Los Angeles Lakers Insider: Breaking News, Player Interviews & Highlights

Category: News

  • JJ Redick Explains LeBron James’ ‘QB’ Role in Lakers’ Defense

    JJ Redick Explains LeBron James’ ‘QB’ Role in Lakers’ Defense

    The Los Angeles Lakers have officially locked up the 3rd seed in the West and the conversation is turning to championships. A big reason for that? Their defense and at the heart of it all is LeBron James. According to head coach JJ Redick, LeBron has taken on a leadership role on defense and is the team’s “quarterback.”

    LeBron as the Defensive Playcaller

    After the Lakers’ 140-109 win over the Houston Rockets in their final home game of the season, JJ Redick talked about LeBron’s role in the team’s defense.

    “Quarterback is an offensive position but he’s our quarterback of defense,” Redick said. “And a lot of that is his voice, his IQ.”

    Redick pointed to a play during the Rockets game where Austin Reaves got switched onto one of Houston’s bigs. While Rui Hachimura ended up forcing a deflection, it was LeBron who immediately recognized the mismatch and rotated over to cover for Reaves.

    That kind of awareness and communication is what makes LeBron so valuable on defense. His ability to read the game and direct his teammates has been the key to the Lakers’ improved defense this season.

    Austin Reaves on LeBron’s Leadership

    Reaves has played with LeBron his entire NBA career and has seen the impact of his vocal leadership on the court.

    “He’s our vocal leader on and off the court. He leads by example,” Reaves said. “Whenever he’s talking on the court… everybody’s all in what he’s saying. And it’s big for us when he’s talking like that because his IQ is so high. He’s seen a billion possessions in the NBA, he’s guarded every type of player in the league, seen every scheme. So if there’s someone to listen to, I think it’s him.”

    Reaves’s comments show how much respect he has for LeBron. His experience and basketball IQ make him the perfect guy for a championship team.

    Defying Age: LeBron’s Remarkable Season

    LeBron is 40 now. He’s the oldest player in the NBA. And he’s showing no signs of slowing down. Other than a brief absence due to a groin injury in March, he’s been a steady presence for the Lakers all season.

    He played in 70 games and averaged just over 34 minutes per game. His numbers are still ridiculous:

    • 24.4 points per game
    • 7.8 rebounds per game
    • 8.2 assists per game
    • 1.0 steals per game

    His shooting splits were equally impressive:

    • 51.3% from the field
    • 37.6% from three
    • 78.2% from the line

    LeBron can do all this and be a leader? He’s still great.

    Looking Ahead: Lakers vs. Timberwolves

    The regular season is over. Now the Lakers turn their attention to the playoffs. They’ll face the Timberwolves in the first round and have home court advantage.

    For LeBron and the Lakers, it’s all about maintaining the defense and using their veteran leadership to navigate the playoffs.

  • Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves Fuel Lakers’ Title Hopes as No. 3 Seed

    Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves Fuel Lakers’ Title Hopes as No. 3 Seed

    After beating the Houston Rockets 140-109 in their final home game of the season, the Los Angeles Lakers clinched the 3rd seed in the Western Conference. For Austin Reaves, this wild season felt like “five seasons in one” but as he looked ahead to the playoffs, he was confident.

    “I think we can win a championship, to be honest with you,” Reaves said, echoing Luka Doncic who scored 39 points in three quarters Friday night.

    Doncic added, “That’s our only goal. I think we have the team to do it.”

    The Lakers celebrated their 50th win with a wild locker room party and doused rookie coach JJ Redick with ice buckets. It was so crazy that Hachimura joked, “The whole locker room is literally water. Straight water.”

    Redick who set lofty goals when he took over last June—win 50 games and 3rd seed—was thrilled to hit both marks.

    “Just incredibly proud of our team,” Redick said laughing about the estimated $17,000 in damage to the locker room carpet. “Winning 50 games in the regular season is an accomplishment in any year, especially in this Western Conference. It’s a credit to our players. They all bought into a winning culture.”

    LeBron James Tweaks Hip, But Appears Fine

    The night ended in celebration but there was a brief moment of concern for LeBron James in the 3rd quarter. The 22 year vet appeared to tweak his left hip/groin area and was done after 22 minutes. He had 14 points and 8 assists before heading to the bench gingerly.

