A Blog devoted to Lakers News, Commentary, and Analysis
JJ Redick is not someone who handles losses well. He’s already admitted to spending nights alone in his dark basement when the Lakers lose. Saturday, then, probably didn’t do wonders for his mental health. The Lakers looked lackadaisical from the start against the Hawks and a fiesty, undermanned Atlanta team put them to the blade. […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
The Lakers’ five-game win streak was halted in a blowout 122-102 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. Luka Dončić ended with 22 points, five rebounds and 11 assists but shot 7-17 from the field. Jake LaRavia had 13 points with five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Deandre Ayton pitched 11 points with […]
3 months ago | 3 reads
While the Lakers are finding success seemingly regardless of how many of their Big 3 are out, getting them back on the court together obviously remains a high priority. LeBron James remained in Los Angeles during the Lakers road trip to continue his rehab as he moves closer and closer to a return. Austin Reaves, […]
3 months ago | 1 read
While there were a lot of unfair criticisms lobbied his way, one of the more fair — and persistent — critiques of Luka Dončić has been his defense. Throughout his career, Luka’s defense has come under fire time and time again. While there is no expectation of him being a top defender given his offensive […]
3 months ago | 3 reads
Now in the midst of a five-game winning streak, the Lakers head to the road where they will take on the Atlanta Hawks first on Saturday. This will mark the beginning of a five-game trip away from home, as the Lakers’ undefeated road record will be tested. Start time and TV schedule Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Luka Dončić, at his core, is just a fun guy. Sure, he’s aiming to be the best player he can be and wants to win as many titles as possible with the Lakers. However, he can do that while also having a good time with his teammates. A notable example of this is his close […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Los Angeles Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. Even with key players out, the Lakers have found a way to keep on stacking wins. That’s what […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
From the moment the Lakers traded for Luka Dončić, this franchise became his. However, it was challenging to establish that, given that he was acquired right in the middle of the NBA season. Now that he has a full season in a Lakers uniform, we are seeing his leadership more and more. In the summer, […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
There are just under five minutes left in the first half and the Lakers are trailing the Wolves by five points. Their defense is a bit scrambled and Austin Reaves is isolated against Julius Randle above the break, shaded towards the left side of the floor. With just nine seconds left on the shot clock, […]
3 months ago | 1 read
Marcus Smart giveth and Marcus Smart taketh away. After being a positive on both ends of the court through the first 47:58.8 seconds of the game on Wednesday against the Spurs, Smart had one heck of a faux pas. During his attempt to end the game with a downcourt pass to Hachimura with 1.2 seconds […]
3 months ago | 1 read
The Spurs put the Lakers to the test on Wednesday night. San Antonio was leading for most of the game and Los Angeles was rallying late in the fourth quarter. However, it wasn’t Luka Dončić highlight play, a Marcus Smart defensive stop or a Deandre Ayton battle underneath, but a pair of Rui Hachimura plays […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Fresh off a World Series victory, a number of Dodgers were back in LA and in attendance for Wednesday’s Lakers-Spurs showdown. And boy did the players know it. While LeBron James was showing love to Roki Sasaki and Luka Dončić and Rui Hachimura were taking pictures pregame, Deandre Ayton was feeling the nerves. “I ain’t […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Despite writing an infinite number of Lakers stories daily, I still have a hunger for more. Some say that’s a bad thing. People who have been doing it much longer than I warn me of burnout and insist I scale back if my goal is sustainability and survival in the brutal industry that is sports […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
After stealing Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline in February, Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka easily could have rested on his laurels this offseason. He could have run back the same group in hopes that a full season with Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves would result in a […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Everything seems to be coming up Lakers. On the court, they’re in the midst of a five-game win streak led by Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Off the court, the return of another superstar is nearing. The Lakers announced on Thursday that LeBron James was cleared for basketball activities and would be re-evaluated in one […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
LOS ANGELES – After losing in the playoffs in five games against the Wolves, it was clear the Lakers needed an upgrade at the center position. The franchise viewed Deandre Ayton as a solution to their frontcourt problem and signed him in the offseason. But could he live up to his potential in LA, or would […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
It wasn’t easy, but the Lakers rallied back in the fourth to beat the Spurs 118-117 to extend their winning streak to five. Late in the fourth, the Lakers looked like they were in perfect position to win, until a costly turnover from Marcus Smart and a foul call on Jake LaRavia nearly choked away […]
3 months ago | 4 reads
The Lakers have taken one step forward and another back with their most recent injury report. Austin Reaves will miss his second game in a row due to right groin soreness as the Lakers take on the Spurs, but on the plus side, Los Angeles will have Luka Dončić available. Luka missed the team’s game […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Since the start of training camp, Lakers head coach JJ Redick has been all about establishing a culture. The team’s motto was labeled as obsession. Redick has spoken about championship habits, even going so far as to place them on a board for all to see at practice. Now with games underway, we’re seeing the fruits of […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Despite Luka Dončić playing in just half of their games and LeBron James yet to even suit up, the Lakers are 6-2 and drowning their opponents with buckets. Tuning into this team on a nightly basis feels like landing on rerun after the actors swapped roles mid episode. Out of necessity, head coach JJ Redick […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
The clearest sign of the Lakers’ depth this season is that, despite Luka Dončić playing in only half the games and LeBron James not yet suiting up, the Lakers are 6-2 and on a four-game winning streak. Despite players moving in and out of the lineup, the Lakers have hardly missed a beat. Equally as […]
3 months ago | 5 reads
After a quick stop in Portland where they managed to steal a victory without their three best players, the Lakers are back home again where they will take on the San Antonio Spurs. This is their last home game in the next two weeks as they go on a five-game road trip after this one. […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
One of the ultimate goals of every franchise is to develop a culture. Teams can have identities, but building a culture is how long-term success is achieved. Franchise like the Warriors, Celtics and Heat have a culture that has led to sustained success. The Lakers have not had that for a very long time. In […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Nick Smith Jr. stepping up for the Lakers against the Blazers had all the makings of a feel-good Hollywood movie. The shorthanded Lakers relied on their two-way guy to play 27 minutes on the road and he delivered, scoring 25 points in the road win. To add even more drama, Smith Jr. was not feeling […]
3 months ago | 2 reads
Nick Smith Jr. went nuclear against the Blazers for the shorthanded Lakers on Monday, scoring 25 points in the shocking win, leaving it all on the floor in the process. Well, not literally. He actually left some bad parts elsewhere in Moda Center. Midway through his memorable night, Smith Jr. raced off the court and […]
3 months ago | 3 reads