The Los Angeles Lakers will kick off preparations for the 2025-26 NBA campaign with their annual Media Day on Monday, Sept. 29, beginning at 11 a.m. PT at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo.
Fans can watch the full session live on the Lakers’ official YouTube channel and on Spectrum SportsNet. The Lakers Nation YouTube page will also carry real-time coverage.
Team president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka, along with first-year head coach JJ Redick, previewed the event during an earlier press conference, outlining offseason moves and setting expectations for the regular season.
Main Storylines
Luka Doncic: The 26-year-old superstar enters his first full season in Los Angeles after a widely publicized summer transformation and a standout showing for Slovenia at EuroBasket 2025. Early MVP buzz surrounds Doncic as the franchise looks to make a deep postseason run.
LeBron James: James begins a league-record 23rd season after opting into his 2025-26 player option. With no extension reached, speculation persists that this could be his final year in purple and gold.
Roster Updates
Los Angeles added center Deandre Ayton and guard Marcus Smart through free agency, both expected to assume immediate starting roles. Forward Jake LaRavia joins as a developmental piece with upside.
Redick’s first task will be finalizing a starting lineup and rotation. Veterans Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent are in the mix, while newcomers Dalton Knecht and Maxi Kleber will vie for minutes. Guard Bronny James, impressive in Las Vegas Summer League, is projected to spend additional time in the G League.
Media Day marks the unofficial start of the Lakers’ 2025-26 season, providing the first public look at the retooled roster before training camp opens later in the week.
Source: Lakers Nation
