Everything feels a little different in Lakerland right now. Honestly, if you haven't checked the box scores in a few weeks, you might think you’re looking at a different team's roster. The purple and gold are currently sitting at 24-15 after a frustrating 135-117 loss to the Charlotte Hornets last night, and the vibe around Crypto.com Arena is... well, it’s complicated.
Basically, the "old" Lakers are gone. While LeBron James is still here, and Anthony Davis is still technically on the books (though sidelined recently), the "gravitational center," as many analysts are calling it, has shifted. We're in the era of Luka Dončić in Los Angeles.
The Latest News on LA Lakers and the Reality of 2026
The biggest story right now isn't just the win-loss column; it’s the health of the roster. Austin Reaves is currently out with a grade 2 calf strain and won't be back for at least another three weeks. This has left a massive hole in the rotation. Rookie Adou Thiero is also sidelined with an MCL sprain, and Jaxson Hayes missed the Hornets game with a pesky hamstring issue.
When you look at the latest news on LA Lakers, you see a team that is remarkably top-heavy. Luka is doing everything—averaging over 33 points a night—but the bench is a ghost town. In that Charlotte loss, the reserves combined for only nine points. Nine. You can't win in the West with a bench that produces fewer points than a decent high school starter.
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Is LeBron Still "The Man"?
Probably not. And that's okay. At 41, LeBron is averaging about 21.9 points, but he's missed nearly half the season already. Between foot arthritis and sciatica, the King is finally looking like a human being. He’s taking a back seat to Dončić, which he's publicly admitted is the plan.
There's a real fear among the fanbase that he might miss the All-Star game for the first time in over two decades. He has to play every single remaining game this season just to qualify for All-NBA awards because of the league’s 65-game rule. Realistically? That’s not happening.
The Anthony Davis Question
Where is AD? He’s been a bit of a mystery lately. While he’s putting up 20 and 11 when he plays, he hasn't been the dominant defensive force we saw a couple of years ago. Rumors are swirling about his long-term fit next to Luka and whether the Lakers might eventually move in a younger direction to support their new Slovenian superstar.
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The Trade Deadline Looming: Who’s Coming to Hollywood?
With the February 5 deadline creeping up, Rob Pelinka is reportedly working the phones. The names you keep hearing are Miles Bridges and De'Andre Hunter. These aren't just random guesses; league sources suggest Klutch Sports is pushing for a "swap" to get some wing depth for JJ Redick’s squad.
Redick has been vocal about the defensive breakdowns. After the Hornets game, he basically said Charlotte hit some "ridiculous shots," but you could see the frustration on his face. The Lakers are 26th in the league in defensive rating. That is a disaster for a team with championship aspirations.
Why the Lakers Still Matter
Despite the defensive holes and the injuries, the Lakers are still 5th in the Western Conference. They have the 7th-best offensive rating in the league. When Luka is on, they can beat anyone—they dropped 141 on the Hawks just two nights ago.
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The problem is consistency. They go from an offensive masterpiece to a defensive collapse in 48 hours. If they don't find a way to shore up the perimeter defense or get some scoring from the bench, they're looking at another early playoff exit.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're following the latest news on LA Lakers to gauge their championship chances, keep your eyes on these three specific indicators over the next two weeks:
- The 65-Game Tracker: Watch LeBron's availability closely. If he misses one more game, his streak of 21 straight All-NBA selections is officially dead.
- The "Luka Workload": Dončić is playing 36+ minutes a night. Watch for "Luka fatigue" in the fourth quarters of back-to-back games. If his efficiency drops, the Lakers have no Plan B.
- The Trade Market: Watch the New Orleans Pelicans. There is a lot of chatter about Herbert Jones. If the Lakers can dangle their 2026 first-rounder to get a lock-down defender like Jones, their defensive rating will skyrocket overnight.
The Lakers travel to Portland next to face the Trail Blazers. It’s a game they should win, but in this weird 2026 season, nothing is guaranteed. Expect JJ Redick to tighten the rotation and pray that some of his shooters can finally find the bottom of the net from the corner.