The Los Angeles Lakers tipped off the 2025-26 NBA season with Media Day on September 29 at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo.
The day featured LeBron James, beginning his league-record 23rd season, alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves as the team prepared for training camp. James told ESPN that his expiring contract would not impact his play, while Dončić highlighted improved conditioning after a strong summer with Slovenia. Head coach JJ Redick praised Reaves’ offseason work, calling him the best player in the gym.
The Lakers open preseason on October 3 against the Phoenix Suns in Palm Desert, with a home preseason game set for October 12 against the Golden State Warriors.
The regular season begins on October 21 at Crypto.com Arena against the Warriors, followed by matchups with the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 24 and the Sacramento Kings on October 26.
With a retooled roster including Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, the Lakers will test their chemistry early as they chase another playoff run.
Here are some behind-the-scenes photos from Media Day.
BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
![Delivery robots in urban areas including LA Koreatown and Hollywood have been involved in a string of incidents, blocking fire engine responses, crossing police lines at active scenes, and colliding with homes and motorcycles. [KTLA • Reddit capture]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/0226-delivery-robot-compile-100x70.jpg "Troublesome delivery robots damage gardens, snarl streets")
![Judy Baca, who faces allegations of embezzling $5 million, participates in work on “The Great Wall of Los Angeles” mural in 2023. [Sangjin Kim, The Korea Daily]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/0226-nonprofit-1-100x70.jpg "Nonprofit leaders accused of diverting millions meant for the vulnerable")
![A screenshot of the GoFundMe fundraising page created for Kyung Chang Lee. Donations are being collected to support the family of Lee, who was killed in the San Antonio, Texas, shooting. [GoFundMe capture]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/0225-KyungChangLee-100x70.jpg "Family of army veteran killed in San Antonio shooting launches fundraiser")
![Downtown Guadalajara in Mexico’s state of Jalisco, which resembled a war zone on February 22 amid arson and other violence by drug cartel members, appears quiet on February 24. The area, usually crowded with tourists and residents, saw a sharp decline in foot traffic and public transportation use. [Pablo Lemus Navarro/X account]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/0225-Mexico-100x70.jpg "Cartel leader’s killing sparks unrest, prompts Koreans to reconsider Mexico trips")
