Category: NBA

For all the drama that surrounded the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, you wouldn't have known it judging by all the smiles at the podium during media day on Monday, Sept. 28.

The Lakers are coming off a second consecutive 50-win season under head coach JJ Redick and went with a complete roster overhaul in the wake of LeBron James' exit. President of basketball operations Rob Pelinka swung big, landing Walker Kessler to be their center of the future in a trade that sent two first-round draft picks and two unprotected first-round pick swaps back to the Utah Jazz. That move was followed up by filling out the roster around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves with supporting players who can dribble, pass and shoot. And after an offseason trip to Ljubljana, Slovenia, the new-look Lakers feel bought in.

USA TODAY Sports predicts the Lakers record in 2026-27 at 48-34, in large part due to the uncertainty surrounding so many new faces and the growing pains that are sure to come up at some point. Reaves acknowledged that on Monday.

"We're a very new team to one another," Reaves told reporters. "And there's gonna be some growing periods where things aren't going the way that we want them to go. But that doesn't change the goal at the end of the day, and that's to be as competitive as we can every single night."

"I think we're all underrated, if that makes sense, in different aspects," Collin Sexton added. "We're competitors. I feel like we added people that are willing to compete and we added guys that don't back down to anyone. I know for myself, I'm somebody that's not gonna back down to any challenge. I'm not gonna back down to anyone.

"... We're here."

Ziaire Williams took it one step further.

"We have a bunch of great passers on this team, great shooters, great defensive versatility," he told reporters. "I think we have everything we need to win an NBA championship."

Here are the five biggest takeaways from Lakers media day on Monday Sept. 28:

Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves ready to take on leadership role

While Dončić pointed out that he's been in leadership positions for most of his life and career, that role is a new one for Reaves. But as the longest tenured Laker and the unquestioned No. 2 option, the former undrafted free agent from Newark, Arkansas, is embracing the added responsibility. More importantly, Reaves is leading in his own way.

"I'm not someone that's gonna sit out here and scream at people," he told reporters. "I like to talk to people one-on-one, have real conversation. That way, people never feel like I'm trying to embarrass them in front of people."

Instead, Reaves pulls a teammate off to the side whenever there's a down period in practice to offer his input. He's a conversationalist, not a drill sergeant.

" …There will be times I need to speak up in group settings, and I'll do that when the time comes," he continued. "But I think you just got to be true to yourself and do what's comfortable for you."

Reaves is following the challenge JJ Redick laid out for him and Dončić. This is now their team, and they need to find their own way to show leadership.

Dončić has been impressed with Reaves' growth both in the two years he's played alongside him. Stepping into the No. 1 role isn't new for Dončić, but he's now the guy on the Lakers now that LeBron James is gone. Hearing his name alongside franchise greats like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Kareem-Abdul Jabbar does add something, he admitted.

"You obviously have all-time great names," Dončić said. "But it's like a new challenge. I like challenges. I wouldn't it feels different, but I would say I feel honored."

Defense, versatility are priorities

When LeBron James decided to leave the Lakers in free agency this summer, Pelinka and Redick outlined three priorities for the offseason: 1. Re-sign Reaves. 2. Find a franchise-caliber center. 3. Get guys who can dribble, pass and shoot.

They checked all three of those boxes. Reaves was brought back on a five-year, $184 million deal. Walker Kessler has been described as the "perfect fit" next to Dončić and Reaves; he steps in as the Lakers' best rim protector since Anthony Davis. And they brought in an almost entirely new supporting cast. Quentin Grimes and Ziaire Williams can defend and space the floor, Matisse Thybulle is a lockdown defender who can't wait to play next to Kessler. The second unit looks solid too, with Collin Sexton expected to run the offense when Dončić and Reaves aren't on the floor. He'll pair up nicely with Sandro Mamukelashvili if the latter doesn't crack the starting five.

Grimes, the Lakers' second biggest signing, told reporters on Monday that he's already discussed his role with Redick.

"Being a point-of-attack defender, bringing that intensity, bringing that nastiness," he said. "OKC and San Antonio, they play really hard defensively. You can get away with a lot more, so we're really trying to set that tone."

Thybulle can't wait to play next to Kessler.

"Just to have someone who can command the paint and protect the rim, it allows me to be more aggressive. And I think a lot of the other guys would speak to that as well," Thybulle told reporters. "... I just feel like I can fully live up to my defensive potential because of having a rim protector like Walker."

Redick said last week that two starting spots are up for grabs. It's clear that they want guys who can space the floor and be aggressive on both sides of the ball.

Bronny James excited for next chapter without LeBron

For the first time in his short career, Bronny James won't be teammates with his dad. He spent much of his availability on Monday addressing that elephant in the room, but the 21-year-old guard said he's ready to chart his own path in the NBA.

"Feels like he's not here," James said matter of factly. "I don't really have an opinion on that. That's my dad, I spent 22 years, almost, with him. Just another experience that I'm gonna be a part of, and I'm excited to see how it's gonna feel during the season, too. Looking forward to it."

James has been locked in on becoming the most consistent version of himself this summer, getting in the weight room every day and working on his ballhandling, playmaking and becoming a point-of-attack defender. With an almost entirely new cast of teammates, he's had to speedrun getting to know them but can already feel that they'll be a more free-flowing, high-energy offense than they've been in his two previous years.

But more than anything, Bronny is just excited for the chance to make his own name.

"It's just something that I've followed my entire life," James said. "You guys know me as Bronny, my real name is LeBron. I've been doing this for however long, so I think it's a motivating factor for me just getting up every day and trying to prove myself as Bronny instead of LeBron."

Slovenia trip helped kickstart chemistry

Kessler got his first lob from Dončić during a pickup game in Slovenia.

"I don't even think he was looking at me," he told reporters Monday.

But surely enough, Luka threw the ball up and placed it perfectly over Kessler's head. He went up, caught it, dunked it and high-fived Dončić back on the other end of the floor.

"Yup," he thought to himself. "I can get used to this."

The Lakers' offseason trip to Ljubljana was born out of necessity; Dončić was spending time with his daughters and couldn't leave the country, so he brought the team to him instead. They played each other not just in pickup games, but also in rowing, golf and bowling, getting to know each other while also building up a healthy competitiveness heading into training camp.

According to Austin Reaves, his team beat Dončić's in every game.

"But he did host us, so we let him hold the first place trophy for once," Reaves said.

"I beat him in golf two days ago," Dončić later retorted. "He didn't say that, huh?"

The trip was also an opportunity for Dončić to share his home with his teammates. He meticulously planned out everything, showing the Lakers around all his go-to spots from childhood all the way up until now.

"It was an amazing trip," Luka said. "It was very important for me to show them where I'm from. I think everybody liked it. We had some great time and it was very nice that all of them came, which I know is not easy. But that just shows what kind of group we are."

The Lakers are healthy

The Lakers limped towards the end of last season, but a full offseason of rest seems to have done the trick.

One of the lowest points for the Lakers during the 2025-26 season was that month-long stretch in January where they were without Austin Reaves due to a grade 2 calf strain. Not only is Reaves feeling 100%, he's applying what he learned from LeBron James over the past five years on injury prevention and taking care of his body to help him stay on the court for as many games as possible.

"There's a lot more that goes into it than the casual fan sees," Reaves told reporters. "You have to do more every single day, especially the older that you get. He's a perfect example of that. We've had a really good summer and put myself in a really good spot going into this year."

Dončić suffered a grade 2 hamstring at the beginning of April, delivering a huge blow to the Lakers just weeks ahead of the playoffs. He missed the final 15 games of the season, including the entire postseason despite making a trip to Spain to undergo a series of injections in hopes of speeding up his recovery timeline.

But now, Dončić says he's fully healthy and will have no restrictions going into the season.

"Right now, I feel great," he told reporters. "I feel rested mentally. I feel great, so I can't wait for this to start."

Two of the Lakers' additions this summer also dealt with significant injuries last season. Kessler played in just five games after undergoing left shoulder surgery. He says his shoulder feels better than it ever has now and is counting on that added confidence to help him play looser once the season starts.

Matisse Thybulle missed 52 games in 2025-26 after he developed tendinopathy in his right knee while rehabbing from surgery on a torn UCL in his left thumb. The year before that, he underwent surgery on his right knee to address inflammation and suffered a severe grade 2 right ankle sprain that included a torn ligament before he could make his return.

He, too, feels ready to go.

"I feel great now," Thybulle told reporters. "I think this year, from the coaches to the training staff to RP, they all have a good sense of what it is I need to be healthy and available, and I really think that was just the missing piece. Just having the plan around what's needed for my return to play and just to stay on the court.

"Once we got that going almost immediately when I got here, and things have just been moving in the right direction ever since."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lakers feel they have pieces in place to make NBA Finals run. Can they?

For all the drama that surrounded the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, you wouldn't have known it judging by all the smiles at the podium during media day on Monday, Sept. 28.

The Lakers are coming off a second consecutive 50-win season under head coach JJ Redick and went with a complete roster overhaul in the wake of LeBron James' exit. President of basketball operations Rob Pelinka swung big, landing Walker Kessler to be their center of the future in a trade that sent two first-round draft picks and two unprotected first-round pick swaps back to the Utah Jazz. That move was followed up by filling out the roster around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves with supporting players who can dribble, pass and shoot. And after an offseason trip to Ljubljana, Slovenia, the new-look Lakers feel bought in.

USA TODAY Sports predicts the Lakers record in 2026-27 at 48-34, in large part due to the uncertainty surrounding so many new faces and the growing pains that are sure to come up at some point. Reaves acknowledged that on Monday.

"We're a very new team to one another," Reaves told reporters. "And there's gonna be some growing periods where things aren't going the way that we want them to go. But that doesn't change the goal at the end of the day, and that's to be as competitive as we can every single night."

"I think we're all underrated, if that makes sense, in different aspects," Collin Sexton added. "We're competitors. I feel like we added people that are willing to compete and we added guys that don't back down to anyone. I know for myself, I'm somebody that's not gonna back down to any challenge. I'm not gonna back down to anyone.

"... We're here."

Ziaire Williams took it one step further.

"We have a bunch of great passers on this team, great shooters, great defensive versatility," he told reporters. "I think we have everything we need to win an NBA championship."

Here are the five biggest takeaways from Lakers media day on Monday Sept. 28:

Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves ready to take on leadership role

While Dončić pointed out that he's been in leadership positions for most of his life and career, that role is a new one for Reaves. But as the longest tenured Laker and the unquestioned No. 2 option, the former undrafted free agent from Newark, Arkansas, is embracing the added responsibility. More importantly, Reaves is leading in his own way.

"I'm not someone that's gonna sit out here and scream at people," he told reporters. "I like to talk to people one-on-one, have real conversation. That way, people never feel like I'm trying to embarrass them in front of people."

Instead, Reaves pulls a teammate off to the side whenever there's a down period in practice to offer his input. He's a conversationalist, not a drill sergeant.

" …There will be times I need to speak up in group settings, and I'll do that when the time comes," he continued. "But I think you just got to be true to yourself and do what's comfortable for you."

Reaves is following the challenge JJ Redick laid out for him and Dončić. This is now their team, and they need to find their own way to show leadership.

