The Suns start rookie center Khaman Maluich, the 10th overall pick, in their season opener after Mark Williams' shoulder surgery sidelines the veteran. The Trail Blazers field Damian Lillard and Ja Morant against Phoenix, while the Lakers start Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle, moving Quentin Grimes to the bench. Coach JJ Redick reports injury updates: Cameron Carr (oblique strain) and Adou Thiero (knee swelling) are day‑to‑day, and Collin Sexton sits out with a calf issue. Minnesota extends Jaden McDaniels with a one‑year deal, and the Thunder lock Cason Wallace into a five‑year, $134 million rookie extension featuring a 5% trade kicker.
The better Anthony Davis plays, the less pressure will be on AJ Dybantsa.
Ahead of the Lakers’ season opener, coach JJ Redick reflects on LeBron James’ departure, saying the biggest thing he misses is LeBron’s daily consistency—showing up in the weight room and setting a reliable tone. With James now signed in Philadelphia (a 106‑100 debut win over the Knicks), Los Angeles pivots to Luka Dončić and new additions like Walker Kessler and Quentin Grimes. Redick emphasizes the intangible habit of a 24‑year veteran that’s hard to replace as the Lakers face a wounded Warriors squad at Crypto.com Arena.
Jake Fischer reports that former Lakers wing Dalton Knecht, a 2024 first‑round pick, is drawing two‑way contract interest from the Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors—the only teams with an open two‑way slot. The Kings, still retooling after Ben Simmons' season‑ending Achilles tear, are also weighing point guard Sean Pedulla and 2025 second‑rounder Micah Peavy. Fischer notes Kevin Porter Jr. received Nuggets interest before being waived, and suggests Dwight Powell could return to the Mavericks while Pat Connaughton may rejoin the Hornets later in the season.
Although LeBron James and Kobe Bryant never played together for the Lakers, they were central figures in the GOAT debate for years. Some fans hated James because Bryant was the clear favorite for many. Years later, things have changed. Luka Doncic is the new face of the Lakers, and he has no one to compete […]
The post Austin Reaves Addresses Lakers Fans’ Treatment of LeBron vs Luka Doncic Amid Lakers Star’s Retirement Desire appeared first on EssentiallySports .
The 2026-27 NBA season is finally here, and the Los Angeles Lakers will open the year at home against the Golden State Warriors. The regular season began on Tuesday, while the Lakers opener is on Wednesday. It was the first time in nine years that the Lakers were not featured on the NBA’s official opening […]
The post 3 Los Angeles Lakers bold predictions as Luka Doncic replaces LeBron James as face of franchise appeared first on ClutchPoints .
The Warriors and Lakers headline the second night of action in the 2026-27 NBA regular season.
The Lakers host the Warriors on Oct. 21, 2026 at 10 PM ET, marking the kickoff of the Luka Dončić era in Hollywood. The game airs on ESPN (and ESPN Deportes) and streams live on Fubo (free trial available). After a 53‑win season, Los Angeles bolsters its roster with Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Kevon Looney, Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle. Golden State adds rookie Yaxel Lendeborg and veteran Georges Niang while re‑signing Draymond Green, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II and Kristaps Porziņģis. Expect a clash of Dončić’s playmaking against Curry’s veteran leadership, with the Lakers’ perimeter defense a potential weakness.
The Warriors open the 2026-27 season at the Lakers missing several key pieces. Brandin Podziemski (low‑back soreness) and Charles Bassey (patellar tendinopathy) are out, as are Kristaps Porziņģis (off‑team/possible trade), Jimmy Butler III (ACL surgery) and Moses Moody (knee surgery). Steph Curry is listed as probable despite ankle soreness. For L.A., Collin Sexton, Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero sit out, while Walker Kessler is cleared, giving the Lakers a clear paint advantage. Game tips off 7 p.m. PT on ESPN.
The Los Angeles Lakers made a statement Wednesday night to open the 2026-27 NBA regular season, throttling the Golden State Warriors 127-105.
