Los Angeles Lakers News

WESTERN PACIFIC

Kevon Looney • C • Lakers

Kevon Looney Joins Lakers on One-Year, $3.9 Million Deal

Free-agent center Kevon Looney agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The 30-year-old spent last season with New Orleans, averaging 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 21 games after 10 seasons with Golden State. Looney is expected to back up Walker Kessler, which limits his fantasy ceiling unless Kessler misses time. He can help the Lakers with rebounding, screening, and interior defense, but his low-usage role makes him more of a situational big than a steady fantasy option.

3 days ago

Chris Mañon • PG • Lakers

Chris Manon Delivers 24 Points and Full Stat Line in Lakers Win

Los Angeles Lakers guard Chris Manon supplied 24 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and two steals across 27 minutes in Monday's 88-84 California Classic win over the San Antonio Spurs. Manon stepped into the starting lineup with Adou Thiero (wrist) scratched and responded with the Lakers' best all-around line of the night. The 24-year-old is back on a two-way deal after earning G League All-Defensive Team honors last season, so the defensive stats are the real fantasy hook. Manon still faces a tough climb toward regular-season relevance, but his defensive activity gives him a useful Summer League calling card.

3 days ago

AK Okereke • SF • Lakers

AK Okereke Lands a Two-Way Deal With the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have made official their two-way signing of undrafted forward AK Okereke, Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation reports, filling the last of their three two-way slots. Okereke is a 6-7 floor-spacer who spent his final college season as a graduate transfer at Vanderbilt, averaging 9.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 40.0 percent from three. The stroke is real, but the fantasy path isn't. Okereke is an undrafted rookie on a two-way contract, which caps his active games, and he's buried on a win-now roster built around Luka Doncic. Expect most of his season to come with the South Bay Lakers.

4 days ago

Adou Thiero • SG • Lakers

Adou Thiero Stuffs the Box Score in Sunday's California Classic Victory

Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero delivered a strong all-around performance Sunday in the California Classic Summer League. He finished with 13 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists across 28 minutes during a 93-91 double-overtime win over the Miami Heat. The second-year forward made an impact with his activity on both ends, but his shooting remains a concern after he went 3-for-9 from the field, 0-for-2 from three-point range, and 4-for-7 at the line. Thiero's defense and downhill scoring are useful, but he needs a more reliable jumper to carve out steady fantasy value on a veteran-heavy Lakers roster.

4 days ago

Cameron Carr • SG • Lakers

Cameron Carr Impresses with 26-Point Outing

Los Angeles Lakers guard Cameron Carr came ready to play during Sunday's Summer League matchup against the Miami Heat. Carr was all over the place as he finished with 26 points, eight rebounds, and connected on four three-pointers during the overtime victory. The Lakers selected Carr in the first-round out of Baylor this year. The 21-year-old has looked impressive early in camp, but there's still a lot of time between now and the beginning of the regular season. Clearly, the Lakers believe in Carr, which is why they selected him in the first round. He might struggle to get consistent minutes right away, but he could force his way into the conversation if he keeps playing like this.

5 days ago

Jaden Hardy • SG • Lakers

Jaden Hardy Heading to the Lakers

Washington Wizards guard Jaden Hardy was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, according to Shams Charania. The Wizards have traded Hardy and two second-round picks in exchange for center Deandre Ayton. The big man became expendable for the Lakers after they acquired Walker Kessler. Ayton figures to serve as the primary backup center to Alexandre Sarr. As for Hardy, he'll likely be a rotational piece for the Lakers. In 23 games with Washington, Hardy averaged 12.6 points, 1.3 assists, and 1.7 rebounds across 20.4 minutes per game. The 23-year-old has some scoring upside, but is unlikely to be a big part of the Lakers rotation.

7 days ago

Walker Kessler • C • Lakers

Lakers Acquire Walker Kessler in Sign-And-Trade With Utah

The Los Angeles Lakers have sent multiple draft picks to the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade deal for center Walker Kessler, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The Lakers are subsequently giving the 24-year-old a four-year, $130 million contract with a fourth-season player option. Los Angeles was linked to multiple centers this offseason as they searched for a rim-runner to pair with Luka Doncic. Kessler's 2025-26 season was cut short after just five games, but he continued his run of averaging a double-double that dated back to the 2024-25 season. During that campaign, he led the league with 4.6 offensive rebounds per game. Kessler has also averaged 2.4 blocks per game across his four seasons. In return, the Jazz are receiving unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030.

