Camp Day 1 in El Segundo
Official Day 1 of Lakers training camp was Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the UCLA Health Training Center. Private practice; media afterward. Six of last season’s top nine are gone. Redick framed the month of practices plus five preseason games as the audition window.
“This is a meritocracy,” JJ Redick said. “You got to earn your minutes, and you cheer for your teammates while you’re doing it.”
Three starters are locked: Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler. The other two starting spots—and the last guaranteed roster seats as the club trims to 15 by the Oct. 21 opener—remain open.
LA Times (Nguyen, Sept. 29) · Yahoo / Sporting Tribune · Silver Screen & Roll
Dončić–Kessler: early lob chemistry
Kessler said Dončić found him for “like four probably” lob dunks on Day 1, plus “one or two” blocks he wasn’t counting. “Yeah, we have a good connection. It’s pretty easy playing with him.”
Dončić on Kessler’s size: “It definitely opens up a lot… both ends of the floor. But especially on offense… If somebody steps up a little bit, you just throw it up there, he’s there.”
Redick called Kessler a “two-way talent”: “The fit is exciting. The person is really exciting.” Kessler on the defensive identity: “I think we’re gonna be a nasty defense this season,” citing smart perimeter positioning and ball-hawks who “hound the ball.”
Yahoo / Sporting Tribune · LA Times · ESPN · NY Post (Rohlin, Sept. 30)
Two open starters; wings set the tone
Power forward mix (per LA Times): Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt, Ziaire Williams. Redick labeled Mamukelashvili an “offensive connector” who can play five vs some teams and some wing minutes.
Wing depth (stiffest competition): Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Matisse Thybulle, Williams, rookie Cameron Carr, second-year Adou Thiero. After Day 1 Redick said the wings “understood the assignment”—physicality, disruption without gambling. Dončić said groups mixed lineup combos; first day felt fun with teaching points. Preseason minutes for Dončić still TBD—“I gotta talk to JJ.”
LA Times · Yahoo · Silver Screen & Roll
Health & Beyer retires
Redick: every player participated Tuesday; a couple skipped contact (unnamed) and are expected later this week. Kevon Looney (30) is the lone player in his 30s post-LeBron/Smart.
Assistant Bob Beyer retired this offseason (Redick confirmed Tuesday)—longtime Redick mentor from Orlando/New Orleans staff days. Redick: “He’s a legend… We’re so appreciative.”
16→15 still ahead
Sixteen guaranteed standard contracts; league max 15 by opening night. Camp still carries a full 21-man group (two-ways + Exhibit 10s). Pelinka has left room for a two-out, one-in consolidation trade while competition plays out. Reporter speculation often names Knecht / Hardy / Bronny among last-slot pressure—not a club cut announcement.
LA Times · prior: Yahoo (Benjamin)
Ownership: still pending
Mark Walter → Joshua Kushner / Bob Iger at a reported ~$12.5B valuation remains unapproved—no Board of Governors vote at the latest meeting (Lakers Nation). Day-to-day ops unchanged. Jeanie Buss remains governor pending the family stake process (hearing previously framed Dec. 8). Treat the sale as pending, not closed.
Lakers Nation · Lakers Nation (no BOG vote)
Watch next
- More private camp this week; contact return for the unnamed pair.
- Preseason: Oct. 5 at Sacramento; opener framed Oct. 21 vs Golden State.
- Two open starter spots; 16→15 / possible consolidation trade.
- Kushner/Iger: next BOG window; Dec. 8 Buss stake hearing.