Luka Doncic had 44 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in his return after a three-game absence and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 117-112 on Friday night in the opening game of the NBA Cup for each team.

Lakers blow a 20-point lead before Austin Reaves hits the game-winner in victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves has been a key part of why the team has three wins in its first five game this season. He showed up again on Wednesday night.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/lakers as Lakers Rule Out Guard for Timberwolves Game, Bringing Total to 6 Players Out. The Los Angeles Lakers will be without their offseason addition, Marcus Smart, for their matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.

Luka Dončić was upgraded to questionable for the Los Angeles Lakers’ road game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 31.

Luka Doncic reaching the 40-point mark in a game is becoming a common theme through the early weeks of this season.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/heat/onsi as Another Jaime Jaquez Jr game? Keys to beating Luka Doncic's Lakers. The Miami Heat continue their road trip on Sunday night against the 4-2 Los Angeles Lakers, after dropping to 3-2 themselves following a loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night.

The Portland Trail Blazers have been one of the surprise teams of the 2025-26 NBA season so far, sitting at 4-2 after Friday night's 109-107 home win over the Denver Nuggets. The Blazers are led by a crew of athletic, versatile wings, including Deni Avdija, who scored 23 points to go along with four rebounds and four assists in the win over Denver.