Pregame analysis and predictions of the Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers NBA game to be played on November 2, 2025 on ESPN.

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

The NBA’s latest update marks a turning point for the Los Angeles Lakers as the franchise builds toward its next era.

Mark Walter is the majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers after the NBA Board of Governors approved his purchase of a controlling stake from the Buss family.

The NBA's most valuable franchise is officially in new hands. On Thursday, the league's board of governors unanimously approved the sale of a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers. Mark Walter, the CEO of Guggenheim Partners and owner of the MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers,

Doncic returned to the Lakers on Friday as they took on the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite missing the last three games due to injury, Doncic wasted no time in getting back on his scoring ways. He dropped 44 points on the Grizzlies, becoming the first Laker since Kobe Bryant to average 45 points through his first three games, per Dave McMenamin.

However, it was Deandre Ayton who drew headlines — and concern — for the wrong reasons. Ayton had a strong first half, scoring nine points on 4-for-6 shooting, but his absence in the second half puzzled fans. Head coach JJ Redick opted to start Jaxson Hayes after halftime, and when cameras panned to the Lakers’ bench, Ayton was nowhere to be seen.

Lakers reserve center Jaxson Hayes spoke about the team’s bench and their energy and how it changes the game this season.