Dončić has been impressed with Reaves' growth both in the two years he's played alongside him. Stepping into the No. 1 role isn't new for Dončić, but he's now the guy on the Lakers now that LeBron James is gone. Hearing his name alongside franchise greats like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Kareem-Abdul Jabbar does add something, he admitted.

"You obviously have all-time great names," Dončić said. "But it's like a new challenge. I like challenges. I wouldn't it feels different, but I would say I feel honored."

Defense, versatility are priorities

When LeBron James decided to leave the Lakers in free agency this summer, Pelinka and Redick outlined three priorities for the offseason: 1. Re-sign Reaves. 2. Find a franchise-caliber center. 3. Get guys who can dribble, pass and shoot.

They checked all three of those boxes. Reaves was brought back on a five-year, $184 million deal. Walker Kessler has been described as the "perfect fit" next to Dončić and Reaves; he steps in as the Lakers' best rim protector since Anthony Davis. And they brought in an almost entirely new supporting cast. Quentin Grimes and Ziaire Williams can defend and space the floor, Matisse Thybulle is a lockdown defender who can't wait to play next to Kessler. The second unit looks solid too, with Collin Sexton expected to run the offense when Dončić and Reaves aren't on the floor. He'll pair up nicely with Sandro Mamukelashvili if the latter doesn't crack the starting five.

Grimes, the Lakers' second biggest signing, told reporters on Monday that he's already discussed his role with Redick.

"Being a point-of-attack defender, bringing that intensity, bringing that nastiness," he said. "OKC and San Antonio, they play really hard defensively. You can get away with a lot more, so we're really trying to set that tone."

Thybulle can't wait to play next to Kessler.

"Just to have someone who can command the paint and protect the rim, it allows me to be more aggressive. And I think a lot of the other guys would speak to that as well," Thybulle told reporters. "... I just feel like I can fully live up to my defensive potential because of having a rim protector like Walker."

Redick said last week that two starting spots are up for grabs. It's clear that they want guys who can space the floor and be aggressive on both sides of the ball.

Bronny James excited for next chapter without LeBron

For the first time in his short career, Bronny James won't be teammates with his dad. He spent much of his availability on Monday addressing that elephant in the room, but the 21-year-old guard said he's ready to chart his own path in the NBA.

"Feels like he's not here," James said matter of factly. "I don't really have an opinion on that. That's my dad, I spent 22 years, almost, with him. Just another experience that I'm gonna be a part of, and I'm excited to see how it's gonna feel during the season, too. Looking forward to it."

James has been locked in on becoming the most consistent version of himself this summer, getting in the weight room every day and working on his ballhandling, playmaking and becoming a point-of-attack defender. With an almost entirely new cast of teammates, he's had to speedrun getting to know them but can already feel that they'll be a more free-flowing, high-energy offense than they've been in his two previous years.

But more than anything, Bronny is just excited for the chance to make his own name.

"It's just something that I've followed my entire life," James said. "You guys know me as Bronny, my real name is LeBron. I've been doing this for however long, so I think it's a motivating factor for me just getting up every day and trying to prove myself as Bronny instead of LeBron."

Slovenia trip helped kickstart chemistry

Kessler got his first lob from Dončić during a pickup game in Slovenia.

"I don't even think he was looking at me," he told reporters Monday.

But surely enough, Luka threw the ball up and placed it perfectly over Kessler's head. He went up, caught it, dunked it and high-fived Dončić back on the other end of the floor.

"Yup," he thought to himself. "I can get used to this."

The Lakers' offseason trip to Ljubljana was born out of necessity; Dončić was spending time with his daughters and couldn't leave the country, so he brought the team to him instead. They played each other not just in pickup games, but also in rowing, golf and bowling, getting to know each other while also building up a healthy competitiveness heading into training camp.

According to Austin Reaves, his team beat Dončić's in every game.

"But he did host us, so we let him hold the first place trophy for once," Reaves said.

"I beat him in golf two days ago," Dončić later retorted. "He didn't say that, huh?"

The trip was also an opportunity for Dončić to share his home with his teammates. He meticulously planned out everything, showing the Lakers around all his go-to spots from childhood all the way up until now.

"It was an amazing trip," Luka said. "It was very important for me to show them where I'm from. I think everybody liked it. We had some great time and it was very nice that all of them came, which I know is not easy. But that just shows what kind of group we are."

The Lakers are healthy

The Lakers limped towards the end of last season, but a full offseason of rest seems to have done the trick.

One of the lowest points for the Lakers during the 2025-26 season was that month-long stretch in January where they were without Austin Reaves due to a grade 2 calf strain. Not only is Reaves feeling 100%, he's applying what he learned from LeBron James over the past five years on injury prevention and taking care of his body to help him stay on the court for as many games as possible.

"There's a lot more that goes into it than the casual fan sees," Reaves told reporters. "You have to do more every single day, especially the older that you get. He's a perfect example of that. We've had a really good summer and put myself in a really good spot going into this year."

Dončić suffered a grade 2 hamstring at the beginning of April, delivering a huge blow to the Lakers just weeks ahead of the playoffs. He missed the final 15 games of the season, including the entire postseason despite making a trip to Spain to undergo a series of injections in hopes of speeding up his recovery timeline.

But now, Dončić says he's fully healthy and will have no restrictions going into the season.

"Right now, I feel great," he told reporters. "I feel rested mentally. I feel great, so I can't wait for this to start."

Two of the Lakers' additions this summer also dealt with significant injuries last season. Kessler played in just five games after undergoing left shoulder surgery. He says his shoulder feels better than it ever has now and is counting on that added confidence to help him play looser once the season starts.

Matisse Thybulle missed 52 games in 2025-26 after he developed tendinopathy in his right knee while rehabbing from surgery on a torn UCL in his left thumb. The year before that, he underwent surgery on his right knee to address inflammation and suffered a severe grade 2 right ankle sprain that included a torn ligament before he could make his return.

He, too, feels ready to go.

"I feel great now," Thybulle told reporters. "I think this year, from the coaches to the training staff to RP, they all have a good sense of what it is I need to be healthy and available, and I really think that was just the missing piece. Just having the plan around what's needed for my return to play and just to stay on the court.

"Once we got that going almost immediately when I got here, and things have just been moving in the right direction ever since."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lakers feel they have pieces in place to make NBA Finals run. Can they?

Are you familiar with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs? It’s a concept that the needs of a human being fall into five distinct layers, typically visualized in the shape of a pyramid, with the most fundamental items required for survival at the bottom (air, food, water, shelter, etc.), and the least essential items (respect, status, and reaching one’s potential) near the top. It’s essentially the scale between a person’s wants and needs, and it illustrates that one cannot reach self-actualization without first supporting that ideal with a foundation of the needs below.

NBA basketball teams are built in mostly the same way.

At the base are the things a team needs to exist: players, a court, goals, equipment, rules, etc.

Then you have items like uniforms, coaches, and referees.

Closer to the top come the flashier things. An adoring fanbase, endorsements, fame, success, stardom, etc.

But in the case of the Utah Jazz, historical failure to win an NBA championship means that Utah has never reached basketball self-actualization — consistently falling short of their ultimate potential. This is why Ryan Smith’s first course of action with the franchise was to tear it down to its most fundamental level. The star players were the first to go. Then the veteran coach. Then the supporting cast of talent. He even sucked the life and color from Utah’s uniforms, leaving them with a bare-bones and hideous appearance as a visual representation of the team’s self-inflicted serfdom.

In order to climb the ladder to self-actualization, the Jazz first had to fortify their most fundamental needs.

And they’ve done exactly that, drafting and nurturing young players who could develop into future stars, adding established talent to blaze the trail to a brighter tomorrow, and replacing the team’s neon rags with robes of purple.

We’re witnessing the twilight of a revolution, but ushering in a new age of greater competition is the easy part — converting potential into wins is harder.

Thankfully, we got a glimpse into the Utah Jazz’s organizational direction at media day, and using what I’ve learned, I proudly present to you Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Much like the work of Maslow, Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs outlines the biggest developments of Utah’s offseason and how crucial they are to reach the team’s ultimate goal.

And best of all, I’ve illustrated Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs by my own hand, for your scientific reference. Would you believe me if I told you that zero artificial intelligence was involved in the creation of the image below?

Base: Hard work and character

When asked what he’s looking for in the starting lineup, Will Hardy didn’t talk about ability, positions, or even mention any player names. Instead, he put an emphasis on players’ mindsets; he focused on character.

“I’m looking for competitors,” Hardy explained.

“I’m looking for people that want to win. I’m looking for people that are willing to give themselves to the group. If everybody on our team can take ten percent of their self and put it in the middle, we’ll have the ability to have those learnings happen faster. If we have to navigate through the choppy waters of big ego, it can be harder.”

Then instead of issuing a warning to his players, or tempering the expectations of those in attendance, he took a moment to vouch for the roster Utah had meticulously constructed over the offseason.

“If there’s one thing I am sure of today, it’s the character of the guys we have on the team.”

Will Hardy on what he is looking for in his starters:

"I'm looking for people that want to win. I'm looking for people that are willing to give themselves to the group. You know, if everybody on our team can take 10% of their self and put it in the middle." pic.twitter.com/GYt2bAOLiE

— SleeperJazz (@SleeperJazz) September 28, 2026

Josh Okogie, who arrived in Utah via free agency this Summer, really likes what he’s seen in the Jazz’s approach. There is a lot of space for mediocrity in the National Basketball Association, but with his experience, Okogie sees potential embodied through action when he observes his teammates, his coaches, and the direction of the organization as a whole.

In every controllable metric, the Jazz are doing what is necessary to win at a high level.

“This is a very unique team,” Okogie began. “I’ve played on a lot of different teams, and I’ve seen the habits of good teams and the habits of bad teams. … I would say this team is unique because their style of play is different than what you would see in the modern game today.”

Okogie chose to sign with Utah despite a comparable offer from the Denver Nuggets because the trajectory of the Jazz is incredibly attractive. This is no longer a start-up building from the ground floor; Utah is already on the ascent.

“I think we have all the tools and ingredients to be a pretty good team.”

Josh Okogie: This team is just unique in the sense that the style of play is different then what you would see in the modern game today. And it's something that I'm excited for…I think that we have all the tools and ingredients to be a pretty good team. pic.twitter.com/rs1c3uzcA1

— JP Chunga (@JP_Chunga) September 28, 2026

Jaren Jackson Jr. doubled down on the endorsement of his coach and veteran teammate, highlighting the hard work and positive attitude of his younger peers and the approach they took during the offseason.

“These guys work! That’s what stands out for sure — they work all the time,” Jackson excitedly shared when asked his observations of the youngsters in Utah. “Darryn, Key, Ace, they’re always shooting right here after we’re done playing. They’re always working out together, they’re always going over stuff — they just never want to stop working.”

“They should be proud of themselves for the work they’ve put in. I don’t ever have to say that to them, because they always want so much more for themselves.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. on his impressions of the young guys:

"They're always working out together and going over stuff. They never complain about anything. They should be proud of themselves for the work they've put in… They always want more for themselves." pic.twitter.com/bMTMp7afv9

— Eric Spyropoulos (@EricSpyroNBA) September 28, 2026

Which leads us perfectly to the next level of Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and it’s all about the improvements made in Utah’s young core.

Center: Self-Improvement

Utah took a very traditional approach when it came to rebuilding. Tearing the team down to nothing and rebuilding through the draft is textbook for a small-market franchise, and the Jazz did just that.

And the reward for their labors is one of the more intriguing batches of young talent in basketball.

Keyonte George, obviously, took a massive leap in his third year, turning himself from a mid-first-round draft pick into a fundamental piece of Utah’s future. Look no further than his freshly inked 5-year, $157.5 million extension for evidence of the organization’s faith in him.

But to shift the prevailing narrative and turn the page of his career from that of a promising up-and-comer to a certifiable star, his defense needs to improve. He knows it, and he wasn’t shy when acknowledging the focus he’s put into growing as a defender.

“Whether it’s learning personnel, being a good help-side defender, being a good one-on-one defender, being one of the guys that you don’t really want to hunt towards the end of the game, that’s what I’ve been focused on. So that’s the strength, different footwork, and different technical stuff.”

Keyonte’s development isn’t all hypothetical, either. He made it clear that he’s made observable improvement in two specific facets of the game.

“I’m able to move better — stay in front. This year, the main thing for me is really focusing on personnel, because once you start to pick up on players’ go-to moves and you figure out how teams want to play, you can play the game within the game on that side, so that’s what I’ve been focusing on.”

Keyonte on what he expects from himself defensively:

"Being a good health side defender, being a good one-on-one defender, being one of those guys that you don't really want to hunt towards the end of the game, that's what I've been focused on."

Can he make the necessary jump… pic.twitter.com/UD4Ul5iY63

— SleeperJazz (@SleeperJazz) September 28, 2026

Ace Bailey possesses clear potential to bloom into stardom, and is building muscle onto his slender frame — a much-needed development for a player whose height will likely match him up against the full-grown men who terrorize the NBA from their perch on the wings.

Ace Bailey said he’s put on 10-12 pounds this summer and also thinks he got a little taller.

Added he’s feeling 100 percent after dealing with back spasms in summer league.#TakeNotepic.twitter.com/aOo6IBUiR5

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 28, 2026

The rest of the original young core, Filipowski, Sensabaugh, and Collier, are all pursuing internal improvement to earn a permanent place with this team before the winning train is soaring down the tracks.

Filipowski revealed a lingering injury — a herniated disc — that had been hindering his performance a season ago but has since fully recovered.

"My back was restricting me a lot in regards to my explosiveness, my conditioning even."

Kyle Filipowski had a herniated disc that required surgery after last season, but said he feels better today than he did last year. #TakeNotepic.twitter.com/yPaOypTFIu

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 28, 2026

Brice Sensabaugh understands that he may have to wait until restricted free agency to re-sign with the Jazz, but plans to utilize this season as a method to cement his place on the roster.

“I’m just keeping my head on straight,” Sensabaugh resolved. “And you know, whatever happens happens.”

Brice Sensabaugh on not signing a contract yet this summer:

"I'm just keeping my head on straight, and you know, whatever happens happens."

It seems as though he's expecting to be a restricted free agent next summer. #TakeNotepic.twitter.com/Wm34K1FVNT

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 28, 2026

Development of the young core is essential to raising the ceiling of this team, but there’s one figure who stands atop it all. His performance, his growth, and his rise will be the biggest difference-maker for a franchise anxious to become an undeniable threat to those who sit atop the NBA.

Peak: DP

No, that DP doesn’t stand for Dr Pepper (which coincidentally is at the top of my personal hierarchy of needs); I’m referring to Darryn Peterson. The final draftee of Utah’s tanking era. The prize for the Jazz’s years of anguish. The player whose arrival marks a great shift in the Jazz’s future.

He needs no further introduction — Darryn Peterson is practically all that Jazz fans have talked about since June — but a few quotes from media day are drenching Peterson’s already blazing flame of hype and converting it into a fireball monstrous enough to send Smokey Bear into retirement on sight.

And the most notable quote of all belongs to Mo Bamba, of all people.

Having played for 7 different NBA franchises in his 8-year career, Bamba has shared the court with many exceptional players. When asked if Peterson reminds him of any players across the league, Bamba laughed as he drew a gargantuan comparison.

“This is going to sound crazy, but I see a lot of Kawhi in him,” said Bamba. “Quiet, bucket-getter, mid-range… Obviously two very different positions, but I see a lot of Kawhi.”

“I was talking to Nurk a couple of weeks ago, and he sees a lot of Dame, and I think that one is a little more comparable, because position-wise, scoring-wise, pull-up game, offensive talent-wise, and capability-wise.”

“I hate that Darryn is going to see this,” he laughed.

Here is Mo Bamba's full answer on the player comp he has for Darryn Peterson.

Good question by @LeifThulinhttps://t.co/UNSTC6EbzHpic.twitter.com/82jT7bDtEc

— Shreyas Laddha (@shre98) September 28, 2026

But if the Kawhi comparisons make you concerned about Peterson’s personality, Keyonte George’s declaration of friendship should put any anti-social allegations to bed.

“We sit next to each other in the locker room. We hang out with each other off the court. I go to his house and he comes to my house. We got the same dog. So, like, I mean… that’s my dog!”

Keyonte on his relationship with Darryn Peterson:

"We sit next to each other in the locker room. We hang out with each other off the court. I go to his house and he come to my house. We got the same dog. So, like, I mean… that's my dog.

Best backcourt in the league 🔜 pic.twitter.com/OurPSCzySO

— SleeperJazz (@SleeperJazz) September 28, 2026

It may take Darryn Peterson a few years to truly become a star for the Utah Jazz, but if you direct your attention to Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a clear and reliable foundation sits beneath him.

Utah’s path to self-actualization is not hypothetical — this is a team built to reach that peak.

---

Calvin Barrett is the Associate Editor for SLC Dunk. Originally from Springville, Utah, he currently lives in Japan and has covered the NBA and college athletics since 2024.

Are you familiar with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs? It’s a concept that the needs of a human being fall into five distinct layers, typically visualized in the shape of a pyramid, with the most fundamental items required for survival at the bottom (air, food, water, shelter, etc.), and the least essential items (respect, status, and reaching one’s potential) near the top. It’s essentially the scale between a person’s wants and needs, and it illustrates that one cannot reach self-actualization without first supporting that ideal with a foundation of the needs below.

NBA basketball teams are built in mostly the same way.

At the base are the things a team needs to exist: players, a court, goals, equipment, rules, etc.

Then you have items like uniforms, coaches, and referees.

Closer to the top come the flashier things. An adoring fanbase, endorsements, fame, success, stardom, etc.

But in the case of the Utah Jazz, historical failure to win an NBA championship means that Utah has never reached basketball self-actualization — consistently falling short of their ultimate potential. This is why Ryan Smith’s first course of action with the franchise was to tear it down to its most fundamental level. The star players were the first to go. Then the veteran coach. Then the supporting cast of talent. He even sucked the life and color from Utah’s uniforms, leaving them with a bare-bones and hideous appearance as a visual representation of the team’s self-inflicted serfdom.

In order to climb the ladder to self-actualization, the Jazz first had to fortify their most fundamental needs.

And they’ve done exactly that, drafting and nurturing young players who could develop into future stars, adding established talent to blaze the trail to a brighter tomorrow, and replacing the team’s neon rags with robes of purple.

We’re witnessing the twilight of a revolution, but ushering in a new age of greater competition is the easy part — converting potential into wins is harder.

Thankfully, we got a glimpse into the Utah Jazz’s organizational direction at media day, and using what I’ve learned, I proudly present to you Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Much like the work of Maslow, Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs outlines the biggest developments of Utah’s offseason and how crucial they are to reach the team’s ultimate goal.

And best of all, I’ve illustrated Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs by my own hand, for your scientific reference. Would you believe me if I told you that zero artificial intelligence was involved in the creation of the image below?

Base: Hard work and character

When asked what he’s looking for in the starting lineup, Will Hardy didn’t talk about ability, positions, or even mention any player names. Instead, he put an emphasis on players’ mindsets; he focused on character.

“I’m looking for competitors,” Hardy explained.

“I’m looking for people that want to win. I’m looking for people that are willing to give themselves to the group. If everybody on our team can take ten percent of their self and put it in the middle, we’ll have the ability to have those learnings happen faster. If we have to navigate through the choppy waters of big ego, it can be harder.”

Then instead of issuing a warning to his players, or tempering the expectations of those in attendance, he took a moment to vouch for the roster Utah had meticulously constructed over the offseason.

“If there’s one thing I am sure of today, it’s the character of the guys we have on the team.”

Will Hardy on what he is looking for in his starters:

"I'm looking for people that want to win. I'm looking for people that are willing to give themselves to the group. You know, if everybody on our team can take 10% of their self and put it in the middle." pic.twitter.com/GYt2bAOLiE

— SleeperJazz (@SleeperJazz) September 28, 2026

Josh Okogie, who arrived in Utah via free agency this Summer, really likes what he’s seen in the Jazz’s approach. There is a lot of space for mediocrity in the National Basketball Association, but with his experience, Okogie sees potential embodied through action when he observes his teammates, his coaches, and the direction of the organization as a whole.

In every controllable metric, the Jazz are doing what is necessary to win at a high level.

“This is a very unique team,” Okogie began. “I’ve played on a lot of different teams, and I’ve seen the habits of good teams and the habits of bad teams. … I would say this team is unique because their style of play is different than what you would see in the modern game today.”

Okogie chose to sign with Utah despite a comparable offer from the Denver Nuggets because the trajectory of the Jazz is incredibly attractive. This is no longer a start-up building from the ground floor; Utah is already on the ascent.

“I think we have all the tools and ingredients to be a pretty good team.”

Josh Okogie: This team is just unique in the sense that the style of play is different then what you would see in the modern game today. And it's something that I'm excited for…I think that we have all the tools and ingredients to be a pretty good team. pic.twitter.com/rs1c3uzcA1

— JP Chunga (@JP_Chunga) September 28, 2026

Jaren Jackson Jr. doubled down on the endorsement of his coach and veteran teammate, highlighting the hard work and positive attitude of his younger peers and the approach they took during the offseason.

“These guys work! That’s what stands out for sure — they work all the time,” Jackson excitedly shared when asked his observations of the youngsters in Utah. “Darryn, Key, Ace, they’re always shooting right here after we’re done playing. They’re always working out together, they’re always going over stuff — they just never want to stop working.”

“They should be proud of themselves for the work they’ve put in. I don’t ever have to say that to them, because they always want so much more for themselves.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. on his impressions of the young guys:

"They're always working out together and going over stuff. They never complain about anything. They should be proud of themselves for the work they've put in… They always want more for themselves." pic.twitter.com/bMTMp7afv9

— Eric Spyropoulos (@EricSpyroNBA) September 28, 2026

Which leads us perfectly to the next level of Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and it’s all about the improvements made in Utah’s young core.

