While many Los Angeles Lakers fans are excited about the very good start the team has had to begin the 2025-26 NBA season, one notable insider believes they are still far from being a serious title contender this year.
Heading into this season, there was hope the Lakers could take a big leap forward. They had a full training camp with young superstar Luka Doncic , and it was year two for head coach JJ Redick . After finishing with a 50-32 record last season, that was a good reason for real optimism.
However, when it was revealed that LeBron James would be sidelined for at least the first month as he deals with sciatica issues, there was concern that LA could have a bumpy start. Well, that hasn't been the case at all, and the Lakers have played very well, going 9-4 over their first 15 games. Scoring big wins over the Minnesota Timberwolves (twice) and the San Antonio Spurs .
A major reason is some outstanding play from Doncic, as he makes an early case for NBA MVP candidacy. And a fantastic first 15 games from Austin Reaves as he pushes to be a starter in this year's All-Star game. The team's play has created a conversation among Lakers fans that once James comes back, LA could evolve into a serious threat to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder .
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
However, The Athletic NBA insider Zach Harper is not a believer just yet in the Lakers' chances of making a deep playoff run in the spring, fully healthy.
"We knew Luka was elite, so his play hasn't changed anything. Austin Reaves is definitely taking a leap. That was expected in a contract year, but maybe not to this degree," he said when asked if his outlook on the team has changed over the first few weeks.
"I'm impressed. But in a playoff scenario, they still don't have enough defense or size. LeBron coming back at 41 years old with sciatica isn't fixing either of those issues," he added. "It's a really good regular-season team, though."
While the perspective will annoy LA fans, the team still has some good trade assets available if they feel they are close and need to make deals before the trade deadline to address their size and defensive issues.
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