Everything feels different in L.A. these days. If you haven't been paying attention to the latest nba los angeles lakers news, the vibe at Crypto.com Arena has shifted from cautious optimism to something closer to a mid-season identity crisis.
The Lakers are currently 24-16. On paper, that’s fine. It's sixth in the West. But if you actually watch the games, you see the cracks. The defense is ranked 26th in the league. JJ Redick is literally dejected in post-game pressers.
💡 You might also like: Weapon X Philadelphia Eagles: Why Brian Dawkins Still Rules the Linc
And then there's the Luka factor.
The Luka Dončić Reality Check
When the Lakers pulled off the blockbuster trade to swap Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić back in early 2025, the world stopped spinning for a second. We all thought it was a cheat code. Pair the greatest floor general of this generation with LeBron James, and you win everything, right?
Not exactly.
Luka is currently leading the NBA in scoring at 33.6 points per game. He’s a wizard. But the roster around him and a 41-year-old LeBron is... well, it’s thin. The team is shooting 34.6% from deep. That’s 24th in the league. Redick recently told reporters, "Literally, we can’t make a shot." He wasn't exaggerating. In a recent loss to a struggling Sacramento Kings team, the Lakers shot 22% from three. You just can't win like that in 2026.
Injury Woes and the "Day-to-Day" Nightmare
Heading into tonight’s matchup against the Toronto Raptors, the injury report looks like a CVS receipt.
- Luka Dončić: Questionable (Groin)
- Austin Reaves: Out (Calf)
- Jaxson Hayes: Questionable (Hamstring)
- Adou Thiero: Out (Knee)
- Deandre Ayton: Questionable (Knee)
Losing Reaves is the quiet killer. He was averaging 26.6 points before he went down. Without him, the offensive load on LeBron and Luka is massive. LeBron is dealing with sciatica issues and has already missed 17 games this season. At 41, he’s still putting up 22-6-6, but he can't carry a broken defense anymore.
Trade Rumors and the Austin Reaves Drama
You can't talk about nba los angeles lakers news without mentioning the drama coming out of Klutch Sports. Rich Paul recently went on his "Game Over" podcast and basically suggested the Lakers should move Austin Reaves.
The target? Jaren Jackson Jr.
It makes sense logically. The Lakers need a defensive anchor. Deandre Ayton has been inconsistent, and the team is giving up easy buckets at the rim. But Reaves is a fan favorite. Trading him would be a massive gamble that could either save the season or completely alienate the locker room. Jovan Buha reported that these comments have already "ruffled feathers" within the organization.
The JJ Redick Coaching Paradox
JJ Redick is in his second year, and the honeymoon period is officially over. He’s been incredibly transparent—maybe too transparent. After a rough December where the team went 3-5, JJ actually took the blame, admitting he wasn't at his best.
💡 You might also like: The Desmond Watson Buccaneers Roster Decision: What Happened to the 464-Pound Nose Tackle?
It’s rare to see a coach be that vulnerable.
But honesty doesn't win games; defensive rotations do. The Lakers are currently allowing 117.3 points per game. They are 29th in opponent three-point percentage. Redick’s "math-based" offense is generating the right looks—they had 50 potential assists against Sacramento—but the players aren't converting.
What Happens Next?
The Lakers are at a fork in the road. They can stand pat and hope health returns, or Rob Pelinka can pull the trigger on a move for a defensive big.
If you're looking for actionable ways to follow this, keep a close eye on the 10-day contract situations. They just signed Kobe Bufkin to provide some backcourt depth while Reaves is out. Also, watch the minutes. If LeBron's minutes creep back up toward 35-38 per night, it’s a sign of desperation.
Watch the following milestones and moves:
- The Trade Deadline: If Jaren Jackson Jr. or another elite rim protector becomes available, expect the Reaves rumors to reach a fever pitch.
- LeBron’s Attendance: He hasn't played both ends of a back-to-back all year. This "load management 2.0" is essential for a playoff run.
- The Defensive Rating: If they don't get out of the bottom five in defense by February, this team is a first-round exit regardless of Luka’s scoring titles.
The Lakers have the talent to be a contender, but right now, they're a high-scoring team with a glass jaw. Whether they can toughen up before the postseason is the only question that matters.