As cited by Dodger Nation, Walter shut down speculation that his recent divestments from the Los Angeles Lakers and Chelsea FC signaled a pending exit from Chavez Ravine. Instead, Walter reaffirmed his long-term commitment to the Dodgers, emphasizing that the organization’s sole focus remains retooling for another World Series run.

If the Dodgers were ever shopped on the open market, sports business analysts estimate the powerhouse franchise would easily fetch between $8 billion and $10 billion-plus. Guggenheim Baseball Management acquired the club in 2012 for a then-record $2.15 billion, but surging enterprise values, lucrative regional and national broadcast rights, and brand global appeal have drastically shifted franchise economics.

Beyond executive-suite chatter, the front office faces an aggressive roster overhaul, including rampant trade buzz connecting Los Angeles to Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. After falling short against the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS, the Dodgers are determined to fix their postseason deficiencies and capture the pennant.

Why did Walter divest his stakes in the Lakers and Chelsea?

Walter agreed to part with his stake in the Lakers at a record $12.5 billion valuation, just years after entering the ownership group at a $10 billion figure. The opportunistic transaction netted an estimated $2.5 billion paper gain that proved too substantial to pass up.

Across the Atlantic at Chelsea FC, Walter and co-investor Todd Boehly ceded their minority holdings to private equity firm Clearlake Capital. The exit followed philosophical friction over club governance and the redevelopment roadmap for Stamford Bridge, effectively granting Clearlake uninhibited operational control.

Together, the moves enabled Walter to monetize peak sports asset valuations and unlock historic levels of liquidity. That capital influx streamlines his holdings, optimizes Guggenheim’s balance sheet, and provides maximum flexibility across his sprawling business portfolio.

Key takeaways

• Mark Walter denied rumors regarding a potential sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• Analysts estimate the Los Angeles Dodgers could fetch $8 billion to $10 billion-plus.
• Walter parted with his Los Angeles Lakers stake at a $12.5 billion valuation.

Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, Green broke down why he believes Doncic faces an uphill battle in the MVP race due to voter fatigue and high expectations. “Luka can go average 34 points and people gonna say ‘yeah we know, he’s supposed to do that,’” Green noted.

In his season opener with the Lakers, Doncic posted 28 points—going a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line—alongside eight rebounds and seven assists. It was a reassuring stat line that underscored his steady climb back to peak form while anchoring Los Angeles’ broader championship ambitions.

While established stars like Kawhi Leonard have navigated high-profile franchise shifts in the past, Doncic appears comfortably settled as the focal point of a new era in Los Angeles, one charting its course following LeBron James’ offseason move to Philadelphia.

Green addresses Lendeborg’s clash with Doncic

Rather than criticizing Lendeborg for taking shots at the veteran superstar, Green views the rookie’s aggressive welcome to the league as a crucial step in his NBA development with the Warriors.

“Everyone will say the rookie learned his lesson. What he learn? The next time he see him, go at his ass again,” Green said following Golden State’s hard-fought loss to a rejuvenated Lakers squad.

“So do it again and again and again, cause I ain’t gonna f* shut up. So nice, I like it, and I hope he keeps talking that s*,” Green added, praising Lendeborg’s fearless mentality against Doncic.

Key takeaways

• Draymond Green stated Luka Doncic faces an uphill battle in the MVP race.
• Doncic posted 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in the season opener.
• Green praised Yaxel Lendeborg’s fearless mentality against Doncic despite the loss.

“I had a lot of respect for him (Luka). You know, just watching. I didn’t really watch the NBA much, I just watched highlights. Seeing him, you know, kill people all the time. But then being in there firsthand, just watching all the whining and complaining, I lost all respect, man. Like that was awful,“ Lendeborg told reporters during his postgame press conference.

Doncic served as the focal point for a Lakers squad ushering in a new era following LeBron James’ departure. Pacing Los Angeles with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, Doncic made it clear he is more than capable of carrying the mantle as the franchise’s centerpiece.

While Lendeborg pulled no punches regarding Doncic’s on-court demeanor, the Warriors struggled as a collective unit throughout the night, raising early concerns among Dub Nation about another underwhelming campaign.

Lakers surge past Warriors in second half after tight opening stint

The game remained tightly contested early, with Stephen Curry scoring 16 of his team-high 23 points in the first half. However, Los Angeles took complete control after the break, exploiting the interior and blowing the game open with a decisive 36–16 run in the third quarter.

Doncic spearheaded the Lakers‘ perimeter attack, dropping 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists while sinking five three-pointers. Inside, center Walker Kessler provided a flawless performance, going 12-for-12 from the floor for 26 points and nine boards. Guard Austin Reaves chipped in 23 points and six assists, aggressively probing the paint to draw 10 free throw attempts.

