The 2026-27 season opens tonight at home against Golden State on ESPN, and the last day of injury news changed both benches. Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero were downgraded to out, while Bronny James and Jarred Vanderbilt were cleared to go.
Who Makes the Call Sheet
Lakers Nation reported Collin Sexton is questionable with a calf issue that has followed him since early October. He matters: Sexton scored 15.4 a night last season and hit 40.1 of his threes, the best mark among the regulars. Carr and Thiero both carry an estimated return of Oct. 23, the Clippers game. Lakers Nation reported that NBA GMs view Carr as one of the 2026 draft's biggest steals, so his debut waits at least two more days. Getting Bronny and Vanderbilt back gives Redick more bodies on a roster that waived Dalton Knecht to get down to 15.
Golden State's Empty Chairs
The visitors are short. Jimmy Butler III, Moses Moody, Kristaps Porzingis and Brandin Podziemski are all listed out, and ESPN reported Podziemski will miss the opener with back soreness. Stephen Curry, who averaged 26.6 points last season, carries an ankle designation but has not been ruled out. Fuller Warriors lineups still beat the Lakers twice this preseason, 124-98 on Oct. 6 and 101-89 on Oct. 13, a combined 38 points. Reaves scored 28 in the second loss, and the Lakers need that version of him again tonight.
The Unknown Redick Named
ESPN reported that Redick calls adversity the team's "biggest unknown." A 2-3 preseason gave him some early evidence. The roster has no cushion either: payroll is $201.3M, already over the $200.4M tax line, so any fix has to come from inside the locker room. Lakers Nation reported that Doncic expects his pick-and-roll chemistry with Walker Kessler to improve with reps, and they get those reps against a depleted frontcourt. The open question is whether a 53-win team can beat a short-handed rival before the Clippers arrive Friday and the trip to Utah on Oct. 25.
Is Collin Sexton playing tonight against the Warriors?
He is listed day-to-day with a right calf issue, and Lakers Nation reported him as questionable for the opener. His status is expected to be settled before tip-off.
Is Stephen Curry playing in the Lakers' season opener?
Curry is listed day-to-day with an ankle issue and has not been ruled out. Butler, Moody, Porzingis and Podziemski are all out for Golden State.
