Los Angeles Lakers Begin Major 2026–27 Rebuild
The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a dramatically reshaped 2026–27 NBA season after a radical offseason overhaul. The franchise will take the court without LeBron James for the first time in nearly a decade, ending an eight-year period in which James helped deliver an NBA championship to Los Angeles.
Under fresh ownership and with a heavily reconstructed roster, head coach JJ Redick faces the challenge of building a successful team from a group that looks substantially different from last season’s squad. Despite the scale of the changes, the Lakers’ championship ambitions remain centered on Luka Dončić, who returns as the franchise’s undisputed cornerstone after winning the scoring title last season.
Dončić will again be paired with trusted backcourt partner Austin Reaves. Redick will depend on the duo to establish chemistry with the Lakers’ new arrivals as Los Angeles prepares for a demanding Western Conference campaign. The Spurs, Nuggets, Thunder, Rockets, and Timberwolves are among the major obstacles standing between the Lakers and their championship goals.
JJ Redick Provides Positive Lakers Injury Update
The Lakers officially opened training camp ahead of the NBA preseason, which begins on October 5 against the Sacramento Kings. Speaking to reporters after the first workout, Redick delivered an encouraging update on the team’s overall physical condition.
Los Angeles began camp without major health restrictions, with Redick confirming that “Everybody participated” in the session. A small number of players are being managed and have not yet been cleared for full-contact drills, but they are expected to be integrated fully later in the week. The update leaves the coaching staff without major health concerns as preparations intensify.
Health and Chemistry Are Central to Lakers’ Plans
Player availability is particularly important for the Lakers after injuries significantly disrupted several key contributors last season. Dončić and Reaves were among those affected, while Walker Kessler—now viewed as a new anchor in the frontcourt—is also a central part of the team’s plans.
Keeping Dončić, Reaves, and Kessler healthy and synchronized is Redick’s leading priority before the regular-season opener on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors. With the roster containing so many new faces, the Lakers must develop cohesion quickly while identifying the combinations best suited to support their leading stars.
Dončić took an active role in that process during the offseason by organizing a team trip to his native Slovenia. The visit brought the group together for an intensive training block as the Lakers worked to establish stronger connections before training camp.
JJ Redick Faces Starting-Lineup and Rotation Decisions
Redick must now solve the complicated lineup puzzle surrounding Dončić, Reaves, and Kessler. The Lakers’ coaching staff will also need to construct a dependable rotation that can withstand the demands of the Western Conference and meet the organization’s championship expectations.
The early health update gives Los Angeles a positive starting point, but the team’s next challenge is turning availability into consistent on-court chemistry. The preseason matchup with the Sacramento Kings will provide the first competitive test of the revamped roster before the Lakers face the Golden State Warriors in the regular-season opener.
Why This Matters
The 2026–27 season represents a major transition for the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James’ departure, a new ownership structure, and a reconstructed roster have created a fundamentally different environment around the franchise. Luka Dončić’s continued presence gives Los Angeles a clear central star, while Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler are expected to play important supporting roles.
For Redick, the immediate focus is on maintaining player health, developing chemistry, and determining the most effective starting five and rotation. The Lakers’ ability to integrate their new players before October 21 will be crucial as they enter a Western Conference featuring several established contenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Lakers begin the 2026–27 NBA preseason?
The Lakers open their preseason on October 5 against the Sacramento Kings.
When is the Lakers’ regular-season opener?
Los Angeles begins the regular season on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors.
Who are the key players at the center of the Lakers’ plans?
Luka Dončić is the franchise’s central star, while Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler are also important parts of the team’s plans under JJ Redick.