Golden State had no answers for the Lakers’ inside-out attack, surrendering 66 points in the paint while stumbling to a dismal 22.2% (8-for-36) night from three-point range. Beyond Curry’s 23 points, the Warriors’ offense lacked punch, with Draymond Green held to just two points on 1-for-4 shooting.

Key takeaways

• Yaxel Lendeborg stated he lost respect for Luka Doncic due to his whining.
• Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
• Golden State surrendered 66 interior points while shooting 22.2% from three-point range.

Having a superstar like LeBron on the roster can sometimes overshadow other players, as may have been the case with Luka Doncic. As the Lakers look toward a gradual rebuild, the Slovenian star is now one of the franchise’s key figures moving forward.

King James took his leadership and talent to the East Coast, joining a 76ers team that already featured Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, along with the addition of Jaylen Brown. Meanwhile, the Lakers will build around Doncic and Austin Reaves as they look to return to the NBA’s upper echelon.

LeBron gets off to a strong start in Philly

LeBron James made his official Philly debut in style, helping the 76ers spoil opening night in New York with a tight 106–100 road win over the Knicks. Playing 34 minutes in his brand-new Sixers jersey, King James took on more of a facilitator role, stuffing the stat sheet with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and a team-high 7 assists.

While he admitted postgame that he’s still getting his rhythm down with his new teammates, his steady veteran presence and timely playmaking down the stretch were more than enough to anchor Philadelphia and set a confident tone to start the season.

A new dream begins for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are tipping off their 2026–27 campaign with a high-profile opening week right at home before hitting the road. They kick off the season on Wednesday, October 21, hosting the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena.

Then, on Friday, October 23, they back it up with a cross-hall battle against their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, right back on their home floor. To wrap up their initial three-game stretch, the Lakers head out on their first road trip to Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on Sunday, October 25.

Key takeaways

• LeBron James joined the Philadelphia 76ers as an unrestricted free agent.
• LeBron James recorded 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists in his 76ers debut.
• Los Angeles Lakers open their 2026–27 season on Wednesday, October 21 against Golden State.

Addressing the upcoming campaign, Redick offered a candid assessment of the team’s preseason growing pains, highlighting several critical defensive areas the Lakers must clean up to compete in a crowded Western Conference.

“From early in September, and even kind of early training camp-ish, maybe before we played our first game, I thought we could potentially be like around an average defense…the areas of focus for us, transition defense, defensive rebounding, we weren’t good [during preseason]. So if we get better at that, I think we’ll have a chance to be a pretty good defense, and that’s exciting,” Redick told reporters.

With those defensive priorities front and center—and Dalton Knecht’s situational role already defined outside the team—Los Angeles enters the new season relying on a revamped supporting cast capable of shifting the team’s trajectory.

Lakers’ new additions for the upcoming season

As the Lakers retool around Doncic and Austin Reaves, front-office moves brought a wave of fresh talent to Hollywood, headlined by guard Quentin Grimes, who landed in Los Angeles on a four-year, $60 million deal.

Here is how the Lakers’ offseason roster additions break down heading into opening night:

Trades and sign-and-trades:

• Walker Kessler (C): Acquired from the Utah Jazz via a major sign-and-trade deal (4 years, $129.5M) to anchor the interior defense.
• Jaden Hardy (SG): Acquired from the Washington Wizards alongside two future second-round picks in exchange for Deandre Ayton.

Free agent signings:

• Quentin Grimes (SG): Signed to a 4-year, $60M contract to bolster perimeter defense and 3-point shooting.
• Sandro Mamukelashvili (PF/C): Signed to a 4-year, $52M deal, bringing frontcourt playmaking off the bench.
• Collin Sexton (PG/SG): Signed to a 2-year, $19.2M room-exception deal to provide scoring punch in the backcourt.
• Kevon Looney (C): Veteran rim protector added on a 1-year minimum contract.
• Matisse Thybulle (SG/SF): Elite perimeter defender signed on a 1-year minimum contract.
• Ziaire Williams (SF): Athletic wing depth added on a 1-year minimum contract.

Key takeaways

• JJ Redick highlighted defensive rebounding and transition defense as areas needing improvement.
• Quentin Grimes signed a four-year, $60 million deal with the Lakers.
• Walker Kessler joined Los Angeles via a four-year, $129.5 million sign-and-trade deal.

“I think the biggest thing is the team changed. The team changed. Needs changed, the fit changed. I think he’s gotten better as a player the last two years. I think, particularly last year, each guy got plenty of opportunities with the injuries we had,” Redick told reporters.

Redick was equally direct when discussing Knecht’s outlook for the upcoming campaign, pointing to offseason roster moves as the primary bottleneck. “I just think coming into this year, we added a lot of wings and he’s in a tough spot right now,” Redick remarked.

