Los Angeles – When the lights shone bright at Crypto.com Arena on the evening of Oct. 21 for the 2025‑26 season opener of the Los Angeles Lakers, the mood outside the arena was nothing short of electric. Fans clad in purple and gold had gathered in force — not just for the usual opening‑night excitement, but buoyed by a palpable sense of optimism that this might be their year.
A Fanbase With a Message
“It’s always championship or bust here,” declared Yoni Villagran, 22, as he stood among other eager supporters. His sentiment was echoed across social media posts, vendor stalls and pre‑game chatter: the Lakers are not here merely to compete; they’re here to win it all. The slogan captures a mindset deeply ingrained in this franchise’s culture — few teams have a fanbase that expects rings repeatedly, and this year the bar once again has been set at the top.
Yoni added: “We’ve got two of the top five NBA players on our team so we’ve got to be competing for a championship,” referring to Luka Dončić and LeBron James — a pairing that has stirred fresh optimism around the organization.
Pre‑season Hangover, Real Season Ahead
Season ticket‑holder Sardis Rodriguez, raised in a Lakers household, admitted she’d grown accustomed to the “false starts” of pre‑season games. “I’ve been at pre‑season games waiting for the real show to start and see what our team has to offer,” she said. That real show, she believes, begins now.
Rodriguez pointed out that Dončić appears to be in sharper form after his summer transformation: “Skinny Luka,” she calls him, noting his trimmed frame and renewed focus. “It was really exciting what he was doing in pre‑season… he looks good, I’m really excited.”
At the same time, she, like many observers, marvelled at the sheer longevity of LeBron James, who turns 41 on Dec. 30 and is sidelined for the opener due to sciatica. “I’m 41 and he’s got sciatica, so I’m feeling his aches and pains,” she laughed. “What he’s doing is amazing because I would be laid out for months. But he’s still out there putting on a good show.”
Chasing Banner No. 18
There’s added weight to the optimism this year. The Lakers have the chance to tie their arch‑rival Boston Celtics for the most NBA championships in league history with an 18th Larry O’Brien trophy. “All the way every year… We’re going all the way,” said Rodriguez flatly. It’s not just about winning — it’s about re‑affirming legacy, history and identity.
This sense of purpose is shared at all levels: from die‑hard fans in courtside seats, to vendors plying their goods at the arena’s perimeter. One such vendor, Cole Spence, pre‑game at a “Swag Shack” pop‑up outside the arena, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. “We’re going to win the NBA championship, it’s that simple!” he proclaimed. “Luka Dončić in a full season with LeBron James. It’s over! The Lakers got this.”
Spence piled onto the hype machine: he predicted a standout year from Dončić, already among early favorites for MVP status. “He’s working on his diet, he’s working on his craft, and he was disrespected last season. He’s coming for the throne.”
What’s Fueling the Hype?
Several elements converge to underpin this optimism:
- Star Power & Experience: The pairing of Dončić, still in his prime, with a veteran of James’ stature and resume, gives the roster both upside and seasoning.
- Interior Reinforcement: Yoni Villagran pointed to the addition of Deandre Ayton — “7‑foot, 260 pounds or whatever he is” — as a key upgrade. A dominant presence inside, fans believe, could be the missing piece.
- Organizational Expectations: The Lakers are not a franchise comfortable with mediocrity. The “championship or bust” mantra is not marketing fluff — it’s woven into the culture.
- Legacy Motive: Tying the Celtics at 18 championships would be monumental. It’s a storyline that resonates deeply across Lakers Nation.
Cautious Reality Check
Of course, for all the optimism, there are caveats. LeBron’s absence due to sciatica is significant — even if temporary. The Lakers must integrate new pieces, maintain health, and navigate the rigours of an NBA season that promises intense competition. Some critics point out that, despite the star power and expectations, having the tags of “top-tier contender” also raises the stakes considerably.
Still, the mood among fans is not just hopeful — it’s resolute. At its core, the sentiment is: “We believe. And we expect.”
Looking Ahead
As tip‑off approached for the season opener against the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers were greeted by a crowd whose confidence felt unshakeable. Whether that belief holds up through 82 games, the playoffs and possibly into June remains to be seen. But what is clear is that this season’s narrative is already being written — by the players, the front office, the franchise’s history and by the fans.
And when you walk past the chairs outside the arena, past the pre‑game bars echoing with purple‑and‑gold chants, you hear it: Lakers Nation isn’t just watching — it’s expecting. To loud applause, to confident shout‑outs, to hopes not simply of a deep run, but of a banner‑raising evening at the season’s end.
For Yoni, Sardis, Cole and the countless others, this season is not about rebuilding or adjusting. It’s about seizing the moment. “Championship or bust” really does feel like the only option.