Luka Doncic and the Lakers get encouraging news from JJ Redick ahead of the new NBA season

The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a brave new era for the 2026–27 NBA season , marked by a radical offseason overhaul that has completely reshaped the franchise.

For the first time in nearly a decade, the purple and gold will take the floor without LeBron James , whose eight-year tenure brought a championship to Los Angeles. Under fresh ownership and a heavily reconstructed roster, head coach JJ Redick faces the monumental task of steering a group that looks entirely different from last year's squad.

Amidst all the roster turnover, the Lakers' championship ambitions remain anchored by their unmistakable star power in Luka Dončić . The scoring champion from last season returns as the undisputed cornerstone of the franchise, flanked once again by his trusted backcourt partner, Austin Reaves .

Coach Redick will rely heavily on this dynamic duo to foster chemistry with a wave of new arrivals as the Lakers brace for a grueling campaign in a hyper-competitive Western Conference , where heavyweight powerhouses like the Spurs , Nuggets , Thunder, Rockets , and Timberwolves all stand in their way.

JJ Redick Delivers Positive Health Updates as Lakers Open Training Camp

The Los Angeles squad officially commenced training camp ahead of the upcoming NBA preseason , which kicks off on October 5 against the Sacramento Kings.

Speaking to reporters following the opening session, head coach JJ Redick delivered highly encouraging news regarding the roster's overall physical condition.

Fortunately for Los Angeles, camp opened completely free of major health restrictions, with Redick confirming that “ Everybody participated ” in the workout.

While a select few individuals are being managed and are not yet cleared for full-contact drills , they are expected to be fully integrated later in the week, leaving the coaching staff with zero health concerns as preparations accelerate.

Chemistry, Roster Goals, and the Road Ahead for Los Angeles

Managing player wellness is a massive relief for the franchise given how severely injuries derailed key contributors last season, most notably Luka Dončić , Austin Reaves , and new frontcourt anchor Walker Kessler .

Ensuring this vital trio remains healthy and synchronized is Redick's top priority ahead of the regular-season opener on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors .

To build early cohesion with so many new faces, Dončić notably organized a team trip to his native Slovenia during the offseason, uniting the group for an intensive training block.

Redick now faces the intricate puzzle of determining his optimal starting five alongside Dončić, Reaves, and Kessler, while shaping a reliable rotation capable of meeting championship expectations in Los Angeles .