The Coachella Valley Lakers era starts off with a win

On November 6, 2026, the inaugural season of the Coachella Valley Lakers kicked off with a thrilling 104-98 victory over the Salt Lake City Stars at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California. The crowd of 5,241 fans was energized by the home team's performance, which was bolstered by their strong defensive play. Coachella Valley Lakers guard Bronny James Jr. contributed significantly to the win with 22 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, despite being rested for the final minutes of the game.

Head coach Alex Cerda praised the impact of point guard Chris Manon, recognizing his defensive prowess that disrupted the opposing team's offense and created scoring opportunities. Manon's seven steals were instrumental in turning turnovers into points, as the Lakers forced 20 turnovers in the game.

Cameron Carr, the team's first-round draft pick, made an impressive debut with 13 points on 5-for-11 shooting. Although his three-point shot struggled, his midrange jumper improved, showcasing the potential that attracted the Lakers' attention.

Other standout performers included Cole Swider, who scored 23 points and seven rebounds off the bench, and Anton Watson, who contributed to the defensive efforts with seven steals. Salt Lake City's Trey Alexander led the losing team with 20 points, while Harrison Ingram and Jonas Aidoo recorded double-doubles. With a strong start, the Coachella Valley Lakers have established themselves as formidable contenders in the G League, setting the stage for their upcoming homestand against the San Diego Clippers.