Category: NBA

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.”

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.”

SAN FRANCISCO ― A decade ago the Golden State Warriors were the clear-favorite to win a NBA title, now, 10 years later, many don't have them making the playoffs – and that's okay with them.

A shocking prediction, yes. But they are perfectly fine with not having those expectations as they step into the 2026-27 season with a fresh outlook.

Head coach Steve Kerr is back after contemplating retirement, signing a two-year extension with the Warriors. Golden State has practically the same roster as last year – returning nearly every key player, while adding Georges Niang and Brandon Williams.

"It's been a long offseason, too long, not making the playoffs last year. But I'm thrilled about starting the climb again, day one, and training camp. There's always a sense of excitement," Kerr said. "I feel really good about this team, and I'm really optimistic. I love our guys, and I think we have a chance to have a really good year. There's a lot of really good players and a lot of good energy with what we're doing right now."

The Warriors finished with a 37-45 record but still managed to creep into the NBA Play-In tournament. They lost the elimination game for the No. 8-seed to the Phoenix Suns, however, marking just the second time since their 2022 championship that they missed the postseason.

Many experts predict the Warriors to have a similar record in the 2026-27 season, which makes sense seeing as they have a nearly identical team. USA TODAY Sports' Lorenzo Reyes projects Golden State to finish 41-41 in the regular season, ninth in the Western Conference. ESPN predicts the Warriors to finish two games worse than last year at 35-47.

Players and coaches aren't paying attention to outside noise, however. Here are the main takeaways from Warriors Media Day on Monday, Sept. 28:

WARRIORS PREVIEW: Lineup, roster, prediction and biggest question mark

Warriors not a full strength

Golden State will start the 2026-27 season out at partial strength as players continue to nurse their injuries.

Warriors starting forward Jimmy Butler III has been rehabilitating a torn ACL he suffered last year. Moses Moody missed the final 22 games of the 2025-26 season with a torn patellar tendon but showed he can be a key rotational piece off the bench.

Neither Butler nor Moody will be suiting up on opening day, but they will travel with the team to Hawaii for training camp and preseason games. Another key player who will be missing is center, Kristaps Porzingis, who is out with an undisclosed health issue, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy said.

Yaxel Lendeborg is a diamond in the rough

There's high hopes that Yaxel Lendeborg will make an immediate impact. The organization is high on the No. 11 overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft – and for good reason.

Lendeborg helped lead the Warriors' summer league team to a title and earned MVP honors along the way. His awards might not stop there. He believes that he can make his way to an All-Rookie first team and even win Rookie of the Year.

His teammates had high praise for his skill and physique. Butler's thoughts on Lendeborg is that "he's (expletive) massive."

Jimmy Butler when asked about his initial thoughts on Yaxel Lendeborg:

“HE’S F–KING MASSIVE! He’s a big human being.” 😂😅 pic.twitter.com/Z0yRQGz76t

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) September 28, 2026

Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg turned heads with his infectious confidence and humor during NBA Media Day. The 11th overall draft pick reflected on his rapid adjustment to the professional level following an impressive Summer League campaign.

Lendeborg expressed awe at playing alongside Stephen Curry, pointing out the gravity Curry commands on the court. “I’ve never come off a screen and seen nobody in front or behind me,” Lendeborg joked when describing a scrimmage sequence. He also lightheartedly claimed to have blocked a Curry three-pointer during practice, telling reporters, “They said it was a foul. I told my friends it was a block.”

Yaxel Lendeborg on the slip cut in a scrimmage off Steph’s gravity: “I’ve never come off a screen and seen nobody in front or behind me.”

He also said he blocked a Steph 3: “They said it was a fouls. I told my friends it was a block. pic.twitter.com/JQxEr5yIaP

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) September 28, 2026

Beyond the humor, Lendeborg voiced ambitious personal goals for his debut season, targeting an All-Rookie First Team selection. Head coach Steve Kerr praised his size and versatility, confirming Lendeborg is poised to play a major role in the Warriors’ rotation this season.

