UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers are just four days away from the highly anticipated start of their 2025-26 NBA season. With superstar Luka Doncic now on the roster, expectations are sky-high for the franchise. However, critical concerns regarding the team’s makeup are emerging, threatening their championship ambitions.
In a recent episode of his podcast, NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony sounded the alarm over the Lakers’ roster. He bluntly stated, “Lakers don’t have no shooting, though. They have no shooting, so it’s scary.” Despite his concerns, Anthony acknowledged the potential, adding, “Lakers are good, Lakers will be good…Lakers could be a top-five team in the West.”
The Lakers are banking on Doncic to lead them back to glory. However, the team’s shooting capabilities raise red flags. Key players like LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Gabe Vincent do not instill fear in opposing defenses with their long-range shooting.
Beyond shooting woes, the Lakers face an even greater challenge: their perimeter defense. While the addition of Marcus Smart was intended to bolster this area, his recent injury history casts doubt on his effectiveness. Critics argue that he is not the same player who won the Defensive Player of the Year award in Boston. The Lakers need Smart to reclaim his form quickly, or they risk being exposed defensively.
The organization is aware of the potential pitfalls. Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka stated that they plan to evaluate the roster extensively during the first 20 to 25 games of the season. If necessary, Pelinka will not hesitate to make roster adjustments to keep the team competitive.
As the clock ticks down to the season opener, the Lakers’ management and fans alike are left wondering: can the team address these critical issues in time to contend for a title? The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting.
Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses, and follow Newsweek Sports for the latest NBA news and rumors. Share your thoughts on the Lakers’ prospects this season and whether Doncic can lead them to success!
