Highlights from Lakers’ 2026 Media Day
We heard from the new and returning faces of the Purple and Gold as training camp and preseason get underway.
A new chapter in Lakers basketball has begun. Spirits always seem high this time of year as anticipation builds for the coming season.
Players, coaches, and fans have expressed their enthusiasm for the new squad and the potential each newcomer can bring to the court.
All of the players reflected on their time in Slovenia, giving their appreciation to Luka’s hospitality and discussing how much they valued their team-bonding on the trip:
“It’s very important to me that they (Lakers) see where I come from and then everybody just spends time together. I think the trip was a big success”, Luka said.
Luka also said he feels great coming out of summer because he allowed himself to fully rest.
“I feel great; it’s the first time in a long time I didn’t have the national team, so I got to rest a little bit more. Mentally and physically I’m in a great mood.” (Via Spectrum SportsNet).
As for the team’s goals for the season, Luka was asked what a realistic outlook for this group could look like.
“Realistically, I would say championship. If that’s not your goal, I don’t know what you’re doing here”, he said.
The team’s sentiment seems to be the pursuit of a title. L.A.’s newest forward, Ziaire Williams, said:
“I think we have everything we need to win an NBA championship.”
How Do the Players Envision Who They’ll Be On the Court?
When discussing what the offense could look like this season, Austin Reaves shared his insight on how it might differ from last year:
“We’ll do different things we weren’t capable of doing last year. We’ll be able to play more free-flowing basketball. It’s not gonna have to be pick and roll every single possession.”
The team’s two leaders, Doncic and Reaves, both shared their desire for the Lakers to acquire their new starting center, Walker Kessler.
Reaves said he told the Lakers:
“Go get him” when he learned the big man was available; Doncic expressed the same: “I really wanted him. The organization wanted him…All the players wanted him.”
Today, after the Lakers held their first training camp, Kessler spoke with the media and talked a little bit about the potential of the Lakers’ defense:
“Listen, I think we’re going to be a nasty defensive team. I’m just being honest. These guys hound the ball on the perimeter, and I think [Kevon Looney’s] mind and his positioning on defense are elite too. We’re going to be really good defensively. We have a lot of defensive tools.” (Via Daniel Starkhand).
Coach Redick Discusses His New Rotation
Most importantly, coach JJ Redick seems thrilled about the new team as well:
“There’s a reason we wanted a lot of these new guys on our team. They all offer something different, and we feel like the pieces really fit.” (Via Spectrum SportsNet).
JJ also reiterated that healthy competition during training camp will eventually determine the two uncertain starting spots, specifically the starting wings.
“This is a meritocracy. If anybody tells you otherwise, it’s bull****. It just is. This is a meritocracy. You got to earn your minutes. And you cheer for your teammates while you’re doing it.”
The excitement is high, as it usually is once media day and training camp start. But this group, despite introducing nine new players, already feels connected and on the same page.
Building that connection early will be incredibly beneficial in the long run.
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