During JJ Redick’s tenure as the Lakers head coach, the team has gotten off to strong starts to seasons.
They have a golden opportunity to do so again this year.
And considering what’s waiting for them in the winter, it’s an opportunity they have to capitalize on.
The Lakers are projected to have one of the league’s easiest schedules through the first 10 games of the season for each team when accounting for opponents’ projected over/under win total for the 2026-27 season.
While they have matchups against respectable opponents who are projected to be playoff contenders in the first couple of weeks of the season, such as the Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 matchups against the Raptors and Heat, respectively, or even two games against the Trail Blazers (Tuesday and Nov. 6), they still have a favorable schedule to open the season compared to most teams.
When accounting for Friday’s home game against the Clippers, the Lakers have four combined matchups against their in-city rival and the Warriors, who they blew out to open the season on Wednesday, within the first three weeks of the season.
Both teams are expected to fight for a spot in the play-in tournament.
The Jazz, who the Lakers will play on Sunday in Salt Lake City, also fit the mold of a team expected to be fighting for a spot in the tournament that the Lakers should have an early advantage against.
It’s no secret that the top of the Western Conference, and the six guaranteed playoff spots, are going to be a battle to claim.
The Lakers are projected to compete with the Nuggets, Rockets and Timberwolves for spots Nos. 3-6 in the West’s standings, with the Thunder and Spurs battling for the top two spots.
They’re no strangers to what a strong start to a season can do for a team.
The Lakers’ 10-4 start to 2024-25 helped them achieve their first 50-win season in a few years despite the roster changes, which included acquiring superstar guard Luka Doncic in February 2025.
Starting the 2025-26 season 15-4 helped them withstand injuries to key players and subpar play from December-February before tearing it up in March en route to a 53-win season.
It would behoove the Lakers to get off to another strong start this year considering it should be easier for them compared to most teams.
