Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson has reacted to the NBA's opening night schedule, praising commissioner Adam Silver for a thrilling lineup of matches. The Lakers are coming off a tough loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, with their recent form being 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL), last result: Los Angeles Lakers 110-115 Oklahoma City Thunder (2026-05-12).
What happened?
Magic Johnson took to X to express his appreciation for the NBA's decision to open the 2026-27 season with a fixture between the New York Knicks and the new-look Philadelphia 76ers led by LeBron James. He wrote, "Wow! Basketball fans all over the world should give NBA Commissioner Adam Silver a standing ovation for scheduling the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers game on NBA Opening Night," adding, "It was already going to be a special night because the Knicks are receiving their championship rings - but now LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey all will be playing. Must see TV!"
Why it matters for Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are set to face the Golden State Warriors on October 21, as part of a doubleheader on ESPN. This will be a crucial test for the team, who are looking to bounce back from their recent struggles. With their recent form being 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL), the Lakers will need to step up their game if they want to compete with the best teams in the league.
What comes next?
The first week of the 2026-27 season will see superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Edwards, Stephen Curry, and Luka Doncic in action. The Lakers will face a tough schedule, with matches against the Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Nuggets. With their recent form being 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL), the Lakers will need to be at their best if they want to come out on top.
The NBA opening night will also feature a rare matinee clash (3 p.m. ET) between the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons as part of a tripleheader on NBC. The Lakers are coming off a tough loss to the Thunder, with their recent form being 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL), last result: Los Angeles Lakers 110-115 Oklahoma City Thunder (2026-05-12).
NBA Opening Week Fixtures
The first week of the 2026-27 season will see superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Edwards, Stephen Curry, and Luka Doncic in action. The Lakers will face a tough schedule, with matches against the Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Nuggets. With their recent form being 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL), the Lakers will need to be at their best if they want to come out on top.
The NBA opening night will also feature a rare matinee clash (3 p.m. ET) between the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons as part of a tripleheader on NBC. The Lakers are coming off a tough loss to the Thunder, with their recent form being 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL), last result: Los Angeles Lakers 110-115 Oklahoma City Thunder (2026-05-12).
The Knicks are trying to become the first team since the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors to win back-to-back NBA championships. The odds are currently not in their favor, with the Thunder and Spurs opening the season as joint-title favorites.