Which games should Lakers fans be looking forward to this season?
The 2026-27 Los Angeles Lakers will look a lot different than how the team ended last season, as multiple rotation players, including LeBron James, are no longer with the team.
Along with James, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, and Jaxson Hayes have all departed.
Despite losing nearly half their lineup, the Lakers front office worked hard to find suitable depth and replacements around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Kevon Looney, Jaden Hardy, Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle and rookie Cameron Carr are the new faces in purple and gold, bringing about a new excitement to Los Angeles.
With the schedule out, what are the big games for the season?
LeBron James Returns - Christmas Day
This is one of the most anticipated games across the entire NBA this season, and it comes on Christmas Day.
LeBron left the Lakers after eight seasons this offseason, wanting to play "meaningful and competitive basketball." That comment likely won't sit well with Lakers fans and Luka Doncic as they welcome him back to Los Angeles.
Opening night - October 21
The Lakers won't be part of the league opening night festivities for the first time in eight years, but they will play one day later against the Golden State Warriors.
The game will be nationally televised, and it will be the first look at the new-look Lakers as they begin their pursuit of a championship.
Oklahoma City Thunder - January 1
The Lakers' season ended in multiple ways against the Thunder last year. On April 1, after they went 15-2 in March, the Lakers were blown out by the Thunder. They not only lost the game, but they also lost Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the rest of the regular season.
Luka did not return for the playoffs, but Reaves was present as the Lakers were swept in the second round by the Thunder.
At Dallas Mavericks - February 28
Luka has been back to Dallas since the shocking trade in 2025, but this one might feel a little different as it's the only trip to Dallas for the Lakers this year, and it happens to take place on Luka's 28th birthday.
Two years ago, Luka probably envisioned spending many birthdays in Dallas. This one will come under different circumstances.
San Antonio Spurs - November 27
The Spurs won the West last season, and they are returning much of the same team that went to the NBA Finals. This will be the first test for the Lakers against the best team in the West last season, and a test for Walker Kessler against Victor Wembanyama.