    Coach Redick confirmed he’s “fine” but LeBron didn’t do postgame interviews. Instead he congratulated the team on social media:

    “Man I was going to say something but it’s useless at this point in my career! Anyways more important CONGRATULATIONS JJ on a 50 win season in the WEST & Post Season nod!”

    James’ pregame workout today drew some criticism from former NBA great Isiah Thomas who said on NBA TV that professionalism in the league has gone down. But that didn’t bother the Lakers who are focused on one thing: a championship.

    Playoff Matchup Still Uncertain

    The Lakers are still waiting to find out who they’ll play in the first round. The Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets are all still in the hunt for the 6th seed, which would mean they’d play the Lakers in the first round. Whoever they play, the Lakers will have a week off before they host Game 1 of their series next weekend.

    This will be the first time since the 2010-11 season (Phil Jackson’s final year as coach) that the Lakers will open the playoffs at home. And with LeBron James (NBA all-time leading playoff scorer) and Luka Doncic (2nd all-time playoff scorer per game) leading the way, the expectations are high.

    A Legacy Duo Leading the Charge

    Heading into the playoffs, the Lakers have the 1-2 punch: LeBron James, the all-time leading scorer in playoff points, and Luka Doncic, the 2nd highest scorer in playoff average. But Doncic says it’s not all about him and LeBron.

    “It’s not just me and LeBron,” Doncic said. “We have a great team around us; everybody helps us in so many ways. So, if we want to win the championship, it’s going to take all of us.”

  • LeBron Shakes Off Injury Fears as Lakers Secure Crucial Playoff Position

    LeBron Shakes Off Injury Fears as Lakers Secure Crucial Playoff Position

    The Los Angeles Lakers had a moment of panic Friday night when LeBron James grabbed at the inside of his left leg midway through the third quarter. For a team on the verge of locking up the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs, this was the last thing they needed to see.

    Thankfully, it turned out to be nothing more than a minor scare. James returned to the bench later in the game, celebrating wildly as the Lakers cruised to a dominant 140-109 win over the Houston Rockets. The victory secured their spot as the No. 3 seed and ensured they would avoid the play-in tournament for the first time since their championship run in 2020.

    A Groin Injury That Wasn’t: LeBron’s Quick Recovery

    When James hobbled to the bench, clutching his groin, the vibe changed. Losing LeBron – even for a minute – could’ve killed the Lakers’ title hopes. But the four-time MVP proved again why he’s durable and tough.

    By the 4th quarter, James was back on his feet, moonwalking along the sideline after Austin Reaves made rookie Jack McVeigh trip over his own feet with a slick step-back. He celebrated several times, no signs of pain. He finished with 14 points and 8 assists in 22 minutes before sitting the rest of the game.

    Doncic and Reaves Shine in LeBron’s Shadow

    LeBron provided the stability and leadership, but Luka and Austin stole the show against a short handed Rockets team. Luka was amazing, 39 points on 19 shots in 31 minutes. He was efficient and had great court vision, he’s one of the best in the game.

    Austin was big time, 23 points and showed he can create space and make tough shots. Dorian had 18, and Rui had 16 off the bench. The Lakers shot 61% from the field, their best shooting game of the season.

    Locking Up Home-Court Advantage

    With the win, they are now the 3rd seed and will have home court in the first round of the playoffs. This is big not only because it’s a Game 1 in LA but also because it gives us extra time to rest and prepare for our next opponent.

    “It just gives us a couple more days to be very prepared for whatever we get,” Reaves said after the game.

    Sunday’s regular season finale against the Portland Trail Blazers will be a tune up game. We’ll sit most of our guys and focus on the playoffs.

    Celebrations Erupt in the Locker Room

    After the final buzzer the Lakers locker room exploded. Laughter and cheers echoed through the walls as players dumped ice buckets on rookie head coach JJ Redick. A fitting tribute to a coach who has navigated the ship through a successful regular season.

    “The whole locker room is literally water,” Hachimura joked after. “Straight water.”

    Redick praised his team for their overall effort throughout the long NBA season and building a winning culture.

    “50 wins in the regular season is an accomplishment any year,” Redick said. “Especially this year in this Western Conference. And it’s on our players. Each one at different times has contributed to winning.”

