Los Angeles Lakers News

WESTERN PACIFIC

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Pours in 28 Points Against Warriors

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves scored a game-high 28 points in Tuesday's 101-89 preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors, adding four rebounds and seven assists in 25 minutes. With Luka Doncic resting, Reaves took on more of the ball-handling work and shot 10-for-18 from the field, 4-for-7 from three and 4-for-4 at the line. Seven turnovers were the lone blemish on an otherwise strong night. Reaves averaged 23.3 points and 5.5 assists last season, and nights like this show how much more he can take on when Doncic is out.

5 days ago

Ziaire Williams • SF • Lakers

Ziaire Williams Ruled Out Again on Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers forward Ziaire Williams (foot) will miss Tuesday's preseason game against the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas, per Jovan Buha. Head coach JJ Redick said Williams remains day-to-day with a foot contusion. The 25-year-old hasn't played since starting the preseason opener, when he scored 13 points on 4-for-6 shooting and hit all three of his attempts from deep in 21 minutes. Williams is competing for one of Los Angeles' open starting spots, so Friday's finale against Denver could be important if he's cleared. Matisse Thybulle and Jake LaRavia remain in the mix for those wing minutes.

6 days ago

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Resting Tuesday Versus Golden State

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (rest) will sit out Tuesday's preseason game against the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas, with head coach JJ Redick confirming that the 27-year-old is simply getting the night off. Doncic has scored 44 points across two preseason appearances against Sacramento after averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds last season. With LeBron James now in Philadelphia, Doncic should remain at the center of everything Los Angeles does offensively. Friday's preseason finale against Denver could give him his first game action alongside Walker Kessler (finger) before the Oct. 21 opener.

6 days ago

Walker Kessler • C • Lakers

Walker Kessler Set to Make Preseason Debut Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler (finger) will make his preseason debut Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas, head coach JJ Redick confirmed, per The Athletic's Jovan Buha. The 25-year-old missed the first three exhibitions after jamming his left pinky on the backboard during training camp. Kessler also played only five games last season before undergoing surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 2024-25, and the Lakers have missed that kind of rebounding and rim protection while he's been sidelined this preseason. If he gets through Tuesday without a setback, he should be on track to start the Oct. 21 opener against Golden State.

6 days ago

Walker Kessler • C • Lakers

Walker Kessler Returns to Full Practice on Sunday

Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler (finger) went through a full practice Sunday after being limited by a jammed left pinkie, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. Kessler called the restrictions precautionary and said he's ready to play, though the Lakers haven't committed to his preseason debut Tuesday against Golden State. The 25-year-old played only five games last season before undergoing surgery for a torn left shoulder labrum, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. Once cleared, Kessler should handle most of the center minutes, with Sandro Mamukelashvili shifting between both frontcourt spots.

Oct 11

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Dishes Eight Assists in Preseason Debut

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves posted a team-high eight assists in Thursday's 114-110 preseason win over the Sacramento Kings, adding eight points, five rebounds, and one steal in 25 minutes. Reaves made his preseason debut after missing two games with an ankle issue, shooting 2-for-7 from the field and 0-for-3 from three, but going 4-for-4 at the line. Luka Doncic handled the scoring with 23 points, while Reaves leaned into a playmaking role. After averaging 23.3 points and 5.5 assists last season, he should remain heavily involved as a scorer and facilitator now that LeBron James is no longer in Los Angeles.

Oct 9

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Set to Suit Up Thursday

Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports that Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic will play in Thursday's preseason matchup against the Sacramento Kings. Doncic sat out Tuesday's preseason contest against Golden State after playing the previous night. The 27-year-old Slovenian posted 21 points in just 16 minutes during his preseason debut Monday. With LeBron James now in Philadelphia, Doncic is expected to shoulder an even larger offensive workload, solidifying his status as an elite fantasy option heading into the 2026-27 campaign.