Jul 1

Walker Kessler • C • Lakers

Walker Kessler Draws Multiple Offers in Restricted Free Agency

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler has met with multiple teams and holds several offers in the mid-to-high $30 million range annually, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic. Utah issued Kessler a qualifying offer, so the Jazz can still match any offer sheet. The 24-year-old was limited to five games last season after left shoulder surgery, but he averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.4 steals while shooting 70.3% from the field. If healthy, Kessler remains a strong fantasy target for blocks, boards, and elite efficiency wherever he lands.

Jun 30

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton Opts Into Another Season With the Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton opted into his $8.1 million player option with the franchise, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The market for Ayton's services seemingly dried up, making it an easy choice for the former first-overall pick to stay in Los Angeles. While the seven-footer shot a career-best 67.1% last season, he also averaged a career low in points (12.5), rebounds (8), and minutes (27.2). Playing alongside Luka Doncic did raise his efficiency, but his inconsistent defense and effort led to shorter stints on the floor. The Lakers have plenty of roster question marks as free agency begins, and could utilize Ayton's expiring contract in a trade before he becomes a free agent next offseason.

Jun 29

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Signs Four-Year Deal with Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves intends to sign a long-term extension with the organization. According to Shams Charania, Reaves intends to sign a four-year, $185 million deal, which includes a player option for the final year of the contract. Reaves recently declined a $14.9 million player option to get a long-term deal in free agency. The Lakers stated ahead of this deal that bringing back Reaves was a priority for them. He now lands the largest deal for an undrafted player in NBA history. Reaves is well deserving of a long-term contract after the numbers he has posted over the last few seasons. Reaves averaged 23.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists across 34.5 minutes per game in 51 contests this past season. He figures to remain a focal point in this offense moving forward.

Jun 24

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Wants Lakers to Add High-Level Center

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic has made his preference clear for the franchise to add an A-list center, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. Walker Kessler and Jalen Duren have been mentioned as restricted free-agent targets the Lakers have done due diligence on, while Los Angeles is expected to evaluate other trade and free-agent options. Kessler would give the Lakers a shot-blocking, low-usage finisher, while Duren would bring more scoring, rebounding, and physical roll-man production. Either move would clean up Doncic's playmaking environment, but the bigger fantasy swing may come for whichever center lands next to one of the league's best passers.

Jun 19

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Fields Interest From 10-12 Teams Before Free Agency

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is drawing interest from about 10-12 teams ahead of free agency, agent Rich Paul said on the Pat McAfee Show, while insisting no decision is near. Paul stressed he has not spoken with James about next season, urging fans to "believe nothing that's out there." James, an impending unrestricted free agent at 41, is coming off a season of 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games, with a return to the Lakers widely believed to be the expected fit. Take the team count with a grain of salt, since inflating it serves Paul's leverage. For fantasy managers, James remains a top-tier multi-category producer when healthy, but his destination and games-played history are the variables. If he stays beside Luka Doncic, his usage could dip even as his per-game value holds.

Jun 14

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Could Leave the Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James might not be back with the organization next season. Tim Bontemps of ESPN believes there's a legitimate chance that James is not back with the team next season. The Lakers are focused on building around Luka Doncic, which likely includes bringing back guard Austin Reaves. The Lakers will likely need to pay a hefty price in free agency to bring back Reaves this summer. With that being said, James might be forced to take a pay cut to stay with the Lakers or potentially head elsewhere. According to his agent, James has around 10-12 teams that would be interested in signing him. The 41-year-old can still be a reliable contributor, but his overall ceiling is going to take a hit due to age regression. His fantasy value will be dependent on where he ends up signing this offseason.

Jun 12

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Nets Expected to Offer Austin Reaves a Max Contract

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves could be headed elsewhere soon. According to Dan Woike, the Brooklyn Nets are prepared to offer Reaves a max contract this summer. The Lakers have viewed re-signing Reaves as a priority, but it's likely going to cost them a hefty amount of money. The Nets are reportedly willing to offer Reaves around $178.5 million over four years. The Lakers could offer Reaves a fifth year, but it's unclear if they want to match that kind of money. The status of LeBron James is also something that the Lakers need to pay attention to. Adding a player such as Reaves to the mix could help speed up the Nets' rebuilding process. The Nets have a handful of young guards, but none stand out as true cornerstone pieces right now. A move to the Nets would likely benefit Reaves as the primary focal point of an offense.

