The Lakers got exactly what they wanted on opening night: a win, a fast start, and a jolt of confidence from Jake LaRavia.
Los Angeles rolled past the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night to grab its first victory of the season, and the performance was strong across the board. The Lakers controlled the game on both ends, and a lot of the rotation pieces looked sharp in the process.
LaRavia was one of the clear bright spots. He came out looking composed, assertive and far more polished than he had for much of last season. It was the kind of opener that can change how a player looks in a rotation, and he made the most of his first chance to set a tone for the 2026-27 campaign.
In 18 minutes, LaRavia scored 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting, added two rebounds and finished at plus-14.
The night, though, ended on a concerning note. Late in the fourth quarter, LaRavia appeared to suffer an ankle injury and went down on the floor as play continued. The medical staff quickly came over, and he was eventually helped off the court.
After the game, JJ Redick offered an encouraging update on the 24-year-old forward.
Before the injury, Redick was clearly pleased with what he saw.
The Lakers’ 1-0 start is their first since the 2024-25 season, and only their second such beginning in the last eight seasons.
Los Angeles will try to keep that momentum going Friday when it hosts the Los Angeles Clippers.
In Other News...
Luka Already Has A Lakers Problem Warriors Fans Will Notice
Luka Doncics first run in a Lakers uniform already gave a glimpse of why his arrival has been such a big deal, and why it could also come with some familiar headaches. In his debut, he picked up a technical foul during the preseason, a small moment that still stood out because the Lakers are counting on him not just for offense, but for steady leadership from day one.
Doncic has made it clear he wants to lead the team and be available every game this season, which only raises the stakes around the one habit that has followed him at times throughout his career. He has a history of arguing with officials, and that was part of how he once wound up suspended after crossing the technical foul limit, so keeping that edge in check figures to matter as much in Los Angeles as anything he does with the ball. [Read more 🡒]
Lakers May Have Just Let A Former First Round Pick Slip Away
The Lakers roster trim this week put Dalton Knecht squarely in the spotlight, and not in the way either side likely wanted. Los Angeles waived the former first-round pick to get down to the required roster limit, a move that came after head coach JJ Redick pointed to the teams changing needs and roster makeup as factors in the decision.
Now Knechts next stop could come quickly, with reported interest from multiple teams lining up for him on a two-way contract. The 76ers have been mentioned as a possible landing spot, which only adds to the sense that the Lakers may not be the only club weighing how much upside is still attached to the wing. [Read more 🡒]
Luka Doncic Just Got A Brutal Reminder Of Lakers Pressure
The Lakers will open the 2026-27 season against the Warriors, setting up a familiar kind of spotlight for a team that rarely gets to ease into anything. It is a rematch of the previous seasons opener, only this time the center of gravity in Los Angeles is different, with Luka Doncic now carrying the franchise after LeBron James departure.
And with the season still ahead, Doncic already has a new layer of scrutiny attached to him. Draymond Green, speaking on his podcast, said he does not believe Doncic will ever win an NBA MVP award, a sharp challenge for a player who has been in the mix as a top contender and is now expected to guide the Lakers toward a championship run. [Read more 🡒]