Trevor Ariza is not optimistic about the Los Angeles Lakers ' title hopes this season, despite heaping praise on Luka Doncic . The former NBA journeyman said in his exclusive interview with SI's Ryan Ward that Doncic's defense could become the team's Achilles' heel.
"If a team that Luka Doncic is the primary player on, I think in order for that team to win, the defense has to be a part of that DNA and a huge part of that diet. Until his teams play defense and the defensive rating is high, that will probably be their Achilles heel," Ariza stated . "If they have the players to complement the strengths of Luka and the deficiencies, then yes, they will be a pretty good team."
Mar 14, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts with guard Austin Reaves (15) after scoring a game-winning shot during overtime against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
"Do I think this team that assembled right now is a championship team? You can never really tell this early. But on paper, I don't believe so. But I've been wrong about teams before, and I'm not really paying that close attention to what they're doing… It's just, are you gonna be able to be a top team in defense and offense, and give yourself a chance to win a championship?" he continued.
This offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers have prioritized building around Luka Doncic after LeBron James ' departure, adding Walker Kessler , Quentin Grimes , Sandro Mamukelashvili , Collin Sexton , Matisse Thybulle , Jaden Hardy , Kevon Looney , and Ziaire Williams .
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on from the bench in the final minutes of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
In the same interview, Trevor Ariza said Los Angeles Lakers supporters should celebrate LeBron James' eight years with the franchise, which includes winning the Larry O'Brien trophy in 2020.
"LeBron coming to L.A. with who he is already, it kind of tainted what I guess Laker fans look at it is like Lakers for life, but when he got here, everything changed, everything went upwards, ticket prices increased. The jersey sales probably increased. We were starting to win more. We got a championship out of it," Ariza explained.
"So his time here should be celebrated just like everybody else who has won the title. He's a Laker. He's been a Laker. I think whatever negativity he gives might be unwarranted a little bit," he added.
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