- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The Los Angeles Lakers unveiled their restructured core in the preseason finale Oct. 16 against the Denver Nuggets, with Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and newcomer Walker Kessler sharing the court for the first time. The trio logged 13 minutes together in the first half and finished minus-four.
Dončić, entering his third season with the franchise, has become the Lakers' offseason focal point despite a turbulent tenure that has seen the team sold twice. He is building chemistry with Ziaire Williams, connecting on multiple lobs in the first half. Kessler, acquired in a trade, described the experience as "a lot of fun."
The Lakers re-signed Reaves to a $185-million contract to solidify the core. Dončić played 64 games last season, his highest total since appearing in 70 during the 2023-24 campaign when he led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals. The Boston Celtics defeated those Mavericks 4-1.
Dončić captured his second scoring title with averages of 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game. The Lakers open their season Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena.
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).