Oct 8

Collin Sexton • PG • Lakers

Collin Sexton Unavailable on Thursday

Per Benjamin Royer of The Orange County Register, Los Angeles Lakers guard Collin Sexton (lower body) will miss Thursday's preseason matchup against the Sacramento Kings with a lower-body injury. However, according to Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com, head coach JJ Redick isn't overly concerned about Sexton's injury ahead of the regular season. The 27-year-old signed a two-year, $19 million deal with a player option during the offseason after averaging 17.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 26 games with Chicago last season. Sexton's fantasy upside could be limited in 2026-27, with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves expected to handle the bulk of the Lakers' offensive responsibilities.

Oct 8

Walker Kessler • C • Lakers

Walker Kessler Sidelined on Thursday

The Orange County Register's Benjamin Royer reports that Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler (finger) will miss his third consecutive preseason game Thursday against the Sacramento Kings. According to Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com, head coach JJ Redick isn't concerned the injury will become a long-term issue. The 7-foot-2 big man played in only five games in 2025-26 after left shoulder surgery, but he could be on track for a career-best scoring campaign as Luka Doncic's primary rim-runner option this season.

Oct 8

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Available for Thursday's Preseason Matchup With Sacramento

According to Orange County Register's Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (ankle) is available for Thursday's preseason matchup against the Sacramento Kings after missing the last two contests. Reaves averaged 23.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in 34.5 minutes per game over 51 contests last season. The 28-year-old is expected to remain a key contributor to the Lakers' offense alongside Luka Doncic, and increased offensive responsibilities could make him a valuable fantasy asset across several fantasy metrics.

Oct 8

Chase Ross • SG • Lakers

Chase Ross Signs Exhibit 10 Deal with Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers signed guard Chase Ross to a training camp contract Friday, according to Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot, making official the Exhibit 10 agreement he reached in June. Ross averaged just 2.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists across four Summer League appearances but was far more productive at Marquette, posting 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.3 steals while earning Big East All-Defensive honors. With Arthur Kaluma, Chris Manon, and AK Okereke holding the Lakers' three two-way spots, Ross is likely headed for a developmental role with Coachella Valley, keeping him off the fantasy radar for now.

Sep 20

Ziaire Williams • SF • Lakers

Ziaire Williams Eyes Starting Role with Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Ziaire Williams believes he has a real chance to win the team's open starting spot, according to Ron Gutterman of LakersNation.com, who cited Williams' comments to Ryan Ward of Lakers On SI. Asked whether Jonathan Kuminga's move to Minnesota created a real opportunity in Los Angeles, Williams said, "Yeah, I do," though he added that the failed pursuit of Kuminga did not change his mindset. Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler are expected to start when healthy, while Quentin Grimes appears likely to claim another spot, leaving Williams in a battle with Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt, Matisse Thybulle, and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Williams averaged 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 22.9 minutes with Brooklyn last season, so the defensive role and steals upside are the clear fantasy hooks. He still needs JJ Redick to choose him before the watch-list case turns into draft-day value.

Sep 13

Walker Kessler • C • Lakers

Walker Kessler Pegged as Worth the Lakers' Price

Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler (shoulder) cost a steep price, but Yahoo Sports senior NBA analyst Kevin O'Connor said his fit in Los Angeles could make the move worth it. The Lakers sent Utah two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round swaps before signing Kessler to a four-year, $130 million deal. The 7-foot-2 big man is fully cleared after left shoulder surgery limited him to five games in 2025-26, and that short sample drives the fantasy case: 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.8 blocks on 70.3 percent shooting. Playing as Luka Doncic's primary rim-runner should keep the field-goal percentage elite and give Kessler a path to career-best scoring volume. The Lakers have Kevon Looney and other frontcourt depth behind him, but Kessler is the clear starter if the shoulder holds up.

Sep 11

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Healthy Heading Into Training Camp

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is healthy heading into training camp after being cleared for full basketball activities in late May, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. A Grade 2 left hamstring strain suffered on April 2 cost him the Lakers' final 15 regular-season games and their entire playoff run, which ended in the second round. The 27-year-old skipped Slovenia's FIBA World Cup qualifiers to spend time with his daughters and later hosted Lakers teammates for an August minicamp. Doncic averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.6 steals across 64 games last season, winning the scoring title. With LeBron James now in Philadelphia, more of the offense should flow through Doncic, while Walker Kessler gives him a true lob threat. Availability is the only real fantasy concern on an otherwise elite profile.