    Eyes Set on the Championship

    All the joy of Friday’s win aside, the Lakers know there’s still work to be done. Their ultimate goal remains the same: bringing another Larry O’Brien to LA.

    “That’s gotta be the only goal, and that’s our only goal,” Doncic said. “I think we have the team to do it. When everybody’s locked in, you know, we’re a tough team to beat. That’s our goal.”

    The Lakers feel like they have something special—a championship team with two superstars in LeBron and Luka. Now it’s time to execute.

  • NBA Overturns Controversial Call Against Luka Dončić in Fourth Quarter

    NBA Overturns Controversial Call Against Luka Dončić in Fourth Quarter

    The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Los Angeles Lakers 136-120 on Tuesday night but the game will be remembered more for the officiating than the score. With the Lakers up 108-107 mid 4th quarter, star point guard Luka Dončić was ejected after being called his 2nd technical—a call that has since been overturned by the NBA.

    What looked like a harmless trash talk to a courtside fan turned into a turning point in the game. Without their superstar on the floor, the Lakers fell apart and the Thunder pulled away for the win. The league later admitted the 2nd technical should have never been called but the damage was done.

    What Happened During the Key Moment?

    After making the go ahead basket, Dončić turned around and talked to someone on the court—someone he says was a fan. But official J.T. Orr thought Dončić was talking to him. Since Dončić already had one technical foul from the 3rd quarter, the second technical automatically ejected him.

    Dončić argued his case, saying he wasn’t talking to the ref, but no one was listening. The Lakers had to play the rest of the game without their star point guard and losing Dončić was brutal. A one point lead turned into a 16 point deficit as the Thunder took off.

    NBA Admits Mistake, Rescinds Technical Foul

    On Wednesday, the NBA reversed the second technical foul “upon league office review”. While this is a step in the right direction for accountability, it doesn’t change the outcome for the Lakers who lost without their star.

    The timing couldn’t have been worse. With playoff seeding on the line the loss hurts the Lakers big time. Meanwhile the Thunder gain big time and move up in the standings for home court in a potential Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

    Impact on Playoff Implications

    For the Lakers, this loss makes it harder for them to get the 3rd seed in the West. They need 2 wins in their last 3 games which is tougher now with an emotional rematch against Dallas on Wednesday where Dončić will face his old team.

    Dončić Speaks Out: “It Wasn’t About the Ref”

    Post game Dončić spoke to the media, again saying he was talking to a fan not the official.

    “I never got a fan ejected. Never. But if he’s going to talk I’m going to talk back like always,” Dončić said (via The Athletic ). “That had nothing to do with the ref. I didn’t really understand.”

    Despite Dončić’s explanation, crew chief Tony Brothers said the second technical was called because Dončić “looked directly at an official and used vulgarity”. The first technical was for the same reason, Dončić allegedly used profanity at an official earlier in the game.

    This isn’t the first time Dončić has jawed with a fan. Just a few weeks ago he was talking to a fan who was yelling “ball don’t lie” at him during a free throw. His feisty personality has been part of his brand for a long time—but this time it cost his team.

    A Costly Call in a Big Game

    The technical feels especially harsh, given the circumstances of the game. Both teams are fighting for positioning in what’s going to be a tough playoff race. For the Lakers, losing Dončić in this stretch was a punch to the gut they couldn’t recover from.

    The NBA acknowledging the mistake is good but it also shows how delicate these moments are. In a league where superstars decide games, ejecting one over a misunderstanding can change the entire season.

  • LeBron James Reacts Honestly to Facing Anthony Davis

    LeBron James Reacts Honestly to Facing Anthony Davis

    Wednesday’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks was full of reunions. But it wasn’t just Luka Dončić who had a homecoming. The game was the first time the Lakers faced Anthony Davis since trading him to the Mavericks two months ago in the blockbuster deal that brought Dončić to LA.

    All eyes were on Dončić’s return to Dallas but Davis’ game against his former team added another layer to an already crazy night. 13 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists. Davis looked like an All-Star despite the Mavericks losing 112–97. But it was the emotions of the reunion that stood out most.

