The Los Angeles Lakers officially kicked off their 2026-27 campaign with the release of their 21-player training camp roster, a moment that signals a definitive shift in the franchise's identity. At the UCLA Health Training Center, head coach JJ Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka addressed the media, introducing a squad built around Luka Doncic, the Slovenian superstar who now carries the weight of the purple and gold.
This is no longer LeBron James's team. After his move to Philadelphia, the Lakers are entering uncharted territory, and the roster reflects that transition. Doncic, alongside Austin Reaves, forms the backcourt duo that will define this era. The front office also added key pieces over the summer, and the training camp roster includes a mix of veterans and young hopefuls competing for the final spots.
A roster in flux
The preliminary roster features 21 players, but only 15 will secure guaranteed contracts by opening night. The team made last-minute adjustments, adding forward Cole Swider and big man William Kyle III while waiving Meechie Johnson and Chase Ross. These moves set up a competitive training camp, where role players will battle for minutes alongside the core group.
For Latino fans across the Americas, the Lakers have always held a special place, from the days of Pau Gasol to the current connection with Luka, whose game resonates with the region's passion for basketball. The team's new direction is a fresh chapter, one that many are watching closely from México to Argentina.
Preseason schedule and preparation
The Lakers open preseason play on October 5 against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Their five-game slate includes two matchups with the Kings, two against the Golden State Warriors, and a final tune-up on October 16 against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena. This condensed schedule gives Redick a chance to experiment with rotations and build chemistry before the regular season grind.
Fans in Los Angeles and beyond will be eager to see how Doncic meshes with his new teammates. The team's style is expected to evolve, with more ball movement and a faster pace, a departure from the LeBron-centric offense of previous years.
Opening night and the Doncic era
The regular season begins October 21, when the Lakers host Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena. Notably, for the first time since 2018, the Lakers will not appear on the NBA's opening night broadcast on October 20, a slot that features LeBron James making his debut with the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks. The spotlight shifts to Los Angeles the following evening, as the Doncic era officially tips off.
As the city embraces this new chapter, the Lakers are also part of a broader conversation about Los Angeles's future, from affordable housing investments to privacy concerns with new surveillance tech. But for basketball fans, the focus is on the court, where Doncic aims to lead the Lakers back to championship contention.
With a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers, the Lakers are poised to surprise. The preseason will be a testing ground, but the real story begins when the games count. For now, the city waits, and the Doncic era begins.
