The moment Los Angeles Lakers fans have been waiting for is right around the corner: Opening Night. The stakes could not be much more exciting, as the team prepares to start its first season since the 2017-18 campaign without forward Lebron James. Expect the Lakeshow to be constantly compared to their former selves and to be under a microscope as to whether they will be contenders.
While the starting five has not been officially set, it could look something like this: guards Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves at the one and two, forwards Quentin Grimes and Zaire Williams at the three and four, and Walker Kessler as the five.
The Lakers 2026-27 season will begin against guard Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, who are not seen as contenders or even playoff-caliber. This gives them a favorable opportunity to start the season off strong with a win.
Lakers fans can rest assured since the offense has looked fluid and powerful. This was noted at media day and seen in the limited minutes the team’s projected starters played together so far this preseason. Each are averaging over double-digits in the scoring department.
Dončić has averaged more points than minutes played with 22.0 points in only 20.5 minutes per game, Reaves has averaged 18.0 PPG and 7.5 assists, and Kessler demonstrated his two-way prowess with averages of 11.0 PPG, 9.0 rebounds, a block and a steal in only 15.9 minutes per game.
The defense has also been solid this preseason. They are ranked fifth in defensive rating league-wide, which would be an improvement from 19th last season.
While it is only a few preseason games, former NBA Champion and analyst Kendrick Perkins made a bold declaration on NBA Today, claiming that “The Lakers are gonna have the best offensive team in the league.”
With the offense seemingly ready to have a breakout season for the Lakers, the question is and will always be the defense. This opening night game will be crucial towards silencing the skeptics and getting off on the right foot. Maybe the defense won’t matter if the Lakers can simply outscore the Warriors and whoever they face in future games.
LA will face off against Golden State on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7:00 p.m. PT at Crypto.com Arena.