Guard Luka Doncic is now the face of the Lakers franchise after the departure this offseason of LeBron James. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) More than half of the Lakers roster is new. Two starting spots are still up for grabs. The Lakers have a lot to evaluate in the next month. After one of the busiest offseasons in the NBA, the Lakers begin their Luka Doncic-led era this week. Here are five storylines for the Lakers as they begin training camp this week: What does Luka Doncic’s team look like? The crown has been passed. After sharing the spotlight with LeBron James, Doncic now takes center stage for the Lakers. The two-time scoring champion is coming off 33.5 points per game last season and was the focal point for the franchise’s offseason of change. “Luka is the world’s greatest offensive player,” general manager Rob Pelinka said at his preseason news conference on Thursday. “For us to be able to have an opportunity as a franchise to have that player in our building every night ... is special. And it requires us to do special things to build the team around him.” The Lakers brought in eight players through free agency or trade to remake their roster. For the first time in JJ Redick’s three-year tenure, “I feel like the pieces actually fit together,” the head coach said. Doncic and returning guard Austin Reaves are the glue that holds the puzzle together. Read more:Lakers' new era opens with a thanks for the LeBron James era “This team is their team,” Redick said of the star guards. Redick praised how Doncic planned a team minicamp in Slovenia where players and some assistant coaches participated in basketball practices while enjoying team-bonding activities such as golfing, rowing and sightseeing in Doncic’s hometown of Ljubljana. Players were so appreciative of Doncic’s hosting efforts that they all presented him with handwritten thank-you notes after, Pelinka said. In a 30-minute vlog sharing highlights of the trip, Doncic was asked what matters to him now that didn’t five years ago. During that time, Doncic has become a father to two daughters and changed teams in one of the league’s most shocking trades ever. His basketball priorities have shifted. “Five years ago, I was third year in the league,” Doncic said in the video. “I wasn’t the leader I was supposed to [be], so I think the leadership is an important part of my case now.” What can Walker Kessler do? Redick said he plans to use Kessler similarly to how the San Antonio Spurs deploy defensive player of the year Victor Wembanyama: low and near the basket. Kessler’s elite rim protection — 2.4 blocks per game in his NBA career — can open a new defensive style for the Lakers, who can afford to be more aggressive on the perimeter knowing Kessler can hold down the post.New Lakers center Walker Kessler reacts after throwing out the first pitch before a Dodgers game earlier this month. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times) “I know we have switched a lot one through five over the years; that has been by necessity,” Redick said. “We look at him as someone we want close to the basket, protecting the rim. He’s been an excellent rebounder throughout his career, both offensively and defensively.” Despite costing four first-round picks, Kessler is still unproven in the NBA. He showed flashes of brilliance, but is coming off a season in which he played only five games because of a shoulder injury. Pelinka said after a “deep dive” into Kessler’s medical history, the organization is not concerned the injury will linger. The 25-year-old center’s age aligns well with Doncic, 27, and Reaves, 28, creating a potent trio that could define the franchise’s new era. “If you canvassed the league and looked at age groups, even the ability to acquire someone, [Kessler] is just the perfect fit for those guys and building out the next phase of the Lakers,” Redick said. How will Austin Reaves handle the jump to being a max player? Before completing their new “Big Three” with Kessler, the Lakers needed to bring Reaves back. The former undrafted free agent was one of the highest-profile free agents this summer, but told reporters in July that his “heart was in L.A. the whole time.”Lakers guard Austin Reaves runs onto the court before a playoff Game 3 against the Thunder. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Reaves is coming off 23.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, both career highs. He scored 51 points in a game against Sacramento and provided one of the highlights of the regular season with a perfect missed free throw and offensive rebound that helped the Lakers survive with a thrilling overtime win over the Denver Nuggets. But Reaves also played in a career-low 51 regular-season games, missing significant time because of injuries. He missed the beginning of the playoffs because of an oblique injury, and despite returning sooner than expected from the Grade 2 strain, Reaves struggled to get back to form consistently in the postseason. No longer just the feel-good story, Reaves is now the second-highest paid player on the Lakers after signing a four-year, $185-million contract this summer. He is living up to his superstar status already in the offseason, being “a leader in the gym every single day,” Redick said. Who will survive the training camp cut down? The Lakers have 16 players on guaranteed contracts entering training camp and must get that number down to the league maximum 15 by the season opener on Oct. 21. While the Lakers figure out the two open starting roles alongside Doncic, Reaves and Kessler, the next month will also feature competition for the final roster spots. Pelinka mentioned a consolidation trade that ships two players out for one as a possible solution to the overcrowded roster. The Lakers have wing depth, but could bolster their center options beyond Kessler and backup Kevon Looney, and are unsettled at power forward.Lakers' Jake LaRavia, right, attempting to strip the ball from Warriors forward Charles Bassey, is one of several forwards who will vie for playing time this season. (David M. Barreda / Los Angeles Times) Jake LaRavia, Ziaire Williams, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Jarred Vanderbilt are among the logjam of options at forward, along with wings Adou Thiero and Matisse Thybulle. Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht, the embattled third-year guard who has never found a solid role with the team after he was traded and returned in 2025, could be trade pieces. “Building a championship roster is an evergreen process,” Pelinka said. “You’re never done with the work.” What’s up with the ownership situation? For the second consecutive season, the Lakers have an ownership change hanging over the organization. Mark Walter’s sale of his controlling stake of the team is still pending, with Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner prepared to step in after purchasing the majority stakes at a $12.5-billion valuation. While unable to comment fully on the ownership change because the sale hasn’t been approved, Pelinka said he has had “preliminary discussions” with Iger and Kushner that have been “really, really positive.”Lakers general manager and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, left, speaks to reporters as coach JJ Redick watches on during a news conference Thursday. Pelinka said that the new ownership group has had preliminary discussion with him about moving forward. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) “In terms of day-to-day, nothing’s changed,” Pelinka continued. “We’re operating with Lakers excellence.” During his short tenure, Walter worked to overhaul the front office and business operations. The changes did not stop with Walter’s ownership now in limbo. The Lakers have added more than 15 people in the front office, Pelinka said, including Rohan Ramadas and Eric Amsler in new assistant general manager positions. Pelinka said the organization “rebuilt our entire player experience and player development arm,” led by the promotion of Zach Guthrie, the former G League affiliate head coach, to the head of player development. The team has added new equipment for recovery and treatment and hopes to bring in more scouts. “The goal, as the Lakers brand, is not just to be at the same level as all the other 29 teams in those areas,” Pelinka said, “but to be the leader.” Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things Lakers. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Drew Timme #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the game against the Phoenix Suns on April 10, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images Drew Timme, one of the greatest Gonzaga Bulldogs to ever come through the program, is up for the challenge to try and make a loaded Minnesota Timberwolves roster this fall. The undersized, yet extremely skilled 6-9 post man has signed a training camp deal with the franchise, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Drew Timme have agreed to a deal, league sources told @hoopshype. Timme will compete for a spot in training camp. The former Gonzaga star has averaged 5.6 points and 2.7 rebounds in two NBA seasons with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers. pic.twitter.com/XuL0IMRGXw— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 26, 2026 This addition of Timme gives Minnesota more depth in the frontcourt, adding competition at the three-through-five positions during the preseason. Two other forwards were signed to compete in training camp along with the legendary Zag, 6-6 KJ Martin and 6-7 Norchad Omier. Martin, the son of Kenyon Martin, was the No. 52 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and most recently competed with the Chinese Basketball Association’s Ningbo Rockets. Omier, the first Nicaraguan player to ever play in the NBA, was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Clippers this past season. The Timberwolves currently have 13 guaranteed standard contracts on the books for a 15-man roster, plus all three two-way spots filled. Throughout his three-year professional tenure since leaving college basketball back in 2023, Timme has mostly been viewed as a G League journeyman. During his big club stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers organizations over the last two seasons, he has averaged 5.6 points on a shooting split of 49.4 field goal percentage/33.3 three-point percentage/60.0 free throw percentage, to go alongside 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists across 13.6 minutes per 36 appearances. Timme spent the 2025-26 campaign with Los Angeles on a two-way deal before ultimately being passed over by guard Nick Smith Jr. for the team’s final 2026 NBA Playoff roster spot. Smith Jr. was then converted to a two-year standard contract to make him playoff-eligible. If Timme were to be listed on the upcoming opening day roster with Minnesota, that would add up to a total of 13 Gonzaga alums in the NBA at the start of the 2026-27 season. If Timme is waived, he will probably join the Timberwolves’ G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves. Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho

