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Mark Walter looking to sell Sparks, hoping for $700 million
Mark Walter is reportedly seeking to sell the Los Angeles Sparks and its new $150 million practice facility for over $700 million, a price far above Sportico’s $400 million valuation and the current WNBA record sale of the Connecticut Sun for $300 million. The move follows Walter’s recent divestitures, including the Lakers for $12.5 billion and Chelsea FC for over $1 billion, amid a federal loan‑fraud probe. Buyers may be eager, as the Sparks—ranked seventh‑most valuable in the league—could fetch a record price if they return to playoff contention.
Collin Sexton to make Lakers debut vs. Clippers, Jake LaRavia out
Collin Sexton finally gets cleared to debut for the Los Angeles Lakers in Friday's matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers after missing the preseason and the season opener with a calf strain. Meanwhile, rookie forward Jake LaRavia is listed as questionable with a right‑ankle sprain after spraining it in garbage time against Golden State, though the injury may be short‑term. With Sexton available, the Lakers retain the same six‑man rotation despite LaRavia's status, while the Clippers enter the game with a longer injury list that includes Bradley Beal and Brandon Ingram.
The Credits: “The Arrival”
The 2026‑27 NBA season kicks off with drama across the league. The Boston Celtics stumble, surrendering a big lead in a 0‑1 opening loss to Detroit, while the Philadelphia 76ers pull off a historic comeback win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, highlighted by Tyrese Maxey’s clutch play. Tyrese Haliburton returns for Indiana, dropping 23 points and 12 assists, and the Lakers dominate the Warriors, making Yaxel Lendeborg’s rookie debut memorable. Other early storylines include Kyrie Irving’s critique of the NBA’s evolution, Kristaps Porzingis trade rumors, and major contract extensions for Oso Ighodaro, Cason Wallace, Brandon Miller and Jaden McDaniels.
Lakers vs. Clippers Preview: The season’s first battle of L.A.
The Lakers (1-0) open the season with a win over the Warriors and now face the Clippers (1-0) in the first Battle of L.A. on Oct. 23, 7 p.m. PT at Crypto.com Arena, televised on Spectrum Sportsnet. L.A. star Luka Dončić led a paint‑dominant Lakers effort, while the Clippers, missing Kawhi Leonard and coping with injuries to Brandon Ingram, Max Strus and Bradley Beal, rely on Darius Garland’s 30‑point performance against Sacramento. Key matchup storylines include Walker Kessler vs. Isaiah Jackson/Brook Lopez and former Laker Rui Hachimura on the Clippers side. Injury reports leave several players out for both squads, making depth and coaching adjustments pivotal.
Ziaire Williams was happy to be on the other side of Luka Doncic’s trash talk vs. Warriors
In a 127-105 Lakers victory over the Warriors on Oct. 21, 2026, rookie forward Ziaire Williams enjoyed seeing Luka Dončić trade trash talk with Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg instead of being on the receiving end. Williams, who posted nine points, four assists, three rebounds and a steal in 24 minutes, said it’s "cool" to be on Luka’s side and praised the youngster’s grit. The game sparked a brief verbal duel, adding another chapter to Dončić’s long history of on‑court banter. The Lakers will meet the Clippers Friday, hoping to keep the momentum.
Luka Doncic felt the Lakers had a ‘great defensive effort’ against the Warriors
Luka Dončić praised the Lakers’ defensive turnaround after a 33‑point first quarter against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21, 2026. Adjustments at halftime helped the team limit the Warriors to just 35 points over the next 24 minutes, culminating in a 127‑105 victory with a 102‑68 lead entering the fourth. The Lakers posted a 96.5 defensive rating – their sixth‑best of the 2025‑26 season – and rookie Walker Kessler scored 26 points on perfect shooting. Dončić highlighted staying solid and fixing back‑door cuts as key to the “great defensive effort.”
Walker Kessler had a historic debut against the Warriors
In his Lakers debut on Oct. 21, 2026, Walker Kessler dazzled with a perfect 12‑for‑12 shooting night, scoring 26 points, grabbing nine rebounds, blocking twice and delivering ten dunks— the most by a Laker since Shaquille O’Neal in 2003. His performance helped Los Angeles rout the Golden State Warriors 127‑105 and ranks as the second‑best shooting game in franchise history behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 14‑for‑14. Luka Dončić supplied five of Kessler’s makes, and both players sparked a 56‑point burst in 18 minutes.
How much of a weapon is the Lakers’ new depth?
The Lakers opened the season with a dominant win over the Warriors, showcasing a deeper roster that could allow stars like LeBron and Davis to log fewer minutes. Coach JJ reportedly believes the new depth—potentially 10‑11 players when healthy—will let the team rest key contributors, despite recent injuries to Collin Sexton and Adou Thiero. Front‑office upgrades in scouting and player development aim to fix past drafting misses, while the controversial trade of Deandre Ayton raises questions about the backup center situation. The article examines whether the revamped bench and staff can translate into sustained success.