The Lakers’ head coach has also recently weighed in on the performance of Bronny James, whose up-and-down preseason raised questions regarding his readiness for the upcoming NBA slate.

Knecht’s competition on the wing

Dalton Knecht’s primary competition for rotation minutes on the wing comes from a crowded mix of established starters and defensive-minded role players. At the top of the hierarchy, proven playmakers like Austin Reaves lock down heavy minutes at shooting guard, while versatile perimeter options like Quentin Grimes and Ziaire Williams present direct structural hurdles at small forward.

Beyond the core rotation, Knecht must also battle specialized perimeter talent like Matisse Thybulle, whose elite defensive instincts stand in stark contrast to Knecht’s offense-first skill set.

While Knecht was drafted for his high-level off-ball movement and floor-spacing threat, his primary challenge lies in differentiating himself from athletic, multi-positional defenders like Williams. In lineups demanding high-energy perimeter defense, the Lakers‘ coaching staff continues to lean toward length and switchability, leaving Knecht fighting for scraps in a crowded wing room.

Key takeaways

• JJ Redick stated the Lakers’ roster needs changed since Dalton Knecht’s rookie year.
• Redick noted Knecht faces a tough spot due to offseason wing additions.
• Knecht faces wing rotation competition from Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes, and Ziaire Williams.

Doncic and Jokic are both expected to be on the floor at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Tonight’s matchup serves as a crucial final dress rehearsal for both star-studded rosters ahead of next week’s official opening night.

On one side, Doncic steps into his new role as the focal point in Los Angeles, taking the reins for a Lakers team entering a new era following LeBron James’ departure to the Philadelphia 76ers, a move James has already called a refreshing fresh start in Philly.

On the other side, Jokic enters another campaign as the anchor in Denver, tasked with leading a re-tooled Nuggets squad determined to bounce back and reclaim its spot atop the Western Conference after adding key contributors DeMar DeRozan and Cam Whitmore to the rotation.

Predicted lineups for tonight’s game between the Lakers and Nuggets

While the Lakers had a relatively quiet offseason on the transaction wire, the Nuggets are expected to showcase their newest additions alongside their returning core. Here are the predicted starting lineups for both teams:

• Los Angeles Lakers
  • PG: Luka Doncic
  • SG: Austin Reaves
  • SF: Quentin Grimes / Ziaire Williams
  • PF: Jake LaRavia / Rui Hachimura
  • C: Walker Kessler

• Denver Nuggets
  • PG: Jamal Murray
  • SG: Christian Braun
  • SF: Cameron Johnson
  • PF: Aaron Gordon
  • C: Nikola Jokic

With the stage set for an intriguing Western Conference preseason clash, as Doncic and Jokic are expected to be on the floor, the Lakers and Nuggets will tip off at 10:30 p.m. ET in Los Angeles.

Key takeaways

• Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic are expected to play in today’s preseason game.
• LeBron James left the Los Angeles Lakers to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
• The Denver Nuggets added DeMar DeRozan and Cam Whitmore to their roster.

“I don’t think he’s played well in the four preseason games, but he’s had good practices,” Redick told reporters regarding James, who has averaged 2.8 points and 3.3 assists per game.

Averaging 17.5 minutes per contest through four preseason appearances, James has also struggled with ball security and shot selection, turning the ball over 3.0 times per game while shooting just 14.3% from three-point range. The numbers highlight a clear steep learning curve for the rookie as he works to adjust to the speed and demands of the NBA.

Meanwhile, NBA superstar LeBron James continues to evaluate his own integration within the Philadelphia 76ers. With the elder James setting the standard in another organization, the younger James will look to refine his performance during training camp and turn potential into production before opening night.

Redick sends clear message regarding Bronny’s mindset

Lakers head coach was candid about Bronny’s preseason struggles, offering a direct assessment of where LeBron’s son fits within the roster dynamic heading into the year.

“I think that [his mentality with the team] is not necessarily setting him up for success,” Redick told reporters when discussing Bronny’s approach and role ahead of the regular season opener.

Bronny’s operational struggles continue

The scrutiny surrounding Bronny’s development is nothing new. Questions regarding his immediate impact in Los Angeles have lingered since a quiet rookie campaign where he struggled to carve out a consistent role.

After averaging just 6.7 minutes, 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists while shooting 31.3% from the field across 27 games as a rookie in 2024-25 season, Bronny saw expanded action in year two (42 games), but his box score output remained modest: 8.9 minutes, 2.9 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists on 40.9% shooting (38.6% from deep).

Key takeaways

• Lakers head coach JJ Redick stated rookie Bronny James hasn’t played well in preseason.
• Bronny James is averaging 2.8 points and 3.0 turnovers while shooting 14.3% from deep.
• LeBron James continues evaluating his own integration with the Philadelphia 76ers.

