-off in each contest. Orlando pushed the Phoenix Suns to double overtime without him before responding with a narrow 111–109 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. The team has managed to hang on during his absence, but his two-way presence remains a key component of the rotation.

The 24-year-old guard has averaged 13.9 points, 5.4 assists, four rebounds and a career-high 1.9 steals per game in 34 appearances this season. Suggs, a former All-Defensive Second Team selection, is shooting 44.2% from the field and 32.8% from 3-point range, while logging 26.5 minutes per contest.

Jalen Suggs injury update adds uncertainty to Magic-Lakers showdown

The designation of a back strain typically indicates a more structured recovery timeline than a strain, although the Magic have not provided additional details regarding severity. The team continues to evaluate Suggs on a game-to-game basis, and his availability against the Lakers will likely depend on pregame warmups.

Orlando enters Tuesday’s contest looking to carry over the momentum gained from its win over the Clippers. The matchup marks the final stop of the Magic’s four-game Western Conference swing before returning home.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers improved to 34-22 and remain firmly in the Western Conference playoff picture. With both teams dealing with injuries late in the season, roster availability could play a significant role in determining the outcome.

As for the Orlando Magic, the update to Jalen Suggs’ injury designation does not change his official status. However, a change in tension from the Cramps adds further uncertainty as the team attempts to finish their road trip on a strong note.