Los Angeles Lakers

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Lore & Background

The narrative of the 2026–27 season centers on the departure of a defining era. For years, the Lakers' identity was intertwined with LeBron James's presence, but his announcement to leave after his 24th season signals a fresh start for the franchise. While the team continues its long tenure at Crypto.com Arena, entering its 28th year there, the on-court dynamic changes fundamentally without James. The roster construction reflects this transition, with the Lakers holding only one first-round selection for the draft. Their second-round pick was previously traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2020, a move that ultimately saw the Golden State Warriors utilize the selection. This season stands as a historical marker, separating the LeBron era from what comes next.

In Their Own Story

The turning point arrived with James's announcement regarding his future. He stated clearly that he would not return for his 24th season with the Lakers, choosing instead to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. This decision reshapes the team's outlook for 2026–27, their 80th franchise season and 79th in the NBA. The loss of a player of James's caliber after his initial eight years forces the organization to rely on its existing draft assets and past transactional decisions. The single first-round pick available for this draft cycle becomes a critical tool in rebuilding, especially after the team parted ways with their second-rounder back in 2020. That specific asset, once held by Cleveland, eventually found its way to Golden State, illustrating the complex web of transactions that define the franchise's current state as it enters its 67th year in Los Angeles.

Reader's Guide

Fans entering the 2026–27 season should note three specific historical facts. First, this is the first time since the 2017–18 campaign that the Lakers will not have LeBron James on the roster. Second, his departure was immediate upon announcement, with him signing a contract to play for the Philadelphia 76ers rather than returning for a potential final season in Los Angeles. Third, the team's draft capital is limited; they possess only one first-round selection. Their second-round pick is gone, having been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2020 and later used by the Golden State Warriors. As the franchise celebrates its 80th year and 67th in Los Angeles, these details define the scope of the rebuild at Crypto.com Arena.

Did You Know?

• The 2026–27 season is the first since 2017–18 that LeBron James will not play for the Lakers.
• LeBron James announced he would sign with the Philadelphia 76ers instead of returning to Los Angeles for his 24th season.
• The Lakers traded their second-round pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2020, and it was eventually used by the Golden State Warriors.
• This upcoming campaign marks the franchise's 80th season overall but only its 79th in the NBA.