Matt Peralta
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Senior Staff Writer for @LakersNation, @RamsNewswire & @RaidersNewswire | #GoBeach | mattp@mediumlargela.com | #RIPKobe
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Articles by Matt Peralta
Lakers News: JJ Redick Recalls Requesting Memorabilia From Ray Allen & Stephen Curry Original
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has proven that his track record as an NBA player is translating to his time on the sidelines. In what is a surprise to many, the Lakers looked the part of a playoff team under Redick in his first two seasons at the helm. Redick’s even done well to take accountability for his own missteps, something that was sorely lacking from the regime.
Trevor Ariza: Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony & Kevin Durant Were Toughest Players To Guard Original
The Los Angeles Lakers have been fortunate enough to employ some of the greatest players in NBA history, including franchise legend Kobe Bryant who led the organization to five championships during his illustrious 20-year career. Bryant went from high school phenom to a league star almost immediately and he revitalized a Lakers franchise that had largely struggled during the 1990s. At Bryant’s peak, he was the NBA’s most dangerous scorer as he could beat an opponent in numerous ways on the floor.
Lakers News: Jarred Vanderbilt Can Relate To Adou Thiero Original
There is a lot to like about Adou Thiero as he was by far the most athletic player on the Los Angeles Lakers roster during his rookie season. The Lakers don’t have many prospects in the pipeline, but Thiero represents one of the few that could pan out for the parent roster. His jumping ability sticks out, but he’s also shown flashes of being a quality defender who can stick on the perimeter and block shots at the rim.
Lakers News: LeBron James Reveals Why He Doesn’t Drink Coffee Original
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is considered the gold standard when it comes to body maintenance. James is a unicorn in that he remained as productive as ever in Year 23. He may have lost a step physically, but he’s still one of the best transition players in the NBA and can feasibly take over the offense in spurts. While James seems to have boundless energy, none of it comes from caffeine as the Lakers star admitted a bad experience with the Miami Heat turned him off of coffee forever.
Darryn Peterson Picks Basketball IQ From LeBron James’ Game Original
While Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James showed some signs of physical decline in Year 23, he still looked like one of the best players in the NBA. What makes James so special as a player is his ability to process the floor in an instant and make the right play. Kansas guard and NBA Draft prospect Darryn Peterson was asked to build his perfect player and picked James for the basketball IQ portion of his build.
Lakers News: Austin Reaves Sees No Issues With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Free Throw Rate Original
Austin Reaves returned to the playoffs for Games 5 and 6, a much-needed boost for the Los Angeles Lakers who were short on ball-handlers and downhill drivers. With Reaves back in the fold, the Lakers were able to close out the Houston Rockets in six games but now must face the defending champions the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder turned in another dominant regular season led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who is in line to win his second consecutive MVP award.
JJ Redick: Thunder Are One Of ‘Greatest Teams Ever’ In NBA History Original
Head coach JJ Redick did a great job leading the Los Angeles Lakers past the Houston Rockets, a collective effort that required each player that hit the court. Redick was able to keep the group together despite missing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, though the latter was able return for Games 5 and 6. Now, however, the group has a near-impossible task ahead of them as they’re set to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round.
Lakers News: Jeanie Buss Reveals Why Luka Doncic Trade Had To Be Kept Secret Original
One of the defining moments of Jeanie Buss’ tenure as the Los Angeles Lakers’ controlling governor was the blockbuster trade that landed the storied franchise Luka Doncic. The Doncic trade shifted the landscape of the NBA as the global superstar is one of the few players in the league that can transform an organization into an instant title contender. In his first full season with the Lakers, Doncic led them to a 53-29 record and would have likely been an MVP finalist had he not gotten hurt.
Austin Reaves Shared Special Message With LeBron James After Lakers Series Win Original
The Los Angeles Lakers survived the Houston Rockets in round one, largely thanks to LeBron James turning back the clock to claim a 4-2 series win. James was forced back into a primary ball-handler and scoring role when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves got hurt, but he was more than able to answer the call. Fortunately for the Lakers and James, Reaves was able to return in Game 5 and helped the team eventually close out the series in Game 6.