The Golden State Warriors open their 2026‑27 NBA season on October 21 at the Lakers without Jimmy Butler, who tore his right‑knee ACL in January 2026 and won’t return until February 2027. The team also misses Moses Moody, sidelined after a torn patellar tendon in March 2026, with a projected comeback in December 2026‑January 2027. Coach Steve Kerr’s squad faces a tough three‑game stretch—Lakers, Memphis, then Phoenix—while navigating significant perimeter depth losses early in the campaign.
LeBron James leaves the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent after his contract expires and signs with the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2026‑27 season. In his debut, James posts 14 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in a 106‑100 win over the Knicks, adopting a facilitator role alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and newcomer Jaylen Brown. Meanwhile, the Lakers begin their rebuild around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, opening the season at home against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21, then hosting the Clippers and heading to Utah. The move shifts a superstar from the West to the East, reshaping both franchises' trajectories.
One lucky fan will have the chance to own a piece of LeBron James history.
The Warriors kick off the 2026‑27 season with a nationally‑televised opener against the Lakers on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7 PM PT on ESPN at Crypto.com Arena. Steph Curry is listed as probable after a minor ankle tweak, but rookie guard Brandin Podziemski misses the game with a back injury, opening the door for 2025 first‑round pick Yaxel Lendeborg, whoaveraged 15.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4 assists in the preseason. The article notes the Warriors’ 128‑118 preseason win over Portland and provides projected lineups for both teams, highlighting Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for L.A.
LeBron James is spending the 2026-27 season on the East Coast, but he has an elite setup back home in Los Angeles waiting for him when the offseason comes.
Austin Reaves says Luka Doncic will have no trouble earning the favor of Lakers fans.
The Los Angeles Lakers ruled out guard Collin Sexton for their season opener against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. The post Lakers Make Ruling on Collin Sexton Amid Leg Injury appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry, a Spectrum SportsNet analyst, spoke to Fadeaway World about his outlook on the Lakers' season, Luka Dončić and more.
The Golden State Warriors will be without Brandin Podziemski in their season opener. That may provide a boost in one key area.
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently gearing up for the start of the 2026-27 season, slated for Wednesday evening at home vs the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers will be led this year by Luka Doncic, who recently took out a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times to address Lakers fans and reiterate the […]
The post Brian Windhorst asks honest Luka Doncic question after Lakers star’s full page ad appeared first on ClutchPoints .
Aday Mara is already breaking out with the Oklahoma City Thunder. That could make Jaylin Williams a trade candidate. The Los Angeles Lakers should lock in.
The Timberwolves are among the teams expected to pursue Dalton Knecht for a two-way contract if he clears waivers, according to reports. Minnesota recently opened a two-way spot by releasing Enrique Freeman, giving it room to add another player. The Lakers waived Knecht on Monday after exploring trades, ending his stint with the organization after […]
The post Timberwolves among teams linked to Dalton Knecht appeared first on Hoops Wire .
LeBron James was never quite revered in Los Angeles in the same way as other Lakers legends like Kobe Bryant. But Austin Reaves offered his thoughts on the matter, specifically the comparison between James and Bryant.
Lakers star Luka Doncic took out a full-page ad in the LA Times ahead of opening night.
Luka Doncic, surprised by a trade to Los Angeles, says he’d like to finish his career with the Lakers and is already eyeing both a championship and an MVP. The team’s new center, Walker Kessler, lands a four‑year, $130 million contract after a shoulder injury‑limited rookie season, and his health and performance are deemed crucial to LA’s success. Bronny James battles a quad contusion that limited his preseason minutes, while recent arrivals—Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton (out with a calf strain) and others—have minimal playoff experience, raising questions about the Lakers’ championship odds. Coach J.J. Redick hints at a rotating starting lineup with Reaves and Kessler joining Doncic, while Jake LaRavia expects a bench role for the opener.