Tag: Los Angeles Lakers

Shaq to Ayton: “Rebound, block shots, dominate” after flat debut

Deandre Ayton (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025

On Inside the NBA, O’Neal blasted Ayton’s Lakers debut and laid out a three-item mandate: control the glass, protect the rim, punish mismatches. Ayton posted 10 points, six boards, one block and four turnovers in 34 minutes. O’Neal emphasized simple reads with stars drawing doubles: catch, finish strong, avoid fadeaways vs switches. The Lakers added Ayton for vertical spacing and size; progress hinges on physicality, screen/roll force, and turnover reduction.

Lakers waive RJ Davis after promising preseason

RJ Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025

The Lakers cut Davis in final roster trims despite solid preseason output (8.6 PPG in 16.1 MPG). The 2024 ACC Player of the Year is expected to funnel to the organization’s G League affiliate on an Exhibit 10 pathway if unclaimed. Depth and contract mechanics drove the decision as Los Angeles prioritised roster flexibility. Davis’ shooting résumé at UNC (career 39.8% from three in his fourth season) makes him a viable two-way/G League candidate for in-season call-ups.

Dončić to debut for Lakers in preseason against Suns

Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025

Dončić will make his Lakers preseason debut Tuesday versus Phoenix after resting from EuroBasket duty. JJ Redick confirmed a minutes ramp-up plan as LeBron James remains out with sciatica. Marcus Smart will also debut.
Redick said rotations are still being tested ahead of the opener against Golden State. Dončić’s early chemistry with Smart and Ayton will be key to offset LeBron’s absence in the first two to three weeks of the season.

Ayton signals Lakers rim-protecting identity in preseason

Deandre Ayton (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025

Ayton posted 14 points, eight rebounds and five assists in a preseason win over the Warriors and declared himself the defense’s anchor under J J Redick. He joined on a two-year 16.6 million dollar deal to address the size gap from last year’s playoff exit.
With LeBron James sidelined to start the season, Ayton’s early form is pivotal. The Lakers want dependable rim protection, boards and play finishing to stabilize opening weeks in a tight West while offensive timing with new lineups develops.

LeBron James to miss 3–4 weeks with sciatica, out for Lakers’ preseason

LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025

The Lakers announced that LeBron James will be sidelined three to four weeks with right-side sciatica, keeping him out of all preseason action and likely the season opener against the Golden State Warriors on October 21.
Head coach JJ Redick said James is “on his own timeline” as he recovers from nerve irritation in his glute. The 40-year-old forward has yet to participate in full training camp sessions but remains focused on returning once pain subsides.

JJ Redick slams Lakers’ transition defense after poor preseason start

JJ Redick (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025

Redick blasted his team’s transition defense as “dogsh*t” after preseason losses to the Suns and Warriors. The new coach expressed disappointment over his players’ communication and effort, despite acknowledging preseason is for building rhythm and structure.
Redick demanded “run, talk, compete” as daily habits, urging a “championship mindset” from LeBron James and Luka Doncic. He cited Nick Saban’s “Don’t tell me, show me” philosophy, stressing that success requires discipline, consistency, and accountability from all roster members.

LeBron James retirement tease sparks Lakers trade chatter

LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025

James trolled fans by teasing retirement before announcing a business deal with Hennessey, but uncertainty remains over his future. With his contract ending after this season, retirement, free agency, or even a mid-season trade remain possibilities.
Dallas has emerged as a potential landing spot, with the Mavericks able to package contracts while keeping Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and rookie Cooper Flagg. A reunion with Irving and Davis could entice James, especially if the Lakers struggle early.

Bronny James Struggles in Preseason Opener

Bronny James (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025

Bronny James endured a rough shooting night in the Lakers’ preseason opener, going 1-of-12 for eight points in 24 minutes. With LeBron James and Luka Doncic rested, he was given a bigger role but couldn’t find his rhythm offensively.
Despite offensive struggles, Bronny impressed defensively with five rebounds and two assists. He admitted his shots lacked lift but felt they were good looks. With limited regular-season chances, he sees preseason as crucial for proving himself to coach JJ Redick.

Lakers Hit by Maxi Kleber Quad Injury Concern

Maxi Kleber (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025

Maxi Kleber suffered a quad injury in practice and will undergo an MRI to assess the severity. The 33-year-old big man, who battled foot and hamstring issues last year, was hoping to use preseason to regain fitness after his late playoff return.
JJ Redick confirmed the setback, stressing hope it isn’t serious. Kleber previously missed most of last season, only debuting in the Lakers’ first-round loss to Minnesota. His injury adds to LeBron James’ ongoing nerve irritation, creating early depth concerns for the frontcourt.

LeBron James Credits Luka Doncic for Extending Career


LeBron James, Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers)
NBA Media Day, September 2025

LeBron James confirmed he returned for his 23rd season largely because of Luka Doncic, saying a full campaign with the Slovenian star was too enticing to pass up. James, now 40, also acknowledged his enduring passion for basketball despite nearing retirement.
James admitted the “love of the game and process” keeps him motivated but noted he doesn’t have many seasons left. Last year, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds. With Doncic in peak shape, the Lakers aim for deeper playoff success.

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