Lakers Injury Update: Luka Doncic On ‘Slow Path’ Towards Return Original
The Los Angeles Lakers advanced to the second round and managed to do so without Luka Doncic, who continues his rehab for his Grade 2 left hamstring strain. Doncic has been making progress in his return to play process but will still miss the start of the second round against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Although Los Angeles desperately needs Doncic in order to advance, it appears he is still a ways away from returning to the court.
LeBron James Reveals Foot & Ankle Haven’t Been Same Since Solomon Hill Injury In 2021 Original
As Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has gotten older, he’s had to deal with more injuries than he’s experienced in his career. Throughout the 2025-26 season, James has managed things such as a foot ailment that he attributed to old age. The nicks and bruises James has endured have begun to add up, though he still finds a way to physically be ready for almost each game. James’ injury woes can be traced back to the 2020-21 season when Solomon Hill collided into his leg diving for a loose ball.
Lakers Rumors: Desire To Retain Luke Kennard In Free Agency Original
When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Luke Kennard, it was widely seen as a marginal move given the roster could have used more two-way players instead. The Lakers flipped Gabe Vincent’s expiring contract for Kennard’s, but the move has paid off in spades as the sharpshooting veteran has given the offense a major shot in the arm. Kennard helped lead Los Angeles to three playoff victories against the Houston Rockets and remains a pivotal part of the rotation.
Marcus Smart: Lakers Have To Be ‘Desperate’ To Close Out Rockets In Game 6 Original
Marcus Smart has proven to be a pivotal piece for the Los Angeles Lakers in their playoff series against the Houston Rockets, though the veteran has to find a way to rally the group after dropping two consecutive games. While the Lakers own a 3-2 series lead, the Rockets have to be feeling good about where they’re at as they’re heading back home for Game 6.
Lakers Rumors: Front Office Staff Additions Being Considered Original
Since Mark Walter bought a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, the organization has steadily been hiring executives to round out the business side of things. Throughout the 2025-26 season, the Lakers have brought in several high-profile executives such as Lon Rosen, Michael Spetner and Ryan Kantor to help grow and develop the franchise’s domestic and global marketing strategies and operations.
Austin Reaves Discusses Offensive Struggles In Return From Oblique Injury Original
The Los Angeles Lakers got a major boost in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets as Austin Reaves made his return to the floor. Reaves had been sidelined the past four weeks due to a Grade 2 left oblique strain, but came off the bench for Game 5. While Reaves’ return couldn’t get Los Angeles over the hump, the star guard noted he felt good physically back on the court so that’s a small victory for the group.
LeBron James reveals what part of Game 4 loss left him 'pissed off' Original
LeBron James finally looked human in the Los Angeles Lakers’ Game 4 loss to the Houston Rockets as he struggled with scoring and taking care of the basketball. James understandably looked fatigued after his Game 3 heroics this past Friday, but he and the team were unable to put up much of a fight against a Houston team playing for its playoff life.
Lakers News: Marcus Smart Praises Deandre Ayton’s Composure Original
Deandre Ayton has been a major factor in the Los Angeles Lakers taking a 3-1 series lead over the Houston Rockets. Ayton has been engaged on both ends of the floor for the Lakers, able to defend and score when the needs him to. He had his best outing in the Game 4 loss to the Houston Rockets where he recorded a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds, but he was questionably ejected from the game after elbowing Alperen Sengun in the head.
Lakers News: Deandre Ayton ‘Can’t Wait’ For Game 5 Against Rockets Original
The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Houston Rockets in Game 4, though it wasn’t because of Deandre Ayton as he had his best game of the series. Ayton was the lone bright spot for the Lakers offensively as he led the team with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. However, Ayton was later ejected from the game after his elbow to Alperen Sengun was upgraded to a Flagrant 2. He later said the play wasn’t intentional, though it didn’t matter as Los Angeles was well on its way to losing.
LeBron James Becomes First Player To Reach Significant Playoff Milestone Original
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to make 3,000 career playoff field goals. James accomplished the feat with his second basket of Game 4 against the Houston Rockets. James has a sizable lead on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2,356) and Michael Jordan (2,188) for most-made playoff field goals and will only continue to add to his totals as the Lakers extend their postseason.
