The Trail Blazers open the 2026‑27 season 2‑0 and are poised to face the Lakers tonight, but a new focal point could dictate their success: assisted three‑pointers. While Portland’s 34.7% three‑point rate sits mid‑league, the author argues that kicks from drives—especially by Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara and occasional Ja Morant—force defenses to spread, creating higher‑percentage shots. If the Blazers consistently convert these assisted threes, their offense could evolve from modest to elite, bolstering a defense that already shines. Failure to capitalize would relegate them to a rebuild‑style, hot‑hand reliance.
The Nuggets can put Peyton Watson deeper into the rearview mirror thanks to rookie Trevon Brazile.
The Los Angeles Lakers have only had Collin Sexton back for two games, but he’s already making an impact off the bench.
The Los Angeles Lakers wanted to feature Austin Reaves as the second star after years of data suggesting he could be. So far, so good.
Luka Doncic sparks the Lakers’ 3‑0 start with a 52‑point, 10‑assist, eight‑rebound performance in a 132‑123 win over Utah. After the game, coach JJ Redick praised Doncic’s “showman mode” flow state, while teammate Austin Reaves highlighted his readiness to deliver. Donc️ic now averages 34.3 points, 8 assists and 7.3 rebounds, and even placed a full‑page LA Times ad promising fans a championship run. The article captures his early impact and the hype surrounding his leadership on the court.
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar is suddenly soaring once more after a 52-point game against the Utah Jazz. Talks about his early struggles are quickly fading.
Luka Doncic lights up the court whenever Brazil’s Lula wins a runoff election. On Oct. 30, 2022, the then‑Maverick poured 44 points (5 assists) against Orlando after Lula’s victory. Four years later, on Oct. 25, 2026, the newly minted Lakers star exploded for 52 points and eight assists in a win over Utah, coinciding with Lula’s second runoff win. Doncic now leads a 3‑0 Lakers start, averaging 34.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and eight assists per game – the second‑highest scoring pace in the NBA. The pattern fuels the hype surrounding his early‑season fire‑power.
Portland Trail Blazers start the 2026‑27 season 2‑0, beating the Phoenix Suns and edging the Sacramento Kings, and jump from No. 19 to No. 15 in John Schuhmann’s NBA power rankings. Their starters — led by Damian Lillard and Ja Morant — outscore opponents by 30 points in just over 18 minutes, highlighted by a 21‑0 opening run and a 15‑point third‑quarter burst. Ranked the "team to watch," the Blazers face tough Week 2 tests: a road game at the 3‑0 Los Angeles Lakers (Luka Doncic expected) and a home clash with the 3‑0 Memphis Grizzlies, plus a Saturday trip to Utah.
The Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a first‑half hole to beat the Utah Jazz, marking their third straight win to start the season. New Lakers big man Walker Kessler faced his former team for the first time, scoring just two points in 28 minutes but adding seven rebounds and a block. He admitted the emotional pull of returning to Utah affected his play. The trade that sent Kessler to LA cost the Jazz two unprotected 2031 and 2033 first‑round picks plus 2028 and 2030 pick swaps, and earned him a four‑year, $130 million contract. After a 26‑point debut vs. Golden State and a 22‑point effort against the Clippers, Kessler looks poised to justify the deal as the Lakers prepare for a home game against Portland on Oct. 27.
Luka Dončić erupts for 52 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in the Lakers' 18‑point comeback win over the Utah Jazz on October 25, 2026, marking his fourth 50‑point, 10‑assist, five‑rebounds game – the second‑most in NBA history. Coach JJ Redick praises Dončić’s “showman mode,” noting his clutch performance in the final seven minutes where he contributed 13 points and two assists, directly influencing 19 of the Lakers’ last 24 points. Austin Reaves also shines with 29 points and a decisive late three. The win gives Los Angeles its third straight victory to start the 2026‑27 season.
Rui Hachimura explains his move from the Lakers to the Clippers, saying he wants to stay in Los Angeles while expanding his role. Over the past three seasons he shot 45% from three, hit 52% overall, and ranked among the league’s top five shooters. With the Clippers battling early‑season injuries, coach Tyronn Lue envisions Hachimura as a versatile scorer and rebounder, aiming for eight boards per game. While he’s been a reliable scorer for the Lakers, he admits his first three games with the Clippers have dipped to 30% shooting amid lineup gaps, and he’s working to find his spot alongside Darius Garland.
Jarred Vanderbilt could prove the better option between him and Kevon Looney for the Los Angeles Lakers.
