Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton didn't return in the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies due to back spasms.

Prepared to be down LeBron James, the team has already also had Luka Dončić, Marcus Smart, Jaxson Hayes, and Gabe Vincent miss time, and on the second night of a back-to-back in just their fourth game of the season had just seven of their 14 regular contract players available.

The Los Angeles Lakers (4-2) defeated Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies (3-3) 117-112 during Friday's Group Play game of the NBA Cup. While the Lakers got 44 points from star guard Luka Doncic, the Grizzlies got a lackluster showing from Morant, who finished the game with eight points on 3-of-14 shooting (21.4%).

Austin Reaves is having a week. Refusing to rest on a career-high 51 points in a win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, and his 41-point performance vs the Portland Trail Blazers one day later,

The Los Angeles Lakers were back on the road on Wednesday night, taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves in a rematch of last week’s victory at Crypto.com Arena.

The Lakers’ 2-2 start to the 2025-26 season has come without LeBron James, who has been battling a sciatica injury, opening the door for fellow forward Austin Reaves to take the baton for coach J.J. Redick’s team.

Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett dropped an intriguing take on what has recently motivated Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves.