The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2026-27 NBA season starting on October 21 without LeBron James for the first time since 2017-18, pivoting to a retooled roster built around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves following a 53-win campaign.
Luka Dončić Leads a Retooled Roster After Offseason Turnover
For the first time since the 2017-18 campaign, the Los Angeles Lakers enter a season without LeBron James, who leads the Philadelphia 76ers. Instead, the franchise pivots entirely to Luka Dončić as its unquestioned leader. In his first full season in purple and gold, Dončić guided the team to a 53-29 record, captured his second scoring title, and earned Kia First Team All-NBA honors. Yahoo Sports reported that the 2026-27 schedule tips off on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors, followed by a matchup on October 23.
The supporting cast around Dončić underwent massive reconstruction. The Lakers parted ways with seven of the 12 players who logged at least 500 minutes last year. According to data analyzed by John Schuhmann, the Lakers return just eight players from last year’s roster, accounting for only 42% of the team’s regular-season minutes—the lowest return rate in the league by a wide margin. To replace outgoing veterans like Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, and Luke Kennard, the front office signed a wave of new talent.
Walker Kessler and Austin Reaves Anchor New Expectations
The frontcourt welcomes center Walker Kessler, alongside Sandro Mamukelashvili. Kessler arrives as an elite rim protector who sets screens and adds vertical spacing for Dončić. On the perimeter, the Lakers re-signed Austin Reaves to a reported max deal while adding Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and guard Jaden Hardy.
Reaves enters his sixth NBA season following a breakout 2025-26 campaign where he averaged 23.3 points per game—the highest scoring mark by an undrafted player since Moses Malone in 1985-86, as noted by John Schuhmann. Dončić and Reaves formed the league’s highest-scoring duo last season, combining for 56.8 points per game while posting a 30-11 record when both played alongside each other.
Optimism surrounds the offensive potential of the new lineup, particularly regarding Kessler’s screen-setting and defensive gravity. However, defensive questions remain on the perimeter. Analysts point out that without elite defensive stoppers like the departed Marcus Smart, the team’s defensive ceiling will depend heavily on Kessler protecting the paint and whether the supporting guards can hold up against top-tier offensive wings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Lakers’ 2026-27 regular season begin?
The Lakers open their season on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors, followed by a game on October 23.
Who are the key additions to the Lakers frontcourt?
The Lakers added center Walker Kessler and signed Sandro Mamukelashvili to replace outgoing frontcourt players like Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura.
What contract extension did Austin Reaves sign?
Austin Reaves signed a reported max deal with the Lakers after averaging a career-high 23.3 points per game last season.
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