Yaxel Lendeborg said he wants to be All-Rookie first team: "I feel like I could be Rookie of the Year, but that's not my main focus."

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) September 28, 2026

Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg turned heads with his infectious confidence and humor during NBA Media Day. The 11th overall draft pick reflected on his rapid adjustment to the professional level following an impressive Summer League campaign.

Lendeborg expressed awe at playing alongside Stephen Curry, pointing out the gravity Curry commands on the court. “I’ve never come off a screen and seen nobody in front or behind me,” Lendeborg joked when describing a scrimmage sequence. He also lightheartedly claimed to have blocked a Curry three-pointer during practice, telling reporters, “They said it was a foul. I told my friends it was a block.”

Yaxel Lendeborg on the slip cut in a scrimmage off Steph’s gravity: “I’ve never come off a screen and seen nobody in front or behind me.”

He also said he blocked a Steph 3: “They said it was a fouls. I told my friends it was a block. pic.twitter.com/JQxEr5yIaP

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) September 28, 2026

Beyond the humor, Lendeborg voiced ambitious personal goals for his debut season, targeting an All-Rookie First Team selection. Head coach Steve Kerr praised his size and versatility, confirming Lendeborg is poised to play a major role in the Warriors’ rotation this season.

Yaxel Lendeborg said he wants to be All-Rookie first team: "I feel like I could be Rookie of the Year, but that's not my main focus."

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) September 28, 2026

Things felt different at Lakers media day. 

Their megastar over the last eight years was nearly 3,000 miles away, talking about trying to win a championship in Philadelphia. 

It was weird. 

This has never happened to the Lakers before. A superstar has never chosen to leave the purple and gold. Let that sink in for a second. 

The Lakers’ biggest stars have all opted to end their careers in Los Angeles, including Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant. Some superstars have been traded, such as Shaquille O’Neal. 

But none have chosen to leave. 

So, things felt a little odd at the Lakers’ practice facility in El Segundo on Monday.

There were fewer reporters. There was less sparkle. Less intrigue.

The Lakers have one of the top four players in the NBA in Luka Doncic, but they lost one of the greatest players of all-time. 

The longest-tenured player on the Lakers now? Austin Reaves. The most charismatic? Arguably Walker Kessler, who keeps talking about wanting to run through walls for the Lakers. 

Sure, James not being on the Lakers is old news. He chose to sign a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers in free agency in July. But this is the first time we saw it. This is the first time we felt it. 

James was wearing a blue and red jersey. And the Lakers were really without him. 

Some people think they’re better off. 

Lakers coach JJ Redick said Thursday that this is the first time since he took over the helm in June 2024 that all of the pieces fit. 

Doncic didn’t hesitate when asked how he feels now that the Lakers are his team. 

“It feels great,” Doncic said. “…I was in this position in my career a lot of times, so it’s not new to me.”

Even Bronny James didn’t blink when asked about his father taking his talents across the country.

“We’re men of very little words when it comes to talking about business and what we’re going to do and how we feel about each other, so there wasn’t really much to be honest with you,” Bronny James said of their discussions over the summer. “I mean he’s got his own path and I got my own. So he knows that I want to make a name for myself and continue my career and keep growing as a player. And he knows that I want to focus on that.”

The world moves on.

Reaves praised James for giving him the cheat code on how to care for his body. Lakers general manager and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said Thursday that James’ tenure with the Lakers was a “great era.”

But this is a new phenomenon for a team that has seen it all while under the harshest of microscopes in the NBA. 

Maybe the Lakers wanted to move on from James. Maybe James felt underappreciated. Maybe he wanted a fresh start. Maybe all of that is true.

James is still one of the top players in the league at age 41, having single-handedly carried the Lakers to a 3-0 lead over the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs last season without Doncic and Reaves. 

But his time with the Lakers had turned stale. Pelinka spent the offseason tailoring the roster around Doncic, including emptying out the cupboard for Walker Kessler. The Lakers are ready to move forward. 