The Winnipeg Jets have made significant roster adjustments ahead of their upcoming season, cutting 12 players from their training camp. With only one pre-season game remaining on Friday, the team announced that eight players would be loaned to the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League, while four others were released from their professional tryouts. Among the players loaned to the Moose were goalies Isaac Poulter and Evan Cormier, defensemen Alfons Freij and Dylan Finlay, and forwards Colby Barlow, Kevin He, Jacob Julien, Fabian Wagner, Lucas Wahlin, and Kieron Walton. The Jets also released Lukas Gustafsson, Dysin Mayo, Davis Burnside, and Manitoba's Ashton Sautner from their professional tryouts. This leaves the Jets with 31 healthy players remaining in training camp, with the team required to name a 23-man roster by Monday. The ripple effect of these cuts was felt by the Manitoba Moose, who subsequently released five players from their tryout agreements, including Brandon Funk, Evan Cormier, Dylan Finlay, Teague McAllister, and Erik Pastro. The Jets are set to play their final pre-season game against the Colorado Avalanche on Friday before facing the Boston Bruins in their home opener next Friday. The Moose will play pre-season contests against the Iowa Wild on Friday and Saturday. The team's decisions reflect a strategic approach to finalizing their roster ahead of the regular season, with highly-touted prospects Brayden Yager and Viggo Björck remaining with the NHL club. This move is part of the standard roster management process for NHL teams as they prepare for the upcoming season, ensuring that only the most prepared and capable players make the final cut.

