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Lakers vs. Jazz Preview: First road game of the season
The Lakers (2‑0) travel to Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 25, for their first road test against the Jazz (1‑1) at the Delta Center, 2 p.m. PT on Spectrum Sportsnet. The matchup highlights Walker Kessler’s return to Utah after a debut 22‑point, 8‑rebond, 6‑block performance that helped L.A. win its first two games. Both clubs share recent trade history, with the Jazz having facilitated deals that brought Luka Dončić and other key pieces to Los Angeles. Utah’s young core—Darryn Peterson, Ace Bailey, and Jaren Jackson Jr.—offers frontcourt firepower, though its defense has shown lapses. The preview previews how L.A.’s talent, especially Dončić, Reaves and Kessler, can exploit those weaknesses and chase a first road win.
Bucks wanted two second round picks from Lakers in Jericho Sims trade
Negotiations between the Lakers and Bucks over center Jericho Sims fell apart because Milwaukee demanded two future second‑round picks, while Los Angeles offered only one. The trade, first reported on Oct. 15, would have swapped Sims and a pick for Dalton Knecht, but the Lakers balked, deeming the cost comparable to giving up Deandre Ayton. With Kevon Looney struggling early in the season, the Lakers still need a backup center, but the draft‑pick gap kept the deal from materializing.
The Lakers and Rui Hachimura were excited for their reunion
Rui Hachimura returns to Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 23, 2026 as a Clipper after three‑and‑a‑half years with the Lakers. The former Laker lights up the court with 16 points, hitting open threes and mid‑range jumpers, while teammates Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić share playful banter about their past locker‑room chemistry. Hachimura praises his former team, noting the good vibes and friendships that remain, and looks forward to more cross‑city matchups now that he stays in the same division. The game highlights a friendly reunion and hints at future on‑court sparks between the rivals.
Walker Kessler has quickly become the Lakers’ defensive anchor
Walker Kessler is already the Los Angeles Lakers' defensive cornerstone after just two games. He helped the Lakers beat the Clippers 125-117, logging three steals and six blocks, joining legends like Kareem, Shaq and Wilt as one of only eight Lakers to record at least six blocks and three steals in a game. Kessler also went 12-for-12 in his debut versus Golden State, the best shooting line in franchise history since Wilt Chamberlain. He finished with 22 points on 84.6% shooting this season, while his rim protection sparked a third‑quarter surge that sealed the win. Coaches and teammates, including JJ Redick, praise his impact and potential alongside stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Player Grades: Lakers vs. Warriors
The Lakers’ defense bursts onto the scene, forcing 26 turnovers vs. the Clippers and 16 against the Warriors, turning those miscues into 33 easy points while shooting 61% through three quarters. Star performances drive the win: Austin Reaves drops 28 points with nine assists (A‑), Walker Kessler adds 22 points, eight rebounds and six blocks (A), Ziaire Williams tallies 14 points and a defensive surge (A‑), and Matisse Thybulle posts a solid B+. Luka Dončić struggles with 23 points and 11 turnovers (C+), while Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili earn B+ and a modest showing respectively. If the Lakers can keep this chaotic, turnover‑rich style, they could be a fun, high‑scoring team this season.
Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler lead Lakers to win over Clippers
The Los Angeles Lakers fend off a late Clippers rally to win 125-117 on Oct. 23, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena. Austin Reaves shines with 26 points, while Walker Kessler adds 14 and a crucial steal‑and‑ dunk. Brook Lopez pours in 22, and the entire Lakers starting five scores in double figures. After a double‑digit lead in the third, the Clippers trim the margin, but timely buckets from Reaves, Kessler and Collin Sexton secure the victory, giving L.A. its second win of the season.
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.
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