It’s a major period of transition for a franchise that has no patience for anything but winning. 

Not only did James leave, but the Lakers experienced their second ownership change in 14 months after being under the Buss family’s reign for 47 years. It’s a lot. 

But there’s also a lot of optimism around the Lakers. 

Doncic is healthy after suffering a strained hamstring in April that sidelined him for the playoffs. Reaves is already stepping up as a leader. Walker wants nothing more than to prove that he was worth the Lakers sending two unprotected first-round draft picks and two first-round pick swaps to Utah to acquire him. 

There are nine new players. They’re all thrilled to be playing for a franchise that has won 17 NBA championships. They’re all excited to share the court with Doncic.

But there’s also a weird feeling in Laker Land. 

LeBron James is gone. 

He chose to leave. 

And let’s call it like it is: That dulls the shine on the purple and gold.

Things felt different at Lakers media day. 

Their megastar over the last eight years was nearly 3,000 miles away, talking about trying to win a championship in Philadelphia. 

It was weird. 

This has never happened to the Lakers before. A superstar has never chosen to leave the purple and gold. Let that sink in for a second. 

The Lakers’ biggest stars have all opted to end their careers in Los Angeles, including Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant. Some superstars have been traded, such as Shaquille O’Neal. 

But none have chosen to leave. 

So, things felt a little odd at the Lakers’ practice facility in El Segundo on Monday.

There were fewer reporters. There was less sparkle. Less intrigue.

The Lakers have one of the top four players in the NBA in Luka Doncic, but they lost one of the greatest players of all-time. 

The longest-tenured player on the Lakers now? Austin Reaves. The most charismatic? Arguably Walker Kessler, who keeps talking about wanting to run through walls for the Lakers. 

Sure, James not being on the Lakers is old news. He chose to sign a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers in free agency in July. But this is the first time we saw it. This is the first time we felt it. 

James was wearing a blue and red jersey. And the Lakers were really without him. 

Some people think they’re better off. 

Lakers coach JJ Redick said Thursday that this is the first time since he took over the helm in June 2024 that all of the pieces fit. 

Doncic didn’t hesitate when asked how he feels now that the Lakers are his team. 

“It feels great,” Doncic said. “…I was in this position in my career a lot of times, so it’s not new to me.”

Even Bronny James didn’t blink when asked about his father taking his talents across the country.

“We’re men of very little words when it comes to talking about business and what we’re going to do and how we feel about each other, so there wasn’t really much to be honest with you,” Bronny James said of their discussions over the summer. “I mean he’s got his own path and I got my own. So he knows that I want to make a name for myself and continue my career and keep growing as a player. And he knows that I want to focus on that.”

The world moves on.

Reaves praised James for giving him the cheat code on how to care for his body. Lakers general manager and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said Thursday that James’ tenure with the Lakers was a “great era.”

But this is a new phenomenon for a team that has seen it all while under the harshest of microscopes in the NBA. 

Maybe the Lakers wanted to move on from James. Maybe James felt underappreciated. Maybe he wanted a fresh start. Maybe all of that is true.

James is still one of the top players in the league at age 41, having single-handedly carried the Lakers to a 3-0 lead over the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs last season without Doncic and Reaves. 

But his time with the Lakers had turned stale. Pelinka spent the offseason tailoring the roster around Doncic, including emptying out the cupboard for Walker Kessler. The Lakers are ready to move forward. 

It’s a major period of transition for a franchise that has no patience for anything but winning. 

Not only did James leave, but the Lakers experienced their second ownership change in 14 months after being under the Buss family’s reign for 47 years. It’s a lot. 

But there’s also a lot of optimism around the Lakers. 

Doncic is healthy after suffering a strained hamstring in April that sidelined him for the playoffs. Reaves is already stepping up as a leader. Walker wants nothing more than to prove that he was worth the Lakers sending two unprotected first-round draft picks and two first-round pick swaps to Utah to acquire him. 

There are nine new players. They’re all thrilled to be playing for a franchise that has won 17 NBA championships. They’re all excited to share the court with Doncic.

But there’s also a weird feeling in Laker Land. 

LeBron James is gone. 

He chose to leave. 

And let’s call it like it is: That dulls the shine on the purple and gold.

The bromance between Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves remains strong and it’s a bond the Lakers will lean on with LeBron James no longer on the team.

After eight years of James being the Lakers’ leader, the role now will be shared by Doncic and Reaves.

Doncic already took a step in that direction when he invited his teammates to his home country of Slovenia in August for a bonding trip.

Reaves chided Doncic about losing in rowing, bowling and golf while they were in Slovenia together.

Reminded about it Monday at the Lakers’ media day, Doncic immediately retorted: “I beat him in golf two days ago. ... He didn’t say that, huh?”

Doncic paused and smiled.

Read more:Five storylines to follow as Lakers open training camp this week

“The key was I was playing great golf,” Doncic said. “He gave me some strokes, I’m not going to lie — as he should.”

Reaves spoke about the events his group won in Slovenia and how they beat Doncic in the process.

“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 two friends and teammates have developed a closeness that their teammates have noticed.

“They get along so well that it’s kind of easy for them to co-lead this team — in different ways sometimes,” Jake LaRavia said. “I think sometimes Luka leads by example and we watch him and we watch how he goes about himself. AR can sometimes be a bit more vocal. But I think they both do a great job at what they are good at it when it comes to being leaders for this team.”

Doncic led the NBA in scoring last season (33.5 points per game) and was third in assists (8.3). He averaged 7.7 rebounds and shot 47.6%, including 36.6% from three-point range.

The three-year, $165-million contract extension Doncic signed last year kicked in this season.

“Obviously, it’s a new challenge,” he said about his leadership role. “I was in this position in my career a lot of times, so it’s not new to me. 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.”

Reaves is entering his sixth season with the Lakers, making him the longest-tenured player on the team. In June, he signed a four-year, $180-million deal, the largest contract for an undrafted player in NBA history.

Reaves earned it by averaging career-highs in points (23.2) and rebounds (4.7).

The Lakers have nine new players and Reaves knows he’ll need to provide guidance.

“I think it’s different for everybody,” Reaves said. “I’m not going to lead the same way Bron does. I’m not going to lead the same way Luka does. I like to do things a little different. I was talking about doing more one-on-one conversations. There will be times where I need to speak up in group settings and I’ll do that when the time comes. But I think you just got to be true to yourself and do what’s comfortable for you.”

Read more:Lakers' new era opens with a thanks for the LeBron James era

Doncic played in just 64 games last season. He missed the last five regular-season games and all of the playoffs with a left hamstring strain. After spending time in Europe rehabbing his hamstring over the summer, Doncic said he’s healthy and ready to go with no restrictions when the Lakers begin training camp Tuesday.

“I know I had a lot of time, just taking it slowly, not taking no risks,” Doncic said. “But right now, I’m feeling great. I feel rested. Mentally I feel great, so I can’t wait just to start.”

With Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams among the newcomers on the Lakers, Doncic and Reaves are looking forward to what comes next.

“I like everybody that we signed,” Doncic said. “I think there’s a lot of underrated guys. ... Now 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.”

Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things Lakers.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

There is no one more important to the future of the Phoenix Suns and Devin Booker’s legacy than second-year center Khaman Maluach. Selected 10th overall in the 2025 Draft and with rare physical attributes, the Duke alum had a dominant Las Vegas Summer League showing, averaging 20 points and 13 rebounds, earning him an All-Summer League Second team selection. With Mark Williams sidelined for the foreseeable due to a shoulder injury, he’s got a golden opportunity to make a major leap, become the team’s starting center and prove that he can be a cornerstone piece next to Booker in building the next elite Suns team. He’s taking initiative to make sure he becomes the game changer the team envisions him as.

