The Los Angeles Lakers have been named the betting favorite to land Robert Williams III, according to odds released by Bovada. The Lakers come in at +185, ahead of the Golden State Warriors (+255), Milwaukee Bucks (+375), Boston Celtics (+475) and several other contenders.

One member of the Lakers' front office made a comment on LeBron James exercising his player option and how the team feels about it.

Now that the Lakers have signed Ayton, and re-signed Jaxson Hayes as the backup, an NBA insider has given an update on where things stand on a possible trade between the two teams. More news: LeBron James Reportedly Wanted to Join Mavericks, Team Up With Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to straddle the fence between building for a future with Luka Dončić and trying to win now with a core of Dončić and LeBron James. Also caught in the middle is 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht.

A native of Mali, Samake was a second-round draft pick by the New Jersey Nets in 2000. After appearing in 34 games with the Nets as a rookie and playing in Italy the following season, the Lakers brought the seven-footer in as a free agent during the summer of 2002.

Luka Dončić is evidently a playmaker on and off the court. Bringing Marcus Smart to the Los Angeles Lakers was a team effort, one in which Dončić played a meaningful role. On Tuesday, Smart spoke with reporters for his introductory Lakers news conference and credited the recruiting efforts of Dončić as one reason why he's in Los Angeles after reaching a buyout agreement with the Washington Wizards.