The Los Angeles Lakers‘ media day has always been a big deal. Fans, analysts, and franchises alike wait to see the stars speak their minds about what’s to come next, as it is the first actual look at a team before the season officially kicks off. But this year felt different.
With LeBron James slightly hinting at retirement plans, Luka Doncic speaking about his transformation and what follows, and a mix of rising stars like Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, and Deandre Ayton ready to prove themselves, the 2025 Lakers’ media days offered an insider lens into both the present and the future of the franchise.
Though out of all the chaos, five major takeaways stood out, which, by the way, are moments that could define not just the Lakers’ 2025-26 season, but also their path for years to come.
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LeBron James addresses retirement
Starting with the King, as we know him, LeBron James has never shied away from speaking candidly, and this Monday was no different. Entering his 23rd NBA season, he touched on the inevitable question of retirement.
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“I don’t know when the end is, but I know it’s a lot sooner than later,” James said. The numbers back up the gravity of his career, with over 50 games played in all 22 seasons, never averaging below 20 points, and dipping under 25 points only twice. During his Lakers tenure, he’s averaged 26.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8.1 assists over 419 games.
The veteran’s love for the game remains appreciable as he said, “The love of the game is still high. The love of the process is even higher,” emphasizing his motivation to keep competing at the highest level. His durability and production suggest that the Lakers have the luxury of his experience for at least one more season.
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And for a franchise in pursuit of Western Conference supremacy, James’ presence remains as a cornerstone at best, no matter how much Luka Doncic is changing LA’s influential dynamics.
Luka Doncic is growing as the Lakers’ newest leader
And speaking of Luka Doncic, the Don walked into media day noticeably transformed, both physically and mentally, at that. After a standout EuroBasket 2025 showing for Slovenia, where he averaged 34.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists, Doncic revealed his offseason work had paid off. “Fatigue is the biggest thing for me,” he admitted.
Less tired and more explosive, Luka’s conditioning now mirrors his ambitions clearly, which is to lead this Lakers squad fully. Coach JJ Redick noted, “This is his life, this is his routine, this is just a daily commitment to the new standard that he set for himself.” Doncic’s improved stamina, in a way, doesn’t just enhance scoring, but it is also a key to defensive consistency, especially against the league’s elite guards.
In a season where every possession counts, Luka’s all-around impact could redefine the Lakers’ style. Including the franchise’s youngest stars. Because that mindset of raising standards wasn’t just Luka’s. Austin Reaves, too, has set his own bar for the year.
Austin Reaves is betting on himself
Being one of the Lakers’ most important players, Reaves didn’t hold back on his feelings either. His media day comments were as much about heart as strategy. After turning down a maximum four-year, $89.2 million extension, he’s setting the stage for unrestricted free agency next summer.
“It’s super hard… It doesn’t mean that I don’t want to be in LA,” Reaves said, signaling loyalty despite the business decision. Last season, Reaves averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists on 46.0% shooting per game, showing a remarkable capacity for both scoring and facilitating.
His contract year approach suggests an elevated level of performance is on the horizon, with the Lakers keen to secure him long-term. Reaves, at this crucial point, represents a calculated risk of a rising talent whose ceiling could tip the balance in a playoff series.
Deandre Ayton is embracing the Lakers’ role
Deandre Ayton, new to the Lakers lineup, on the other hand, sees this as the pinnacle opportunity of his career. Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last season with the Trail Blazers, asserting himself as a dominant inside presence. “This is the biggest opportunity of my career,” Ayton told reporters on being a Laker.
Standing 7-feet tall with a career field goal percentage of 59.0%, Ayton provides interior scoring, rim protection, and rebounding talent. His ability to complement stars like James and Doncic in pick-and-roll scenarios adds a strategic dimension while solidifying the Lakers’ frontcourt and introducing a new axis around which offensive and defensive schemes can revolve.
It is also extremely essential that Ayton proves himself to be a key player for the Los Angeles Lakers this season after Doncic’s support of him, and Ayton is still being put as No. 30 on the Athletic’s “Top-40 Big Men” rankings. And while this remains crucial, another Laker is making clear why he was committed to LA in the first place.
Marcus Smart’s defensive commitment to the Lakers
Marcus Smart made it clear why the Lakers recruited him: defense first. “That’s what I came to do, that’s why Luka called me, that’s what JJ wants,” Smart said. Last season, Smart averaged 1.9 steals and 0.9 blocks per game while anchoring Boston’s perimeter defense.
His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions and create transition opportunities. Incorporating Smart’s defensive intensity with Ayton’s interior dominance, Doncic’s stamina, Reaves’ versatility, and James’ leadership could arguably create one of the league’s most balanced rosters.
And well, Smart’s commitment extends beyond stats as it can also be disguised as culture-setting, raising expectations for effort, communication, and accountability across the squad.
Monday’s media day was a blueprint for the Lakers going forward, as it was supposed to be. LeBron’s longevity, Luka’s leadership, Reaves’ gamble, Ayton’s integration, and Smart’s defensive vow form a complex mosaic. Individually, each player brings strengths that could define critical moments. Collectively, though, they paint a team capable of competing at the highest level in the Western Conference.
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With free agency and playoff ambitions all in play, the Lakers’ front office has constructed a roster with both star power and complementary pieces. Media day, as always, offered more than quotes as it revealed the mindset and the subtle chemistry that could make or break the season.
As the cameras fade, what stays at the end of the day is that the Lakers are ready to contend, with each star’s narrative weaving into a season-long story of challenge and growth. Fans have much to anticipate, and this media day sets a tone of preparation and the very high stakes for the 2025-26 NBA season.