JJ Redick says Collin Sexton did not suffer setback, collaborative decision not to play vs. Warriors
Laker guard Collin Sexton remains out for the October 21 game against the Golden State Warriors, despite a seemingly healthy practice stint. Head coach JJ Redick clarifies there was "no setback" and describes the decision as a collaborative choice with the performance staff, emphasizing the need for full confidence after a calf strain. The Lakers, known for cautious injury handling, opted to keep Sexton sidelined to avoid potential complications. Fans await his debut, but patience is required as he continues rehab.
Luka Dončić gave Yaxel Lendeborg his ‘Welcome To The League’ moment
Luka Dončić dominates the Lakers' 127-105 season‑opening win over the Golden State Warriors, delivering a dramatic half‑court buzzer‑beater that leaves rookie Yaxel Lendeborg humbled. Dončić pours in 28 points, adds a +31 plus/minus in 29 minutes, and sparks a technical foul after Lendeborg’s trash‑talk. The Warriors’ newcomer finishes with a minus‑21 rating and four fouls, while teammates like Walker Kessler, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes and Jake LaRavia contribute double‑digit scoring. Coach Steve Kerr calls the incident a “lesson learned,” and the Lakers’ cohesive defense signals strong championship intent early in the season.
Lakers rout Warriors in perfect season-opening performance
The Los Angeles Lakers dominate the Warriors 127-105 in their season opener on Oct. 21, 2026, shooting 58.2% and forcing 16 turnovers. Luka Dončić leads with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Walker Kessler scores a perfect 26 points on 10 dunks—most by a Laker since Shaq in 2003 and the first 100% field‑goal shooter on 12+ attempts since Wilt Chamberlain. Austin Reaves adds 23 points, and the bench contributes 18 points. Los Angeles builds a 35‑point lead and outpaces Golden State 102-68 by the third quarter, setting up a next matchup against the Clippers on Friday.
Lakers to briefly shut down Adou Thiero to deal with swelling in knee
Lakers forward Adou Thiero, who impressed in preseason as a potential 3-and-D contributor, will miss a few days after developing left‑knee effusion—the same knee that delayed his rookie start. Coach JJ Redick confirms Thiero is day‑to‑day and will be shut down briefly before ramping back up. The injury forced Thiero out of the final two preseason games, and the team will closely monitor his recurring knee issues as he aims for a strong sophomore season.
Collin Sexton, Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr out vs. Warriors
The Lakers enter their season opener against the Golden State Warriors missing three key young players. Collin Sexton is ruled out with a right soleus (calf) strain, while rookie forwards Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr remain sidelined after preseason injuries—a lingering knee issue for Thiero and a contusion for Carr. Coach JJ Redick notes the absences may be “maintenance” rather than serious setbacks, but the lack of clarity leaves fans uncertain about their availability for Tuesday night’s game. The injury report, released on October 21, 2026, signals a challenging start for Los Angeles as they await updates on Thiero and Carr.
Luka Dončić says it would ‘mean a lot’ to win an MVP, wants team success first
Luka Dončić says an MVP award would “mean a lot,” but his top priority is winning a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 27‑year‑old reflects on his near‑miss in 2023‑24, when he finished third behind Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, and stresses that individual honors depend on team success. Dončić acknowledges his need to sustain elite performance and improve defensive consistency to boost his MVP odds as the Lakers aim for a top‑Western‑Conference finish. He emphasizes the excitement from a strong training camp and the drive to “go to war” with his teammates.
Bronny James has been dealing with a quad contusion throughout training camp
Bronny James’ third preseason with the Los Angeles Lakers was hampered by a quad contusion suffered before training camp. In five games he logged 16.4 minutes per night, averaging 2.2 points, 2.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds while shooting just 25% overall and 12.5% from three, and committing 12 turnovers. Coach JJ Redick acknowledged the injury limited James and noted he often played against camp invitees rather than regular rotation players. With established guards like Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić, Collin Sexton and others ahead of him, James must prove his defensive hustle and shooting can translate beyond the bench when healthy.
Luka Dončić took out a full-page ad in the LA Times for a letter to Lakers fans
Ahead of the Lakers' 2026‑27 season opener against the Golden State Warriors, Luka Dončić places a full‑page ad in the LA Times to address fans. In the heartfelt letter he vows to lead the team toward a championship, thanks Los Angeles for its warm welcome since his trade 20 months ago, and urges fan support. The piece also recaps Dončić’s community work—$500K for 2025 wildfires and a $5,000 donation to restore a Kobe‑Gianna mural—highlighting his role as the franchise’s public face. With six All‑NBA selections and four top‑five MVP finishes, the ad underscores the high expectations surrounding his Lakers tenure.