Sep 10

Walker Kessler • C • Lakers

Walker Kessler Enters First Lakers Season Fully Healthy

Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler (shoulder) said the surgery that ended his 2025-26 season after five games was a long time coming, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "Actually, I injured it back in college," Kessler said. "And then I was playing with it for a while. And then last year, it got a little worse." The 25-year-old enters his first season in Los Angeles healthy after signing a four-year, $130 million deal. Kessler was off to a strong start before the torn labrum, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.8 blocks on 70.3 percent shooting. As Luka Doncic's preferred lob threat and rim protector, Kessler has a clean path to boards, blocks, and elite field-goal percentage if the shoulder holds up.

Sep 10

Collin Sexton • PG • Lakers

Collin Sexton Cites Winning in Lakers Free-Agent Decision

Los Angeles Lakers guard Collin Sexton said the chance to win and make an impact on a big stage drove his free-agent decision, according to ESPN LA. "I feel like I just fit right in," the former No. 8 pick said. Sexton signed a two-year, $19 million deal with a player option after averaging 17.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 26 games with Chicago last season while shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 41.0 percent from three. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves still control the offense, leaving Sexton as a bench scorer whose fantasy value depends on minutes, efficiency, and whether his defensive stats hold.

Sep 6

Ziaire Williams • SF • Lakers

Ziaire Williams Gets Defense-First Role with Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers forward Ziaire Williams told the Southern California News Group that JJ Redick and Rob Pelinka have framed his role around being a "main defender, point-of-attack defender." The former No. 10 overall pick joined Los Angeles on a one-year, $3 million deal in July after averaging 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.4 steals in 22.9 minutes for Brooklyn last season. Williams expects to cut, space the floor, and run in transition around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, which points to a low-usage role. Quentin Grimes projects ahead of him, while Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Dalton Knecht crowd the wing and forward mix, leaving Williams as a steals-dependent fantasy flier unless his jumper holds.

Sep 1

Sandro Mamukelashvili • PF • Lakers

Sandro Mamukelashvili Fills Stat Sheet for Georgia

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili filled the box score in Georgia's 101-74 rout of Montenegro on Friday in Group I of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers. The 27-year-old finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals while playing behind bigger scoring nights from Tornike Shengelia and Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze. The passing is the part that should carry over. Mamukelashvili averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 21.8 minutes with Toronto last season while shooting 38.9 percent from deep, and the Lakers gave him a four-year, $52 million deal to space the floor in a reworked frontcourt. Walker Kessler is the clear interior anchor, so Mamukelashvili needs a steady shooting role before becoming more than a low-end fantasy watch. Georgia faces Portugal on Monday.

Aug 28

Quentin Grimes • SG • Lakers

Quentin Grimes Eyes Key Lakers Perimeter Role

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Quentin Grimes has a chance to fill the perimeter role Los Angeles needs after signing a four-year, $60 million deal, with Jovan Buha of Buha's Block and Tony Jones previewing his fit. The 26-year-old should be asked to defend tough perimeter matchups while spacing the floor around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, a role that leans more on defense and off-ball shooting than shot creation. That keeps his fantasy ceiling in check, especially after he shot 33.4 percent from three with Philadelphia last season. Still, his 21.9-point surge after joining the 76ers in 2024-25 showed he can pop when touches open, leaving his value tied to minutes, steals, and whether the Lakers trust him in closing groups.

Aug 25

Jaden Hardy • SG • Lakers

Jaden Hardy Being Discussed in Sign-and-Trade Talks

According to Evan Sidery, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly using guard Jaden Hardy in sign-and-trade discussions with the Atlanta Hawks. The two teams have been talking sign-and-trade this summer involving forward Jonathan Kuminga. It sounds like Lakers' guard Jaden Hardy or forward Jared Vanderbilt could be part of that deal, if it ever happens. It doesn't sound like the discussions got too far because the Hawks don't want to add payroll and actually need to make cuts with 17 players on their roster right now. A move elsewhere would probably help Hardy's fantasy value, but he's staying in Los Angeles right now.

Aug 24

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