SubscribeSubscribe
Written by

Antwane Willis Jr. is a Los Angeles Lakers beat reporter for The Lead. He lives in Atlanta, GA, where he received his bachelor's degree in Journalism and mass Communications from Georgia State University.

57 Articles
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick watches game action against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
LakersNBANBA West

The Los Angeles Lakers Need to Fix Their Defense Quickly

Even though the holiday season has the streets of Los Angeles filled with cheer, Luka Dončić and the Lakers are hitting the midseason...

January 1, 2026
InterviewsSports & Lifestyle

Becoming Legendary: The Life and Retirement of Jeff Schultz

Los Angeles, CA, is home to some of the world’s most talented individuals. For legendary journalist Jeff Schultz, the city was a catalyst...

December 24, 2025
Feb 10, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) react after a basket against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
LakersNBANBA West

Austin Reaves is Luka’s Perfect Co-Star for the Future

Austin Reaves is one of the NBA’s biggest success stories. He’s improved every year since signing the dotted line in the summer of...

December 3, 2025
Tyler Metcalf
NBASports & Lifestyle

Tyler Metcalf’s Story and NBA Knowledge Have ‘No Ceilings’

On Oct. 13, the NBA announced a new multi-streaming platform alongside a revamped version of NBA TV. Four new shows from various parts...

November 21, 2025
Oct 12, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) looks on from the bench during the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
LakersNBANBA West

What Will LeBron James’ Role Look Like When He Returns?

One of the biggest storylines in the NBA right now is the Lakers’ early success without LeBron James. The four-time MVP has been...

November 14, 2025
Oct 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) returns to the be3nch in the fourth quarteragainst the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
LakersNBANBA West

The Luka-led Lakers Have Been Nothing Short of Brilliant

After adding several new pieces to the locker room, the Los Angeles Lakers expected to improve regardless of the circumstances. Now that we...

November 12, 2025
Kevin Danna
Sports & Lifestyle

Broadcasting From The Bay: The Kevin Danna Story

California has a rich sports history throughout the state, and the Bay Area is certainly no exception. San Jose native Kevin Danna channeled...

October 10, 2025
Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
LakersNBANBA West

Luka Dončić’s EuroBasket Play Foreshadows MVP-Caliber Season

Luka Dončić led Slovenia into the 2025 EuroBasket, and the world witnessed the debut of his new physique. He made a massive impression...

September 25, 2025
Christina Merrion
InterviewsNBASports & LifestyleWNBA

A Life Behind The Lens: Christina Merrion’s Life Story

Christina Merrion went from a few eyes on her work in a town of 3,000 people to thousands of eyes on her work...

September 22, 2025
InterviewsNBASports & Lifestyle

The Rapid Rise of NBA Insider Jake Fischer

After a successful 2025 free agency, I sat down with NBA journalist Jake Fischer for an exclusive interview. In recent years, he has...

August 29, 2025
Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
LakersNBANBA West

How Long Until Luka Dončić Wins His First MVP?

Luka Dončić has committed himself to the city of Los Angeles for the foreseeable future after signing a three-year, $165 million extension, and...

August 21, 2025
Aug 2, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers Luka Doncic (77) is interviewed by ESPN LA radio following a press conference announcing the signing of a 3-year, $165 million contract extension at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
LakersNBANBA West

The Luka Dončić Era Has Officially Begun

The Los Angeles Lakers have secured their future by signing Luka Dončić to a three-year, $165 million deal. It extends his contract back...

August 4, 2025
Apr 6, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Washington Wizards guard Marcus Smart (36) smiles during a timeout in the first half again the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
LakersNBANBA West

Marcus Smart Can Reestablish Himself In Los Angeles

Luka Dončić has fully established himself as a leader of the Los Angeles Lakers after recruiting Marcus Smart this offseason. The 5x All-Star...

July 24, 2025
Apr 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
LakersNBANBA West

LeBron James’ Contract Uncertainty Signals End of His Career

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers front office are reportedly at odds, and their relationship won’t improve anytime soon. The addition of Luka...

July 14, 2025