Jun 12

Adou Thiero • SG • Lakers

Adou Thiero Remains a Lakers Development Project

Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero had a quiet rookie season, but Silver Screen and Roll's Edwin Garcia wrote that the team should keep him in its long-term plans. The 22-year-old missed training camp and the start of the regular season while recovering from left knee surgery and later lost time to an MCL sprain. He logged only 25 regular-season games, averaging 1.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in 6.0 minutes while shooting 51.6% from the field. There were still fantasy-relevant flashes, including a 25-point South Bay outing on 10-for-12 shooting and 5-for-5 from deep. Thiero needs a steadier jumper and a real rotation lane, but his rim pressure and defensive tools make him a summer watchlist name.

May 30

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Reportedly Waiting for Lakers Approach

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is waiting for the team to approach him with its offseason plans, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports. "The LeBron side, from what I am told, would like the Lakers to come and say, 'LeBron, here's our plan for you,' or 'here's what we were offering,' and if they're offering less than the max, here's why. Because we're going to use this cap space to sign these players, and this is where you slide in," Windhorst said on Wednesday's episode of The Hoop Collective podcast. James will be an unrestricted free agent this summer after earning $52.7 million in 2025-26. If he agrees to take a pay cut, the Lakers would have a chance to build a better roster around him. Recently, James suggested he isn't in a rush to make a decision on his future.

May 28

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Could Command $40M Per Year With New Contract

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is set to receive a major pay raise as a free agent this offseason. According to Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic, because of a weak free-agent class, rival executives believe Reaves could secure a contract worth $40 million per season. The Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets have the salary cap space needed to sign Reaves, and both the Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks are said to be interested in his services. Reaves, who earned $13.9 million this season, averaged a career-high 23.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in 2025-26, along with 5.5 assists and 1.1 steals. Year after year, his fantasy stock has grown, and it's expected to remain high whether Reaves stays with the Lakers or signs elsewhere.

May 15

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Admits He Wasn't Close to Returning Before Season Ended

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) wasn't close to returning before the team's season ended on Monday night. "I know some people wanted me (to come) back, but obviously I wasn't close to clearing," Doncic said. "If I could be out there, I would be, 100%. Everybody in that room knows this is really tough. This is the best time to play basketball." Doncic missed the Lakers' entire postseason campaign after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain on April 2. He said he is running and shooting but hasn't progressed to contact work in practice. Losing Doncic for the playoffs was a massive blow to the Lakers. During his first full season in Los Angeles, Doncic averaged a league-high 33.5 points, along with 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.6 steals. Having turned only 27 earlier this year, he is set to remain a fantasy stalwart for the foreseeable future.

May 12

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Uncertain About Future After Season-Ending Loss

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has yet to make plans for his future after his 23rd NBA campaign ended with a 115-110 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. "I think you guys asked me about [retirement], and I've answered questions. I don't think I've come out and been like, 'Oh, retirement is coming,'" James said postgame. "With my future, I don't know, honestly. It's, obviously it's still fresh from, obviously losing [the series]. And I don't know. I don't know what the future holds for me." James, who turned 41 in December, was the Lakers' highest-paid player this term, earning $52.6 million. He doesn't have a contract or a contract option for next season. In 2025-26, James proved he can still be a highly impactful player, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals.

May 12

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Nears Double-Double In Game 3 Loss

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves posted 17 points, nine assists, and three rebounds in Saturday's 131-108 Game 3 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 27-year-old logged 39 minutes but had another uneven shooting night, going 5-for-13 from the field, 1-for-5 from three-point range, and committing five turnovers. Reaves has now scored eight, 31, and 17 points through three games in the series, with Oklahoma City taking a 3-0 lead after outscoring Los Angeles 74-49 in the second half. With Luka Doncic (hamstring) still sidelined, Reaves remains locked into heavy usage, even if the efficiency has been shaky.

May 10

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