We're still weeks away from the start of the 2025-2026 NBA season, but at least now we know when it starts, and how it will begin for the Lakers. 

No surprise, the purple and gold are on for the league's opening night, October 21st, at home against the Warriors. Adam Silver knows he only has so many opportunities remaining for a LeBron James vs. Steph Curry tilt, and he's making sure the league gets one early, before the grind of the season makes it more likely one or the other could miss a game. 

From there, the Lakers will also get the Houston Rockets on Christmas, also at home. 

So only 80 games left to learn about! 

Meanwhile, Luka Dončić is back on the floor, prepping with the Slovenian national squad for Eurobasket. Against Germany on Friday, Luka played 24 minutes, finishing with 19 points, three rebounds and five dimes as the Germans picked up the win. But the win or the loss, while not irrelevant (there are plenty of Slovenians and Luka fans who are invested in Slovenia's success), is secondary to how Luka looks. Literally and figuratively. 

In a lot of ways, the answer to the "look" question fits in with some of the criticism of our initial conversation around where Locked On Lakers ranked players like Luka, LeBron and Austin Reaves in the network's Top 100. 

Finally, what might be at the core of the team's growing Dalton Knecht problem? 
 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers open vs. Golden State, get Houston on Christmas. 

SEGMENT 2: Luka vs. Germany! 

SEGMENT 3: The problem with Dalton? 

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)