Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers today announced a new partnership with NordVPN, a leading cybersecurity and digital privacy company. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome NordVPN as a Lakers partner and look forward to sharing their brand and services with Lakers fans,” said Los Angeles Lakers Vice President of Global Partnerships Yao Williams.&nbsp;

"When the Los Angeles Lakers step onto the court, they bring unmatched energy and inspire a wave of confidence in their fans," said NordVPN Chief Marketing Officer Toma Sabaliauskienė. "We want fans to feel that same confidence whenever they connect, long after they've left the arena. With NordVPN’s next-gen antivirus working in the background to block scams, phishing and malware, fans can navigate the internet without a second thought and keep their focus on the game.”&nbsp;

As part of the partnership, NordVPN will have a prominent presence during Lakers home games through in-arena LED signage, along with social media integrations and digital campaigns highlighting the company’s services to fans.&nbsp;

NordVPN is an all-in-one digital privacy and security app trusted by millions of internet users worldwide. The NordVPN app combines the world’s most advanced VPN, a next-generation antivirus, and other built-in security features, such as a dark web monitor, designed to help users stay safer and more private online. NordVPN helps protect against phishing, scams, malicious websites, trackers, intrusive ads, and malware, while strengthening online privacy. For more information, visit nordvpn.com.&nbsp;

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Los Angeles Lakers Announce Partnership with NordVPN

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed forward Rafael Castro. In a corresponding move, the team has waived forward William Kyle III.

Castro (6’10”, 224) started all 29 games at George Washington University during the 2025-26 season, averaging 15.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.7 blocks in 27.3 minutes. The 23-year-old was a two-time Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team selection and was named a finalist for the 2025-26 Lefty Driesell National Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Kyle III was signed by the Lakers Sept. 27.

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Los Angeles Lakers Sign Forward Rafael Castro

The Los Angeles Lakers today unveiled Lakers: An Official History of the Purple & Gold, the definitive authorized history of the franchise, produced in collaboration with world-renowned luxury art book publisher TASCHEN. Lakers is a visual masterpiece spanning seven decades of legacy, leadership and championships on and off the basketball court. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, the book explores stories of fandom, basketball culture and the franchise’s connections to Hollywood. It features rare and never-before-published artwork and photographs alongside original stories and essays from some of the most influential voices in and around the Lakers organization. “The Lakers are a global phenomenon,” said Los Angeles Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss. “No other team has turned athletes into icons or left a legacy quite like the Lakers. Players, coaches and fans have made this franchise about so much more than a game – they’ve created an unforgettable show that has been playing for 79 seasons. This book is a love letter to everyone who has been part of that story.” The 528-page book chronicles the history of Lakers and explores how the franchise’s culture helped transform Los Angeles into a global stage where sports, celebrity and entertainment collide, influencing sports and style around the world. Edited by Vikki Tobak, the book features a foreword by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, an introduction by Jeanie Buss and an afterword by Phil Jackson.  Essays in the book are penned by Magic Johnson, Michael Cooper, Shaquille O’Neal, Pau Gasol, LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Pat Riley, Claire Rothman, Linda Rambis, Dyan Cannon, Paula Abdul, Flea, Jack Nicholson, Lou Adler and Ray Nicholson, with additional text by Michael Arkush and Damion Thomas. Across 10 chapters, the book details Lakers history from the franchise’s origins in Minneapolis and the Showtime era to the three-peat at the turn of the millennium, followed by the back-to-back and 2020 championship. Each Lakers championship is packaged in emblematic gold, featuring the team’s roster, head coach and memorable playoff contributions.  Lakers is filled with stories of fandom, entertainment, fashion and culture. Special layouts include a four-page gatefold showcasing the Lakers 17 championship rings, a four-page gatefold chronicling the evolution of Lakers uniforms and a four-page spread featuring the franchise’s retired numbers. Additional materials include historic promotional pieces, play diagrams and postgame analysis notes. Lakers is available now at the Lakers Team Shop, the Team LA store at Crypto.com Arena, LakersStore.com, TASCHEN.com and TASCHEN stores. Available October 1 at select retailers worldwide. 

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Lakers Unveil Official Book From TASCHEN

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed guards Meechie Johnson and Chase Ross. Additionally, the team has waived forward Anton Watson.

Johnson (6’2”, 192) started all 32 games at the University of South Carolina during the 2025-26 season, averaging 17.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 31.4 minutes.

Ross (6’5”, 210) started all 32 games at Marquette University last season, averaging 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.3 steals in 33.0 minutes.

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Los Angeles Lakers Sign Meechie Johnson and Chase Ross

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed forward Anton Watson.

Watson (6’8”, 225) appeared in 50 games (34 starts) for the South Bay Lakers during the 2025-26 season, averaging 11.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals in 27.3 minutes.

Originally selected 54th overall by Boston in the 2024 NBA Draft, Watson played five seasons at Gonzaga (2019-24), earning All-WCC First Team honors as a senior.