    LeBron James Opens Up About Facing Anthony Davis

    After the game, LeBron James was asked what it was like to face his old teammate and championship partner Anthony Davis. LeBron had one word: “different”.

    “Different,” James said via Spectrum SportsNet. “Different, obviously we had our own emotions built in. It was just different, I think when he was in New Orleans … I ain’t got comfortable yet with him being on the other side.”

    The bond between James and Davis is deep. They played together for 5 1/2 seasons in LA, won a championship in 2020. For LeBron seeing Davis in Mavericks blue was surreal – especially when he found himself guarding his former teammate at key moments in the game.

    Fans noticed too, as social media went crazy with reactions to LeBron defending Davis:

    “Bron guarding AD doesn’t feel real 😭”
    — @HoHighlights

    It was surreal for Lakers fans who were used to seeing the duo dominate together on the court.

    Feeling for Both Sides

    For Davis, playing the Lakers had to be tough. After being the face of the franchise alongside LeBron for years, his departure was a shock – even though the trade brought in a generational talent in Dončić. Wednesday night, seeing him in another team’s jersey hit home.

    The Lakers seemed still in shock. They’ve embraced Dončić as their new star, but seeing Davis line up against them had to be tough to see him against the Lakers had to be tough to see him against the Lakers had to be tough. Davis line up on the other side was a harsh reminder of how much has changed in such a short time.

    Davis on His Time in LA

    Davis didn’t say much after the game, but his play spoke volumes. He wasn’t sharp (4-15 from the field), but he impacted the game on both ends of the floor, and showed why he’s one of the most versatile bigs in the league.

    For Lakers fans, watching Davis play against them was like watching him in purple and gold. From game winners to defensive clinics, he left his mark on the franchise—a mark that isn’t going anywhere even as he starts his new chapter in Dallas.

    What’s Next for Both?

    With the win, the Lakers are 49-31 and solidifying their playoff position. The Mavericks are 38-42 and their playoff hopes are on life support. As both teams wind down the regular season, nights like tonight remind us of the human side of every trade and every rivalry.

  • Luka Dončić Shines in Emotional Return to Dallas as Lakers Edge Mavericks

    Luka Dončić Shines in Emotional Return to Dallas as Lakers Edge Mavericks

    The basketball world was watching Wednesday night as Luka Dončić returned to Dallas and put on a performance for the ages. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar scored 45 points, his season high, on 16-of-28 shooting, 7-14 3PT, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals. He led the Lakers to a 112-97 win over the Mavericks.

    This wasn’t just any game—it was a homecoming. With the pregame video and the chants of “Luka! Luka! Luka!” throughout American Airlines Center it was clear this night was all about Dončić.

    A Pre-Game Video Tribute Fit for a Legend

    Before the game, the Mavs honored Dončić with a two-minute video tribute during player introductions. The video showed his entire Dallas journey—his arrival as an 18-year-old phenom, leading the team to its first NBA Finals since 2011 and being the face of the franchise for over six years.

    Dončić asked for a towel before the video started, knowing he’d get emotional. As the highlights of his time in Dallas played on the jumbotron, the former Maverick couldn’t hold back the tears. When the video ended, he wiped away his tears, hugged his teammates and got a standing ovation from the sold out crowd.

    “It was just so many unexplained emotions,” Dončić said in an on-court ESPN interview after the game. “Everybody saw how I reacted to the video—all these fans, all the teammates I had, everybody had my back. I love these fans. I love this city, but it’s time to move on.”

    Dončić Dominates Despite Emotional Weight

    If there was any doubt about Dončić playing on an emotional night, he put those to rest right away. From the jump ball he was unstoppable.

    In the first half alone he scored 31 points on 11-16 shooting, 6 threes in 18 minutes. His first 30 point half as a Laker and set the tone for what would be one of the games of his career.

    “When I was watching that video I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game,’” Dončić said. “But my teammates had my back—they supported me and I really appreciate that.”

    His final line of 45 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals not only won the game but also clinched a playoff spot. His 46th 40 point game of his career and another reminder he’s one of the best in the league.

    Mavericks Fans Show Their Love—and Anger

    The arena was electric but also angry. Many fans are still fuming at the front office for trading away their superstar in February. Throughout the game chants of “Fire Nico! Fire Nico!” towards GM Nico Harrison were loud.