Center: Self-Improvement

Utah took a very traditional approach when it came to rebuilding. Tearing the team down to nothing and rebuilding through the draft is textbook for a small-market franchise, and the Jazz did just that.

And the reward for their labors is one of the more intriguing batches of young talent in basketball.

Keyonte George, obviously, took a massive leap in his third year, turning himself from a mid-first-round draft pick into a fundamental piece of Utah’s future. Look no further than his freshly inked 5-year, $157.5 million extension for evidence of the organization’s faith in him.

But to shift the prevailing narrative and turn the page of his career from that of a promising up-and-comer to a certifiable star, his defense needs to improve. He knows it, and he wasn’t shy when acknowledging the focus he’s put into growing as a defender.

“Whether it’s learning personnel, being a good help-side defender, being a good one-on-one defender, being one of the guys that you don’t really want to hunt towards the end of the game, that’s what I’ve been focused on. So that’s the strength, different footwork, and different technical stuff.”

Keyonte’s development isn’t all hypothetical, either. He made it clear that he’s made observable improvement in two specific facets of the game.

“I’m able to move better — stay in front. This year, the main thing for me is really focusing on personnel, because once you start to pick up on players’ go-to moves and you figure out how teams want to play, you can play the game within the game on that side, so that’s what I’ve been focusing on.”

Keyonte on what he expects from himself defensively:

"Being a good health side defender, being a good one-on-one defender, being one of those guys that you don't really want to hunt towards the end of the game, that's what I've been focused on."

Can he make the necessary jump… pic.twitter.com/UD4Ul5iY63

— SleeperJazz (@SleeperJazz) September 28, 2026

Ace Bailey possesses clear potential to bloom into stardom, and is building muscle onto his slender frame — a much-needed development for a player whose height will likely match him up against the full-grown men who terrorize the NBA from their perch on the wings.

Ace Bailey said he’s put on 10-12 pounds this summer and also thinks he got a little taller.

Added he’s feeling 100 percent after dealing with back spasms in summer league.#TakeNotepic.twitter.com/aOo6IBUiR5

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 28, 2026

The rest of the original young core, Filipowski, Sensabaugh, and Collier, are all pursuing internal improvement to earn a permanent place with this team before the winning train is soaring down the tracks.

Filipowski revealed a lingering injury — a herniated disc — that had been hindering his performance a season ago but has since fully recovered.

"My back was restricting me a lot in regards to my explosiveness, my conditioning even."

Kyle Filipowski had a herniated disc that required surgery after last season, but said he feels better today than he did last year. #TakeNotepic.twitter.com/yPaOypTFIu

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 28, 2026

Brice Sensabaugh understands that he may have to wait until restricted free agency to re-sign with the Jazz, but plans to utilize this season as a method to cement his place on the roster.

“I’m just keeping my head on straight,” Sensabaugh resolved. “And you know, whatever happens happens.”

Brice Sensabaugh on not signing a contract yet this summer:

"I'm just keeping my head on straight, and you know, whatever happens happens."

It seems as though he's expecting to be a restricted free agent next summer. #TakeNotepic.twitter.com/Wm34K1FVNT

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 28, 2026

Development of the young core is essential to raising the ceiling of this team, but there’s one figure who stands atop it all. His performance, his growth, and his rise will be the biggest difference-maker for a franchise anxious to become an undeniable threat to those who sit atop the NBA.

Peak: DP

No, that DP doesn’t stand for Dr Pepper (which coincidentally is at the top of my personal hierarchy of needs); I’m referring to Darryn Peterson. The final draftee of Utah’s tanking era. The prize for the Jazz’s years of anguish. The player whose arrival marks a great shift in the Jazz’s future.

He needs no further introduction — Darryn Peterson is practically all that Jazz fans have talked about since June — but a few quotes from media day are drenching Peterson’s already blazing flame of hype and converting it into a fireball monstrous enough to send Smokey Bear into retirement on sight.

And the most notable quote of all belongs to Mo Bamba, of all people.

Having played for 7 different NBA franchises in his 8-year career, Bamba has shared the court with many exceptional players. When asked if Peterson reminds him of any players across the league, Bamba laughed as he drew a gargantuan comparison.

“This is going to sound crazy, but I see a lot of Kawhi in him,” said Bamba. “Quiet, bucket-getter, mid-range… Obviously two very different positions, but I see a lot of Kawhi.”

“I was talking to Nurk a couple of weeks ago, and he sees a lot of Dame, and I think that one is a little more comparable, because position-wise, scoring-wise, pull-up game, offensive talent-wise, and capability-wise.”

“I hate that Darryn is going to see this,” he laughed.

Here is Mo Bamba's full answer on the player comp he has for Darryn Peterson.

Good question by @LeifThulinhttps://t.co/UNSTC6EbzHpic.twitter.com/82jT7bDtEc

— Shreyas Laddha (@shre98) September 28, 2026

But if the Kawhi comparisons make you concerned about Peterson’s personality, Keyonte George’s declaration of friendship should put any anti-social allegations to bed.

“We sit next to each other in the locker room. We hang out with each other off the court. I go to his house and he comes to my house. We got the same dog. So, like, I mean… that’s my dog!”

Keyonte on his relationship with Darryn Peterson:

"We sit next to each other in the locker room. We hang out with each other off the court. I go to his house and he come to my house. We got the same dog. So, like, I mean… that's my dog.

Best backcourt in the league 🔜 pic.twitter.com/OurPSCzySO

— SleeperJazz (@SleeperJazz) September 28, 2026

It may take Darryn Peterson a few years to truly become a star for the Utah Jazz, but if you direct your attention to Jazzlow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a clear and reliable foundation sits beneath him.

Utah’s path to self-actualization is not hypothetical — this is a team built to reach that peak.

---

Calvin Barrett is the Associate Editor for SLC Dunk. Originally from Springville, Utah, he currently lives in Japan and has covered the NBA and college athletics since 2024.

Bronny James wanted to make it clear who came out on top the last time he played his father in golf.

"I won," James told reporters as he cracked a smile at Los Angeles Lakers media day on Monday, Sept. 28. "He's pretty pissed about this."

It was a quick, lighthearted moment that drew laughs from those in attendance, but it also helped address the elephant in the room: for the first time in his now three-year NBA career, Bronny won't be sharing a locker room with LeBron James.

"Feels like he's not here," James said matter of factly. "I don't really have an opinion on that. That's my dad, I spent 22 years, almost, with him. Just another experience that I'm gonna be a part of, and I'm excited to see how it's gonna feel during the season, too. Looking forward to it."

LAKERS SEASON PREVIEW: Lineup, roster, prediction and biggest question mark

LeBron James left the Lakers for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency this summer, marking an end to the first father-son duo to ever take the court together in an NBA game after two years as teammates. Bronny James spent much of that time in the G League, but he made a leap in year two last season and cracked the rotation in the Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.

Now, with an almost entirely new cast of teammates centered around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, he sees room for even more growth as he sets off on his own path.

"It's just something that I've followed my entire life," James said. "You guys know me as Bronny, my real name is LeBron. I've been doing this for however long, so I think it's a motivating factor for me just getting up every day and trying to prove myself as Bronny instead of LeBron."

Bronny on how it feels to be playing his first season without LeBron on the Lakers:

"Feels like he's not here." pic.twitter.com/qsIOtpPHsR

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 28, 2026

Bronny James has been focused on trying to be the most consistent version of himself over the offseason. The 21-year-old guard has been showing up every day to work on his dribbling, playmaking and "being relentless" on both ends of the court. He knows versatility is a priority in coach JJ Redick's new scheme, and his best chance to get minutes is as a secondary ballhandler on offense and a point-of-attack defender when Dončić and Reaves are off the floor.

He's also gotten to know his new teammates pretty well, accompanying them on the team's trip to Slovenia. There, James told reporters, is where he felt the chemistry start to take off.

"We had some runs in practice, figuring out each other's game and just chilling off the court, getting to know each other," he said. "... I think that's going to carry over into the season pretty well."

AUSTIN REAVES: Embraces new role as leader in LA

Not only does this year's Lakers squad look different, they'll be playing differently than they did in JJ Redick's first two years as head coach. Redick has already mentioned he'll be switching up the defensive scheme to more man-on-man with newly acquired Walker Kessler parked near the paint to clean up anything that may come his way. Reaves and several other players also talked about a fast-paced free-flowing offense with less pick-and-roll.

"Everyone's young," James said. "... I feel like we can feed off each other's energy and there's gonna be a lot of guys that can go out, give full effort and turn up the game."

LeBron James, meanwhile, made it clear that he didn't make his free agency decision – possibly the last one of his 24-year NBA career – lightly, telling reporters in Philadelphia that "I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round. I know that for sure. Work needs to be done, and I’m ready to get to work."

While he got the blessing of the entire James family, Bronny said it wasn't cathartic moment by any means.

"We're men of very little words when it comes to talking about business and what we're gonna do and how we feel about each other," James said. "Wasn't really much, to be honest with you. He's got his own path and I've got my own. ... And he knows that I want to focus on that."

Those two paths are set to converge once more on Dec. 25, when the Lakers host the the 76ers at Crypto.com Arena in LeBron's return to Los Angeles.

"I'm excited to see him on Christmas," Bronny said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bronny James adjusts to Lakers' life without LeBron: 'Feels like he's not here'

Bronny James wanted to make it clear who came out on top the last time he played his father in golf.

"I won," James told reporters as he cracked a smile at Los Angeles Lakers media day on Monday, Sept. 28. "He's pretty pissed about this."

It was a quick, lighthearted moment that drew laughs from those in attendance, but it also helped address the elephant in the room: for the first time in his now three-year NBA career, Bronny won't be sharing a locker room with LeBron James.

"Feels like he's not here," James said matter of factly. "I don't really have an opinion on that. That's my dad, I spent 22 years, almost, with him. Just another experience that I'm gonna be a part of, and I'm excited to see how it's gonna feel during the season, too. Looking forward to it."

LAKERS SEASON PREVIEW: Lineup, roster, prediction and biggest question mark

LeBron James left the Lakers for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency this summer, marking an end to the first father-son duo to ever take the court together in an NBA game after two years as teammates. Bronny James spent much of that time in the G League, but he made a leap in year two last season and cracked the rotation in the Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.

Now, with an almost entirely new cast of teammates centered around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, he sees room for even more growth as he sets off on his own path.

"It's just something that I've followed my entire life," James said. "You guys know me as Bronny, my real name is LeBron. I've been doing this for however long, so I think it's a motivating factor for me just getting up every day and trying to prove myself as Bronny instead of LeBron."

Bronny on how it feels to be playing his first season without LeBron on the Lakers:

"Feels like he's not here." pic.twitter.com/qsIOtpPHsR

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 28, 2026

Bronny James has been focused on trying to be the most consistent version of himself over the offseason. The 21-year-old guard has been showing up every day to work on his dribbling, playmaking and "being relentless" on both ends of the court. He knows versatility is a priority in coach JJ Redick's new scheme, and his best chance to get minutes is as a secondary ballhandler on offense and a point-of-attack defender when Dončić and Reaves are off the floor.

He's also gotten to know his new teammates pretty well, accompanying them on the team's trip to Slovenia. There, James told reporters, is where he felt the chemistry start to take off.

