Los Angeles Lakers news Thursday, November 5, 2026

No. 1 in the 30-second version

Ziaire Williams returns to the Lakers rotation after a three-game absence caused by foot soreness.

Silver Screen and Roll reports Williams played 15 minutes and scored nine points on 3-of-6 three-point shooting in Monday's win over Miami, adding two rebounds, two assists and a steal. Williams said the soreness flared up without a clear cause and that he feels great, and the article notes he has missed time throughout his career, never playing more than 63 games in a season. The fan site also says the Lakers have performed well with a starting five that includes Williams.

Source: Silver Screen and Roll

No. 2 in the 30-second version

Luka Doncic scores 40 points as Lakers beat Kings 116-103 in Sacramento.

Doncic has scored 40-plus points in three straight games and in five of his last six, and he shot 11 of 23 with nine rebounds and seven assists. Austin Reaves added 21 points and Walker Kessler had 15 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers, who are 7-2. Darius Acuff led Sacramento with 22 points and 12 assists in the loss, which dropped the Kings to 1-7. During the game, a courtside fan threw the ball at an official and was removed from the arena.

Sources: LA Times · Yahoo Sports · Silver Screen and Roll · Hot Hot Hoops

No. 3 in the 30-second version

Luka Doncic scores 42 as the Lakers beat the Heat; JJ Redick credits halftime changes.

Silver Screen and Roll reports the Lakers won 138-117, while another article gives 136-118, and Doncic had 42 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds. Redick said the team challenged players at halftime on getting back in transition, and NBA.com shows a 95.7 defensive rating for the Lakers in the second half. Giannis Antetokounmpo praised Doncic after the game.

Sources: Silver Screen and Roll · Hot Hot Hoops

Wembanyama scores career-high 52 points with 24 rebounds and 8 blocks, Spurs edge Mavericks 112-111.

Wembanyama sank the winning free throw, and Kyrie Irving's last-second shot for Dallas missed the rim. Wembanyama had 29 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks at halftime, and Irving led Dallas with 29 points. Wembanyama briefly left the game with an apparent ankle injury and later said he has been sick, and the NBA said his line is the first 50-point, 20-rebound, 5-block game since Bob McAdoo in 1974.

Sources: BBC · ESPN · Yahoo Sports · USA TODAY Sports

76ers beat Pistons 112-106 as Joel Embiid draws a technical after a shoving match with Tolu Smith.

Jaylen Brown led Philadelphia with 30 points, and Embiid scored 26 with LeBron James adding 13 points and 10 rebounds. Cade Cunningham had 26 points for Detroit, which cut a 13-point Philadelphia lead late to four. The technical was Embiid's first of the season, and the win moved the Sixers to 8-1 after their only earlier loss, to Detroit on Oct. 25.

Sources: Yahoo Sports · USA TODAY Sports · Liberty Ballers

Nets beat Hornets 114-104, with Michael Porter Jr. scoring 26 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

Brooklyn (2-6) rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit and outscored Charlotte 34-24 in the fourth quarter, according to the NY Post. Julius Randle added 22 points, and rookie Mikel Brown Jr. scored a career-high 18. Charlotte (3-6) lost its fifth straight game after opening 3-1, and Kon Knueppel left in the first quarter with left leg soreness in his return from a hamstring strain.

Sources: SNY · NY Post Sports · At The Hive

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 42 as the Thunder beat the Cavaliers 124-116, extending Cleveland's losing streak to five against OKC.

Cleveland trailed by 17 after the first quarter and never fully caught up, according to SB Nation. James Harden finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, and Donovan Mitchell scored 27 with most of his points in the fourth quarter. Peyton Watson and Jaylon Tyson were out for Cleveland, and Tyrese Proctor reportedly left late with an ankle injury, per SB Nation.

Sources: Yahoo Sports · Fear The Sword

Jalen Brunson scores 33 as the Knicks rout the Bulls 135-105 after an 84-point first half.

New York's 84 first-half points tie a franchise record set in 1988, according to the NY Post. Brunson scored 22 in the first quarter, and the Knicks led by 32 at halftime. Karl-Anthony Towns had 17 points and 12 rebounds, and OG Anunoby added 18 points. The Knicks (4-4) have won four of their last five games.

Sources: NY Post Sports · SNY