Ryan Ward

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.

Jan 12, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) walks towards the team bench during a break in the action against the Sacramento Kings in the third quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Apr 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2), forward LeBron James (23), forward Rui Hachimura (28), center Jaxson Hayes (11), and Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (7) celebrate after scoring against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Oct 12, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) is defended by Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Feb 5, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) drives past Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) and center Deandre Ayton (5) for a basket in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

News

Los Angeles Lakers rising star Austin Reaves shares his thoughts on veteran center Deandre Ayton, who has come under fire lately for his poor play.

Sep 25, 2024; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka at press conference at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Rumors

The Los Angeles Lakers' front office will be busy this summer, with another intriguing option surfacing ahead of the NBA offseason.

Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

News

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James doesn't shy away from controversial takes, but this Lakers legend didn't appreciate the criticism of his era compared to today's NBA.

Apr 7, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

News

One-time NBA champion Dwight Howard, formerly of the Los Angeles Lakers, still wants to continue his playing career on the professional level.

Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) defends against Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

News

Los Angeles Lakers rising star Austin Reaves didn't hold back when talking about his team's recent struggles, following a third straight loss.

Jan 6, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) reacts to a play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

News

Los Angeles Lakers veteran center Deandre Ayton took a subtle shot at Clint Capela this week, sparking a reaction from the Houston Rockets center.

Oct 3, 2025; Palm Desert, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) brings the ball down court during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Injuries

The Los Angeles Lakers will have to play without Rui Hachimura on the road on Thursday night against the Phoenix Suns.

Feb 20, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) reacts against the LA Clippers in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

News

Los Angeles Lakers veteran center Deandre Ayton doesn't hold back his feelings on how he's been used by the team.

Feb 20, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick at a press conference at the Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts to the last-second loss to the Orlando Magic with telling statement.

Jan 30, 2023; Syracuse, New York, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Bennett looks on against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers make another move by bringing in former Virginia head coach Tony Bennett.

Feb 15, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Magic Johnson on the red carpet before the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers new president of business operations, Lon Rosen, reveals whether Magic Johnson will have a role with the team moving forward.

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

Longtime Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka's future has been uncertain following the sale of the franchise to Mark Walter.