Lakers Target Another Level With Dončić and Reaves in 2026-27

As the NBA prepares for its 2026-27 season, the Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams facing expectations to improve their performance. Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and their teammates will seek to take the franchise to another level during a campaign that begins a new chapter in the league's annual competition. The NBA outlined team-specific storylines in its 2026-27 season preview published October 20, 2026.

The league's 81st season is expected to bring different challenges across its 30 franchises, from established contenders pursuing championships to developing teams looking to establish their young talent. Across the Eastern Conference, several teams face significant personnel changes and individual development questions. The Atlanta Hawks are looking to build their identity around defense, while the Boston Celtics will rely more heavily on Jayson Tatum following Jaylen Brown's departure from the team's lineup.

The Hawks have added Lu Dort and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to a defensive group that includes Dyson Daniels, according to the NBA preview. Jalen Johnson, who earned All-NBA honors after a breakout campaign, has also taken on a central role in the franchise's plans under coach Quin Snyder.

Boston's challenge centers on Tatum, who is returning after Achilles surgery sidelined him for almost an entire year. The NBA preview identifies his increased responsibility as a defining storyline, with the forward expected to lead the Celtics without Brown alongside him. Other Eastern Conference teams are focusing on the development of young players and the integration of new personnel. The Brooklyn Nets will look for a young player to emerge alongside veterans Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle, with Egor Dёmin and rookie Mikel Brown Jr. identified as potential candidates.

The Charlotte Hornets have also reshaped their backcourt after trading LaMelo Ball and giving Coby White a leading role. White averaged 15.6 points in 19 minutes per game after joining Charlotte last year, according to the NBA preview, and his connection with Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel will be important to the team's plans. In Chicago, fourth overall draft pick Caleb Wilson is expected to receive opportunities to develop alongside Matas Buzelis, who averaged 16 points last season. The NBA preview highlights Wilson's athleticism, versatility and willingness to play physically as qualities that could help the Bulls during their rebuilding phase.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are counting on Peyton Watson to strengthen their rotation after his progress with Denver. Watson emerged as a significant contributor during a stretch last season, and Cleveland hopes his size and shot-making ability can complement Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. Detroit's focus is on Ausar Thompson, whose defensive improvement last season helped prompt the Pistons to invest in his future with a contract extension.

His offensive development, particularly his shooting, remains a key area to watch as he seeks to expand his role. The Indiana Pacers are preparing for Tyrese Haliburton's return from an Achilles injury. After reaching Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Indiana spent an extended period waiting for his recovery, with his playmaking expected to help Ivica Zubac generate easier scoring opportunities and reduce some of the burden on Pascal Siakam.

Miami, meanwhile, enters the season with a newly formed pairing of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. According to the NBA preview, the two players could give the Heat a formidable presence in the paint, particularly on defense, while Antetokounmpo seeks to reestablish himself among the league's leading players.