The NBA released the 2026-27 schedule, and the Los Angeles Lakers have an interesting set of matchups that will serve as a litmus test for the new roster.
With so many moving pieces to the roster, the first few months of the season are going to tell Lakers fans a lot about whether or not the team that Rob Pelinka built will be able to stand up to the giants around the NBA.
Expectations are always high in Hollywood, and these three games will be the ones where the spotlight is the brightest before the calendar turns to 2027.
Lakers vs. Miami Heat On Nov. 2
The Lakers’ first major test comes against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat.
The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo was injured for the majority of last season, but he is still a top-five player in the league when healthy. He averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 36 games last season. Now, he’s paired with three-time All-Star and five-time All-Defensive second-team member, Bam Adebayo.
These two will give the Lakers adversity on the court, but Head Coach Erik Spoelstra’s coaching will be a factor from the sideline.
The three-time NBA Champion led the Heat to a 43-39 record last season, even with Tyler Herro only playing 33 games due to a multitude of injuries. Unfortunately for Spoelstra, the Heat lost Norman Powell in free agency, but other pieces like Tim Hardaway Jr. are expected to step up.
On paper, they’re a highly effective team, and their roster will provide a healthy test for the Lakers’ defense. Walker Kessler was signed for matchups like these. This early-November game will test him against the exact kind of frontcourt he was signed to defend.
Lakers @ San Antonio Spurs on Nov. 27
The San Antonio Spurs will only improve from their 4-1 defeat in the NBA Finals last season, and General Manager Brian Wright has added even more talent with 16-year veteran Tobias Harris.
Victor Wembanyama led his team to a 3-1 season series record over the Lakers last year, but now LA has the depth to truly compete. Dončić, Reaves, and Quentin Grimes can provide enough offense to match San Antonio’s starters. Collin Sexton and the second unit will be the X-factor.
Similarly to the Heat matchup, another massive factor in the Spurs games will be the battle of the tall trees. There have been reports this offseason that Wembanyama could be even taller than his listed height.
For those this may concern – Victor Wembanyama is definitely taller than 7'4".
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) August 10, 2026
It only adds more pressure on the shoulders of the 7-foot-2 Kessler. He generated polarizing headlines after signing his $140 million four-year deal. The most important task with his signing is to suffice in his matchups with Wembanyama.
The Lakers will not make the NBA Finals without facing the Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC’s roster has more average bodies compared to San Antonio’s Alien in the post. So, winning the series opener will tell fans whether LA has a fighting chance or not.
Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers On Christmas Day
It’s safe to say that the entire world will be fixated on the Lakers-Sixers matchup on Christmas Day.
NBA Christmas Day 2026 on ABC and ESPN:
– Spurs @ Knicks
– Heat @ Celtics
– 76ers @ Lakers
– Thunder @ Timberwolves
– Nuggets @ Warriors— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 11, 2026
Not only did the Sixers add Jaylen Brown via trade, but they also won the LeBron James sweepstakes. Playing against James, in particular, will present a range of challenges, given his familiarity with the Lakers. He’s aware of JJ Redick’s playbook, and the offensive tools at James’ disposal will torment Los Angeles.
Since Dončić will have his hands full with Tyrese Maxey, it only makes Reaves’ matchup with VJ Edgecombe all the more troublesome. However, the Lakers do have a bright spot with Grimes on the perimeter.
Quentin Grimes the corner 3, then continues with an excellent defense on Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid hits the jumper to put the Sixers up 8, with 5:16 minutes remaining in regulation (with replays) pic.twitter.com/RWq0b82RSK
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 29, 2026
He played great defense on Brown in the Playoffs last year, and Brown is Philly’s No. 2 option, giving the Lakers a much-needed positive.
LA and Philly will meet twice, with the second meeting scheduled for March 4. The space between games only amplifies the anticipation for the potential NBA Finals matchup, one that would be poetic after James passed the torch to Dončić last season.
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