Silver Screen and Roll

After an underwhelming debut in this year’s California Classic tournament, the Lakers look to bounce back against the Miami Heat on Sunday. This is their first game of a back-to-back with the finale against the San Antonio Spurs taking place on Monday. Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat When: 1:30 p.m. PT, July 5 Where: Chase Center Watch: ESPN, League Pass, Prime Video The Lakers opened their summer campaign with a rather forgettable performance.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 03: Cameron Carr #43 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three-point shot over Malevy Leons #33 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Chase Center on July 03, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

The Lakers struggled in their first game of the California Classic, losing 104-72 to the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. LA’s newest rookie, Cameron Carr, was off to a hot start for the team, scoring six points off two 3-pointers. Los Angeles’ other notable name, Adou Thiero, was 1-2 from the field, but looked solid and was moving very well. Golden State’s rookie Yaxel Lendeborg also had six points off two triples. The Lakers were down by five at the end of the first.

The Lakers need to find defensive-minded players wherever possible, and they just ensured that one who is already familiar with the franchise will remain in Los Angeles. On Friday night, the Lakers made the re-signing of Chris Mañon official, bringing the guard back on a two-way deal. This move was expected, as the Lakers had reportedly tendered a qualifying offer to Mañon. Clearly, the Lakers liked what they saw from Mañon when he was on a two-way contract last season.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. With the strict NBA salary cap and apron restrictions, teams have to get their big contracts right. Signing a player to a max deal they can’t live up to can set a franchise back for years. With Reaves up for a big payday this summer, the Lakers had to decide if he was a max player.

While the Lakers got their A-list center in Walker Kessler, Friday’s move to trade Deandre Ayton means the team is once again searching for a big. LA dealt Ayton to the Wizards for cap relief and draft picks, opening up the backup big spot. Immediately, the team was linked to multiple players, including Andre Drummond and Kevon Looney. Drummond is an elite rebounder who could come in and make the most of the opportunity.

The Lakers’ roster shuffling has continued with another trade that also lands them some sorely-needed draft capital. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, LA is trading Deandre Ayton to the Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two second round picks. Finally, Rob Pelinka got Anthony Davis his center. This deal will only open up about an extra $2 million in cap space for the Lakers. Hardy is making $6 million this season with a team option for $6 million next season.

The Lakers were already Luka Dončić’s team, but now that LeBron James has departed, he is, without question, their biggest star. This makes pleasing him with the franchise’s direction the highest priority. Given that this is an offseason where a ton of cap space could be created and the Lakers had few players guaranteed to return, the pressure was on the front office to deliver quality moves to improve the team.

The Lakers will begin their summer at the California Classic tournament, running from July 3-6. Los Angeles’ first matchup will be against this year’s co-host, the Golden State Warriors. Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors When: 7:30 p.m. PT, July 3 Where: Chase Center Watch: NBA TV, League Pass, Prime Video Every summer, the Lakers compete in the California Classic tournament before flying to Las Vegas for the actual Summer League.

The Lakers’ two most recent draft picks highlight the team’s 2026 Summer League roster, announced by the team on Wednesday afternoon. Both Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr will play in Summer League this season for the Lakers, which kicks off at the California Classic on Friday in before the team travels to Las Vegas starting on July 10. Thiero had an injury-riddled rookie season in LA. He did not play in Summer League last year due to a knee injury, which cost him the start of the season as well.