The goal in 2026-27 should be simple: the Los Angeles Lakers need to figure out just how close they are to championship contention with this new group around Luka Doncic. As such, figuring out the most important games on their upcoming NBA calendar should be just as straightforward.
5 — Feb. 26 against the Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets have famously been the sleep paralysis demon that haunts the Lakers' nightmares. That has begun to change under JJ Redick.
In 2024-25, Redick's rookie campaign as head coach, the Lakers split the regular season series with the Nuggets at two apiece. In 2025-26, Los Angeles actually won it. They secured two out of three against Denver including an overtime thriller on Mar. 14, 2026.
With the Nuggets still a strong team, but potentially trending in the other direction next season, this game will be an excellent opportunity for the Lakers to exercise any remaining demons in this matchup. Los Angeles can firmly establish themselves as the superior Slavic-led basketball team.
The Lakers are set to play the Nuggets four times in 2026-27. Feb. 26 will be the final time they meet before the regular season ends, making it a great stretch run test against the Nuggets.
4 — Feb. 6 against the San Antonio Spurs
The next decade of Western Conference supremacy is likely to go through Victor Wembanyama one way or another. Being able to match up effectively against the French phenom will be important.
Feb. 6 is the date the Lakers will want to pay attention to most, because it will be just past the midway point of the 2026-27 season. That should mean all the new pieces have fallen into place a good bit.
Redick can get an opportunity to see how well he can scheme to slow down Wembanyama with this group. Walker Kessler will get an opportunity to justify his hefty contract by proving an effective matchup against Wemby. This one matters.
3 — Jan. 30 against the New York Knicks
To be the best, you have to beat the best. Cliched? Sure. Untrue? Nope.
The New York Knicks are the defending champions, and they will be a measuring stick game for anyone who wants to fancy themselves a contender. The Lakers will know that as well as anyone.
Los Angeles split the season series with New York 1-1 last season, with both teams winning their respective home games. A 2-0 sweep of the cross-conference head-to-head would provide plenty of confidence in the Lakers' building about just how close they are to a Larry O'Brien Trophy.
2 — April 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder
While the Nuggets have been previously advertised as the Lakers' thorn in the side, it is the Oklahoma City Thunder who have overtaken them recently. Oklahoma City swept Los Angeles last regular season 4-0, winning all but one matchup by double digits. They made it 8-0 by adding a playoff sweep on top of that.
It was a rough year to be a Laker walking into the building to face the Thunder.
Los Angeles and Oklahoma City will have three confirmed regular season matchups in 2026-27. April 1 is the closest one to the postseason. What better way to prove that you are ready for playoff basketball than by knocking off a team that has been as consistent as anyone over recent years?
1 — Dec. 25 against the Philadelphia 76ers
LeBron James is coming back to Los Angeles on Christmas Day. It was a matchup Lakers fans knew about ahead of time. It should remain the most highly-anticipated and important game of the season even now.
For one, the 76ers look great on paper. They are expected to be a contender. Beating Philadelphia would provide a strong morale boost in the first half of the season about the type of team Los Angeles can become.
Then, there's the obvious. Sticking it to LeBron in his return to California would be sweet. Lakers fans have plenty of reason to celebrate James in his first trip back to Los Angeles. Those moments should be had. However, once all the tears and hugs are over, the team has a job to do, and that is showing their former star just how great the roster he left behind is.
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