Rising to third all-time on the scoring list, Kobe Bryant was drafted by the Lakers out of Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania in 1997. He quickly became a star, dueling with Michael Jordan in his first All-Star Game in 1998 and teaming with Shaquille O’Neal to bring Los Angeles a three-peat (2000, 2001, 2002).

Lakers power forward Maxi Kleber was reportedly close to being involved in another trade with his new team.

The Phoenix Suns have reclaimed guard Jordan Goodwin off waivers, adding defensive depth and familiarity to their backcourt. Goodwin, previously with the team in 2023, was waived by the Lakers due to cap constraints despite solid performance.

NBA reporter Keith Smith of Spotrac spoke to a Los Angeles Lakers exec in Las Vegas at Summer League about LeBron James, who picked up his 2025-26 player option worth $52.6 million.

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly plan to sign Christian Koloko and Chris Manon to two-way contracts, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The Los Angeles Lakers have made recent moves to acquire Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart after they agreed to buyouts with their former teams.

Former Vanderbilt men's basketball player Chris Mañon will be signing a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Mañon played for the Golden State Warriors during the NBA Summer League.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak as NBA Fans React To Lakers Releasing 7-Year NBA Player . Shake Milton was recently waived by the Los Angeles Lakers.