LeBron James will miss a regular-season opener for the first time in his 23-year career due to a sciatic nerve injury.

Luka Doncic takes center stage as the Lakers’ new franchise cornerstone, expected to draw MVP consideration in his first full season in L.A.

The Lakers pursue their 18th championship in a brutally competitive Western Conference under second-year coach JJ Redick.

1Screens in the practice facility display the Lakers ’ three mantras. JJ Redick repeats them on a loop. Players have started to parrot them as well.

“Championship habits. Championship communication. Championship shape.”

From the team’s three points of focus to the black “obsession” T-shirts designed by general manager Rob Pelinka, winning the Lakers’ 18th title is task No. 1 in Redick’s second season in ch

See Full Page