Lakers predicted to outlast rival Clippers in NBA Cup group play originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Los Angeles Lakers begin their hopeful run at a second NBA Cup title in three seasons Friday night when they take on Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies.

This Friday night, two Western Conference powerhouses collided, and the energy inside FedEx Forum was electric. Fans were glued to every possession as the two teams battled it out.

At least one NBA executive believes Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is playing his way into a major raise while LeBron James remains sidelined by injury.

Both LeBron James and Luka Doncic are out for the Los Angeles Lakers due to injuries, with the former yet to play this season due to sciatica and the latter missing their last three games as he nurses a left finger sprain and a lower leg contusion. Amid their absence, however, Austin Reaves has carried the Purple and Gold.

NEW YORK – The NBA Board of Governors has unanimously approved the sale of the majority interest in the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter. The transaction is expected to close shortly.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been dealing with injuries to key players to start the season. LeBron James started the year on the injured list, then Luka Doncic picked up an injury after just two games.

The NBA announced on Thursday that the board of governors unanimously approved Walter's purchase of the Lakers from the Buss family, with Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reporting that Walter closed on the sale of the team after being approved by the league.

The NBA board of governors unanimously approved Mark Walter's bid to buy majority ownership of the Lakers, expanding Walter's influence on L.A. pro sports.

The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Los Angeles Lakers earned their first win in NBA Cup group play Friday night, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 117–112 at FedExForum.