Veteran guard listed as Lakers' most likely player to be traded

The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the NBA Cup after a quarterfinal loss to the San Antonio Spurs, with Marcus Smart's performance standing out as a bright spot amidst the team's struggles. The Lakers' bench failed to deliver, contributing to the disappointing outcome of the tournament.

The NBA Cup 2025 is advancing to the quarterfinals, featuring matchups between the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers, as well as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns. This stage follows a series of competitive games that have determined the top teams in the Western Conference. The tournament has intensified as teams vie for a chance at the championship title.

Victor Wembanyama, the star player for the San Antonio Spurs, will not return for the NBA Cup quarterfinals against the Los Angeles Lakers as he continues to recover from a calf strain that has kept him sidelined since mid-November.

The NBA Cup is heating up as the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to face the Phoenix Suns, while the Los Angeles Lakers are set to take on the San Antonio Spurs. Additionally, the Toronto Raptors are being evaluated for their performance as the tournament progresses, and Paolo Banchero's return to the Orlando Magic lineup is anticipated after his recent injury.

Joey and Jesse Buss, recently dismissed from their roles as executives with the Los Angeles Lakers, are exploring the possibility of acquiring an ownership stake in Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics. This move comes in the wake of significant organizational changes within the Lakers, including the hiring of new executives from the Dodgers.