"We had some runs in practice, figuring out each other's game and just chilling off the court, getting to know each other," he said. "... I think that's going to carry over into the season pretty well."

AUSTIN REAVES: Embraces new role as leader in LA

Not only does this year's Lakers squad look different, they'll be playing differently than they did in JJ Redick's first two years as head coach. Redick has already mentioned he'll be switching up the defensive scheme to more man-on-man with newly acquired Walker Kessler parked near the paint to clean up anything that may come his way. Reaves and several other players also talked about a fast-paced free-flowing offense with less pick-and-roll.

"Everyone's young," James said. "... I feel like we can feed off each other's energy and there's gonna be a lot of guys that can go out, give full effort and turn up the game."

LeBron James, meanwhile, made it clear that he didn't make his free agency decision – possibly the last one of his 24-year NBA career – lightly, telling reporters in Philadelphia that "I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round. I know that for sure. Work needs to be done, and I’m ready to get to work."

While he got the blessing of the entire James family, Bronny said it wasn't cathartic moment by any means.

"We're men of very little words when it comes to talking about business and what we're gonna do and how we feel about each other," James said. "Wasn't really much, to be honest with you. He's got his own path and I've got my own. ... And he knows that I want to focus on that."

Those two paths are set to converge once more on Dec. 25, when the Lakers host the the 76ers at Crypto.com Arena in LeBron's return to Los Angeles.

"I'm excited to see him on Christmas," Bronny said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bronny James adjusts to Lakers' life without LeBron: 'Feels like he's not here'

If we learned anything at Media Day this year, it’s that the Brooklyn Nets aren’t very good at golf. When Julius Randle hit the links with Mikel Brown Jr. and few other Nets youngsters this summer, he came to that realization quickly.

“Third hole in, they were trying to take their shirts off, and it’s just like, they didn’t understand golf etiquette,” Randle said. “Mikel broke a club, a driver, on one of the holes. So I learned really fast that I’m dealing with kids.”

“Shirtless golfing? Julius said that?,” Brown Jr. later remarked. “I’m going to talk to him. Don’t worry about it. That is not true.”

“Yeah, we broke a couple of clubs just, because we got stronger this summer,” a grinning Egor Dëmin later said. “The swing is not getting better. Yeah, it’s just been kind of a struggle over there, but good thing it’s not what we do. Good thing for us and for others.”

Indeed, that’s not the sport Dëmin and his teammates specialize in. That would be basketball. Unlike golf, it’s fast, more focused on physicality, and about the team rather than the individual. That’s exactly how this year’s interview and photoshoot extravaganza was today as well.

Health & Team Building Tendencies

Sean Marks and Jordi Fernández were first to address reporters at HSS Training Center. They didn’t waste time giving up the biggest news of the day, reporting early on that Brown Jr. rolled his ankle last week. Marks said he’d need to be “ramped up” in training camp but that they “don’t expect him to miss considerable time.” He also said Nolan Traoré, who had his knee scoped this summer, would also need to ramp up, but is good to go by all other accounts. Grant Nelson, who also had a minor knee issues over the summer, is a “full go,” according to Marks. Nelson in fact has been seen scrimmaging with teammates in videos posted on social media in recent days.

“Physically, those guys are ready for camp,” he said. “Nolan will be ramped up a little bit through camp, but I don’t see him missing any days. Grant, same way. Grant is full go now.”

“My knee is completely fine now,” Traoré, who also weighed in 10 pounds heavier and an inch taller than he did last year, later said. “I’m fully here, so there’s no concern.”

A noticeably-beefed up Nolan Traore said his knee is 100% as the Nets open training camp. pic.twitter.com/LQUR6CGdGW

— Erik Slater (@ErikSlater_) September 28, 2026

Once they got that out of the way, Marks and Fernández continued to echo what we’ve heard from them in the past handful of months: they value flexibility and look forward to continuing this rebuild project.

“It’s exciting that we’ve been able to add this youth to this team, watch these guys develop,” Marks said. “I think we’ve always said over the course of the last couple of years, it’s like we’re looking for the next Nets. Who are those guys? So we have a training camp and another year to figure this out as we build.”

When asked what the team needs to do warrant an “all-in,” aggressive move that elevates the roster, Marks mentioned the developmental pace of those players and how that coincides with the free agent or trade market.

“It’s going to be on how these guys develop, whether it’s Egor, whether it’s Nolan, or whether it’s Julius,” he said. “It runs the gamut, right across the whole lot of them. Who can take that next step? But then, it’s also a combination of what becomes available. I can’t predict when players from other teams become available, what free agency looks like down the road, and so forth. I think that’s where you just keep your flexibility.

“We’re always listening. I’m not sure we’re going to be any more active than we have been in the past, but it doesn’t mean we’re not listening. It doesn’t mean we’re not shaking trees and seeing what’s out there, for sure.”

MPJ’s Contract Situation

Whether or not Michael Porter Jr. will be a part of that long term plan remains to be seen. The forward coming off his best campaign as a pro is on the last year of his contract. Expectedly, Marks declined to comment on extension negotiations, only stating that they’re ongoing and in no rush to end them.

“I’ll leave the negotiations internal,” he said. “That’s obviously between the Nets, Mike and his agent, but I think they’re ongoing. The dialogue is ongoing, I think. But again, we are in no hurry to do this. I don’t think he’s in any particular hurry either.”

Marks later added that to in order commit to Porter Jr. as a long term piece, he’d like to see him round out his game a bit more by widening his skillset on the court while being a mentor off of it.

“I think for us, we’re looking for consistency from him,” he said. “We’re looking for him to take another step on the defensive end of it, and rebounding of it. Just become more of a complete player on the court. The other one is the intangibles, right? That’s important for us in the locker room. This goes for all the guys, specifically the guys who are a little bit older, who have seen it, been around a little bit, what’s their leadership look like? Mike knows that. We’re expecting big things from not only him, but Mo [Wagner], Keon [Ellis] and Julius, the guys we brought in who have seen other environments.”

“It might sound strange, but it’s literally not on my mind at all,” Porter Jr said of the contract situation. “I hired a great agent (Mark Bartelstein) and I know him and Sean, they’ve been speaking, but for me, I’m just excited to play basketball. I never was a dude who played basketball for a big contract or for the money. So for me, I’m just excited to play with these guys, be in Brooklyn, and build this organization as one of the leaders. I’ve voiced that I would love to be in Brooklyn and that I’m enjoying playing with these guys, and I think we’ll be a lot better this year, obviously.”

Porter Jr. also said he’s excited to play with Randle, viewing him as someone who’ll be able to open things up for him and vice versa in return. He also praised Dëmin for his work in the gym, as well as Brown Jr.’s maturity.

“He’s super dedicated to his craft,” Porter Jr. said. “It doesn’t feel like he’s a rookie when he’s in the locker room, when he’s on the court.”

🎙️ Michael Porter Jr. on Egor Dëmin’s growth, confidence and work heading into Year 2 pic.twitter.com/VP67VLjY1r

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) September 28, 2026

MPJ also mentioned that he wants to be the best off-the-ball player in the NBA this year. He wants the team to set high expectations for themselves, even if they’re well beyond what appears within their reach, and even they takes them beyond our atmosphere.

“I do genuinely believe that you’re supposed to go out on the floor every night with delusional confidence and compete to win,” said Porter Jr., who recently predicted a 50+ win season for Brooklyn. “I do think that we have the players, that every single night, our goal should be to win. Obviously, the NBA is stacked right now. The Eastern Conference is stacked. There’s a lot of good teams, but we definitely did nothing but get better last year, and I think that there were a lot of games that we were in last year that we could have won. So for me, it’s like we have no choice but to go up, and why not shoot for the stars?

“[O]f course I’m not going to say, ‘No, we can’t win 50 games.’ And I do genuinely believe that you’re supposed to go out on the floor every night with delusional confidence and compete to win. And I do think that we have the players that every single night our goal should be to win and we can win.:

He was not alone in the 50-win club either. Terance Mann, one of the team’s other veterans, revealed that 50 wins is a team goal.

“I mean, that’s the goal from day one,” said Mann. “We said our goal is to get 50 wins. So you’re going to have to go in there with the mentality that we’re going to get 50 wins. And that’s through the guys with years leading that. Most of us came from winning situations, so we know what it takes and that’s just what we’re going to do.”

Young Dogs, Old Tricks

Beyond contracts and cracked clubs, much of the conversation on Media Day continued to center around Brooklyn’s young players. Porter Jr. and Randle weren’t the only veterans to notice their youthful nature, yet mature approach to the game

“Extremely competitive, extremely hardworking,” Wagner said of the group. “This is the hardest I’ve worked in the summertime with an organization, and the young guys obviously take lead on that. It’s great timing in my career after my injury to come here, be challenged on a whole another level physically and extremely excited to build a bridge towards winning here.”

Keon Ellis shouted out Drake Powell when asked about the team’s top defensive prospects, calling him one of Brooklyn’s better prospects at that end of the floor.

“I love the way he guards,” Ellis said. “He’s picking up full, guarding with his chest and not fouling a lot.”

Joshua Jefferson seems to have found a veteran to model his game after, also Randle. Both players are 6’9” forwards who can handle, shoot the rock and make an impact on the glass. Jefferson says he’s already tried to learn as much as he can from his new, hopefully friendlier, Hal Jordan in Randle.

“I’ve been able to ask him a couple questions about what he looks for,” Jefferson said. “I think the biggest thing that I’ve learned so far is the point of emphasis on his physicality, when he’s initiating contact and then getting to what he wants to get to. Something I’ve learned, is to not do finesse every single time, just a mix of finesse and physicality within my game. I’m excited to keep on learning from him.”

Once the laughter subsided after Randle explained Brown Jr. and Dëmin’s golf etiquette, or lack thereof, he also praised for the pair and Brooklyn’s broader youth movement.

“I learned they’re kids, man, but they’re so eager to learn and get better,” he said. “They’re obviously really, really talented, extremely talented, but they have a competitive nature, being around them early, and just a hunger to get better…

“Usually when you’re a young player, you want to try to get a basket every single time, but [Mikel’s] coming off a pick-and-roll and really understands how to read and play the game. And Egor does the same. Egor can really shoot the ball. He’s 6’9″, athletic, moves really well with and without the ball. He really understands how to play the game. So, these guys are going to be great for a long time.“

Mikel Brown Jr. Begins His Journey

Brooklyn’s top pick this year got behind the podium closer to the end of the day. He sounded even less concerned over his rolled ankle than Marks.

“I’m doing everything possible to get back on the floor, and I’m back on the floor shooting and moving around a little bit,” Brown Jr. said. “It’s coming along well. I’ve progressed very fast. We’re just attacking it. We’re attacking the rehab and taking it a day at a time.”

Brown Jr. was even more confident when speaking about his transition to the NBA level, once more referring to himself as a “savant” and expressing trust in his own ability to learn and process things quickly on the court.

“Honestly, it hasn’t been too much of a transition for me just because of who I am. I’m a savant when it comes to that stuff,” he said, raising a few eyebrows. “So, anything that they really throw at me is not really just a surprise. It’s more about the terminology on how they word it. I’ll say that. But I mean, it’s been easy for me. It hasn’t been such a big transition just because I’m constantly studying and the coaches are helping me as well. I watch film with the coaches every single day.”

