The Lakers will open the 2026-27 season against one of their in-state rivals.
They’ll host the Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 21 in both team’s season opener as part of ESPN’s opening-week doubleheader on the second day of the regular season.
The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. PT tipoff.
It’ll be the Lakers’ first game since LeBron James left the franchise for the 76ers as a free agent last month.
The matchup will also mark the first time since the 2018-19 season, James’ first season with the franchise, that the Lakers weren’t featured on the league’s Opening Night.
Celtics at Pistons, 76ers at Knicks and Thunder at Spurs are scheduled for Oct. 20 as part of a NBC/Peacock Opening Night triple-header.
Lakers-Warriors will be proceeded by Timberwolves at Heat in the team debuts for LaMelo Ball (Minnesota) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Miami).
This season will mark the second straight season and the fourth time in the last six years the Lakers and Warriors played each other for their season openers.
The Warriors won each of the previous three season-opening matchups.