On media day Monday, Booker shared that the two worked out during the offseason after Maluach reached out. Booker had heavy praise for the 20-year old, saying he’s taken the “biggest leap,” out of anyone he’s seen this summer.

Devin Booker on working with Khaman Maluach during the summer.

"It's something that he reached out to me about. We would end up being in the gym at the same time late night and then one time he just texted me and was like 'Can we, can we get some work in together?' I think that… pic.twitter.com/oq1qcOhEUO

— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) September 28, 2026

With Booker playing the best basketball of his career when Deandre Ayton was in conversations for being one of the best young centers in the NBA and playing at a high level, the strong words from the franchise’s best player bode well for Maluach’s chances to start.

What differentiates Maluach compared to the other centers that Booker’s played alongside is not only his physical attributes (he’s 7’1” with a 7’7” wingspan), but also his willingness and ability to shoot the three, something he improved on during the Summer, shooting 40% from three in Vegas after shooting just 24% from deep during his rookie campaign. Outside of Aron Baynes and Dario Šarić, he hasn’t played alongside many bigs who have the same potential to space the floor as he can.

Suns GM Brian Gregory said that he’s competing for the starting center spot and noted that he looks stronger and runs differently than a season ago. His biggest competitor for the position is Oso Ighodaro, who started 28 games last season, including all of the team’s playoff contests. Ighodaro is another one of the team’s best prospects, who made significant leaps in his second season and was the only Sun to play in all 82 games. His passing, durability and basketball awareness make him a valuable piece for the team’s offense.

While there’s a golden opportunity for the 2025 lottery pick to become the starter, Maluach says he just wants to do what’s best for the team, even if it means he comes off the bench.

I asked Khaman Maluach how he doesn’t let the pressure of competing for the team’s starting center spot get to him.

“It’s not like, oh who's gonna start or who's gonna play this kind of minutes. It’s what the team needs. If that night Oso is a good matchup for whatever center… pic.twitter.com/rAKdcsIKEU

— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) September 28, 2026

While Booker’s praise of Maluach has made most of the headlines, the second-year big received a sea of compliments from his teammates and members of the organization on his character Monday, including newly signed guard Pat Spencer and team CEO Josh Bartelstein.

With many of the best teams’ rosters built on elite guard/big duos (The New York Knicks with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns and the Oklahoma City Thunder with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren), Khaman Maluach and Devin Booker are trying to take the first steps in building a rapport that can help them compete with the best of the Western Conference, and Maluach is making it easy for Booker to work with him.

---

The season hasn’t started yet, but Meleek Thomas has already won over his teammates. The Cleveland Cavaliers spoke highly of their rookie during media day.

“That kid’s a dog,” said Donovan Mitchell. “He is who he thinks he is — he reminds me of myself.”

That’s a glowing endorsement from the franchise superstar. Mitchell has never shied away from supporting younger prospects. He took Jaylon Tyson under his wing last season, for instance. But going this far out on a limb to rave about a rookie is something special even for Mitchell.

That might be because Thomas is the type of rookie who makes a good first impression.

Meleek Thomas play creation and shot making in SL: pic.twitter.com/qzoO4dbyWE

— Tony Pesta (@Tony_Pesta) July 14, 2026

Thomas shined in Summer League, showcasing his three-level scoring ability while turning heads as a playmaker. He’s carried that forward into individual workouts and practices with the team.

“Ever since I first saw him, you see it in Summer League, then you have the camp, and I’m like, this dude is still going,” said Mitchell.

Clearly, Thomas is making himself stand out. He carries the bravado and the belief that he should have been a first-round talent, but follows it up with a work ethic to match. There is no entitlement to his game. Thomas is here to prove people wrong.

“He thinks that guy, but he is that guy,” said Nae’Qwan Tomlin. “He can really shoot the ball, he can play make, and he’s a dog too — he’s gritty, he likes to play defense.”

No one should expect Thomas to contribute heavily in his rookie season. It would be unfair to hold him to that standard. There’s no shame in taking a year to develop while being buried in the rotation of a team that just reached the Eastern Conference Finals.

