Lakers news: Update on LeBron James’ hand injury, Russell Westbrook returns to LA, Kyrie Irving speculation grows

The Los Angeles Lakers will go a week without playing but there is still plenty of news coming out of the all-star break. LeBron James was the only Laker representing the team at the event and gave fans plenty to talk about.

Overall, it was a solid all-star weekend full of fun events for NBA fans. The NBA Dunk Contest was one of the better ones in recent years, with former South Bay Lakers standout Mac McClung winning the entire thing.

Now the fun is over and it is back to business for the Lake Show, who enter a second half where every single game is a must-win. Here is your news roundup before getting into these important games.

Lakers news roundup:

• LeBron James injured his hand while attempting a block in the All-Star Game on Sunday night but it does not appear to be serious. James said after the game that him sitting out the entire second half was precautionary and it isn’t something to worry too much about.
• Russell Westbrook has agreed to a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz and is expected to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers. After a tumultuous tenure in Los Angeles wearing the purple and gold, Russ will stick around for Lakers fans to make their presence known.
• LeBron James continued to lay the foundation for Kyrie Irving to join him in LA next season. Irving, who is a free agent after this season, was picked by LeBron in the All-Star Game Draft and after the game LeBron had nothing but great things to say about the point guard.

Not many people are publicly saying these kinds of things about Irving to the media, so this could be another LeBron recruitment tactic in full motion.

NBA news roundup:

• Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone, who coached Team LeBron, called the 2023 NBA All-Star Game “the worst basketball game ever played” because of the lack of effort (particularly on defense) in the game.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo is scheduled to fly to New York to get additional testing on his wrist after the break. Giannis injured his wrist in the final game of the first half while attempting a block and only played 20 seconds in the NBA All-Star Game itself.
• Kevin Love has completed his contract buyout with the Cleveland Cavaliers and is expected to sign with the Miami Heat.