    To honor Dončić all fans were given shirts that said in Slovenian “Thanks for Everything”. Hundreds wore them along with their #77 jerseys, a sea of silver and blue, a perfect tribute to the player who gave them so many great memories.

    The average ticket price for the game was $404 according to Vivid Seats, the highest priced regular season home game in Dallas since at least 2010. Clearly Dončić’s impact goes beyond the court.

    Anthony Davis’ Quiet Night Against His Former Team

    On the other side of the trade Anthony Davis faced his old team for the first time since joining the Mavericks. While Dončić stole the show, Davis had 13, 11 and 6 in 33 minutes. But it wasn’t enough to overcome Dončić.

    What’s Next for Both Teams?

    Lakers are 49-31 and look playoff bound. They’ll host the Rockets next and try to solidify their seeding. Mavericks are 38-42 and will host the Raptors on Friday. Dallas’ season has been a disaster and fans are questioning the trade for Dončić. For now both teams can just enjoy a game that showcased one of the best players in the NBA.

  • Maxi Kleber’s Progression to On-Court Work: A Boost for Lakers

    Maxi Kleber’s Progression to On-Court Work: A Boost for Lakers

    The Los Angeles Lakers have given an update on Maxi Kleber, who has progressed to on-court activities after right foot surgery on January 30. While they’re still being cautious with his return timeline, this is a big step in his recovery.

    Kleber’s role may not be as sexy as some of his teammates but his impact on the court can’t be ignored—especially for a Lakers team looking to go deep.

    Why Maxi Kleber Matters for the Lakers

    A Perfect Fit for Small-Ball Lineups

    Since trading for Luka Doncic, the Lakers have gone all in on small-ball lineups. When healthy, Kleber is a reliable stretch big who can shoot from beyond the arc. He spaces the floor and is a valuable piece alongside LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Doncic.

    Kleber’s chemistry with Doncic from their time in Dallas adds another layer of intrigue. The two have built a relationship over the years and Kleber could be a rotational option once he’s back.

    Lineup Versatility and Playoff Implications

    Right now the Lakers only have Jaxson Hayes as their only traditional big in the rotation. But coach JJ Redick has shown confidence in smaller lineups with LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith at center.

    Even with Kleber back—even in limited minutes—he’d give the Lakers more flexibility against bigger teams or specific matchups. In the playoffs where adaptability is key, every extra option matters.

    Will Kleber Return Before the Regular Season Ends?

    With just six games left in the regular season, the clock is really starting to tick for Kleber to make his Lakers debut. There’s optimism within the organization that he could return before the postseason begins—and that’s a good sign. But the real challenge will be getting him up to speed on the court after so little practice time. If his on-court activities keep progressing smoothly, though, we might just see him in a Lakers jersey sooner rather than later.

    How Kleber Fits Into the Lakers’ Offense?

    That’s where the Lakers’ revamped offense under JJ Redick comes in. One of its key features is all that spacing and ball movement. With LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic drawing defenders to them like magnets, role players are often wide open from beyond the arc. That’s where Kleber could fit in nicely.

    Kleber’s return would be a huge boost for the Lakers. His shooting would give the offense another reliable option—and force defenses to get even more spread out. That’s a big deal for a team with title aspirations.

    Rui Hachimura: The Key to Small-Ball Success

    That’s where Rui Hachimura comes in. In Kleber’s absence, he’s been the one who’s really made the Lakers’ small-ball strategy work. Coach JJ Redick has praised him as “the key” to those lineups—and for good reason.

    Hachimura does it all. He can score in the post, or step out and hit mid-range jumpers. That versatility makes him a perfect fit for the Lakers’ star trio. And it shows in the way he’s been contributing to the team’s success.

  • Luka Doncic Gets Notable Praise from JJ Redick in Three Words

    Luka Doncic Gets Notable Praise from JJ Redick in Three Words

    The new-look Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the new-look Golden State Warriors for the first time ever on Thursday night and it wasn’t the showdown Lakers fans were hoping for—especially when it came to Luka Doncic. Despite all the hype surrounding his debut against the Warriors, Doncic couldn’t get going and left many Lakers fans disappointed.

