Over the past few years, the Los Angeles Lakers have taken part in the California Classic Summer League hosted by the Golden State Warriors, prior to heading to Las Vegas for the NBA 2K Summer League which involves every team in the league.
And that will once again be the case in 2026 as it has been announced that the Lakers will be part of the California Classic, along with the Warriors, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs, via Warriors PR:
The Warriors will host the eighth annual California Classic Summer League, presented by CarMax, at Chase Center on July 3, 5 & 6, featuring the Lakers, Heat & Spurs. Sacramento will host a dual California Classic Summer League, taking place on July 4, 5 & 6. pic.twitter.com/LjWyIHPVsT
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) April 29, 2026
This is the same four teams that took part in last year’s California Classic at Chase Center, so they will all be running it back in 2026. The California Classic is unlike the Las Vegas Summer League as there is no playoffs or championship game, but rather each team playing each other once. Last summer, the Lakers went 2-1 at the California Classic, tying them with the Spurs for the best record.
Of course, who will be part of the Lakers’ Summer League roster remains unknown, though a couple of names would seem likely to participate. Chief among them is rookie win Adou Thiero, who missed much of his first NBA season due to injury. Thiero has a ton of potential but missed out on development time as he rehabbed, which includes participating in Summer League last year, so this would be his first appearance on that stage.
Two-way players Drew Timme and Chris Mañon could be likely participants as well. Timme earned his two-way contract due to his outstanding play in the G League and even had some moments for the Lakers’ main roster as well. Mañon spent most of this past season in the G League as well and is known for his defense, but needs to improve as a shooter and Summer League is the perfect place to work on those improvements.
The Lakers also have a first-round pick in this year’s draft so, assuming they keep the selection, the California Classic will likely be the first look at whoever the team adds.
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