2025-26 LA Lakers Complete Schedule Breakdown, Key Dates, Roster & more

The LA Lakers released their schedule for the 2025-26 NBA season on Thursday. Following a first-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves as the No. 3 seed, the Lakers retooled the roster to compete better. The new schedule has its fans even more excited about how the team will fare in its upcoming campaign.

The biggest offseason news for the Lakers has to be Luka Doncic signing a three-year, $160.8 million contract extension. LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option comes in a close second. With both superstars set, the Lakers look ready to make some noise next season.

LA Lakers key dates for 2025-26 schedule

Right off the bat, the LA Lakers will be in the limelight, headlining the new season with a showdown against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Two nights later, they will get their first look at the Minnesota Timberwolves, who eliminated them in the playoffs.

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LeBron James and Co. arguably have their easiest stretch in early to mid-November. During that span, they will face the Charlotte Hornets, the New Orleans Pelicans twice and the Utah Jazz twice. A Christmas Day showdown against the Dallas Mavericks is one of the NBA’s marquee matchups.

January 2026 will welcome the Lakers to a brutal eight-game road trip starting with a showdown against their nemesis, the Denver Nuggets. The LA Clippers, the Dallas Mavericks, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks are a few of the teams they will face during that stretch.

Following the punishing away games, the LA Lakers return to Southern California for an eight-game homestand. The Golden State Warriors, OKC Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, LA Clippers, Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic will visit them.

The Lakers will close the season with games against the Thunder twice, the Mavericks, the Warriors, the Suns and the Jazz.

The NBA announced 34 nationally televised games for the LA Lakers, tied with the Warriors and Thunder, making them a staple for basketball fans.

LA Lakers roster heading into the 2025-26 season

Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves headline the new-look Lakers. Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia make up the veteran additions.

Coach JJ Redick will again have Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, Christian Koloko, Bronny James, Dalton Knecht and Gabe Vincent. Rookies Eric Dixon, Arthur Kaluma, Adou Thiero and Augustas Marciulionis look to earn spots on the team.

Doncic, James and Reaves are shoo-ins as starters. Ayton likely takes over the starting center job from Hayes. Hachimura, a fixture in Redick’s first five, likely holds on to that spot.

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About the author

Michael Macasero

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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