When it comes to taking the steps toward becoming an NBA title contender, the path that worked for one team doesn’t guarantee success for another. The paths for the 2025 NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder or 2026 Western Conference champion Spurs – who built their teams through savvy trades and high draft picks after multiple consecutive losing seasons – won’t work for the Lakers.

While much of the basketball world remains focused on the fallout from the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers made sure they grabbed a major headline of their own on Wednesday.

One offseason after a protracted saga led him to sign the qualifying offer, veteran guard Quentin Grimes is getting a little more financial security from the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers left Dalton Knecht off their roster as seven former Tennessee players are playing across this month's NBA summer leagues.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Austin Reaves have reportedly come to terms on a new contract that would set a record for an undrafted free agent.

- Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James stands on the court in the closing minutes of Game 4 in a second-round NBA basketball playoffs series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, May 11, 2026, in Los Angeles.