For his rookie year goals, Brown Jr. only mentioned winning, noting that as a priority above any accolades. He also wants to turn the ball over less this season.

“That’s something that I definitely looked at during this pre-draft process and something that I’m continuing to cut down,” Brown Jr. said. “And honestly, any read that I think I’m going to make, I’m thinking it’s going to be the right read and if it goes bad, it goes bad. It’s just the flow of the game…I’m a high-risk, high-reward guy. I know sometimes it’s better to hit the single, that’s what I’ve been talking to my coaches about, and I’ve gotten better at that. So, at the end of the day, it’s taking them one day at a time and one game at a time.”

Egor Dëmin & The Flatbush Five Continue Theirs

Dëmin’s development this offseason has been well-documented, primarily with his stellar play in Summer League. He touched on his growth, in terms of his on-court capabilities and physical frame, early.

“I’ve been always saying, once I get stronger, it’s going to be different for me,” Dëmin said. “It might sound as an excuse, but I truly believe that the stronger I’m going to get, the better player I’m going to be, because skill-wise, I can work on that stuff every day, but if somebody in front of me is way stronger than me, I can’t go through him.”

Dëmin came in at 212 pounds today, up just two from what he came in at last year. He said he’ll define “play bigger” primarily at the defensive end this year, where he’ll want to be able to go out and guard an opposing team’s best player. That said, he also wants to attack the rim more, like how he did in Las Vegas.

“This year, what I’m emphasizing is getting to the lane, getting to the paint, which is going to open up so much more opportunities for [catch and shoot type plays],” he said. “Being able to create, not just for myself, but for others, having opportunities for passes, playing in transition and playing fast basketball. With gravities like Mike, Julius, Mikel, and not just gravities, but also having them on the court helps a lot. Obviously, when you know that I pass, whoever it is on the floor, I know that the ball’s going to go in.”

getting downhill and creating for others 🤝

🎙️ @whoisegor3 on his mentality heading into year 2 pic.twitter.com/fgdJdsBbFB

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) September 28, 2026

Dëmin later called Brown Jr. “my brother,” explaining that they’ve forged a tight bond despite having only known each other for a few months.

“I think my goal is to make this group not just coworkers with each other, but being actual friends,” Dëmin said of Brown Jr., who’s only three months younger. “I’m not going to say ‘family’ because it’s a strong word to use. And when you become a family, I think that’s where you become a championship contender, but I think becoming friends is very important. So, that’s my goal for the season, not just with Mikel, but everybody else.”

Saraf and Powell echoed Dëmin’s emphasis on team camaraderie. When asked about the expanded guard rotation and the limited minutes available, they both framed the competition as an opportunity for the group to push one another.

“I think the healthy competition part only makes us better, and ready to go out and compete when we have games,” Powell said.

“For me, I think it’s only going to help for the team,” Saraf added. “It’s always good when you have a healthy competition. I think it pushes everyone to to be their best version of themselves. Then, it’s going to help us as a team, of course.

Saraf spent most of the 2025-26 campaign on Long Island. However, Traoré and Powell each had extensive stints out there as well.

“To speak for me, I feel like I’m ready for the competition,” Saraf added. “Everybody needs to fight for his minutes, and I’m ready for it.”

Nelson, asked about his summer, which was spent in rehab, said he had focused on his shooting mechanics, adding that he feels more confident now that he had.

What’s Coming Next

That’ll all begin tomorrow for Saraf and company, with Nets training camp officially kicking off Tuesday morning. A week later, they’ll play their first preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets.

training camp roster is set ☑️ pic.twitter.com/WG8W9HFpvz

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) September 28, 2026

Brooklyn will play three more preseason games on October 9th, 12th, and 14th. They’ll need to shave their roster down to 15 standard contracts before the official start of the season at 5 p.m. EST on October 19th. Then, it’s game time, two days later on October 21st.

If we learned anything at Media Day this year, it’s that the Brooklyn Nets aren’t very good at golf. When Julius Randle hit the links with Mikel Brown Jr. and few other Nets youngsters this summer, he came to that realization quickly.

“Third hole in, they were trying to take their shirts off, and it’s just like, they didn’t understand golf etiquette,” Randle said. “Mikel broke a club, a driver, on one of the holes. So I learned really fast that I’m dealing with kids.”

“Shirtless golfing? Julius said that?,” Brown Jr. later remarked. “I’m going to talk to him. Don’t worry about it. That is not true.”

“Yeah, we broke a couple of clubs just, because we got stronger this summer,” a grinning Egor Dëmin later said. “The swing is not getting better. Yeah, it’s just been kind of a struggle over there, but good thing it’s not what we do. Good thing for us and for others.”

Indeed, that’s not the sport Dëmin and his teammates specialize in. That would be basketball. Unlike golf, it’s fast, more focused on physicality, and about the team rather than the individual. That’s exactly how this year’s interview and photoshoot extravaganza was today as well.

Health & Team Building Tendencies

Sean Marks and Jordi Fernández were first to address reporters at HSS Training Center. They didn’t waste time giving up the biggest news of the day, reporting early on that Brown Jr. rolled his ankle last week. Marks said he’d need to be “ramped up” in training camp but that they “don’t expect him to miss considerable time.” He also said Nolan Traoré, who had his knee scoped this summer, would also need to ramp up, but is good to go by all other accounts. Grant Nelson, who also had a minor knee issues over the summer, is a “full go,” according to Marks. Nelson in fact has been seen scrimmaging with teammates in videos posted on social media in recent days.

“Physically, those guys are ready for camp,” he said. “Nolan will be ramped up a little bit through camp, but I don’t see him missing any days. Grant, same way. Grant is full go now.”

“My knee is completely fine now,” Traoré, who also weighed in 10 pounds heavier and an inch taller than he did last year, later said. “I’m fully here, so there’s no concern.”

A noticeably-beefed up Nolan Traore said his knee is 100% as the Nets open training camp. pic.twitter.com/LQUR6CGdGW

— Erik Slater (@ErikSlater_) September 28, 2026

Once they got that out of the way, Marks and Fernández continued to echo what we’ve heard from them in the past handful of months: they value flexibility and look forward to continuing this rebuild project.

“It’s exciting that we’ve been able to add this youth to this team, watch these guys develop,” Marks said. “I think we’ve always said over the course of the last couple of years, it’s like we’re looking for the next Nets. Who are those guys? So we have a training camp and another year to figure this out as we build.”

When asked what the team needs to do warrant an “all-in,” aggressive move that elevates the roster, Marks mentioned the developmental pace of those players and how that coincides with the free agent or trade market.

“It’s going to be on how these guys develop, whether it’s Egor, whether it’s Nolan, or whether it’s Julius,” he said. “It runs the gamut, right across the whole lot of them. Who can take that next step? But then, it’s also a combination of what becomes available. I can’t predict when players from other teams become available, what free agency looks like down the road, and so forth. I think that’s where you just keep your flexibility.

“We’re always listening. I’m not sure we’re going to be any more active than we have been in the past, but it doesn’t mean we’re not listening. It doesn’t mean we’re not shaking trees and seeing what’s out there, for sure.”

MPJ’s Contract Situation

Whether or not Michael Porter Jr. will be a part of that long term plan remains to be seen. The forward coming off his best campaign as a pro is on the last year of his contract. Expectedly, Marks declined to comment on extension negotiations, only stating that they’re ongoing and in no rush to end them.

“I’ll leave the negotiations internal,” he said. “That’s obviously between the Nets, Mike and his agent, but I think they’re ongoing. The dialogue is ongoing, I think. But again, we are in no hurry to do this. I don’t think he’s in any particular hurry either.”

Marks later added that to in order commit to Porter Jr. as a long term piece, he’d like to see him round out his game a bit more by widening his skillset on the court while being a mentor off of it.

“I think for us, we’re looking for consistency from him,” he said. “We’re looking for him to take another step on the defensive end of it, and rebounding of it. Just become more of a complete player on the court. The other one is the intangibles, right? That’s important for us in the locker room. This goes for all the guys, specifically the guys who are a little bit older, who have seen it, been around a little bit, what’s their leadership look like? Mike knows that. We’re expecting big things from not only him, but Mo [Wagner], Keon [Ellis] and Julius, the guys we brought in who have seen other environments.”

“It might sound strange, but it’s literally not on my mind at all,” Porter Jr said of the contract situation. “I hired a great agent (Mark Bartelstein) and I know him and Sean, they’ve been speaking, but for me, I’m just excited to play basketball. I never was a dude who played basketball for a big contract or for the money. So for me, I’m just excited to play with these guys, be in Brooklyn, and build this organization as one of the leaders. I’ve voiced that I would love to be in Brooklyn and that I’m enjoying playing with these guys, and I think we’ll be a lot better this year, obviously.”

Porter Jr. also said he’s excited to play with Randle, viewing him as someone who’ll be able to open things up for him and vice versa in return. He also praised Dëmin for his work in the gym, as well as Brown Jr.’s maturity.

“He’s super dedicated to his craft,” Porter Jr. said. “It doesn’t feel like he’s a rookie when he’s in the locker room, when he’s on the court.”

🎙️ Michael Porter Jr. on Egor Dëmin’s growth, confidence and work heading into Year 2 pic.twitter.com/VP67VLjY1r

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) September 28, 2026

MPJ also mentioned that he wants to be the best off-the-ball player in the NBA this year. He wants the team to set high expectations for themselves, even if they’re well beyond what appears within their reach, and even they takes them beyond our atmosphere.

“I do genuinely believe that you’re supposed to go out on the floor every night with delusional confidence and compete to win,” said Porter Jr., who recently predicted a 50+ win season for Brooklyn. “I do think that we have the players, that every single night, our goal should be to win. Obviously, the NBA is stacked right now. The Eastern Conference is stacked. There’s a lot of good teams, but we definitely did nothing but get better last year, and I think that there were a lot of games that we were in last year that we could have won. So for me, it’s like we have no choice but to go up, and why not shoot for the stars?

“[O]f course I’m not going to say, ‘No, we can’t win 50 games.’ And I do genuinely believe that you’re supposed to go out on the floor every night with delusional confidence and compete to win. And I do think that we have the players that every single night our goal should be to win and we can win.:

He was not alone in the 50-win club either. Terance Mann, one of the team’s other veterans, revealed that 50 wins is a team goal.

“I mean, that’s the goal from day one,” said Mann. “We said our goal is to get 50 wins. So you’re going to have to go in there with the mentality that we’re going to get 50 wins. And that’s through the guys with years leading that. Most of us came from winning situations, so we know what it takes and that’s just what we’re going to do.”

Young Dogs, Old Tricks

Beyond contracts and cracked clubs, much of the conversation on Media Day continued to center around Brooklyn’s young players. Porter Jr. and Randle weren’t the only veterans to notice their youthful nature, yet mature approach to the game

“Extremely competitive, extremely hardworking,” Wagner said of the group. “This is the hardest I’ve worked in the summertime with an organization, and the young guys obviously take lead on that. It’s great timing in my career after my injury to come here, be challenged on a whole another level physically and extremely excited to build a bridge towards winning here.”

