Ryan Ward

Ryan Ward

Joined: Jan 15, 2026

Ryan Ward is an NBA journalist and a credentialed reporter with more than 15 years of experience covering the league and the Los Angeles Lakers. He has written for ClutchPoints, Lakers Nation, Heavy, Rotowire and EssentiallySports. Ryan also produces a podcast and video content focused on the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA at large.

Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka watches during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Apr 2, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) drives around Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Oct 16, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) smiles after making a great play during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images

Jan 24, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks back during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Mar 3, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) posts up against Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) during the first half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Rumors

According to a new report, the Los Angeles Lakers have already done extensive work on several restricted free agents, but pursuing them could come with significant risks.

Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) shoots the ball during the second half against the Houston Rockets during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Rumors

After a career-best season in Los Angeles, a new report suggests Rui Hachimura may be one of the biggest question marks facing the Lakers this offseason.

Jan 13, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Former Los Angeles Laker Michael Cooper speaks during his jersey retirement at halftime between the Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

News

The Los Angeles Lakers legend also weighed in on Austin Reaves’ future, Luka Doncic’s supporting cast and the biggest offseason priorities facing the storied NBA franchise.

Apr 9, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) holds onto the ball next to Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Rumors

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly have a different vision for LeBron James’ next contract, even as interest from around the league continues to grow.

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) handles the ball against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Rumors

With free agency approaching, the Los Angeles Lakers’ intentions regarding Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard are beginning to take shape.

Jan 13, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket on Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0)during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Rumors

As momentum builds toward LeBron James returning, the Los Angeles Lakers are being linked to a veteran with deep ties to the four-time MVP.

Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) gestures during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images

News

As the Los Angeles Lakers explore ways to improve around its franchise cornerstone, Doncic made his preferences crystal clear.

May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Rumors

Just as the Los Angeles Lakers appear ready to prioritize Rui Hachimura's return in NBA free agency, a prominent contender emerges as a potential threat.

Oct 22, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) dunks against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to upgrade at center this summer, and a surprising development involving Walker Kessler may have created an opportunity.

Nov 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, right, talks with Leroy Sims, director of player performance & health, prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Insider reports suggest the Los Angeles Lakers may need to pivot away from some of their most intriguing offseason targets.

Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka watches during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While uncertainty surrounds several Los Angeles Lakers free agents, two familiar names reportedly sit near the top of the team's offseason wish list.

Mar 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) react during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Despite criticism of the Doncic-Reaves pairing, the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly view one major concern very differently.