The Los Angeles Lakers officially kicked off their 2025-26 season with a media day, turning the page on a summer of change and looking ahead to a new era. The event featured Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, and head coach JJ Redick fielding questions about life after LeBron James and the team's championship aspirations.
Three spots in the Lakers' starting five appear locked in. Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and newly acquired center Walker Kessler are the obvious foundational pieces. But head coach JJ Redick has a puzzle to solve with the two forward positions. In comments earlier in the week, Redick joked about the lineup's composition, hinting that the final two starters would not simply mirror the first three. This opens the door for players like Quentin Grimes to step into a larger role. It also suggests the potential for smaller, quicker lineups featuring Collin Sexton alongside the core trio.
The biggest question hanging over the franchise is whether this roster can compete for an NBA championship. The departure of a legend like LeBron James creates a massive void in leadership and production. However, the presence of a superstar like Luka Dončić provides a new cornerstone. The team's performance against the Rockets in their recent playoff series-a back-and-forth affair they ultimately won-shows they can win tough games.
A preseason team-building trip to Slovenia, the home country of Luka Dončić, was a focal point of the offseason. Team chemistry is a major point of emphasis for a group integrating new faces and defining new roles. Spending time together in a relaxed setting away from the court can build the trust necessary for a successful campaign. For younger players and new acquisitions, bonding with the team's franchise player on his home turf could accelerate the gelling process. This intangible factor might prove as important as any strategic adjustment.
Walker Kessler arrives in Los Angeles with significant expectations after the Lakers surrendered a substantial trade package to acquire him. His ability to protect the rim and rebound will be vital. In a conference loaded with talented big men, Kessler's defense and finishing around the basket could be the difference in close games. His development alongside Dončić in the pick-and-roll game will be a key storyline to watch. The Lakers' front office clearly believes he is the missing piece to elevate the defense. Fans can track his progress and the team's overall performance on our stats page throughout the season.
The work now shifts from talking to preparation. Training camp is next, followed by a preseason schedule that will offer the first glimpses of Redick's rotations. The journey toward answering the title contender question begins in earnest.
