Must-see games on the Lakers' 2026-27 schedule

The full 2026-27 regular-season schedule for each NBA team was released on Thursday. While the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be at least slightly worse this season than last, they will still draw significant attention. They will play 34 games on ESPN, ABC, NBC, and Prime Video, tied for the most such games with the Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and San Antonio Spurs. The biggest news involving the Lakers this summer is the departure of LeBron James, who joined the Philadelphia 76ers. His return to Crypto.com Arena on Christmas Day will be notable, with fans likely mixed in their reception. The Lakers will face the 76ers on March 4 in Philadelphia, part of a four-game road trip. Last season, the Lakers defeated the eventual NBA champions New York Knicks at home on March 8 (110-97) and lost to them in New York on February 1 (112-100). This season, they will face the Knicks again on January 30 at Madison Square Garden, part of a six-game "Grammy trip." They will also host Jalen Brunson and the Celtics on March 11. The Boston Celtics, though not championship contenders after losing five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown to the 76ers, are still expected to be a quality team. The Lakers will face them at home on January 7 and in Boston on February 2. The Lakers will have three games each against the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. They will face the Thunder on January 26 and February 6, and the Spurs on November 27 (Emirates NBA Cup), April 4, and March 6 (home) and April 1 (road). All six games will be on national television. Luka Doncic will return to Dallas for a February 28 matchup against the Mavericks, who now feature players like Kyrie Irving (expected to play) and others acquired in the trade. The Lakers' performance against the Thunder and Spurs last season was poor (1-3 vs. Spurs, 0-4 vs. Thunder), with the Thunder sweeping them in the playoffs. The Lakers' marquee matchups include games against the 76ers, Knicks, Celtics, Thunder, Spurs, and Mavericks, all on national TV.