Ryan Ward

Joined: Jan 15, 2026

Ryan Ward is an NBA journalist and a credentialed reporter with more than 15 years of experience covering the league and the Los Angeles Lakers. He has written for ClutchPoints, Lakers Nation, Heavy, Rotowire and EssentiallySports. Ryan also produces a podcast and video content focused on the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA at large.

June 9, 2008; Los Angeles, CA, USA; NBA legend and former Los Angeles Lakers general manager Jerry West arrives with the Larry O'Brien NBA Championship Trophy at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, CA. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Injuries

The Los Angeles Lakers are dealing with some injury concerns heading into the last game of the 2025-26 regular season.

Sep 25, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, left, speaks during a press conference to preview the 2025-26 season at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images

News

The Los Angeles Lakers have an open roster spot, with some intriguing options available to add to the playoff roster.

Apr 9, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) brings the ball upcourt against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Injuries

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to deal with injury issues during the final stretch of the 2025-26 NBA regular season.

Jan 24, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks to pass the ball to guard Marcus Smart (36) during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Injuries

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to deal with several injury issues in the final stretch of the 2025-26 NBA regular season.

Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Injuries

The Los Angeles Lakers are dealing with several injuries to key players heading into the final stretch of the 2025-26 NBA season.

Apr 2, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) walks across the court after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Injuries

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic is dealing with a costly hamstring injury, which could impact impact the rest of the season for the storied franchise.

Apr 2, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) falls to the court during a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Injuries

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic went down with an injury during a blowout loss to the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) gestures during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images

News

Los Angeles Lakers superstar guard Luka Doncic continues to prove he should be in the NBA MVP conversation after a historic month.

Feb 22, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

News

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown adds some Los Angeles Lakers legends to his All-Time starting five, but left out one iconic player in the backcourt.

Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after a basket in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

News

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic is having a historic run to end the 2025-26 NBA regular season, putting him in the same category as Lakers legends and NBA icons.

Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) smiles after a dunk in the final minutes of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

News

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic continues to set the bar higher and higher with each passing game during his first full year with the storied NBA franchise.

Feb 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) shoots the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) during the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Injuries

Los Angeles Lakers veteran guard Marcus Smart continues to deal with a right ankle contusion, which has become a cause for concern.

Ryan Ward

Joined: Jan 15, 2026

‘Jerry West: The Logo’ Documentary Reveals New Lakers Stories, Son Shares Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal Moments

Kenya Barris Reveals Why Lakers Legend Jerry West’s Story Is ‘Bigger Than Basketball’ in Documentary

3 Reasons Lakers Can Actually Upset Rockets

JJ Redick Won’t Sugarcoat Lakers’ Situation With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves

Injuries

Lakers-Jazz Injury Report: LeBron James, Jaxson Hayes Update

News

3 Best Playoff-Eligible Options for Lakers to Fill Open Roster Spot

Injuries

Lakers Get Major Injury Update on Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart Ahead of Suns Game

Injuries

Lakers-Thunder Injury Report: LeBron James, Marcus Smart Update

Injuries

Jarred Vanderbilt Receives Final Injury Designation for Lakers vs. Mavericks

Injuries

Lakers Reveal Unfortunate Injury Update on Luka Doncic

Injuries

Lakers Star Luka Doncic Suffers Concerning Injury During Thunder Game

News

Lakers’ Luka Doncic Is Forcing a Major MVP Debate, And Latest Recognition Says It All

Jaylen Brown Builds All-Time 5 Around Lakers Stars, But One Pick May Spark Debate

Lakers’ Luka Doncic Joins Michael Jordan in Rare Air, And It’s Turning Heads

Luka Doncic Makes Lakers History While Climbing All-Time NBA List

Lakers’ Injury Situation Raises Eyebrows After Latest Marcus Smart Update