With that said, teams that reach the ECF don’t usually roll into media day praising a second-round draft pick. That speaks to the type of player and person that Thomas is. He’s a smart kid who is eager to become the best version of himself.

“Every day, he wants to learn; he asks so many questions,” said Mitchell. “He’ll ask myself, he’ll ask James, TB [Thomas Bryant], the coaches. He’s the real deal, and I’m excited for him this year. ”

There is no one more important to the future of the Phoenix Suns and Devin Booker’s legacy than second-year center Khaman Maluach. Selected 10th overall in the 2025 Draft and with rare physical attributes, the Duke alum had a dominant Las Vegas Summer League showing, averaging 20 points and 13 rebounds, earning him an All-Summer League Second team selection. With Mark Williams sidelined for the foreseeable due to a shoulder injury, he’s got a golden opportunity to make a major leap, become the team’s starting center and prove that he can be a cornerstone piece next to Booker in building the next elite Suns team. He’s taking initiative to make sure he becomes the game changer the team envisions him as.

On media day Monday, Booker shared that the two worked out during the offseason after Maluach reached out. Booker had heavy praise for the 20-year old, saying he’s taken the “biggest leap,” out of anyone he’s seen this summer.

Devin Booker on working with Khaman Maluach during the summer.

"It's something that he reached out to me about. We would end up being in the gym at the same time late night and then one time he just texted me and was like 'Can we, can we get some work in together?' I think that… pic.twitter.com/oq1qcOhEUO

— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) September 28, 2026

With Booker playing the best basketball of his career when Deandre Ayton was in conversations for being one of the best young centers in the NBA and playing at a high level, the strong words from the franchise’s best player bode well for Maluach’s chances to start.

What differentiates Maluach compared to the other centers that Booker’s played alongside is not only his physical attributes (he’s 7’1” with a 7’7” wingspan), but also his willingness and ability to shoot the three, something he improved on during the Summer, shooting 40% from three in Vegas after shooting just 24% from deep during his rookie campaign. Outside of Aron Baynes and Dario Šarić, he hasn’t played alongside many bigs who have the same potential to space the floor as he can.

Suns GM Brian Gregory said that he’s competing for the starting center spot and noted that he looks stronger and runs differently than a season ago. His biggest competitor for the position is Oso Ighodaro, who started 28 games last season, including all of the team’s playoff contests. Ighodaro is another one of the team’s best prospects, who made significant leaps in his second season and was the only Sun to play in all 82 games. His passing, durability and basketball awareness make him a valuable piece for the team’s offense.

While there’s a golden opportunity for the 2025 lottery pick to become the starter, Maluach says he just wants to do what’s best for the team, even if it means he comes off the bench.

I asked Khaman Maluach how he doesn’t let the pressure of competing for the team’s starting center spot get to him.

“It’s not like, oh who's gonna start or who's gonna play this kind of minutes. It’s what the team needs. If that night Oso is a good matchup for whatever center… pic.twitter.com/rAKdcsIKEU

— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) September 28, 2026

While Booker’s praise of Maluach has made most of the headlines, the second-year big received a sea of compliments from his teammates and members of the organization on his character Monday, including newly signed guard Pat Spencer and team CEO Josh Bartelstein.

With many of the best teams’ rosters built on elite guard/big duos (The New York Knicks with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns and the Oklahoma City Thunder with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren), Khaman Maluach and Devin Booker are trying to take the first steps in building a rapport that can help them compete with the best of the Western Conference, and Maluach is making it easy for Booker to work with him.

---

A new age of Clippers basketball started on Monday.

It’s about moving on, or attempting to, after the franchise endured a nightmare offseason.

“My entire summer’s been basketball,” guard Darius Garland nonchalantly said during media day at Intuit Dome. “My main thing is to come in here and win games. So, that’s my main focus.”

