Tag: Los Angeles Lakers

Pat Riley statue unveiled outside Lakers arena to mark Showtime architect’s legacy

Pat Riley
February 2026

The Lakers unveiled an 8-foot bronze statue of Pat Riley in Star Plaza, making him the first Lakers coach honored with a statue outside the arena. Riley attended the ceremony as the statue was placed between Abdul-Jabbar and Johnson, celebrating his role in four Lakers titles as head coach and the creation of the Showtime era. Speakers included Abdul-Jabbar, Johnson and Buss, with former players and notable guests present.

Pat Riley statue to be unveiled at Lakers arena, first coach honored in bronze

Pat Riley
February 2026

The Lakers will unveil a Pat Riley statue outside Crypto.com Arena, making him the first coach honored in the franchise’s statue lineup after leading the Showtime era and winning four titles as head coach. The tribute recognizes Riley’s role in shaping the Lakers’ identity in the 1980s, including multiple Finals runs, the defensive standards he demanded, and the “threepeat” legacy he popularized, placing him alongside the franchise’s most iconic figures.

Cooper Flagg ruled out at Minnesota as Mavericks extend skid and monitor midfoot sprain

Cooper Flagg
February 2026

Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg will miss Dallas’ first game after the All-Star break at Minnesota due to a left midfoot sprain, after also missing the Rising Stars event and the last game before the break. Jason Kidd said Flagg is day-to-day, with an MRI confirming the injury sustained at Phoenix on Feb. 10. Dallas carried a nine-game losing streak into the break, their longest since 1998, and Flagg has been seen managing the injury during the downtime.

Austin Reaves Returns After 19-Game Absence as Lakers Manage Minutes

Austin Reaves
January 2026

Reaves returned off the bench after missing 19 games with a left calf strain, posting 15 points in 21 minutes in a 125-109 win over the Nets. Redick put him on restricted minutes and said the team has missed him across the board. The absence has limited how the Lakers can judge their ceiling, with LeBron calling him an “All-Star 2-guard” level piece.

Luka Dončić Hamstring Scare: MRI Scheduled After Exiting Lakers Win vs 76er

Luka Dončić
January 2026

Dončić left the game late in the first half with left leg soreness described as a sore hamstring and will undergo imaging. He felt discomfort, limped off, and was ruled out for the second half after staff assessed he should not continue. The Lakers still won 119-115 after a big Reaves scoring burst on restricted minutes. The report highlights ongoing availability issues for the Lakers’ core, noting limited games with Dončić, Reaves, and James all together this season.

Austin Reaves Returns After 19-Game Absence as Lakers Manage Minutes

Austin Reaves
January 2026

Reaves returned off the bench after missing 19 games with a left calf strain, posting 15 points in 21 minutes in a 125-109 win over the Nets. Redick put him on restricted minutes and said the team has missed him across the board. The absence has limited how the Lakers can judge their ceiling, with LeBron calling him an “All-Star 2-guard” level piece.

LeBron Makes 22nd Straight All-Star as Reserve After Sciatica-Delayed Start

LeBron James
January 2026

James was named a West reserve for a record 22nd consecutive All-Star selection after missing the first 14 games with sciatica, saying he focused on returning to form rather than chasing the honor. Coaches voted him in despite early-season missed time; debate followed due to notable omissions; James emphasized health and performance since returning, and he remains an All-Star points/minutes leader.

Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley Out 1–3 Weeks With Calf Strain

Evan Mobley
January 2026

Mobley has a calf strain and is expected to miss one to three weeks, with Cleveland preparing for a road trip after hosting the Lakers. Tightness after the Magic game led to imaging confirmation; Mobley previously missed time with a Grade 1 calf strain and recently became the youngest Cavs player to reach 500 career blocks.

Caitlin Clark Joins NBC Pregame for “Sunday Night Basketball” Debut

Caitlin Clark
January 2026

Clark will appear on NBC’s pregame coverage for the launch of “Sunday Night Basketball” for Lakers vs Knicks, then return for Knicks vs Thunder. NBC positions Clark as a major crossover draw, noting her existing NBC appearances and a marketing relationship with Xfinity under Comcast’s NBCUniversal umbrella.

Doncic Returns to Dallas With Less Emotion as Lakers Rally Past Maverick

Luka Doncic
January 2026

Doncic said the Dallas return felt easier emotionally than last year as he posted 33 points and 11 assists and the Lakers beat the Mavericks 116-110, continuing his unbeaten run against Dallas since the trade. He briefly walked toward the wrong locker at halftime before turning back, and noted lingering emotions while acknowledging support from fans and people in Dallas. The crowd response was calmer than earlier in the season, with “MVP” chants replacing prior “Fire Nico” chants tied to resentment over the trade.

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