The overall Laker Nation experience has been underwhelming this postseason. Despite acquiring Luka Doncic in February and finishing the regular season as the third seed in the West, LA fumbled. Their biggest hurdle turned out to be the Minnesota Timberwolves. They didn’t let JJ Redick‘s (seemingly non-existent) strategies pan out. But now, it’s time to look ahead, shrug away the dust, and move on. And in this process, Anthony Davis could return home for a reunion with LeBron James.

Wait, wait, wait! What is going on between the Mavericks and Lakers? Did Nico Harrison and Rob Pelinka shake hands at Ascencio Coffee again? Hold on… no. AD is still a Maverick, and he will wear the blue and white again this season. However, in a recent release from the Los Angeles Lakers, their preseason routine is out.

As LeBron James & Co. catch a breath, the Lakers are already plotting their next move. With the 2025 season set to tip off on October 21, the action begins early. They’ll warm up with four fiery friendlies on October 3, 12, 15, and 17 against the Suns, Warriors, Mavs, and Kings across Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and the bright lights of Las Vegas, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported.

Now, let’s look into the details of the LA Lakers’ preseason move as they look ahead to shake up the spirits ahead of the 2025-26 NBA Season.

Venue and matchup: LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ reunion ahead of the next season

The Lakers are lighting up October with a coast-to-coast preseason slate. It all tips off on October 3 at Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs against the Suns, deepening their ties to Coachella Valley. Then comes a high-stakes California clash with the Warriors on October 12 and a fiery battle with the Kings on October 17, both at Crypto.com Arena. Sandwiched between, the Lakers face Luka Doncic’s former side, the Mavs, on October 15 in Las Vegas.

This Vegas showdown adds spice, pitting old teammates against each other in a blockbuster rematch. Fans could catch Cooper Flagg’s debut alongside LeBron James‘ former teammates, Anthony Davis and Max Christie, as the Lakers hit familiar grounds with new energy. Tickets for Palm Springs and Vegas will drop on June 6, available on Ticketmaster or the arena’s box office. Crypto.com Arena tickets go live in August, with group sales open for parties of twenty or more. Let the countdown begin.

The stage is set, and the sparks are already flying. With LeBron James leading the charge and Anthony Davis back in the mix for Dallas, the Lakers’ preseason promises more than just warm-ups. From Palm Springs to Vegas, every stop holds a story. So grab your tickets, circle the dates, and stay locked in. Because this October, the purple and gold are turning the heat all the way up.