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Lakers Sign Forward Anton Watson

The Lakers today announced a full slate of promotional nights and special recognitions for the upcoming 2026-27 season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Lakers will celebrate Luka Dončić as the 2025-26 NBA Scoring Champion Nov. 1 with a special bobblehead giveaway for fans in attendance. Lakers guard Austin Reaves will be featured as a bobblehead giveaway for the match up Dec. 27.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Throughout the season, the Lakers will honor legends as part of the team’s new League of Stars program Presented by BMO. In its inaugural year, the program will honor Norm Nixon Dec. 14, Paul Westhead Jan.&nbsp;14&nbsp;and Kurt Rambis March 17. Fans in attendance will receive a unique throwback bobblehead of the honoree celebrating the nostalgia and longevity of the&nbsp;Lakers&nbsp;legacy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Other promotional nights include a Lakers x Dodgers baseball-style jersey giveaway, a 2020 Championship ring replica&nbsp;giveaway&nbsp;and&nbsp;the first-ever Lakers&nbsp;Hello Kitty&nbsp;night.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

On April 9, the Lakers will promote a Phil Jackson bobblehead at the match up versus Minnesota, following the statue unveiling on Star Plaza outside Crypto&nbsp;.com Arena.&nbsp;

See below for individual dates, and click here to find Lakers tickets for the 2026-27 season.

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Lakers Announce 2026-27 Promotional Nights

The Los Angeles Lakers have commissioned a statue of legendary head coach Phil Jackson, set to be unveiled Friday, April 9, 2027 outside Crypto.com Arena.

“Phil Jackson defines championship basketball for a reason,” said Los Angeles Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss. “His masterful approach to coaching brought out the best in some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. After he accepted my dad’s invitation to join the Lakers, Phil’s unmatched creativity and commitment to excellence restored our championship legacy, bringing five titles and setting a standard of excellence for generations to come. It is a great joy to be able to mark that achievement with the statue he so richly deserves.”

Across 11 seasons as head coach (1999-2004, 2005-11), Jackson guided the Lakers through one of the most storied eras in franchise history. He led the Purple and Gold to seven NBA Finals appearances and five championships, including three consecutive titles from 2000-02 and back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. Jackson tallied a franchise-record 610 wins, finishing with a 610-292 (.676) regular season record and a 118-63 (.652) mark in the playoffs. The Lakers reached the postseason every year under Jackson, winning 50-plus games nine times, including two 60-win campaigns.

While leading the Lakers, Jackson twice served as Western Conference head coach at NBA All-Star Weekend in 2000 and 2009. The Montana native was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007 and was named one of the 15 greatest coaches in NBA history as part of the league’s 75th anniversary celebration.

Jackson will become the ninth member of the Los Angeles Lakers to be commemorated at Star Plaza, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Chick Hearn, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Pat Riley and Jerry West. The statue will be designed and created by Julie Rotblatt Amrany and Omri Amrany of Rotblatt Amrany Studio.

Tickets to&nbsp;the&nbsp;April 9&nbsp;contest&nbsp;against the Minnesota Timberwolves&nbsp;are&nbsp;available at&nbsp;Ticketmaster.com.&nbsp;

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Los Angeles Lakers Announce Phil Jackson Statue

The Los Angeles Lakers and BMO today announced a long-term partnership naming BMO the exclusive Official Bank of the Los Angeles Lakers. The partnership will bring BMO into some of the team's most visible moments, from training camp and courtside experiences to fan programs and community initiatives across Southern California.&nbsp;

“Over decades, the Lakers have built passionate, generational fandom that starts in Los Angeles and extends everywhere, giving brands access to a star-studded platform of championships and glamour,” said Los Angeles Lakers President and Chief Business Officer Lon Rosen. “Today, we are proud to extend that access to BMO with an extensive, high-value partnership that names BMO the exclusive official bank of the Los Angeles Lakers. Importantly, this landmark partnership signals&nbsp;a paradigm shift&nbsp;for how the Lakers will partner with brands moving forward,&nbsp;building&nbsp;and curating impactful programs to engage fans and serve shared businesses.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The partnership marks a significant new relationship for both organizations, bringing BMO into&nbsp;Lakers&nbsp;programs and experiences throughout the year.&nbsp;

“The Lakers bring people together across generations and cultures, creating connections that mirror how we approach our business. Through this partnership,&nbsp;we're&nbsp;excited to support the communities we serve, create memorable experiences for fans, and help more clients make real financial progress,” said President, BMO U.S. Aron Levine. “Southern California is an important growth market for BMO, and this partnership reflects our long-term investment in the region and the opportunities ahead.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starting with the 2026-27 NBA season, BMO will be part of&nbsp;Lakers&nbsp;experiences&nbsp;both on and off the court, with programs that connect fans,&nbsp;communities&nbsp;and the team throughout the year. Key pillars of the partnership include:&nbsp;

Celebrating Team Performance Lakers Training Camp will be Presented by BMO and the BMO logo will be featured on the Lakers’ newly designed practice jerseys. 

Elevating the Gameday Experience  BMO is the inaugural naming rights sponsor of BMO Courtside Reserve floor seats and club on the event level, to support a new premium gameday experience. 

Honoring a Historic Legacy Starting this season, the Lakers and BMO will introduce a new legacy program honoring the legends who have made the Lakers one of the most decorated franchises in sports. The League of Stars program Presented by BMO will spotlight Lakers Legends throughout the season. 

Engaging Fans Across Southern California Throughout the season, BMO and the Lakers will partner on financial empowerment and small business spotlight programs, engaging the community across Southern California.  

The Los Angeles Lakers will enter their 79th&nbsp;season of competition in October 2026. The Lakers play their home games at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles and practice at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, Calif.&nbsp;

About BMO Financial Group BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of July 31, 2026. Serving clients for more than 200 years, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services across Canada, the United States, and select markets globally. BMO is innovating for business value, by deploying and integrating human, digital and artificial intelligence to personalize client experiences, augment teams, and automate its business responsibly. Driven by its purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and stronger communities. 