Former Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard joked about rejoining the team in a separate role for the organization. Howard was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in September, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s finest centers, who helped the Lakers to their 17th championship in 2020.

Luka Doncic scored 49 points and became the fourth player in NBA history to begin a season with back-to-back 40-point performances, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Ayton sprinted into the open space, with Reaves throwing a bounce pass to the 7-foot big man, whose dunk over Julius Randle rattled out of the rim before Rui Hachimura grabbed the offensive rebound and converted an and-1 putback.

The reserve center, who played 14 minutes in the season-opening loss to Golden State on Tuesday, was ruled out for Friday’s playoff rematch with Minnesota because of left knee soreness.

Deandre Ayton attacking the rim with force fueled hope inside the Lakers' locker room that this year’s team has a higher ceiling.

If approved, Walter's $10 billion valuation of the Lakers would set a new record for the most expensive team sale in U.S. history, beating out the 2025 sale of the Boston Celtics for a valuation of $6.1 billion.

Lakers' Deandre Ayton era off to harsh start as fans grow frustrated just one game into the season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

LeBron James repped his son Bryce James while sitting on the sideline of the Los Angeles Lakers' Friday night home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.