The Clippers’ offseason was engulfed by the NBA’s salary-cap circumvention investigation into the team’s endorsement deals with Kawhi Leonard. The NBA fined the Clippers $30 million, stripped them of five first-round picks, dealt suspensions to owner Steve Ballmer and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank — and the Clippers ultimately traded Leonard, who was fined merely $700,000, back to Toronto.

Garland represented his teammates in prioritizing hoops.

But for Trent Redden, the Clippers’ interim president of basketball operations, things weren’t that simple. The admittedly nervous executive started Monday’s news conferences by apologizing to the Clippers’ faithful for the aftermath of the Leonard situation.

“Our fans deserve to hear from us before this, and for that we’re sorry,” Redden said. “We’ve been listening to the thoughts, the concerns, and feeling the emotions of our fan base. They mean everything to us. … We hope to fulfill our promises to them, to build their trust and move forward through this time.

Read more:NBA hammers Clippers, Steve Ballmer and Kawhi Leonard following investigation

“This franchise often has done its best work with its back against the wall … We hope to represent our fans the same way we always have in dark times, by coming out fighting.”

Fighting is all the new-look Clippers can do as they enter the 2026-27 season.

Leonard is back north of the border. Other stars, such as Paul George, James Harden and the recently retired Russell Westbrook, are distant memories in L.A. For the first time in years, the Clippers aren’t entering a season with championship aspirations.

“It’s been difficult,” said Ty Lue, who enters his seventh season as the Clippers’ coach. “But I give our players a lot of credit … the leadership is great [and] the morale is great, even in these tough situations. That’s good to see, when you have your players coming in every day, giving everything they have; a lot of teams don’t have that.”

The Clippers’ league-record streak of 15 consecutive winning seasons is in jeopardy. Nonetheless, the team will still feature plenty of intrigue roster-wise, with a mix of youngsters “doing TikToks” and “old heads” trying to keep up, as Garland described it.

“I think we can surprise a lot of people,” he said.

Garland himself, 26, enters his first full season in L.A. as the team’s go-to scorer. A two-time All-Star, he’s primed to lead a promising backcourt alongside 19-year-old rookie Keaton Wagler, the Clippers’ No. 5 pick in the 2026 draft.

Read more:Read the NBA's investigation of the Clippers, Steve Ballmer, Kawhi Leonard

Wagler is one of the team’s promising young players, alongside fellow rookie Baba Miller, Kobe Sanders and the rehabbing Jordan Miller and Yanic Konan Niederhauser.

“I’m just going to do my best to stay mentally focused,” Wagler said when asked about the pressure of being the team’s first top-five pick since Blake Griffin in 2009. “Not worry about all the outside noise.”

The Clippers return key role players like Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez, and sport new ones like Max Strus and Gradey Dick via trades.

However, the team’s ceiling will rest on the influence of new forwards Brandon Ingram and Rui Hachimura. Hachimura is coming off a strong playoff run and four-year stint with the Lakers.

“One thing about here … everybody talks about how they take really good care of their players,” Hachimura said of signing a two-year, $28-million contract with the Clippers this offseason.

Ingram, the centerpiece of the Leonard trade, is a solid three-level scorer and will shoulder much of the offensive load alongside Garland — when healthy.

Redden shockingly shared that Ingram is recovering from a partially torn Achilles tendon in addition to heel surgery.

Read more:Plaschke: NBA drops the hammer on The Cheatin’ Clippers, and they can't shed the stink

“I had been dealing with some pain throughout the year with the Raptors, especially coming down crunch time with the Raptors,” Ingram said. “I didn’t quite know what it was. Near the end of the season, we figured out what it was, and surgery was the best thing to do.”

The 29-year-old Ingram, though, should make a full recovery and claims his best days are still ahead of him.

He feels the same way about his new Clippers team.

“I know [there are] little to no expectations for us this year,” Ingram said. “We have enough in the building to compete. This is what we love to do. So, we’ll go out and compete every single night, learn, go on to the next game and get better and better.”

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.