    Luka Doncic’s Struggles Against the Warriors

    Doncic finished with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists , shooting 35% from the field (0-for-4 from three). He did make all his free throws but overall it was a subpar performance.

    When asked about Doncic’s night, Lakers coach JJ Redick said:

    “Wasn’t his night,” Redick said.

    This wasn’t one of Doncic’s worst games of the season but it was far from the performance Lakers fans are used to. He needs to be on fire as the team tries to make a push for playoff positioning in the West.

    Building a Playoff Mentality: Lakers’ Uphill Battle

    The kind that gets you through the tough times and comes out on top—is still a work in progress for the Lakers. And that was Redick’s honest assessment after their latest loss.

    “We’re still building that,” he said. “We haven’t gotten there yet.” That’s the reality the Lakers face as they head into the playoffs. To make a deep postseason run—they really want that—they need to find that consistency. Not just from their stars, but from every single player on that roster.

    With the playoffs just around the corner, the Lakers must find that consistency—and keep it—across the board if they hope to make a real run.

    Warriors Avoid Sweep, Stay in Playoff Hunt

    The Warriors dodged a 4-0 bullet against the Lakers—and gave themselves a serious shot at the fourth seed in the West. That puts them just one game behind the Lakers for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. You could say their season was on life support after the Jimmy Butler trade. But what’s been remarkable about this team is how quickly they’ve turned things around.

    Now they’re just 1.5 games from third place—and still within sniffing distance of that play-in tournament.

    That resurgence has been a testament to the Warriors’ resilience. And right now, they’re sitting pretty. They’ve got the momentum, and they’ve got the schedule to make a real push for that fourth seed. If they can keep that up, they’ll be right where they want to be.

    What’s Next for the Warriors?

    Warriors don’t get to celebrate for long. They’ve got a back-to-back against the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Win and they’ll solidify their position in the standings. Lose and teams behind them will get closer.

  • Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Injury Updates

    Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Injury Updates

    Warriors (44-31) vs. Lakers (38-37) at Crypto.com Arena on April 3, 2025. This one matters for both teams as they head into the final stretch of the season. The Warriors are trying to lock up playoff positioning in the West, the Lakers are fighting to stay in the play-in. But injuries to key players on both sides will play a big role in the outcome.

    Warriors’ Injury Updates: Depth Tested Without Payton II

    Gary Payton II (PG)

    • Status: Out indefinitely with a torn ligament in his left thumb suffered in the March 25 game against the Miami Heat.
    • Impact: Payton’s absence leaves a hole in the backcourt, especially on perimeter defense and energy off the bench. His hustle and defensive tenacity have been huge in close games.
    • Replacement: Moses Moody will see more minutes in the guard rotation. He brings shooting and length but will need to step up defensively to fill Payton’s shoes.

    Jonathan Kuminga (PF)

    • Status: Expected back for Thursday’s game after missing Tuesday’s game with a pelvic contusion.
    • Impact: Kuminga’s return is a big boost to the frontcourt depth. He’s athletic and can score, adds versatility to the lineup.
    • Contingency Plan: If Kuminga has setbacks, JaMychal Green will see more playing time. Green’s experience and rebounding will be huge in close games.

    Lakers’ Injury Updates: LeBron’s Status is Up in the Air

    LeBron James (SF)

    • Status: Probable – left groin.
    • Impact: LeBron is the key to the Lakers’ offense and leadership. He’s the one who can create for himself and others and often swings the game in L.A.’s favor.
    • Backup: If LeBron can’t play, Troy Brown Jr. will likely start. Brown’s defensive versatility and occasional scoring will be big if needed.

    Anthony Davis (PF)

    • Status: None – expected to play.
    • Impact: AD is the anchor of the Lakers’ defense and offense. His presence in the paint and shot-blocking is nearly impossible to replace.

    Christian Wood (PF)

    • Status: Out – left knee surgery recovery.
    • Impact: Wood’s absence hurts the Lakers’ frontcourt scoring. His shooting has been missed.
    • Backup: Rui Hachimura will continue to start at power forward. Hachimura’s mid-range game and physicality is solid but he’ll need to step up more in Wood’s absence.

