Media Day! The Lakers Kick Off 2026-27 With Confidence and Purpose — Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The new-look Lakers made their season debut Monday with Media Day, and it definitely felt like the start of a new era. Lotsof new players, changing roles and shifting expectations around a team that is expected to be good, but not expected to contend.

But that's what media says. The players didn't talk about long term plans or rebuilding over time. They talked about winning this year, and expressed confidence in the talent on hand to get it done. There were a lot of themes that stuck out:

They all thought that trip to Slovenia was really valuable, even beyond obviously wanting to seem appreciative.
Luka is a draw. The role guys all seemed to understand what playing with Luka could do for them, and how he’ll make their lives easier.
Defensively there is a MAJOR vibe shift in terms of confidence players express, and that’s all Kessler. I realize some of it is seen as speculative and there’s a chance he doesn’t meet expectations, but THEY clearly believe they have one of *those guys* and that could make a significant difference in how they play.
It's a very likable group overall. Rob Pelinka noted last week it should be a group that fans enjoy cheering for, and I think media day reflected that.
Whether intentional or not, they have multiple core players who have had to really grind through uncertain circumstances to establish themselves as players in Reaves, Grimes and Mamu. I think that’s potentially really good for building a culture.

In combination with what we heard from Pelinka and JJ Redick last week, it definitely feels like the Lakers made strides in bringing in a group of people that can set a culture. Decent people and (hopefully) high end players that help usher in a new era in Lakers basketball.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The new look Lakers make their debut.

SEGMENT 2: Big themes!

SEGMENT 3: They believe in the potential of the group.

PHOTO CREDIT: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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