Keon Ellis shouted out Drake Powell when asked about the team’s top defensive prospects, calling him one of Brooklyn’s better prospects at that end of the floor.

“I love the way he guards,” Ellis said. “He’s picking up full, guarding with his chest and not fouling a lot.”

Joshua Jefferson seems to have found a veteran to model his game after, also Randle. Both players are 6’9” forwards who can handle, shoot the rock and make an impact on the glass. Jefferson says he’s already tried to learn as much as he can from his new, hopefully friendlier, Hal Jordan in Randle.

“I’ve been able to ask him a couple questions about what he looks for,” Jefferson said. “I think the biggest thing that I’ve learned so far is the point of emphasis on his physicality, when he’s initiating contact and then getting to what he wants to get to. Something I’ve learned, is to not do finesse every single time, just a mix of finesse and physicality within my game. I’m excited to keep on learning from him.”

Once the laughter subsided after Randle explained Brown Jr. and Dëmin’s golf etiquette, or lack thereof, he also praised for the pair and Brooklyn’s broader youth movement.

“I learned they’re kids, man, but they’re so eager to learn and get better,” he said. “They’re obviously really, really talented, extremely talented, but they have a competitive nature, being around them early, and just a hunger to get better…

“Usually when you’re a young player, you want to try to get a basket every single time, but [Mikel’s] coming off a pick-and-roll and really understands how to read and play the game. And Egor does the same. Egor can really shoot the ball. He’s 6’9″, athletic, moves really well with and without the ball. He really understands how to play the game. So, these guys are going to be great for a long time.“

Mikel Brown Jr. Begins His Journey

Brooklyn’s top pick this year got behind the podium closer to the end of the day. He sounded even less concerned over his rolled ankle than Marks.

“I’m doing everything possible to get back on the floor, and I’m back on the floor shooting and moving around a little bit,” Brown Jr. said. “It’s coming along well. I’ve progressed very fast. We’re just attacking it. We’re attacking the rehab and taking it a day at a time.”

Brown Jr. was even more confident when speaking about his transition to the NBA level, once more referring to himself as a “savant” and expressing trust in his own ability to learn and process things quickly on the court.

“Honestly, it hasn’t been too much of a transition for me just because of who I am. I’m a savant when it comes to that stuff,” he said, raising a few eyebrows. “So, anything that they really throw at me is not really just a surprise. It’s more about the terminology on how they word it. I’ll say that. But I mean, it’s been easy for me. It hasn’t been such a big transition just because I’m constantly studying and the coaches are helping me as well. I watch film with the coaches every single day.”

For his rookie year goals, Brown Jr. only mentioned winning, noting that as a priority above any accolades. He also wants to turn the ball over less this season.

“That’s something that I definitely looked at during this pre-draft process and something that I’m continuing to cut down,” Brown Jr. said. “And honestly, any read that I think I’m going to make, I’m thinking it’s going to be the right read and if it goes bad, it goes bad. It’s just the flow of the game…I’m a high-risk, high-reward guy. I know sometimes it’s better to hit the single, that’s what I’ve been talking to my coaches about, and I’ve gotten better at that. So, at the end of the day, it’s taking them one day at a time and one game at a time.”

Egor Dëmin & The Flatbush Five Continue Theirs

Dëmin’s development this offseason has been well-documented, primarily with his stellar play in Summer League. He touched on his growth, in terms of his on-court capabilities and physical frame, early.

“I’ve been always saying, once I get stronger, it’s going to be different for me,” Dëmin said. “It might sound as an excuse, but I truly believe that the stronger I’m going to get, the better player I’m going to be, because skill-wise, I can work on that stuff every day, but if somebody in front of me is way stronger than me, I can’t go through him.”

Dëmin came in at 212 pounds today, up just two from what he came in at last year. He said he’ll define “play bigger” primarily at the defensive end this year, where he’ll want to be able to go out and guard an opposing team’s best player. That said, he also wants to attack the rim more, like how he did in Las Vegas.

“This year, what I’m emphasizing is getting to the lane, getting to the paint, which is going to open up so much more opportunities for [catch and shoot type plays],” he said. “Being able to create, not just for myself, but for others, having opportunities for passes, playing in transition and playing fast basketball. With gravities like Mike, Julius, Mikel, and not just gravities, but also having them on the court helps a lot. Obviously, when you know that I pass, whoever it is on the floor, I know that the ball’s going to go in.”

getting downhill and creating for others 🤝

🎙️ @whoisegor3 on his mentality heading into year 2 pic.twitter.com/fgdJdsBbFB

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) September 28, 2026

Dëmin later called Brown Jr. “my brother,” explaining that they’ve forged a tight bond despite having only known each other for a few months.

“I think my goal is to make this group not just coworkers with each other, but being actual friends,” Dëmin said of Brown Jr., who’s only three months younger. “I’m not going to say ‘family’ because it’s a strong word to use. And when you become a family, I think that’s where you become a championship contender, but I think becoming friends is very important. So, that’s my goal for the season, not just with Mikel, but everybody else.”

Saraf and Powell echoed Dëmin’s emphasis on team camaraderie. When asked about the expanded guard rotation and the limited minutes available, they both framed the competition as an opportunity for the group to push one another.

“I think the healthy competition part only makes us better, and ready to go out and compete when we have games,” Powell said.

“For me, I think it’s only going to help for the team,” Saraf added. “It’s always good when you have a healthy competition. I think it pushes everyone to to be their best version of themselves. Then, it’s going to help us as a team, of course.

Saraf spent most of the 2025-26 campaign on Long Island. However, Traoré and Powell each had extensive stints out there as well.

“To speak for me, I feel like I’m ready for the competition,” Saraf added. “Everybody needs to fight for his minutes, and I’m ready for it.”

Nelson, asked about his summer, which was spent in rehab, said he had focused on his shooting mechanics, adding that he feels more confident now that he had.

What’s Coming Next

That’ll all begin tomorrow for Saraf and company, with Nets training camp officially kicking off Tuesday morning. A week later, they’ll play their first preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets.

training camp roster is set ☑️ pic.twitter.com/WG8W9HFpvz

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) September 28, 2026

Brooklyn will play three more preseason games on October 9th, 12th, and 14th. They’ll need to shave their roster down to 15 standard contracts before the official start of the season at 5 p.m. EST on October 19th. Then, it’s game time, two days later on October 21st.

Luka Dončić was nervous before his teammates came to Slovenia. 

He had never hosted a mini camp before, let alone asked a bunch of 20 and 30-something-year-old men to travel to Europe for him. 

But with nine new players on the Lakers’ roster and the hopes of a 17-time championship franchise on his shoulders, he decided to step outside his comfort zone. 

So, he paid for his teammates to come to his home country so they could build chemistry. 

Why Slovenia?

He didn’t want to leave his two daughters (two-year-old Gabriela and nine-month-old Olivia), both of whom he shares custody with his ex-fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, who lives in Slovenia.

“Obviously, I was with my daughters,” Doncic said at Lakers media day on Monday. “So we decided that we would bring the team to Slovenia. It was an amazing trip.”

There was an added benefit. 

Dončić’s teammates got to understand him and his culture in a way few others have. 

It deepened their relationships. It helped the Lakers get to know their superstar, who finished fourth in MVP voting last season. 

“It was very important for me to show them where I’m from, and I think everybody liked it,” Doncic said. “We had some great time. Just, you know, it was very nice that all of them came, which I know it’s not easy. But that just showed what kind of group we are.”

When Austin Reaves was asked about the trip, he couldn’t help but trash talk Doncic a bit. 

“We won the rowing, we won the golf, we won bowling,” Reaves said. “Luka tried to put on a blue shirt when his rowing team lost, which is crazy. But he did host us, so we let him hold the first place trophy for once.”

The Lakers enter training camp Tuesday already having taken an international trip together. They have inside jokes. They feel gratitude for Doncic, who paid for them to share that experience.

It’ll help expedite their biggest challenge next season: gelling. 

With so many new faces, the quicker they can bond, develop trust, and learn one another, the faster they’ll be able to compete in the very crowded Western Conference. 

As for Doncic, he made it clear that he’s looking forward to the challenge of being the Lakers’ biggest superstar after LeBron James left for the 76ers in free agency in July.

“I was in this position in my career a lot of times, so it’s not new to me,” Doncic said. “But I feel great. I feel excited. And like I said, I’m ready to go. It’s been a long time since I played basketball, so I’m ready.”

Doncic missed all of last postseason after suffering a strained hamstring in April. He said he’s entering training camp healthy and without any restrictions.

“I’m feeling great,” he said. “I feel rested.  Mentally I feel great, so I can’t wait just to start.”

Luka Dončić was nervous before his teammates came to Slovenia. 

He had never hosted a mini camp before, let alone asked a bunch of 20 and 30-something-year-old men to travel to Europe for him. 

But with nine new players on the Lakers’ roster and the hopes of a 17-time championship franchise on his shoulders, he decided to step outside his comfort zone. 

So, he paid for his teammates to come to his home country so they could build chemistry. 

Why Slovenia?

He didn’t want to leave his two daughters (two-year-old Gabriela and nine-month-old Olivia), both of whom he shares custody with his ex-fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, who lives in Slovenia.

“Obviously, I was with my daughters,” Doncic said at Lakers media day on Monday. “So we decided that we would bring the team to Slovenia. It was an amazing trip.”

There was an added benefit. 

Dončić’s teammates got to understand him and his culture in a way few others have. 

It deepened their relationships. It helped the Lakers get to know their superstar, who finished fourth in MVP voting last season. 

“It was very important for me to show them where I’m from, and I think everybody liked it,” Doncic said. “We had some great time. Just, you know, it was very nice that all of them came, which I know it’s not easy. But that just showed what kind of group we are.”

When Austin Reaves was asked about the trip, he couldn’t help but trash talk Doncic a bit. 

“We won the rowing, we won the golf, we won bowling,” Reaves said. “Luka tried to put on a blue shirt when his rowing team lost, which is crazy. But he did host us, so we let him hold the first place trophy for once.”

The Lakers enter training camp Tuesday already having taken an international trip together. They have inside jokes. They feel gratitude for Doncic, who paid for them to share that experience.

It’ll help expedite their biggest challenge next season: gelling. 

With so many new faces, the quicker they can bond, develop trust, and learn one another, the faster they’ll be able to compete in the very crowded Western Conference. 

As for Doncic, he made it clear that he’s looking forward to the challenge of being the Lakers’ biggest superstar after LeBron James left for the 76ers in free agency in July.

“I was in this position in my career a lot of times, so it’s not new to me,” Doncic said. “But I feel great. I feel excited. And like I said, I’m ready to go. It’s been a long time since I played basketball, so I’m ready.”

Doncic missed all of last postseason after suffering a strained hamstring in April. He said he’s entering training camp healthy and without any restrictions.

“I’m feeling great,” he said. “I feel rested.  Mentally I feel great, so I can’t wait just to start.”

For Ziaire Williams, signing with the Lakers was even more significant compared to most of the team’s offseason additions. 