LeBron James Becomes First Player To Reach Significant Playoff Milestone
Now BALTIMORE — Sometimes, an incomplete grade is just that. Red ink can fill the margins, pointing out the pupil’s many failings, yet it’s possible to understand that this is a rough draft and not, hopefully, the final product. That concept has been increasingly harder to grasp across Major League …
JJ Redick Discusses Biggest Areas Lakers Have Missed Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves Original
The Los Angeles Lakers finally dropped their first game of the series against the Houston Rockets, a blowout Game 4 loss that came on the heels of their thrilling Game 3 overtime victory. The Lakers had been playing good basketball up until Game 4 where the team severely struggled with getting into their offensive sets and knocking down shots.
Lakers News: LeBron James Calls Lob To Bronny James Against Rockets ‘Special Moment’ Original
Without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves available, LeBron James and the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers have been forced to step into bigger roles during their playoff series against the Houston Rockets. Fortunately for the Lakers, they’ve managed to not just survive but thrive in the playoffs as James has been masterful at dictating things on the floor. James forced overtime in Game 3 after hitting a game-tying 3-pointer in regulation and Los Angeles went on to hold on for the hard-earned win.
Lakers Highlights: LeBron James & Marcus Smart Lead Overtime Game 3 Win Over Rockets Original
The Los Angeles Lakers held serve at home in Games 1 and 2 against the Houston Rockets, but then went on the road for a pivotal Game 3. Not many people outside of the Lakers organization gave the team much of a chance to win the series, but they’ve proven the doubters wrong with how they’ve managed to match the Rockets’ physicality on both ends of the floor. Los Angeles caught a break before Game 3 tipped off as Houston ruled out Kevin Durant with a left ankle sprain he suffered in Game 2.
Rams Select Max Klare & Keagen Trost On Day 2 Of 2026 NFL Draft
The Los Angeles Rams selected Ohio State tight end Max Klare and Missouri offensive tackle Keagen Trost on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Rams took Klare with the No. 61 pick in the second round, and later took Trost with the No. 93 pick in the third round. Through the first two days of the draft, Los Angeles has looked to shore up depth at multiple offensive spots.
Lakers News: Luke Kennard Explains Why JJ Redick Partnership Has Been So Great Original
Luke Kennard landed in the perfect spot at the trade deadline as he’s become an important member of Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick’s rotation. Like Redick, Kennard is a knockdown 3-point shooter that defenses have to account for, but he’s also shown he has more on-ball capability. Kennard took over more ball-handling responsibilities after Luke Doncic and Austin Reaves got hurt and earned Redick’s praise for the job he’s done.
Sean McVay Told Matthew Stafford Of Rams’ Plan To Draft Ty Simpson
Matthew Stafford nearly carried the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl appearance this past year, proving to the NFL that he still has a lot left in the tank. Stafford seems to be getting better with age as he is coming off the best year of his career, winning his first MVP. Stafford led the Rams to a 12-5 record during the 2025 season and nearly got them past the eventual-Super Bowl champions the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.
Deandre Ayton: LeBron James & JJ Reddick Not Letting Lakers Get Comfortable Against Rockets
The Los Angeles Lakers lead the Houston Rockets 2-0 in their first round playoff series, a moderate surprise given how shorthanded they are. The Lakers have been without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, but still managed to defend their home court thanks to contributions from everyone on the roster.
Luke Kennard Not Surprised By Increased Level Of Play Original
Luke Kennard has been a revelation for the Los Angeles Lakers as he’s helped lead them to a 2-0 series lead over the Houston Rockets. Kennard has been a consistent source of offense for a Lakers team that’s been without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and he’s delivered with two big playoff performances. Kennard has got a reputation as a shooter, but he has proven he can handle the basketball just as well.
Rams Select Alabama’s Ty Simpson With No. 13 Pick In 2026 NFL Draft
The Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Welcome to the #RamsHouse, @ty_simpson06! pic.twitter.com/HTv1O4JUzy — Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) April 24, 2026 A message from the newest Ram! pic.twitter.com/erWdoM7CoB — Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) April 24, 2026 Simpson was the second quarterback taken in the first round behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who went first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Rui Hachimura Missed Luka Doncic’s Hijinks When He Was Away From Lakers Original
The Los Angeles Lakers are holding out hope that Luka Doncic can join them at some point on the court during the playoffs. The Lakers are off to a solid start in the postseason as they currently own a 1-0 series lead against the Houston Rockets. Like Los Angeles, Houston was without its main star in Kevin Durant but the series can still swing in either direction given that Doncic and Austin Reaves are considered out indefinitely.
