2026-27 Season Preview: Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers will seek a Western Conference Finals berth for the first time since 2023.

Offseason Recap

•

Last Season

: 53-29 (4th in West, lost in conference semifinals)

• Key Additions

: Cameron Carr, Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, Walker Kessler, Kevon Looney, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams

Every Lakers move this offseason

Season Outlook

For the first time since 2017-18, the Lakers enter a season without LeBron James. But Los Angeles isn’t searching for its next centerpiece. It has one in Luka Dončić.

In his first full season in purple and gold, Dončić led the Lakers to 53 wins, captured his second scoring title and earned Kia First Team All-NBA honors. Now, he’s L.A.’s unquestioned leader, but his supporting cast will look a lot different.

After re-signing Austin Reaves, the Lakers added Walker Kessler and Sandro Mamukelashvili this offseason. The two bigs will look to bolster the frontcourt following the departures of Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes. Los Angeles also brought in Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes and Jaden Hardy, adding perimeter scoring options after parting with Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart.

Smart’s defensive edge will be missed, but the additions give Dončić a variety of weapons to work with offensively. After finishing 22nd in pace and 23rd in made 3-pointers last season, this squad is significantly younger than last year’s, with athletes and shooters sprinkled around their superstar.

Still, replacing James will be no small task. After reaching the Western Conference Semifinals a year ago, can Dončić take a retooled Lakers roster even further this season?

Breakout Candidate: Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves has already come a long way since going undrafted in 2021.

Last season brought his biggest leap yet: 23.3 points per game, a dozen 30-plus-point outings and three 40-plus-point outings – all career highs.

Now, what does Reaves have in store as the Lakers’ clear No. 2 option?

The 28-year-old has increased his scoring average in each of his five seasons, with last year’s mark the highest by an undrafted player since Moses Malone in 1985-86. That steady rise drew a major commitment from the Lakers, who signed Reaves to a reported max deal this offseason.

Reaves has also thrived alongside Dončić. The pair combined for 56.8 points per game last season – the NBA’s highest-scoring duo – with the Lakers going 30-11 (.732) when both played.

With James gone, there’s even more on Reaves’ shoulders – and an even greater opportunity to take another leap.

1 Number To Know

42%

— The Lakers have only eight players returning from last year’s roster, with those eight players accounting for just 42% of the team’s regular season minutes last season. That’s the league’s lowest return rate by a wide margin.

It’s another reset in L.A., with the Lakers having parted ways with seven of the 12 players who played at least 500 minutes for them last season. Their eight veteran newcomers are also coming from eight different teams, so there will need to be some serious chemistry building early on.

But Dončić and Reaves are still here, and the Lakers outscored opponents by 10.1 points per 100 possessions (with the numbers of an elite offense) in 532 minutes with the backcourt duo on the floor without James last year.

— John Schuhmann

5 Must-See Matchups

Oct. 21: Warriors vs. Lakers

— A first look at the retooled Lakers also features two of the game’s most electrifying scorers as Dončić and Stephen Curry go toe-to-toe on the second night of the 2026-27 season.

Nov. 27: Lakers vs. Spurs

— An early measuring stick for Los Angeles comes on the final night of Emirates NBA Cup Group Play as the Lakers visit Victor Wembanyama and the defending Western Conference champion Spurs.

Dec. 25: 76ers vs. Lakers

— LeBron James’ return to Los Angeles. After eight seasons in purple and gold, James leads the Sixers into Crypto.com Arena for his first showdown against his former team – on Christmas Day.

Jan. 26: Thunder vs. Lakers

— The Thunder ended the Lakers’ season with a 4-0 sweep in last year’s Western Conference Semifinals. Now, L.A. gets its first crack at OKC since that playoff exit, with last year’s top two scorers, Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, going head-to-head.

Feb. 28: Lakers vs. Mavericks

— It’s always appointment TV when Dončić returns to Dallas, and the Lakers’ late-season visit to his former home should be no different.

> Complete Regular Season Schedule

Preseason Storylines

The Lakers take the floor for the first time on Oct. 5 against the Kings.

With eight offseason additions, there is plenty to sort out before Opening Night. How do Walker Kessler and Sandro Mamukelashvili gel inside? Where do Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Jaden Hardy slot into the rotation? And which combinations emerge around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves?

The preseason will offer the first answers as head coach JJ Redick starts putting the pieces together.

> Complete Preseason Schedule