Westbrook responds to Magic Johnson's criticism of Lakers (0:35)

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

1dDave McMenamin

Magic rips Lakers; 'entitled to opinion,' Russ says

Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook said Magic Johnson was "entitled to his opinion" after the former Lakers great was critical of the team's effort following a 37-point loss at Denver on Saturday night.

Jokic has 8th triple-double, Nuggets rout Lakers, 133-96

— Michael Malone knew Bones Hyland was struggling, so the Denver coach sat down with him after a Denver morning shootaround this week.

Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images

3dDave McMenamin

Sources: Lakers optimistic AD returns end of Jan.

Anthony Davis participated in an individual on-court workout on Friday, and the Lakers are optimistic he could return sometime during L.A.'s long road trip at the end of the month, sources told ESPN.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

4dTim Bontemps

Curry maintains edge over LeBron in ASG vote

Stephen Curry and LeBron James are duking it out for the right to be a captain in next month's All-Star Game, a battle the Warriors star currently has the edge in by a little more than 77,000 votes.

Steph, LeBron lead NBA All-Star voting after second round (1:32)

Westbrook: I'll figure out how to get out of shooting slump (1:25)

Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

4dDave McMenamin

Russ 2-for-14 as Lakers drop another to Kings

Russell Westbrook said, "The word 'slump' isn't something I lean on," as he vowed to figure it out after four straight games of poor shooting.

James scores 34 but Lakers stumble, fall to Kings 125-116

— De’Aaron Fox scored 29 points, Chimezie Metu made a clutch 3-pointer with 46.7 seconds remaining and the Sacramento Kings ended their longest losing streak of the season by beating the Los Angeles Lakers 125-116 on Wednesday night.

Chimezie Metu nails huge 3 to pad Kings' lead (0:21)

Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images

5dBrianna Williams

Kyle Kuzma's unique pregame outfits have been on full display

The Washington Wizards' star continues to make memorable fashion statements.

Elsa/Getty Images

5dDave McMenamin

Melo echoes LeBron, likes parallels to '20 Bucs

Carmelo Anthony, echoing a preseason prediction from LeBron James, said last year's Tampa Bay Bucs were a good comparison for the Lakers in that it has taken time for the team's many new pieces to come together.

ESPN

NBA Power Rankings: Klay's return and a major top-five debut

Golden State's Splash Brothers are whole again, while Luka and the Mavs are climbing the standings. Where do all 30 teams stand this week?

Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

7dDave McMenamin

Ja's electrifying block earns 'salute' from LeBron

Ja Morant just keeps soaring to new heights. And in Sunday's win over the Lakers, the budding Grizzlies star's ascent was quite literal, as Morant's two-handed chase-down block on Avery Bradley left both teams marveling at the play.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

7dBrianna Williams

Lakers' LeBron James moves to seventh place on NBA's all-time assists list

As the only non-guard in the top 10, LeBron James is in the presence of elite company and within reach of notching 10,000 career assists.

Morant showcases Ja dropping hops in Grizzlies' win (0:45)

Morant's dazzling block lifts Grizzlies to 9th straight win

— The Memphis Grizzlies set a franchise record with their ninth straight win, getting 16 points and a breathtaking block from Ja Morant in a 127-119 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night.

Ja Morant skies for epic two-handed block (0:23)

Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images

NBA trade tracker: Grades, details for every deal for the 2021-22 season

NBA trade season rolls on with a deal between the Pistons and Nuggets. Here's a rundown of the latest moves.

AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu

9dKevin Pelton

What playing LeBron James at center is unlocking for the Lakers

Since Anthony Davis went down with a knee injury, the Lakers' offense has jumped to 11th in the NBA. Featuring LeBron at center has been a big reason why.

Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

9dWilliam E. Ricks

LeBron James enters the NBA's top-10 all-time in steals

LeBron James has entered the NBA's top 10 all-time list for steals. Who's in front of him, and is reaching No. 1 possible?

Malik Monk goes for an impressive 29 points in Lakers' statement win (1:32)

LeBron leads Lakers past Hawks 134-118 for 4th straight win

— LeBron James scored 23 of his 32 points in the second half, Malik Monk added a season-high 29 and the Los Angeles Lakers held off the Atlanta Hawks 134-118 Friday night for their first four-game winning streak of the season.