In an article outlining ESPN's "Basketball Power Index" for the new campaign, he predicted that L.A. will finish eighth in the Western Conference this season, which would mean it would have to go through the play-in tournament for the fourth time in six seasons. This is despite the likelihood given for the team to avoid the play-in tourney.

The NBA season tips off with two Western Conference games on Tuesday night. NBC's doubleheader concludes with a marquee matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. An injury will sideline LeBron James,

According to a report from ESPN, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic is slated to miss one week due to a wrist and leg injury.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith sends cold-blooded five-word message to Lakers' LeBron James originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Lakers acquired center Deandre Ayton this past offseason to address a few problems that were exposed last season. Front-court depth and defense

Ja Morant and Kendrick Perkins likely won't be sending each other holiday greeting cards this year. The Memphis Grizzlies point guard responded to the ESPN's commentator's discussion about the network's coverage of the player and team with a post on social media:

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The Slovenian point guard is dealing with a finger sprain and a left leg contusion that will keep him out, according to ESPN.