Top 10 Los Angeles Lakers games you can’t miss in 2025-26

Rodney Knuppel

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Top 10 Los Angeles Lakers games you can’t miss in 2025-26 image

The Los Angeles Lakers are chasing redemption. Year two of the LeBron James and Luka Doncic era marks their first full season together, and after falling short in last year’s playoffs, this team looks ready to rewrite the story. The roster is deeper, the chemistry is stronger, and the motivation is real. The spotlight is never brighter than in Los Angeles,  and these 10 games will define their journey back toward a championship.

MORE: Top 10 Cleveland Cavaliers games you can’t miss in 2025-26

  1. Oct 21 vs Golden State
    Opening night at Crypto.com Arena. Luka and LeBron tip off their first full season together against Steph Curry and the Warriors. It’s old rivals, new energy, and pure Hollywood drama.

  2. Oct 24 vs Minnesota
    The Timberwolves ended the Lakers’ playoff run last season, and this is the first shot at revenge. Expect intensity, physical play, and a statement-making atmosphere in Los Angeles.

  3. Nov 5 vs San Antonio
    Victor Wembanyama comes to town, and every time he faces LeBron, it feels like the passing of eras. The hype will be huge, and the highlight potential even bigger.

  4. Dec 25 vs Houston
    Christmas Day in Los Angeles. Kevin Durant and the Rockets bring championship expectations and Western Conference star power. It’s the NBA’s biggest stage and the Lakers’ time to shine.

  5. Jan 20 at Denver
    Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets remain the team everyone measures against. This is where the Lakers see how far they’ve come since last season’s early exit.

  6. Jan 28 at Cleveland
    LeBron back in his hometown, facing the team that finished with 64 wins last year. The crowd will be loud, and the emotion will be real.

  7. Feb 9 vs Oklahoma City
    The defending champs roll into L.A., and every matchup with the Thunder feels like a test of who runs the West.

  8. Mar 16 at Houston
    Durant vs LeBron. Two legends who helped define a generation collide in a late-season battle that could shape playoff seeding.

  9. Mar 19 at Miami
    The Heat may have retooled, but they always bring a fight. It’s a tough road trip game that tests focus and composure down the stretch.

  10. Mar 20 vs LA Clippers
    The Battle for Los Angeles. Luka and LeBron against Kawhi and PG for city bragging rights. Every year this one feels personal,  and this season it could have playoff implications.

The Lakers enter 2025-26 with a mission: to turn last year’s frustration into fuel. LeBron is still elite, but nearly done. Luka is ready to take full command, and together they give Los Angeles a real shot to reclaim the West. These 10 games are where rivalries burn hottest, memories are made, and banners start taking shape.

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Rodney Knuppel

Rodney Knuppel is a freelance writer for The Sporting News. When not watching, listening or writing about sports, Rodney enjoys following the travels of his three kids, who are all active in their own sports and activities. A huge St. Louis Cardinals fan, Rodney also enjoys St. Louis Blues hockey and is a big Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan.