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Basketball
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Media Day! It's the first day of school, NBA style.
And for the Lakers, it's truly a new era, as Luka Donćić opens the season as the sole superstar voice on the team. He is going to be the leader of an entirely new group, tasked with setting culture and a tone that is going to, hopefully, result in the next year or two in a team ready to compete for a championship. And it's a role he's said he admits is more meaningful to him now, and that he's ready to step into in earnest.
It's part of a new chapter for the Lakers, where they're clearly trying to build continuity -- something emphasized by Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick in last week's press conference, and that they've lacked in meaningful ways over the last few seasons. In part by choice, in part by circumstance.
It'll be fun to watch Luka grow into the role, and how his leadership style shapes the next phase of Lakers basketball.
Meanwhile, the Lakers need to figure out how to get the roster down to 15. Is there any advantage (mostly in goodwill) to letting a player go now, while he has a better chance of hooking up with another team?
And who should the Lakers be cutting, if it comes to that?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are officially Luka's team in every way now.
SEGMENT 2: How Luka's interest in leadership has grown.
SEGMENT 3: How should the Lakers get the roster down to size?
PHOTO CREDIT: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Next listen
Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick Meet the Media: Key Takeaways
Listen guide
"Media Day! The Lakers Kick Off the Season Truly as Luka Dončić's Team" is an episode of Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers. Runtime 31 min. Published September 28, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.