Jaxson Hayes Enjoys Seeing Luke Kennard Succeed After Watching Him Growing Up In Ohio Original
Luke Kennard has been everything the Los Angeles Lakers hoped for and more when they acquired him at the trade deadline. Kennard has fit in perfectly on the Lakers roster, acting as the team’s best shooting threat but also a reliable secondary ball-handler behind LeBron James. Kennard has already made a name for himself in Los Angeles after leading the team to an exciting Game 1 win over the Houston Rockets.
Jeanie Buss: Kobe Bryant Would Be Excited To See Luka Doncic With Lakers Original
Luka Doncic is set to lead the Los Angeles Lakers for years following his contract extension this past summer. There is arguably no better superstar to serve as the face of the franchise after LeBron James than Doncic given his age, talent and global appeal. In his first full season with Los Angeles, Doncic led the league in scoring and should have been a finalist for MVP despite a late-season Grade 2 left hamstring strain.
Lakers Hire Ryan Kantor As Vice President Of Global Operations Original
The Los Angeles Lakers announced they have hired Ryan Kantor to become their new Vice President of Global Partnerships. In the newly created role, Kantor will lead and oversee sponsorship revenue generation, sale strategy and new business opportunities both domestically and internationally.
Jeanie Buss Discusses Whether She Wants LeBron James Back With Lakers Original
LeBron James has proven that he can play longer he if wants to, but he remains non-committal about his playing future. For now, James seems content playing for the Los Angeles Lakers even if it means playing third fiddle to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. James can still affect winning at the highest levels, so Los Angeles should welcome back with open arms if he decides to stay with the storied franchise.
NBA’s 2025-26 Season Was Most-Watched In 24 Years Original
The 2025-26 NBA season is in the books, closing another exciting chapter in the league and offering an exciting springboard into the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The regular season is a marathon that ebbs and flows depending on the calendar, but teams did a great job of showing up when it came to primetime. This past year, games were shown on new platforms like Amazon Prime Video while the NBA also made a triumphant return to NBC/Peacock.
LeBron James Pleased With Lakers’ Composure In Game 1 Win Over Rockets Original
LeBron James’ playoff experience is vast and needs to draw on all of it if he hopes to lead the Los Angeles Lakers past the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. James was the Lakers’ third option for most of the 2025-26 season but was thrust back into a primary role following injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Tavon Austin To Announce Pick At 2026 NFL Draft
Los Angeles traded up from No. 16 to No. 8 in the 2013 NFL Draft to select Austin out of West Virginia, an exciting move at the time considering what the wideout did in college. Austin was one of the most electric players in collegiate football, finding ways to use his speed downfield to score and also affect the game on special teams as a punt and kick returner.
JJ Redick: Kevin Durant Missing Game 1 Didn’t Affect Lakers’ Mentality Against Rockies Original
People outside of the Los Angeles Lakers organization didn’t give them much of a chance to advance past the Houston Rockets in round one of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The Lakers’ playoff odds were decimated once they announced Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves would miss extended time, so most penciled in the Rockets as the easy pick to move on. However, Los Angeles wound up making the first punch in the series as they managed to upset Houston in Game 1 and claim a 107-98 victory.
Lakers Highlights: Luke Kennard & LeBron James Dismantle Rockets In Game 1 Original
The Los Angeles Lakers closed the 2025-26 season on a three-game winning streak, but were still considered massive underdogs going into their first-round matchup against the Houston Rockets. Luke Doncic and Austin Reaves are dealing with multi-week injuries that could keep them out past the first round, a huge blow to a Lakers team that was starting to resemble a true title contender.
Matt Millen To Announce Pick At 2026 NFL Draft
The Raiders selected Millen in the second round of the 1980 NFL Draft, and he spent nine of his 12 seasons with the Silver and Black. Millen had a successful NFL career, winning four Super Bowl championships and making the 1988 Pro Bowl. After retiring from the league, Millen spent seven years as the Detroit Lions’ President and CEO. Las Vegas will surely be hoping to nail on prospects that can come in and contribute right away as the organization has been mired in a funk.
