The difficulty level surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers' championship dreams for the 2025-26 NBA season was always going to be steep.

The NBA's in-season tournament returns for its third year. The Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks won the last two tournaments, and with over $500,000 for each player on the winning team on the line, it's certainly something several of the game's biggest stars will show out for.

The Los Angeles Lakers were dealt a major setback on Sunday as superstar Luka Dončić was diagnosed with a sprained left finger and lower leg contusion that will keep him sidelined for at least a week, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Thursday that superstar LeBron James will be re-evaluated in three-to-four weeks due to sciatica on his right side.

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.

On Sunday, November 2, the Los Angeles Lakers (4-2) take on the Miami Heat (3-2) as 5.5-point favorites. The matchup's over/under is set at 233.5. Los Angeles defeated the Grizzlies 117-112 in their last encounter on Friday.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been working carefully as two of their biggest stars, LeBron James and Luka Doncic are recovering from their recent injuries. However, head coach JJ Red

Lakers reserve center Jaxson Hayes spoke about the team’s bench and their energy and how it changes the game this season.