Lakers Media Day Preview! Plus, Will Rui Hachimura Get a Contract Extension?

It's finally here, people! The 2025-26 season for the LA Lakers kicks off today with Media Day. In less than a week, the Lakers will be playing preseason games. 

And while they don't open as favorites in the West, the Lakers definitely do open with the expectation of being very good, and should be a fun team to watch. It is, in the eyes of many, the true beginning of the Luka Dončić era in Los Angeles. It's his first Media Day in a Lakers uniform, his first time taking the photos and taping all the goofy stuff they play on the Jumbotron. 

There are critical questions about JJ Redick, entering his second season. What has he learned? How can he improve, especially given the contract extension granted him by the Lakers in the offseason. 

What about LeBron James? Will he put at least some of the speculation to bed, insofar as it pertains to his relationship with the Lakers and his excitement for the season? 

And, of course, there will be questions for Rui Hachimura about his future in Los Angeles. Right now, he's on an expiring deal. Asked about it last week, Rob Pelinka implied that the Lakers and Hachimura might be working on an extension. But then again, they might not. And signing him creates some complications. But one thing is definitely true: The Lakers like Rui, and love how he's developed as a Laker. Whether that translates to a long term future here, or a resolution to his future that comes before next offseason, remains to be seen. 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Training camp opens today! 

 

SEGMENT 2: Big questions for the Lakers, including JJ and LeBron. 

 

SEGMENT 3: What about Rui? 

 

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