On Doncic’s side, he is expected to be back on the floor after returning to team practice on Sunday. He did not play in their earlier preseason meeting on October 6, 2026, as the team rested him during a back-to-back set.

Curry is also trending toward notable action against the Lakers. Head coach Steve Kerr stated that Steph Curry will play in the second half, adding that he is hopeful Curry will bump his minutes up and play at least 20 to 22 minutes.

Performance expectations for Curry and Doncic

Fans may be concerned given Stephen Curry‘s runner’s knee status. However, the star guard said on media day in September that his knee has been feeling “great” heading into the season. The issue may be that Curry might not have some of the team’s best players to aid him, including Kristaps Porzingis or an injured Jimmy Butler.

Nevertheless, Curry is among the best not only because of talent, but through work ethic, training, and a commitment to giving his best; if his knee status becomes an issue, he will surely be the first to recognize it and let the staff know.

For the Lakers, it would be encouraging to see Luka Doncic look like his usual self, much like he did in their recent win over the Sacramento Kings when he scored 23 points in just 25 minutes. The same applies to Austin Reaves, who made his preseason debut in that game and understandably looked a little rusty.

The Lakers are 1-6 in their season openers since 2019-20. While that has rarely affected their overall results—typically finding success in spite of the six 0-1 starts—it would be ideal to start the new 2026-27 campaign on a high note. The Lakers and Warriors are also set to square off on Opening Night of the 2026 NBA season on October 21.

Key takeaways

• Luka Doncic is expected to play for the Lakers after returning to practice Sunday.
• Stephen Curry will play in the second half for Golden State, per Steve Kerr.
• October 21 marks Opening Night when the Lakers and Warriors square off again.

For Steph Curry, he is expected to play for the Warriors tonight at home in the Chase Center. Curry logged 10 points in 12 minutes during the Warriors’ preseason opener.

However, Luka Doncic‘s status is doubtful, meaning he is unlikely to suit up on the second night of a back-to-back preseason period. Doncic had 21 points on Monday against the Sacramento Kings.

Steph Curry is entering year 17 with high expectations

Now 37 years old, Curry is entirely focused on “extending his prime” and maintains an inner belief that he can still play at the absolute top of his game to compete for championships. However, while he has high expectations, the Golden State Warriors’ external expectations for the team are actually at a decade-long low.

For over a decade, Curry and the Warriors entered training camp with clear-cut title expectations. However, heading into the 2026–27 NBA season, plenty of analysts are widely predicting Golden State to miss the postseason entirely.

LA Lakers’ Luka Doncic has lots of pressure this year

Luka Doncic enters the 2026 NBA season facing intense pressure as the undisputed franchise centerpiece of the Los Angeles Lakers following a major organizational and roster overhaul, including parting ways with LeBron James.

With LeBron James no longer on the roster, the weight of carrying the franchise rests squarely on Doncic’s shoulders alongside co-leader Austin Reaves. Public and media expectations remain sky-high for Dončić to deliver an NBA championship to Los Angeles.

Key Takeaways

• Stephen Curry is expected to play for Golden State in tonight’s preseason home opener.
• Luka Dončić remains doubtful on the second night of a back-to-back slate.
• Analysts predict Golden State could miss the postseason entirely entering year 17.

After failing in their pursuit, Los Angeles is now understood to be looking to move another player in the opposite direction in the form of Jaden Hardy. Drafted in 2022 as the No. 37 pick by the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers’ “dream scenario” was sending Hardy to another team in the Kuminga deal, per Heavy’s Sean Deveney.

However, because that plan fell through, the franchise now simply wants to move on from him. How that unfolds remains to be seen, as Hardy originally arrived as part of the deal involving DeAndre Ayton in July.

Kuminga joins direct Western Conference rival

While the Lakers missed out on Kuminga, the after-effects are evidently still being felt. The former Golden State Warriors forward agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Timberwolves despite the Lakers being viewed as the favorites for a considerable amount of time.

What hurts most is that he joins a direct Western Conference competitor—a squad that has built itself up surprisingly fast for many after acquiring LaMelo Ball, followed by the addition of Kuminga to support leader Anthony Edwards.

The Lakers’ frontcourt need

The Lakers, needing frontcourt help after losing LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes and trading away DeAndre Ayton, aggressively pursued Kuminga and reportedly upped their offer to a three-year deal worth roughly $36 million (about $12 million annually).

Attention now turns to whether the Lakers plan to make one more move to bolster their frontcourt or if the squad will attempt to address the issue with what it already has—a difficult task for head coach JJ Redick ahead of the upcoming NBA season.