LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers unveiled their slate of game recognitions, fan giveaways, and special promotions on Monday for the 2025-26 season. Entering their 78th season, the Lakers will also celebrate 50 years of partnership with Toyota, highlighting the milestone with a mix of tributes and themed nights throughout the season.
The season, which officially starts Oct. 3 in a Palm Desert preseason matchup against the Suns, tips off with plenty of marquee-honoring moments. Among those will be the unveiling of a statue of Hall of Fame coach Pat Riley, making it the eighth statue the franchise has made honoring their legends. The unveiling is set for February 22 before a nationally anticipated matchup against the Boston Celtics at Crypto.com Arena.
Key Recognition Nights
Oct. 17 vs. Sacramento — LGBTQ+ Pride Night, featuring a Pride long-sleeve shirt giveaway.
Nov. 5 vs. San Antonio — Veterans Appreciation Night (presented by Pechanga Resort Casino), with fans receiving a Lakers-Pechanga hat.
Nov. 30 vs. TBD — Chick Hearn Night, honoring the legendary broadcaster.
Jan. 15 vs. Charlotte — Dr. Jerry Buss Night, with a passport carrier giveaway.
Feb. (all month) — Celebrations honoring Black History Month.
Feb. 22 vs. Boston — Pat Riley Statue Unveiling at Star Plaza.
March 6 vs. Indiana — Mental Health Awareness Night, presented by L.A. County Department of Public Health.
March 12 vs. Chicago — Girl Dad Night (HECK YA!), celebrating father-daughter relationships with a themed hat giveaway.
March 27 vs. Brooklyn — Junior Lakers Night, with fans receiving Lakers shoelaces.
April 12 vs. Utah — Fan Appreciation Night, closing the regular season with a beach bag giveaway.
Additional Fan Giveaways
Oct. 21 vs. Golden State — Lakers t-shirt.
Nov. 18 vs. Utah — City Edition-inspired button-up shirt.
Dec. 1 vs. Phoenix — Earbud case.
Dec. 25 vs. Golden State — Holiday trapper hat for Christmas Day.
Jan. 9 vs. Milwaukee — Woven lanyard with keychain.
Feb. 10 vs. San Antonio — Lakers towel.
Spotlight Games
Fans can circle plenty of big dates on the calendar, including:
The NBA Cup group stage, with contests on Oct. 31, Nov. 14, 25, and 28.
A Christmas Day showdown at home against the Houston Rockets.
The Pat Riley statue unveiling in February.
The Lakers play six games in the preseason before we kick off the regular season on Oct. 21 (vs. GSW). They will play in Greater Palm Springs (Oct. 3 vs. Phoenix) and Las Vegas (Oct. 15 vs. Dallas) outside of their home and road preseason matchups.