    Recent Team Performance and Storylines

    Golden State Warriors

    The Warriors come in on a high, having won 11 of their last 15 games. That winning streak is a testament to Draymond Green being named the NBA’s Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month. But the absence of Gary Payton II does leave the Warriors a little thin in the backcourt. Stephen Curry will have to carry the load—and the offense—against a Lakers team that really needs a win. That puts a lot of pressure on him.

    Los Angeles Lakers

    The Lakers have been all over the map this season. Injuries to LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been a major reason for that inconsistency. When those two are healthy, they can keep the Lakers competitive. But that reliance on them has shown just how thin the team is in depth and on the perimeter defensively. With the play-in tournament on the line, every game is a must-win. That makes this showdown with the Warriors even more critical for L.A.

    Who Steps Up Amidst the Absences?

    The real question is how those replacements—Moody and Green for the Warriors, Brown and Hachimura for the Lakers—handle the heat when it matters most. That is, when the game is on the line and those players are the ones who must step up in place of Payton II and LeBron James.

    If they can do that, the Warriors can keep their momentum going-and maybe even secure that key victory. If not, the Lakers’ playoff hopes might just stay alive.

    Can the Warriors maintain their momentum and secure a key victory? Or will the Lakers overcome their injury setbacks to keep their playoff hopes alive?

  • Patrick Beverley’s Bold Prediction on Bronny James

    Patrick Beverley’s Bold Prediction on Bronny James

    Former NBA guard and current podcast host Patrick Beverley never hesitates to speak his mind and his latest comments are about none other than Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James . Despite being a 2nd round pick, Bronny is under a lot of pressure because of his last name—but Beverley thinks he’s about to shut all the critics up big time.

    Beverley thinks Bronny will make a big impact in this year’s playoffs and even compared him to himself when he was younger. Here’s what Beverley said about Bronny’s potential and why he sees himself in the Lakers’ rookie.

    Beverley’s Bold Take on Bronny’s Playoff Role

    On the Pat Bev Podcast, Beverley really got people talking when he said Bronny James could shine in the playoffs-and actually thrive when he gets the chance to play.

    “When the Lakers are up 20 or down 20, I think Bronny comes in and plays well,” Beverley said. “Throw him in the next game and I think he’s a game-changer.” That’s when he really starts to believe Bronny has what it takes to take his game to the next level.

    Beverley thinks Bronny can make a real difference in winning games. “He plays well in the minutes he’s given,” he said. “That was my coming-out party. I think that’s Bronny’s coming-out party too.”

    You can tell from his tenacious, defensive background that Beverley sees something in Bronny that he likes. He wants the Lakers rookie to use the playoffs as a chance to introduce himself as a real NBA player. And he thinks that could happen this season.

    Bronny’s Development So Far

    Bronny’s NBA numbers through 23 games have been meh—2.3 points on 33% FG, 25% 3PT, 79% FT in 5.9 minutes per game—but in the G League he’s been much better.

    Earlier this month Bronny had a career high and his third 30+ point game in the G League. He’s scoring efficiently and defending and getting love from analysts and fans.

    “He’s developing right before our eyes!” Beverley said, comparing Bronny to himself in his early years.

    Can Bronny Handle the Playoff Spotlight?

    Thrusting a rookie into the playoffs—that’s a high-risk move. Especially one with limited regular-season experience. The NBA playoffs are a different animal altogether: faster-paced, more physical- and that means zero room for error.

    For Beverley to say Bronny not only survives but thrives in that environment is a pretty bold prediction. But he genuinely believes Bronny’s development and composure make him a candidate for real playing time.

    “Bronny is built for those kinds of moments,” Beverley said. “He’s got the right mindset to handle it. And if the Lakers give him a shot—he’ll surprise a lot of people.” That’s the confidence he has in the kid.

    What’s Next for Bronny and the Lakers?

    The Lakers will be putting their entire roster to the test as the playoffs get underway on April 19. If Beverley’s prediction comes true, Bronny could find himself in clutch situations—albeit initially in garbage time. Whether or not Bronny can really deliver on that promise is still up in the air.

    One thing that is certain, though: he’s got a lot riding on those first few games. That means he’ll be under pressure to prove himself right alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis-the kind of seasoned veterans who set the bar very high.

    That pressure is going to be intense. It will be on Bronny to show he belongs on that court alongside those guys.