Key Matchups for Lakers and Luka Doncic in 2026-27 Season

The Los Angeles Lakers have unveiled their schedule for the 2026-27 NBA season, highlighting several significant matchups featuring their star player, Luka Doncic. This season will be particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time since 2017 that the Lakers will open the season without former superstar LeBron James on their roster, ushering in a new chapter in the franchise's history.

One of the key games to watch will be the Lakers' opener against the Utah Jazz, where center Walker Kessler will face his former team for the first time since being acquired in a sign-and-trade deal. Kessler, who was drafted 22nd overall in 2022, spent his initial four NBA seasons in Utah before transitioning to Los Angeles.

Another highly anticipated matchup will see Doncic square off against reigning Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama, who was a top-four MVP candidate last season. This game will be the first of three encounters between the Lakers and the defending Western Conference champions, the Denver Nuggets.

The Lakers will also face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a two-game series, featuring star players like Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. This series will serve as a litmus test for both teams as they navigate their revamped rosters.

Additionally, the storied rivalry between the Lakers and the Boston Celtics remains a highlight of the season. Doncic will be seeking his first victory against the Celtics since joining the Lakers, making this matchup crucial for his legacy in Los Angeles. The Celtics, led by two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, have dominated the Lakers in recent encounters, including a playoff sweep last season.

Lastly, a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden will showcase Doncic on one of the NBA's grandest stages, continuing the tradition of high-profile matchups for the Lakers.