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Lakers Begin 2026-27 Without LeBron James, Set Title Odds

By Drooid · Oct 17, 2026, 3:00 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Lakers Start Without LeBron

Los Angeles Lakers start the 2026-27 season without LeBron James.
Luka Doncic led the league with 33.5 points per game on 47.6% shooting.
Luka Doncic earned the NBA “Handle of the Year” award for a dribble-through vs Utah Jazz.
ESPN’s Ben Golliver reports the Lakers have the 12th-shortest odds to win the title.
A GM survey projects the Lakers will finish sixth in West with 44-48 wins, avoiding the play-in.

Summary

Nuggets Face Rotation

Denver Nuggets face a preseason rotation dilemma because Julian Strawther and Spencer Jones remain injured.
Coach Adelman targets a ten-man rotation, with Tyus Jones, Alpha Diallo and Cam Whitmore competing for guard spots.
San Antonio Spurs started Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox together in preseason to test chemistry.
New Orleans Pelicans’ 2025 draft trade for Derik Queen paired him with Zion Williamson, causing a delay to roster overhaul.

History

Historical Context

In 2004-05 the Lakers, stripped of Shaquille O'Neal after his trade, posted a league-worst 34-48 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1994. The franchise’s history shows that losing a marquee star often triggers a rebuilding stretch, a pattern echoed in 2026-27 when the Lakers entered the season without their leading star.

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Lakers Start Without LeBron

Los Angeles Lakers start the 2026-27 season without LeBron James.
Luka Doncic led the league with 33.5 points per game on 47.6% shooting.
Luka Doncic earned the NBA “Handle of the Year” award for a dribble-through vs Utah Jazz.
ESPN’s Ben Golliver reports the Lakers have the 12th-shortest odds to win the title.
A GM survey projects the Lakers will finish sixth in West with 44-48 wins, avoiding the play-in.

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