On The Draymond Green Show, Warriors forward Draymond Green says Luka Doncic starts the 2026‑27 season with an MVP mindset but doubts he’ll actually win the award, citing voter fatigue as a hurdle. Green keeps his prediction despite Doncic’s strong early play, warning that even stellar performances may not sway the MVP vote.
LaMelo Ball sparks the Minnesota Timberwolves with 15 points, eight assists and a head‑up approach that helped the team start 3‑0, while Terrence Shannon Jr. praised his slick three‑point move. In Indiana, the Pacers lose center Ivica Zubac to a sprained ankle (same as last season) but Jay Huff steps up with 14 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Meanwhile, Lakers rookie Walker Kessler admits his emotions got the best of him in a return against Utah, posting two points and seven rebounds as Los Angeles improves to 3‑0 behind Luka Dončić’s 52‑point outburst. The roundup highlights key performances, injuries and early season momentum across the NBA.
The Lakers erase an 18‑point first‑quarter hole to beat the Utah Jazz 132‑123 on October 25, snapping a 3‑0 start to the season. After trailing 47‑29, Los Angeles flips the game, taking a 74‑71 halftime lead and ultimately pulling away thanks to clutch contributions from Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves late in the second half. Coach JJ Redick praises the comeback as a vital early‑season reference point for a roster with many new faces, highlighting the team's resiliency and the significance of a road win against a historically tough Jazz opponent.
The Los Angeles Lakers coach has not cared who Rob Pelinka splurged on. Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton have all come off the bench.
In a gritty 109-95 victory over the Clippers, the Lakers capitalize on 26 turnovers while Luka Doncic endures a tough night, posting 23 points with 11 turnovers. After the game, Rui Hachimura reveals that Doncic was just “talking trash,” noting their friendly rivalry from their two years together in LA. Hachimura contributed 16 points, six rebounds and two steals, while Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler combine for 50 points to offset Doncic’s struggles. The teams meet again on Wednesday at the Intuit Dome.
Former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton joins the Washington Wizards and embraces a bench role to revive his career after stints with the Suns and Lakers. Teammate Trae Young and coach Brian Keefe praise his self‑less energy, physicality and rebounding, noting his willingness to sacrifice for the team. In roughly 15 minutes per game, Ayton is posting a career‑high 76.9% shooting, averaging seven points and five rebounds. While critics have targeted his effort, the Wizards see him as a valuable energy player behind stars Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr, hoping he can reinvent himself as a reliable rebounder off the bench.
Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler was dominant through two games, but silent against the Utah Jazz. The Jazz likely saw it coming.
Walker Kessler struggled in his return to Utah, scoring just two points on 1‑of‑2 shooting and picking up four fouls in 28 minutes despite averaging 24 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4 blocks over the Lakers' first two games. He blamed the off‑night on letting emotions run high against his former team, where he spent four seasons. The Lakers still won, thanks to Luka Dončić’s 52‑point, 10‑rebounds, 8‑assists performance and Austin Reaves’ 29 points. Kessler looks to rebound Tuesday at 8 p.m. against Portland.
The Lakers rally from an 18‑point first‑quarter hole to beat the Utah Jazz 132‑123, improving to 3‑0. Austin Reaves scores 29 points, hits 11 of 13 free throws and repeatedly confronts referee Brandon Adair over foul calls, drawing criticism from Jazz commentators. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic dazzles with a historic 52‑point performance, joining an elite group of players with three 50‑plus games, and shoots 90.9% from the line. The physical contest sees L.A. draw 38 free throws to Utah’s 27, underscoring the Lakers’ experience and chemistry against the Jazz’s younger roster.
The Los Angeles Lakers open the 2026‑27 NBA season with a flawless 3‑0 record, highlighted by a dominant win over the Warriors, a narrow victory against the Clippers, and a comeback triumph against the Utah Jazz on Oct. 25. While an 82‑0 run remains fanciful, the early success sparks fan questions about the team’s direction. The post invites readers to submit their queries about the Lakers or the NBA.
Gripes are hard to find amid the Los Angeles Lakers' 3-0 start to the 2026-27 NBA season.
The Los Angeles Lakers secured two functional starters in Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams for the price of two minimum contracts.
Kevin Garnett reveals that Kobe Bryant's silence in 2007 pushed him to reject a possible Lakers deal and sign with Boston instead. Garnett says he tried calling Bryant, who didn’t respond and seemed “arrogant,” prompting him to contact former teammates Paul Pierce and Ray Allen and ultimately join the Celtics. The move led to a 2008 NBA title over the Lakers. Garnett reflects that there was no lasting bad blood, noting their shared 2021 Hall of Fame induction after Bryant’s tragic death in 2020.