Los Angeles Lakers 2026-2027 guide

Luka Doncic has arrived at the starting line in great shape and clearly eager for redemption. In the Lakers’ first season without LeBron James, a large part of the Purple and Gold’s ambitions will inevitably run through him.

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Key players

With Wembanyama becoming more and more dominant, this could be one of Luka Doncic’s (G, 27.0 cr.) last great chances to win MVP. Last year, the Slovenian recorded his lowest number of triple-doubles since his rookie season, but his desire to bounce back after watching the Playoffs from the bench is more than enough reason to keep betting heavily on him.

At 27 credits, three fewer than Jokic, he remains one of the players around whom you can build your Dunkest team and a natural candidate for the captaincy.

Austin Reaves (G, 14.5 cr.) also has a résumé that, at least on Dunkest, makes it easy to overlook the defensive limitations he has shown so far. His averages of 23 points, 5.5 assists and 4.6 rebounds show a player capable of filling the box score in many ways and usable in practically every Gameweek.

Potential surprises

The new environment and his return after missing an entire season are two legitimate question marks surrounding Walker Kessler (C, 10.5 cr.), but all the ingredients for a major value gain are there.

Looney’s competition does not seem overwhelming, while playing alongside a creator like Doncic could maximize his strengths around the rim. If Kessler can quickly find his conditioning and consistency, 10.5 credits could soon look like a bargain.

Along with Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt (F, 4.0 cr.) is now one of the longest-tenured players on the Lakers roster, and that is probably no coincidence. His ability to provide defensive balance to Redick’s lineups can earn him significant minutes and, at just 4 credits, the combination of price and rotation opportunity makes him a possible best buy. Without needing big offensive numbers, a few positive nights could be enough to turn him into a very interesting investment.

Players to avoid

Kevon Looney (C, 4.5 cr.) appears to have entered the declining phase of his career. The Lakers situation could help him compared to his difficult stint with the Pelicans, but his playing time remains very much up in the air.

During Kessler’s rest minutes, in fact, JJ Redick could also choose to go smaller, using Ziaire Williams (F, 5.0 cr.) at center.

So if the goal is to save credits on your second center, we would rather look elsewhere: even at the minimum price, there are more intriguing young players worth taking a chance on.

Projected starting five

PG: Luka Doncic (Guard, 27.0 Credits)

SG: Austin Reaves (Guard, 14.5 Credits)

SF: Quentin Grimes (Guard, 7.0 Credits)

PF: Jake LaRavia (Forward, 7.0 Credits)

C: Walker Kessler (Center, 10.5 Credits)

Power Ranking

For better or worse, almost everything will run through Luka Doncic. The roster has several question marks and does not appear to have enough certainties to afford a half-speed version of the Slovenian: they will need his very best for practically the entire Regular Season.

If Doncic can maintain an MVP-level pace, pulling the rest of the team along with him, then the upper tier of the Western Conference can become a realistic goal. If his production drops off or physical issues arise, however, the risk of getting dragged back into the Play-In mix is anything but remote.

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