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: Anton Watson #41 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors during the Semifinals on July 18, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Tom O'Connor/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images Similar to what the Phoenix Suns did with point guard David Stockton, the Los Angeles Lakers signed forward Anton Watson to a training camp deal on Thursday, Sept. 17, but later waived the former Gonzaga Bulldog on Friday, Sept. 18. He will most likely join the G League’s Coachella Valley Lakers. Lakers announce they have signed Meechie Johnson and Chase Ross while waiving Anton Watson. These are more training camp moves for LA pic.twitter.com/jFmWdVifN7— Trevor Lane (@TrevorLane) September 19, 2026 Over the course of seven games with the Lakers in the California Classic in San Francisco, California, and NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada, Watson averaged 7.6 points on a shooting split of 34.0 field goal percentage/19.2 three-point percentage/100 free throw percentage, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists across 20.7 minutes per contest. The Spokane, Washington native was drafted with the No. 54 overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. In March of 2025, Watson was claimed off waivers by the New York Knicks on a two-way contract. In nine appearances for New York, he averaged 0.9 points, 0.3 rebounds, and 0.2 assists per game. After the conclusion of the 2025 season, Watson was signed by Los Angeles in September of 2025. Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho

TikTok video by Colleen B

Ottawa Senators veteran forward Claude Giroux, entering his 20th NHL season, has expressed that he still feels nervous ahead of training camp despite his extensive experience in the league. The 38-year-old player, who signed a one-year contract extension this off-season, shared his feelings during a Thursday press conference, stating, 'I don't know why, but it's fun.' Head coach Travis Green praised Giroux's performance during the first day of camp, noting that he 'looked like he was 25 again.' The Senators are preparing for their first regular season game in less than three weeks, with Green focusing on implementing a fast pace and establishing team structure early. The team has added several new players, including forwards William Eklund and Andre Burakovsky, and goaltender Samuel Ersson, following the trade of former captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers. Eklund, a 23-year-old winger, emphasized that he is not concerned with filling Tkachuk's void, stating, 'We're two completely different players.' Burakovsky, who will look to secure a top-six forward role, acknowledged the competitive nature of the roster, saying, 'You've gotta deliver, you've gotta play good.' Young prospect Carter Yakemchuk, selected seventh overall in the 2024 NHL draft, is also vying for a regular spot, having played four regular-season games last year and contributing two assists in the playoffs. Yakemchuk has been working on his skating this summer and feels his experience in the American Hockey League has prepared him for the NHL. Green highlighted the team's focus on details like breakouts and defensive coverage during camp. The Senators are aiming to build on their previous season's success as they prepare for the upcoming campaign, with Giroux continuing to chase his first Stanley Cup championship. The team's new additions and veteran leadership will be key factors as they look to establish themselves as contenders in the NHL.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' 18-year-old first-round draft pick, Gavin McKenna, participated in his first training camp practice on Thursday, marking his initial on-ice appearance with the NHL team. Head coach Jim Hiller maintained secrecy about McKenna's specific role in the lineup, keeping fans and media guessing about his positioning. During the session, McKenna was paired with veteran players John Tavares and William Nylander, skating on the team's NHL line. The Whitehorse native showcased his skills with a key assist on a Tavares goal and engaged in a physical battle drill against forward Matthew Knies, where he managed to secure the puck behind goaltender Anthony Stolarz despite being stripped of his glove. McKenna, who was selected as the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, is currently living with Tavares and his family during his rookie season. The Maple Leafs finished last in the Atlantic Division during the 2025-26 season before winning the draft lottery to secure the top selection. This marks McKenna's first official practice with the team following his selection, and his performance has generated early excitement among fans and analysts. The team's management has been cautious about revealing details regarding McKenna's role, focusing instead on his development within the team structure. The training camp session provided an opportunity for the young player to integrate with the veteran roster and demonstrate his potential as a future star for the franchise. The Maple Leafs organization is hopeful that McKenna will contribute significantly to the team's offensive capabilities as they look to improve from their previous season's performance. The team's management has emphasized the importance of allowing young talent like McKenna to develop naturally within the system rather than rushing them into prominent roles. This approach aligns with the team's strategy of building through the draft and developing homegrown talent. The training camp practice was part of the team's preparations for the upcoming season, with coaches and management closely observing the performance of new players like McKenna. The Maple Leafs' focus on developing young talent has been a key component of their strategy in recent years, and McKenna's inclusion in the NHL group during camp indicates the organization's confidence in his abilities. The team's management has been careful not to overhype McKenna's role, instead focusing on his development and integration into the team's system. This measured approach has been consistent with the team's overall strategy of building a sustainable, competitive roster through a combination of drafting, developing, and strategic acquisitions. The Maple Leafs' performance in the previous season, where they finished last in their division, has created a sense of urgency for the organization to improve, and McKenna's potential contribution is seen as a key part of that plan. The team's management has been working to create a supportive environment for young players like McKenna to thrive, with veteran players like Tavares taking on mentorship roles. The training camp practice provided an opportunity for McKenna to showcase his skills in a competitive environment, and his performance has been noted as promising by coaches and teammates. The Maple Leafs organization is optimistic about McKenna's potential to become a key contributor to the team's offense in the coming seasons. The team's focus on developing young talent has been a strategic priority, and McKenna's inclusion in the NHL group during camp is a clear indication of the organization's belief in his abilities. The team's management has been careful to balance the excitement around McKenna's potential with a realistic approach to his development, emphasizing the importance of patience and gradual progression. This approach has been well-received by fans and analysts who understand the importance of developing young talent properly. The Maple Leafs' training camp is expected to continue with more opportunities for McKenna to demonstrate his skills and integrate further with the team. The team's management has indicated that they will continue to monitor McKenna's progress closely as he adjusts to the NHL level. The Maple Leafs' focus on developing young talent like McKenna is part of a broader strategy to build a competitive team that can contend for championships in the future. The team's management has been clear that they are committed to building through the draft and developing homegrown players, and McKenna's inclusion in the NHL group during camp is a significant step in that process. The Maple Leafs' performance in the previous season, where they finished last in their division, has created a sense of urgency for the organization to improve, and McKenna's potential contribution is seen as a key part of that plan. The team's management has been working to create a supportive environment for young players like McKenna to thrive, with veteran players like Tavares taking on mentorship roles. The training camp practice provided an opportunity for McKenna to showcase his skills in a competitive environment, and his performance has been noted as promising by coaches and teammates.

