Doncic-led Lakers open season against Warriors with new-look roster

[SportsMafia Wire]

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The Lakers begin their regular season Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena, fielding a roster with nine new players following a transformative offseason.

Luka Doncic has become the team's unquestioned leader after LeBron James departed to Philadelphia. Doncic organized an August team bonding trip to Slovenia and has expressed confidence in the group's potential. "Since the first day...I believed that we can win a championship," he said.

Coach JJ Redick, who has doubled his preseason practice total to 12 from last year's six, considers the Lakers championship material but has not revealed his starting lineup. Redick said he does not like the word "contender." Doncic, Austin Reaves, and newly acquired center Walker Kessler are certain starters. Kessler arrived from Utah in a sign-and-trade worth $130 million over four years, costing the Lakers a pair of unprotected first-round selections and two swap rights.

Other newcomers include Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Kevon Looney. Reaves, entering his sixth season as the longest-tenured Laker, signed a four-year, $180-million extension.

The Lakers went 53-29 last season, finishing fourth in the Western Conference before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.

Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).