Thunder raise title banner to start 2025-26, Lakers host Warriors

The 2025-26 NBA regular season opens Tuesday night, Oct. 21, with a two-game slate that will see the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder raise their title banner and host the Houston Rockets, followed by the Golden State Warriors visiting the Los Angeles Lakers. The season runs through April 12, 2026, and the early schedule features a string of nationally televised matchups across the first week.

Oklahoma City won its first title since relocating earlier this year, defeating the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals, and will collect championship rings before opening-night play. The Warriors-Lakers game follows in Los Angeles, where the Lakers released an injury report indicating second-year guard Bronny James is no longer listed and is likely available for the opener. The team also said veteran LeBron James will miss the first week or two of the season while the club manages sciatica and plans a conservative return timetable. Rookie Adou Thiero is listed as out.

Bronny James, the No. 55 pick in the 2024 draft, averaged strong numbers in the G League last season and showed further progress during Summer League play. The Lakers’ rotation early in the season could present...