The Winnipeg Jets' training camp is set to begin this week, with the team facing a unique situation as the future of star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck remains unresolved. While much of the off-season conversation has centered on Hellebuyck's trade request, the article argues that fans should also pay attention to the opportunities for younger players to make an impression during camp. The article highlights several prospects who could benefit from the situation, including Isak Rosen, Brad Lambert, Brayden Yager, Nikita Chibrikov, Parker Ford, and Danny Zhilkin. Additionally, forwards Nino Niederreiter and Vlad Namestnikov may have the chance to rebound from poor seasons. The reduced training camp schedule, due to the increased regular season to 84 games, means there's less time for these players to showcase their skills. Meanwhile, the backup goaltending situation remains uncertain, with Thomas Milic and Dominic DiVincentiis currently the leading options to back up Stu Skinner, while Elias Salomonsson is not expected to be ready for the start of the season. The article also mentions the potential impact of highly-rated rookie Viggo Bjorck, who performed well at the recent prospect tournament in Gatineau. The author concludes that while the Hellebuyck situation will likely dominate headlines, fans should not overlook what could be the most interesting training camp in the Jets' 2.0 era.

Borregales ends camp strong, solidifying the kicker battle for the Patriots. #Patriots #NFL #TrainingCamp Discounted Patriots gear: https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/0GxXkN What jersey are you grabbing this season? Disclosure: I may earn a commission.

Full pads, full intensity. Day 21 revealed which Patriots are ready to contribute. #Patriots #TrainingCamp Discounted Patriots gear: https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/0GxXkN What jersey are you grabbing this season? Disclosure: I may earn a commission.

Joint practices > vanilla drills. Patriots tested by Eagles in real competition. #Patriots #NFL #TrainingCamp Discounted Patriots gear: https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/0GxXkN What jersey are you grabbing this season? Disclosure: I may earn a commission.

Joint practices > vanilla drills. Patriots tested by Eagles in real competition. #Patriots #NFL #TrainingCamp Discounted Patriots gear: https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/0GxXkN What jersey are you grabbing this season? Disclosure: I may earn a commission.

Joint practices > vanilla drills. Patriots tested by Eagles in real competition. #Patriots #NFL #TrainingCamp Discounted Patriots gear: https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/0GxXkN What jersey are you grabbing this season? Disclosure: I may earn a commission.

JOHN MacNEIL DAILY HERALD On the road to eventually becoming a Prince Albert Raider, forward prospect Caleb Mozell wants to play like Jack Eichel. “He’s a good 200-foot player now,” Mozell said of the Vegas Golden Knights’ star. “I like watching him.” The Raiders liked watching Mozell so much last winter that they made the Saskatoon sniper their

YouTube video by Ballerz

The Chicago Bears concluded their final training camp practice at Halas Hall, featuring notable developments across the roster. Starting right tackle Darnell Wright exited early with an injury to his previously injured arm, raising concerns about his availability. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. also left with an injury, while tight end Hayden Large and cornerback Dontae Manning were sidelined. However, safety Elijah Hicks and rookie linebacker Keyshaun Elliott returned from the PUP list, as did quarterback Tyson Bagent and cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson, Jaylon Johnson, Terell Smith, and Jaylon Jones. Rookie defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg participated with starters, and Jamree Kromah filled in at left tackle with Wright out. The practice included a long drive drill and ended with an interception by Xavier Woods. Coach Ben Johnson noted uncertainty around the starting safety position and highlighted D’Andre Swift’s productive runs. Despite mixed performance reviews, the team aims to finalize their 53-man roster amid injury challenges.

Joint practices > vanilla drills. Patriots tested by Eagles in real competition. #Patriots #NFL #TrainingCamp Discounted Patriots gear: https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/0GxXkN What jersey are you grabbing this season? Disclosure: I may earn a commission.

Joint practices > vanilla drills. Patriots tested by Eagles in real competition. #Patriots #NFL #TrainingCamp Discounted Patriots gear: https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/0GxXkN What jersey are you grabbing this season? Disclosure: I may earn a commission.

Joint practices > vanilla drills. Patriots tested by Eagles in real competition. #Patriots #NFL #TrainingCamp Discounted Patriots gear: https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/0GxXkN What jersey are you grabbing this season? Disclosure: I may earn a commission.