Magic Johnson Congratulates Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama On Winning Award Named After Lakers Legend Original
The future of the NBA appears to be bright as young superstars like Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs are emerging both on and off the court. Wembanyama is a true unicorn of a player given his size, skill, length, shooting ability and overall basketball IQ. There’s no question that Wembanyama is a superstar and the scary thing for the rest of the league is that he’ll only continue to get better as he plays in more meaningful games.
Rui Hachimura Praises LeBron James For Being Vocal Leader For Lakers Original
In Year 23, LeBron James had to do more adjusting on and off the floor than he ever has. James missed the start of the regular season for the first time in his career due to a sciatic nerve injury, and later came back as the Los Angeles Lakers’ third option behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Despite the shift in his role and responsibilities, James didn’t complain and helped lead the Lakers to the fourth seed.
Lakers News: Jarred Vanderbilt Discusses Guarding Rockets’ Kevin Durant & Importance Of Rebounding Original
The Los Angeles Lakers are going to need Jarred Vanderbilt when they take on the Houston Rockets in the playoffs. The Lakers won the regular season series, but without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves the team will need everyone to pitch in. Vanderbilt is best known for his defense, and he’ll be required to slow down players like Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson. Vanderbilt broke down how to guard Durant and emphasized it’s a group effort. “It takes everybody.
Watch: Trent McDuffie Jersey Number Unveiled
It’s commonplace to see new players request numbers from teammates, though it’s unknown if McDuffie owed Corum anything for the switch. Regardless, McDuffie gets to keep his Chiefs number while Corum dons a new one that closely reflects his old one. The Rams are signaling to the rest of the league that they’re all-in on a Super Bowl championship this upcoming year.
Lakers News: LeBron James Happy To See Bronny In Position To Earn Playoff Minutes Original
Out of all the things Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has accomplished in the NBA, he continually cites playing alongside Bronny James as his greatest feat. LeBron and Bronny are the first father-son duo to share the floor together in league history and they’ve gotten more opportunities to do so in recent weeks after the injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Luke Kennard: Lakers Believe They Have Chance Against Rockets Despite Outside Expectations Original
Luke Kennard was the Los Angeles Lakers’ lone trade deadline acquisition, but it has paid off much more than anyone expected. The Lakers sent out Gabe Vincent’s expiring deal for Kennard and the sharpshooting guard became an immediate boost for the group offensively. Kennard even excelled in an on-ball role following injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, later saying that he was comfortable and not worried about his efficiency shooting the basketball.
LeBron James Gives Key To Lakers Keeping Rockets Off Offensive Glass Original
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said LeBron James had a remarkable 2025-26 season, and he’ll be counting on his star player to lead the team in their upcoming first round matchup against the Houston Rockets. James has been up against the odds several times in his career and he faces another tough challenge as he’ll be up against the Rockets without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Rui Hachimura Gives Key To Lakers’ Success During 2025-26 Season Original
Rui Hachimura has been a vital part to the Los Angeles Lakers’ success, filling in as a reliable scorer either as a starter or off the bench. Hachimura started the 2025-26 season as a starter, but really hit his stride once he was moved to the bench in favor of Marcus Smart. With the starting and bench lineups more balanced, it allowed players like Hachimura to thrive and settle into their roles.
JJ Redick Explains Why Lakers Signed Nick Smith Jr. Over Drew Timme Original
Just before the end of the 2025-26 season, the Los Angeles Lakers waived Kobe Bufkin and signed Nick Smith Jr. to a standard, two-year NBA deal. Smith was playing on a two-way contract and in order to be eligible for the playoff roster, the Lakers needed to upgrade his deal. Los Angeles is projected to start the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, so there was a clear backcourt need that Smith can fill.
Lakers News: Marcus Smart Discusses Challenge Of Guarding Kevin Durant Original
Marcus Smart returned just before the end of the 2025-26 season and helped the Los Angeles Lakers to a couple of wins. The Lakers closed the regular season on a three-game winning streak, setting up a first round matchup with the Houston Rockets. Like Los Angeles, Houston closed the season on a high note and are considered favorites to win the series.
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