The Los Angeles Lakers will open Media Day on Monday, Sept. 29, before moving directly into training camp and the preseason schedule, formally launching preparations for the 2025-26 NBA season.
This year’s camp is the first full one for Luka Doncic in a Lakers uniform. After arriving via mid-season trade last year, the All-NBA guard will finally have extended practice time to build on-court chemistry with his new teammates.
New Faces, New Expectations
The front office addressed several roster gaps during the summer by adding center Deandre Ayton, former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart and wing Jake LaRavia. Head coach JJ Redick, entering his second season on the sideline, now has a deeper group but also a list of immediate decisions:
- Ayton’s Role: Team observers will watch whether the 7-footer embraces a defense-first approach, particularly rim protection, even if it reduces his mid-range touches.
- Fifth Starter: Redick is expected to audition Smart and Rui Hachimura for the final spot alongside Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James and Ayton. Choosing Smart would create a three-guard lineup; choosing Hachimura adds size but less ball-handling.
Bench Competition
Several reserves enter camp under the microscope. Second-year swingman Dalton Knecht looks to rebound from a difficult Summer League amid recurring trade rumors. Jarred Vanderbilt aims to supply enough offense to keep his elite defense on the floor, while LaRavia will try to claim a two-way wing role. Rookies Bronny James and Adou Thiero will compete for minutes as perimeter defenders.
Center Depth
The backup center job is unsettled. Jaxson Hayes currently holds the inside track, but veteran Maxi Kleber—valued for his floor spacing and past connection with Doncic—will get a look after missing significant time with injuries last year.
Defensive Identity
The Lakers finished last regular season near the top of the defensive rating charts after acquiring Doncic, but that success faded when opponents had time to prepare in the playoffs. Without a clear lockdown stopper—unless Smart regains his peak form—Redick is tasked with designing a scheme that keeps Los Angeles at least league-average on that end.
Training camp and the six-game preseason will give Redick his first extended chance to sort out these questions before the regular season tips off in October.
Source: Lakers Nation