Collin Sexton may be more important to the Lakers than expected
The Lakers’ preseason exposed a glaring need for Collin Sexton, whose arrival was meant to relieve Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves with his scoring and ball‑handling. At 6‑3, Sexton averages 12.9 drives per 23 minutes – third on the team last season – and logged 271 attempts inside five feet, outpacing stars like James Harden. He also shoots efficiently, converting 44.6% of 175 catch‑and‑shoot threes. While his aggression can cause turnovers and his defense is uneven, his veteran usage and assist percentages make him a crucial piece for a roster lacking comparable options. Sexton is listed questionable for the season opener versus Golden State, and the Lakers can’t afford to miss his contributions.
How the Lakers’ schedule could help them early in the season
The Lakers head into the 2026‑27 season with limited preseason reps—only one half together for the new Luka Dončić‑Austin Reaves‑Walker Kessler trio—due to injuries and a shortened prep schedule. However, their first ten games feature relatively weaker opponents (Warriors, Clippers, Trail Blazers twice, plus Jazz, Raptors, Heat and Kings), giving them a chance to rack up early wins despite missing role players like Ziaire Williams and Cameron Carr. Coach JJ Redick stresses balancing chemistry building with a winning mindset as the team tackles the 18th‑easiest early schedule.
Join us for the 2026-27 Lakers season on the SB Nation app
SB Nation rolls out its new app for the 2026‑27 Lakers season, now live in North America with Europe on the way. The platform consolidates community posts, front‑page articles, and a real‑time game chat that speeds up comments and notifications during live action. Early adopters have already set single‑day commenting records, and the app promises ad‑free browsing, seamless community switching, and faster posting. Available for iOS and Android, it aims to make every Lakers game—crossover, alley‑oop, and block—more engaging for fans.
Lakers vs. Warriors Preview: The season is finally here
The Lakers open the 2026‑27 season at home against the Warriors on Oct. 21, 7 p.m. PT on ESPN. Los Angeles, which has only two opening‑night wins in the past decade, hopes Luka Dončić can finally break the trend that persisted during LeBron’s era. The Warriors will field Stephen Curry (despite an ankle issue) and Draymond Green, but miss Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski and Kristaps Porziņģis. The Lakers also deal with injuries to Cameron Carr, Adou Thiero and a questionable Colin Sexton. Key matchups include Dončić vs. Curry and the battle for rebounds between Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler.
Lakers Mailbag: Regular season arrives
The Lakers officially kick off the regular season, and the blog invites fans to submit their burning questions about the team and the NBA. After navigating a lengthy offseason, the post encourages a weekly Q&A format, promising friendly interaction and insider insights as the Lakers gear up for the 2026-27 campaign.
Stephen Curry expected to play Wednesday against the Lakers after injury scare
Stephen Curry hobbled off during a Warriors open practice on Oct. 18, sparking doubts about his status for the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. Coach Steve Kerr confirmed the injury was a minor ankle tweak, not a knee issue, and said Curry practiced Monday and is expected to suit up on Wednesday night. The article notes Curry’s 26.6 points per game average last season and highlights the matchup against a revamped Lakers defense featuring Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams, while also previewing the Warriors' internal battles with Draymond Green and Yaxel Lendeborg. Curry’s availability could shape the chess match between Steve Kerr and JJ Redick on opening night.
Walker Kessler’s defense may defy physics
Los Angeles Lakers rookie center Walker Kessler is being hailed as a defensive force that reshapes the team's scheme. Acquired for two first‑round picks, two pick swaps and $130 million over four years, Kessler’s rim‑protecting presence allows coach JJ Redick to shift from a switch‑heavy system to a drop‑principle defense anchored around the big man. Teammates like Matisse Thybulle and Quentin Grimes praise his court communication and the way his ‘gravity’ keeps perimeter defenders in position, while his limited preseason minutes (47 total, 15 rebounds, 3 blocks) already show impact. The article explores this physics‑inspired metaphor and the Lakers’ defensive outlook for the 2026‑27 season.
Austin Reaves shared his message to teammates on the pressure of playing for the Lakers
Austin Reaves reflects on the pressure of playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, recalling his 2021 decision to join as an undrafted free agent—a move that has paid off with a four‑year, $184 million contract and an All‑Star buzz. After a recent win over the Denver Nuggets, Reaves cautions newcomers that the Lakers' global spotlight amplifies both praise and criticism, urging focus on the team’s internal dynamics. He expresses confidence in his health and chemistry with Luka Dončić as the Lakers open the 2026‑27 season against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.
JJ Redick says more practice this preseason has allowed them to focus on special situations
Lakers head coach JJ Redick says the extended preseason has let the revamped roster focus on special‑situations drills and deeper installs. After losing LeBron James, Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura and adding several free agents, only three players—Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Jake LaRavia—remain from 2025‑26. Redick highlighted extra shoot‑around work and multiple passes on situational play ahead of the Denver Nuggets game, hoping to solidify a new seven‑ or eight‑man rotation before the season opener against Golden State. He expects a potent offense early on but cautions that defensive cohesion may lag as the team gels.
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