Williams, the 25-year-old forward the Lakers signed to a veteran’s minimum contract after playing for the Grizzlies (2021-24) and Nets (2024-26), was born about 60 miles north of Los Angeles in Lancaster. 

He was born just after the second championship of the Lakers’ Shaquille O’Neal/Kobe Bryant-led three-peat in the early 2000s, and was a kid when Bryant led the franchise to two more championships in 2009 and ‘10. 

Williams went to high school at Notre Dame in Sherman Oaks before transferring to Sierra Canyon for his senior year, playing alongside his now Lakers teammate Bronny James.

He referred to joining the Lakers as a “full circle” moment.

“It’s a blessing, man,” Williams said. “I remember being six years old in a YMCA Junior Lakers jersey in Lancaster. Just growing up and seeing the LA culture, watching the the championship parades on the street. It’s purple and gold everywhere, man. My family bleeds purple and gold, so just to be able to throw the jersey on and be able to play on the biggest stage of the world is a blessing for sure.”

Williams isn’t alone one of the Lakers’ new additions who grew up loving the franchise. 

Collin Sexton, the veteran guard the Lakers signed to a two-year deal (player option for 2027-28), said during the Lakers Monday media day that he “grew up loving Kobe Bryant”.

Walking into the Lakers’ practice facility brought back memories for Sexton, who reflected on watching the team’s games when he was a little kid, but also talking with fans of the franchise since joining the team this summer. 

“You can tell they love their team,” Sexton said. “I’m super excited to be here and just thankful to be a part of the organization. I can remember my first basketball recreation [team], I was playing for the Lakers jersey, number 10, so that’s why I also chose number 10. So I got to pull that picture up somewhere so you guys can see that.”

Sexton and Williams are among the nine new players the Lakers added during the offseason to complement star guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. 

Walker Kessler, the franchise’s marquee offseason addition, got a taste of how far the Lakers’ reach is while the team was in Slovenia for the Doncic-sponsored mini camp.

“The amount of Lakers fans, and obviously Luka fans, but just Lakers jerseys and kids and adults, just everyone just being so excited to see the Lakers, I mean, it’s one of the biggest brands in all of sports internationally,” Kessler said. “With the fan base and everyone loves the Lakers and wants them to succeed.”

Kessler felt the Lakers historic significance when he got a firsthand look at the Lakers’ 17 NBA championship banners hanging in their El Segundo practice facility.

“That can be looked at as pressure, so to speak,” he added. “But I think it’s more of an opportunity to play for a historic franchise, to play for a franchise that has done. I mean, you can look to your left [gestures to championship trophies] and see it, I mean, it’s insane. To play for a history like this, I don’t really feel pressure. I just feel grateful, grateful for this opportunity and grateful to play for this franchise.”

Quentin Grimes, who’s already played for the 76ers and Knicks, as well as the Pistons and Mavericks, is well aware of the pressure that comes with playing for an NBA team in a big market like Los Angeles.

“L.A. is a different beast,” Grimes said. “It’s one of the, if not the most coveted sports team basketball-wise in the country for sure, one of the most prestigious ones as well. Everybody knows the Lakers. You go anywhere around the world and everybody knows that Lakers logo, everybody’s heard of the Lakers. But like I said, it’s one of the top markets in the world in general, sports aside. So you just gotta not worry about if you get good praise, bad praise. 

“At the end of the day, I’m here to play basketball, and I’m here to handle business every single day. So you can’t get caught up in external noise because you got our team, that’s the only noise we’re really worried about. So that’s the only thing you got to worry about. Just keep the main thing the main thing and everything will be alright. 

For Matisse Thybulle, another wing the Lakers signed to a one-year deal, is looking forward to experiencing what it’s like to play for the NBA’s marquee franchises. 

“Just as an NBA player, it’s just widely accepted that it’s a big deal to play for the Lakers,” Thybulle said. “And for me, not having yet done that, just being able to put the jersey on and take some photos, I don’t think it’s fully settled in. But I look forward to the first game and just to get this season going and see what that support really feels like from a local and global standpoint.”

For Ziaire Williams, signing with the Lakers was even more significant compared to most of the team’s offseason additions. 

Williams, the 25-year-old forward the Lakers signed to a veteran’s minimum contract after playing for the Grizzlies (2021-24) and Nets (2024-26), was born about 60 miles north of Los Angeles in Lancaster. 

He was born just after the second championship of the Lakers’ Shaquille O’Neal/Kobe Bryant-led three-peat in the early 2000s, and was a kid when Bryant led the franchise to two more championships in 2009 and ‘10. 

Williams went to high school at Notre Dame in Sherman Oaks before transferring to Sierra Canyon for his senior year, playing alongside his now Lakers teammate Bronny James.

He referred to joining the Lakers as a “full circle” moment.

“It’s a blessing, man,” Williams said. “I remember being six years old in a YMCA Junior Lakers jersey in Lancaster. Just growing up and seeing the LA culture, watching the the championship parades on the street. It’s purple and gold everywhere, man. My family bleeds purple and gold, so just to be able to throw the jersey on and be able to play on the biggest stage of the world is a blessing for sure.”

Williams isn’t alone one of the Lakers’ new additions who grew up loving the franchise. 

Collin Sexton, the veteran guard the Lakers signed to a two-year deal (player option for 2027-28), said during the Lakers Monday media day that he “grew up loving Kobe Bryant”.

Walking into the Lakers’ practice facility brought back memories for Sexton, who reflected on watching the team’s games when he was a little kid, but also talking with fans of the franchise since joining the team this summer. 

“You can tell they love their team,” Sexton said. “I’m super excited to be here and just thankful to be a part of the organization. I can remember my first basketball recreation [team], I was playing for the Lakers jersey, number 10, so that’s why I also chose number 10. So I got to pull that picture up somewhere so you guys can see that.”

Sexton and Williams are among the nine new players the Lakers added during the offseason to complement star guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. 

Walker Kessler, the franchise’s marquee offseason addition, got a taste of how far the Lakers’ reach is while the team was in Slovenia for the Doncic-sponsored mini camp.

“The amount of Lakers fans, and obviously Luka fans, but just Lakers jerseys and kids and adults, just everyone just being so excited to see the Lakers, I mean, it’s one of the biggest brands in all of sports internationally,” Kessler said. “With the fan base and everyone loves the Lakers and wants them to succeed.”

Kessler felt the Lakers historic significance when he got a firsthand look at the Lakers’ 17 NBA championship banners hanging in their El Segundo practice facility.

“That can be looked at as pressure, so to speak,” he added. “But I think it’s more of an opportunity to play for a historic franchise, to play for a franchise that has done. I mean, you can look to your left [gestures to championship trophies] and see it, I mean, it’s insane. To play for a history like this, I don’t really feel pressure. I just feel grateful, grateful for this opportunity and grateful to play for this franchise.”

Quentin Grimes, who’s already played for the 76ers and Knicks, as well as the Pistons and Mavericks, is well aware of the pressure that comes with playing for an NBA team in a big market like Los Angeles.

“L.A. is a different beast,” Grimes said. “It’s one of the, if not the most coveted sports team basketball-wise in the country for sure, one of the most prestigious ones as well. Everybody knows the Lakers. You go anywhere around the world and everybody knows that Lakers logo, everybody’s heard of the Lakers. But like I said, it’s one of the top markets in the world in general, sports aside. So you just gotta not worry about if you get good praise, bad praise. 

“At the end of the day, I’m here to play basketball, and I’m here to handle business every single day. So you can’t get caught up in external noise because you got our team, that’s the only noise we’re really worried about. So that’s the only thing you got to worry about. Just keep the main thing the main thing and everything will be alright. 

For Matisse Thybulle, another wing the Lakers signed to a one-year deal, is looking forward to experiencing what it’s like to play for the NBA’s marquee franchises. 

“Just as an NBA player, it’s just widely accepted that it’s a big deal to play for the Lakers,” Thybulle said. “And for me, not having yet done that, just being able to put the jersey on and take some photos, I don’t think it’s fully settled in. But I look forward to the first game and just to get this season going and see what that support really feels like from a local and global standpoint.”

A lot of assessments of the Lakers’ offseason roster moves were dished out over the summer. 

After having multiple months to reflect, franchise superstar Luka Doncic provided his thoughts of the Lakers’ efforts to construct a team around him that they hope will contend for an NBA title. 

“I like everybody that we signed,” Doncic said during the team’s Monday media day. “There’s a lot of underrated guys, a lot of new guys that are underrated. Got to spend some time with them obviously off court. Now the training camp is going to help us a lot, focus on basketball, get to know what they like on the court, but I’m very excited to play with all of them.”

The Lakers enter the start of training camp on Tuesday with nine new players.

But none of them are bigger – figuratively and literally – than Walker Kessler, the 7-foot-2 center the Lakers not only signed to a four-year, $130 million contract, but also sent the Jazz unprotected first-round draft picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030 to acquire. 

Doncic identified Kessler as a player he wanted the Lakers to acquire.

And the franchise, led by president of basketball operations/general manager Rob Pelinka, got the type of big man rim-protecting, lob threat Doncic had been wanting to play alongside since coming to Los Angeles in February 2025.

“I played a lot of games against Walker, so it was always tough to play against him,” Doncic said. “I really wanted him. The organization wanted him, I wanted him, all the players wanted him, so I think it’s an amazing fit for us. Obviously a rim protector, but then offensively he improved so much that he’s going to help us a lot.”

Kessler found himself fitting in quickly. 

He recalled receiving his first lob from Doncic during the team’s Doncic-sponsored trip to Slovenia last month.

“I don’t even think he was looking at me, and he kind of just threw it and I was there,” Kessler said. “I mean, I’ve heard a lot of people say that about playing with him. So caught it, dunked it, ran back down, high fived and I was like, ‘yup, I can get used to this’.”

Kessler wasn’t the only significant addition to the Lakers’ roster. 

The team also added: Quentin Grimes (four years, $60 million), Sandro Mamukelashvili (four years, $52 million) and Collin Sexton (two years, $19 million), Ziaire Williams (one year, $2.8 million) and Matisse Thybulle (one year, $3.3 million), Cameron Carr (first round draft pick), Kevon Looney (one year, $3.9 million) and Jaden Hardy (acquired from the Wizards). 

Sexton agreed with Doncic’s assessment of the roster moves. 

“We’re all underrated, if that makes [sense],” Sexton said. “We’re competitors. I feel like we added people that are willing to compete, and we added guys that [don’t] back down to anyone. I know for myself, I’m somebody that’s not gonna back down to any challenge or not gonna back down to anyone. 

“Whenever I step between those lines, there’s no friends. It’s us versus them. So I know it can look like we’re underrated [at] times.”

As significant as the Lakers’ additions were, none were more important than the Lakers re-signing star guard Austin Reaves to a four-year, $180 million contract.

With LeBron James with the 76ers and no longer with the Lakers, Doncic and Reaves are stepping into more significant leadership roles.

“He improved a lot,” Doncic said of Reaves. “He just talks more to a lot of people. Obviously the new players, they look up to him, asking things. So I think he [took] a big step forward.”