The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for another season, and while the summer has only just begun, the buzz around the purple and gold is already heating up. Basketball never truly stops in Los Angeles. Whether it’s the latest trade rumors, offseason training sessions, or cryptic social media posts from stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, fans are constantly locked in. But now, with the NBA offseason starting to shift toward preparation for 2025-26, one thing is clear: Lakers preseason hoops are coming soon—and it’s time to lock it in.
The Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in professional sports, and with that legacy comes a level of scrutiny and expectation that few teams ever experience. Every season, the bar is set at championship or bust. As the franchise prepares to enter its 78th NBA season, all eyes will once again be on the court at Crypto.com Arena. But before the regular season tips off, the Lakers will go through their traditional tune-up phase—preseason basketball. For most fans, the preseason can feel like a warm-up act, but for the Lakers, it’s an essential chapter in what they hope will be a title-contending campaign.
This year, preseason hoops matter more than ever. The Lakers have faced back-to-back playoff exits that left fans frustrated and the front office looking for solutions. Last season’s first-round exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets sparked widespread questions about the team’s roster construction, durability, and coaching direction. While superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain the cornerstones of the team, it’s become clear that the supporting cast needs fine-tuning—and that the identity of the Lakers must be reestablished.
That’s what makes this preseason so critical. It’s the first glimpse of what this reimagined Lakers squad will look like. Will the Lakers roll out a new offensive system designed to maximize spacing and shooting? Will there be a renewed commitment to defense and transition play? How will the new additions mesh with established veterans? The answers will start to take shape when the Lakers hit the hardwood for their first preseason game.
While the NBA hasn’t finalized the full preseason schedule yet, reports suggest the Lakers are eyeing a slate of five to six games, likely beginning in late September or early October. Expect matchups against familiar rivals like the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and LA Clippers—games that may be labeled “preseason” but rarely feel like it once the stars take the floor. These contests offer the Lakers not just an opportunity to test rotations, but also a chance to send a message to the league: they’re serious, they’re reloaded, and they’re ready to reclaim their spot at the top of the Western Conference.
One of the most exciting aspects of the preseason is the unveiling of new talent. The Lakers have multiple young players looking to carve out a role. That includes returning bench pieces eager to show growth, recent draft picks fighting for a spot, and undrafted free agents hoping to make a name for themselves. Preseason basketball is their stage. These games serve as live-action job interviews, and every minute matters.
The development of younger players like Jalen Hood-Schifino and Max Christie will be one of the most closely watched storylines. Both have shown flashes in limited minutes, but the Lakers need more than glimpses—they need production. Hood-Schifino, in particular, was a high pick with a lot of promise, but injuries and a deep roster limited his opportunities. The preseason provides a fresh start and a real chance to prove he belongs in the rotation.
Then there’s the matter of the coaching staff. After another disappointing playoff showing, the Lakers made a bold move by parting ways with head coach Darvin Ham. The new hire—whoever it may be—will be under a microscope. From the first preseason game, fans and media alike will dissect rotations, play-calling, and effort levels. It’s not just the players auditioning for a role this fall—it’s the coaches too.
For LeBron James, entering his 22nd season, the preseason may seem like a formality. But if history has shown anything, it’s that LeBron uses this period to set the tone. Whether he plays 10 minutes a night or sits out entirely, his presence looms large. His influence on team chemistry, culture, and preparation is invaluable. With every season that passes, speculation around his retirement grows louder. But with his recent comments about feeling as strong and motivated as ever, Lakers fans can expect at least one more run—and it starts in the preseason.
Anthony Davis is another player to watch closely. He had one of his healthiest seasons last year, playing over 75 games, but questions about consistency and leadership remain. The preseason gives Davis a chance to assert himself as the dominant force the Lakers need him to be. He must lead on both ends of the floor, anchor the defense, and provide the kind of inside-out game that stretches opposing teams to their limit. The Lakers will go as far as AD takes them.
The supporting cast will be under evaluation as well. Players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell are all at career crossroads. Each has shown moments of brilliance, but none have fully cemented their roles as elite, dependable starters in high-stakes games. The preseason is where that trust begins. For someone like Reaves, already a fan favorite, the opportunity to grow into a legitimate third star is real—and the early part of the season is where it must begin.
Off the court, Lakers Nation will be watching just as closely. Ticket sales, merchandise drops, and preseason events will have the city buzzing. Training camp will once again be a media circus, especially if the Lakers make any late offseason moves. Rumors of blockbuster trades never sleep in Los Angeles. Whether it’s a big-name target like Donovan Mitchell or a surprise signing from overseas, the front office remains active and opportunistic. Every year, the Lakers are linked to stars—and this year will be no different.
What makes Lakers preseason basketball unique is the energy it creates. No other franchise draws the same kind of worldwide attention for games that technically don’t count. But for Lakers fans, everything counts. Every layup. Every defensive stop. Every second-unit battle. It’s not just about getting ready for the season—it’s about setting the tone for what’s to come.
The 2025-26 season carries extra significance for several reasons. The Western Conference is as stacked as it’s ever been, with rising threats like the Oklahoma City Thunder, an experienced Golden State team looking for redemption, and the reigning champion Nuggets still very much in their prime. If the Lakers want to keep pace, they can’t afford to waste time finding their rhythm. The preseason isn’t just a warm-up. It’s the first step in the marathon.
There’s also a growing sense that this season could be the final chapter of the LeBron era in Los Angeles. Whether he retires, signs elsewhere, or passes the baton to a new face of the franchise, the winds of change are approaching. That urgency should be felt from day one. The Lakers have been built to contend now—not later. The clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
As fans prepare to fill Crypto.com Arena and millions more prepare to watch from around the globe, one thing is certain—Lakers preseason basketball is more than just an exhibition. It’s a declaration. A spark. A sign of things to come.
