Fans of the Los Angeles Lakers are coming to terms with a stark reality as the 2026 season progresses: the team appears unlikely to contend for a championship. Recent discussions within the organization suggest a belief that their roster could perform better in playoff scenarios than during the regular season. However, a practical assessment of the Lakers’ current situation does not support such optimism.
The Lakers’ defense, ranked 24th in the NBA, presents a significant hurdle to their championship aspirations. While improvement on the offensive end could follow the return of a healthy Austin Reaves, defense remains a critical component of successful teams. Historically, champions have typically ranked in the upper half of defensive metrics; since the 2001 Lakers, there have been no champions from the bottom half, raising concerns over the Lakers’ current defensive capabilities. With reliable defenders like Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt being exceptions rather than the rule, the team’s defensive depth seems inadequate. They also currently hold a negative net rating, which further dampens any title hopes.
The team’s trade activity has been minimal, limiting themselves to a low-rent acquisition in Luke Kennard, which is unlikely to significantly address their defensive shortcomings. This reflects a broader issue with the Lakers’ front office, which has struggled to strategically build and manage assets. They have given away several first-round picks following their 2020 championship, with little return on investment. Since acquiring star Luka Dončić, they have failed to secure a long-term compatible player, highlighting a lack of foresight in their roster decisions.
The Lakers’ attempts to bolster their bench through mid-level exceptions have largely been unsuccessful, with numerous players failing to live up to expectations. With young talent often slipping through their fingers—think of Alex Caruso or recent waiver Jordan Goodwin—the team’s struggles to identify and develop players have been evident.
In light of these challenges, there is speculation about significant changes within the Lakers’ front office this summer. New owner Mark Walter, having successfully transformed the Los Angeles Dodgers into a championship-caliber organization, is reportedly considering a restructuring that could lead to significant hires. This could mean changes at the top of the basketball operations hierarchy, though the exact implications remain uncertain.
The upcoming offseason presents an opportunity for the Lakers to reassess their strategy. With three potential first-round picks and around $50 million in cap space, the future may hold promise for a revitalized roster. However, the execution of these plans rests on the actions of an incoming front office team. For now, the Lakers’ prospects depend heavily on strategically navigating the offseason to build around Dončić while also addressing their glaring weaknesses.
As the organization prepares for a pivotal summer, the potential for growth and improvement remains. With strategic hires and smart decisions, the Lakers could transform their fortunes in the years to come, making the clouds over the franchise less daunting than they currently seem.