The 2026 NBA preseason has ignited national attention across basketball circles, spearheaded by the fascinating developmental storylines of the Los Angeles Lakers. Under head coach JJ Redick’s revamped offensive principles, the emergence of sharp-shooting rookie Dalton Knecht alongside the historic on-court pairing of LeBron James and Bronny James has provided a glimpse into Los Angeles’ tactical direction.
Historic Father-Son Moment: LeBron James and Bronny James share the court simultaneously in preseason action.
Starting Five Continuity: Anthony Davis dominates inside paint touches.
Dalton Knecht’s Immediate Impact: Perimeter Scoring Solution
Selected out of Tennessee, Dalton Knecht has looked every bit like the pro-ready perimeter scorer the Lakers desperately required. In recent preseason outings, Knecht showcased remarkable movement shooting, curling off pin-down screens and knocking down contested threes with fluid mechanics.
Bronny James Development: On-Ball Defensive Intensity
While Bronny James continues to adjust to NBA offensive game speed, his point-of-attack defense has earned high praise from the coaching staff. Navigating ball screens, staying attached to opposing guards, and deflecting passes in transition highlight his potential as a 3-and-D developmental guard.
JJ Redick’s Offensive Architecture: Spacing & DHOs
Rather than relying on predictable late-clock isolations, the Lakers are running continuous Drip DHO (Dribble Hand-Off) actions with Anthony Davis at the elbows, unlocking open driving lanes for Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.
Western Conference Preseason Standings Table
Here is how top contenders are trending across early exhibitions:
| Team | Preseason Record | Offensive Rating | Key Standout Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 3-0 | 116.4 | Chet Holmgren (Rim protection & 3PT) |
| Golden State Warriors | 3-0 | 114.8 | Jonathan Kuminga (Transition scoring) |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 1-2 | 110.2 | Dalton Knecht (Perimeter shooting) |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 2-1 | 112.5 | Donte DiVincenzo (Spacing & defense) |
Active NBA 2K27 Free Locker Codes
Unlock free MyTEAM cards and VC:
| Locker Code | Reward / Pack | Platform | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNECHT-LAKERS-ROOKIE | 88 OVR Emerald Dalton Knecht Card + 1,000 MT | All Platforms | October 31, 2026 |
| BRONNY-LAKERS-DEBUT | Free Agent LeBron & Bronny Duo Pack | All Platforms | October 20, 2026 |
| PRESEASON-VC-DROP | 15,000 Free VC + 2x Boost Packs | All Platforms | Active Today |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will Dalton Knecht start on Opening Night?
Knecht is currently slated to be the premier scoring spark off the bench behind starting wings Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.
Is Bronny James playing in the G League this season?
The Lakers plan for Bronny to split time between the active NBA roster and their South Bay G League affiliate to maximize on-court developmental minutes.
When is Lakers Opening Night?
The Lakers open their regular season on Tuesday, October 22, 2026 against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
