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.

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.

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.

Doncic previously led the Lakers’ Slovenia minicamp, embracing his new teammates ahead of the upcoming season. Based on the superstar’s initiative, Williams simply cannot wait to share the court with him.

“I can tell (Doncic’s) leadership. He wants to step up even more this year,” Williams said, via Benjamin Royer of The Orange County Register. “I’m excited, man. I’m really excited to play with him. And of course, when we’re playing basketball, it’s just he makes the game just so easy and looks so simple. He’s going to make my life a lot easier for sure.”

Ziaire Williams ready to capitalize on opportunity

For the new Lakers wing, the decision to sign with the franchise was a no-brainer, considering the impactful role he will fill and the significant opportunity to play in front of his loved ones.

“I just thought it was a great opportunity,” Williams said. “Being that big wing, versatile player that they needed, I just thought it was a great opportunity for me to be a Laker. Even if the same team was in New Orleans or Milwaukee, wherever – just the opportunity that was here and the team that they had, I just thought it was the best fit.”

Additionally, returning to his hometown of Los Angeles stood out as a major factor in joining the team. “And then just being back home in L.A. is the cherry on top,” Williams added. “Being able to play in front of my family and my friends, and I’m super excited.”

Ziaire Williams’ contract details and career progression

Williams signed a one-year, $2.85 million veteran’s minimum contract with the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. He hit unrestricted free agency after the Brooklyn Nets declined the $6.25 million team option on his contract, clearing the way for him to sign with Los Angeles.

The 24-year-old played the best NBA season of his young career during the 2025-26 campaign. Averaging a career-best 10.2 points and 1.4 steals, Williams put together a breakout year in Brooklyn.

As a result, teams around the NBA are monitoring Doncic’s situation just in case things go wrong, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “Just like [Nikola Jokic] can profess his loyalty to the Nuggets, there’s still going to be teams that are positioning themselves and monitoring that and all that kind of thing,” MacMahon said on The Hoop Collective. “It’s the same thing with Luka. He’s done nothing but express optimism and excitement about the Lakers since he signed that extension.”

“But it’s not that long-term of an extension,” MacMahon added. “And you better believe there’s teams around the league that are looking at that situation saying, ‘Hey, if this thing goes sideways, we’d sure like to get Luka in midway through his prime.’“

Doncic reacts to latest ownership shift

Doncic‘s reaction remains critical for the franchise as its main face and star figure for years to come. The incoming group will mark the fifth different owner or ownership group Doncic has played under in recent years.

The six-time All-Star brought up the frequent turnover when reacting to the sale. “Being a Laker means everything to me, and I’m excited to get back on the court and bring a championship to LA,” Doncic stated.

“I’ve gotten used to big changes over these last few years, but I know that no matter what, there is no limit to the potential of this iconic franchise. I look forward to meeting Josh and Bob so we can get to work building something special in LA together.”

Doncic’s on-court production and loyalty

Doncic, who averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks per NBA game in 2025-26, has shown remarkable performance alongside a loyal track record. The 27-year-old never wanted to leave the Mavericks and was stunned when traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025.

Dan Woike of The Athletic relayed Doncic’s email message to fans regarding his offseason health progress. “I took a real break from basketball the first few weeks after the season ended to rehab my body. My recovery went great, and I’m 100% healthy again,” Doncic wrote.

“Taking some time away from basketball is something I do at the start of every offseason. It’s a different way to do things, but it works for me. When I let myself miss the game a little bit and try some new things, it only makes me more excited and motivated to get back to playing.”

Doncic’s recovery

Doncic went through a difficult stretch where injuries sidelined him from the court last season. He notably went down with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain near the end of the NBA regular season, disappointingly hurting the team’s title odds and halting his MVP-caliber year in which he led the NBA in scoring at 33.5 points per game.

Due to the severity of the injury, Doncic was forced to travel to Europe to seek specialized medical treatment. Yet despite his efforts, he was still sidelined and could not play for the Lakers when it mattered most, leaving him with no choice but to watch the Lakers get swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.

After the season ended for both Doncic and the Lakers, getting back to full health became the Slovenian star’s main offseason focus. As such, his full recovery should now provide the franchise with added optimism heading into next season.

Expectations and goals for Doncic are now even higher following LeBron James’ departure from the Lakers. With James gone, Doncic takes over as the team’s primary leader and sole superstar, looking to guide the franchise back to glory in the NBA.

