D'Angelo Russell

Since Jan. 7, the Lakers have the league's third-best offense. It's why they're quickly becoming one of the NBA's most dangerous teams.

The Lakers' star was aggressive and dominant in a blowout win over the Atlanta Hawks that elevated Los Angeles back to the No. 9 seed.

With LeBron James sidelined and Anthony Davis laboring, the Lakers' two guards went toe-to-toe with the Bucks' stars to secure a big win.

Saturday was shaping up to be the night the Lakers finally broke through against the Nuggets. Instead, it was more of the same.

The deadline has become the de facto start of the 2024-25 season as most of last week's trades were made with at least an eye on the future.

Led by D'Angelo Russell's 30, all five Lakers starters scored 20-plus points against the Pels and more offensive help could be on the way.

What did we think of last year's moves? And how right (or wrong) were we?

For a lot of teams, deadline deals are a near-must for one reason or another.

"Obviously, not having LeBron, that impacts the game," says Lakers coach Darvin Ham of his star's absence.

After tinkering with the starting lineup all season, Lakers coach Darvin Ham went back to his original group. So far, so good.

The 44-point margin of defeat was tied for the fourth-largest in franchise history. It also marked the biggest loss of LeBron James' career.

It's only preseason, but the Los Angeles Lakers are showing off a long-range threat they've lacked in the LeBron James-Anthony Davis era.

Most of the starting lineup is undetermined, but here are five of the more interesting lineups the Lakers could use next season.

Beyond retaining their core, Pelinka said one of the Lakers' goals is adding more 3-point shooting with their new pieces.

The Peach Jam has been something of a launchpad for several basketball players who have made it to the NBA.

Russell averaged 17.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game last season for the Timberwolves and Lakers.

The point guard position has more starter talent than any other, but it might have the least to offer in terms of quality backups.

Ham and Russell had a chat after practice, a talk that regardless of specifics is of utmost importance to their present and possible future.