According to ESPN‘s Anthony Slater, Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka continues to contact Kuminga’s representatives, despite the two sides failing to reach an agreement.

“I can tell you that they keep calling Jonathan Kuminga,” Slater said on ESPN‘s NBA Today. “Obviously, they have not made a lucrative enough offer for Kuminga to jump. But part of their pitch has been, ‘Hey, you can come start here potentially.'”

What is holding back negotiations

The main obstacle preventing negotiations from advancing is the Lakers‘ proposal to Kuminga. Kuminga has a history with the Warriors of being ambitious and seeking higher financial compensation for his play, and Los Angeles has yet to offer a deal that catches his attention.

The Lakers have previously been described as Kuminga‘s most aggressive suitor and a strong potential fit or role player alongside Doncic, but their offer has not been substantial enough to convince the 23-year-old forward to commit. Los Angeles reportedly discussed a two-year contract worth approximately $20 million.

The Lakers still looking for more

Slater believes the continued pursuit shows that Los Angeles does not consider its offseason work complete. “And that says two things to me,” Slater explained. “Number one, it says the Lakers still don’t want to be done making moves, right? And they believe they’re a little weak at the wing position.”

The Lakers have already added Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams to strengthen their perimeter rotation, but Slater suggested that the organization still wants a more dynamic option at the position. “I think Thybulle will help. I think Ziaire Williams will help,” Slater said. “But they could use some more juice on the wing.”

Kuminga would provide athleticism, size, and downhill scoring alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The former No. 7 overall pick averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 36 appearances for the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks last season.

Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation and Front Office Show said, “LeBron’s BEST landing spot would actually be to reconsider & return to the Lakers. I mean…

• Luka/Sexton/Hardy/Bronny
• Reaves/Carr/Thybulle/Knecht
• Grimes/LaRavia/Williams
• LEBRON/Thiero/Vando
• Kessler/Mamu/Looney.
  That’s a VERY interesting team.”

The Lakers are building a great roster for the 2026 NBA season

The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a brand-new era for the 2026 NBA season centered on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, following major roster changes like the departure of LeBron James. Now, the pitch of coming back is actually there, despite rumors saying LeBron James will choose between Heat, Cavs, and other three teams.

The team brought in names like Walker Kessler and Kevon Looney to strengthen the frontcourt. The Lakers also had Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes join the roster to keep the pace off the bench. Hence, now LeBron James could see the Lakers’ new roster as one where he can easily fit into.

LeBron would fit perfectly at the four for the Lakers

LeBron is 6’9″ and way more agile than plenty of power forwards in the NBA. Through 60 games in last season, he put up 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. Still very productive despite his age.

Amid the uncertainty over his future with the Lakers, Austin Reaves was spotted at the airport, where a fan asked him questions about him and LeBron James. TMZ Sports acquired the footage and released it on social media, where Austin Reaves’ body language and words suggest he is fully inclined toward extending with the Lakers and wants them to sign the 41-year-old LeBron James as well.

“Yes,” Reaves said when the fan asked him if the Lakers want LeBron James back next year. “That’s the GOAT.” The fan then reminded him how sad it was to see the Lakers’ playoff run without Luka Doncic and asked him if he wants to have another shot with the Lakers’ Big Three next season. “Run it back,” Reaves responded. He was subsequently asked if he feels the Lakers should make roster changes in the offseason, replying, “I don’t get into all that. I’ve got to sign first.”

Austin Reaves and a decision to make

While LeBron James is already an unrestricted free agent, Austin Reaves has yet to pick up his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season. The absolute deadline for him to decide on that player option is June 29. If the Lakers and Reaves do not come to terms on a potential extension before that time, and he does not exercise his player option, then even Reaves would become an unrestricted free agent.

All signs are that Reaves will exercise the player option if the negotiations do not yield fruit in time, as he has repeatedly suggested that he wants to retire in the purple and gold uniform.

Moreover, he would potentially be leaving $62 million on the table if he joins any other team than the Lakers. The Lakers could offer him a five-year, $240 million extension, while any other team can offer a four-year, $178 million contract at the most.

But whether LeBron James will “run it back” with him and the Lakers remains uncertain. The 41-year-old is mulling retirement, but sources suggest LeBron James will play at least one more year in the NBA.