The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2025-26 NBA season with championship ambitions led by Luka Doncic and LeBron James. After finishing last season with 50 wins and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, Los Angeles fell short in the playoffs, exiting in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

The disappointment fueled an aggressive offseason, with the Lakers reshaping their roster and vowing to return as contenders. With Doncic coming off another elite campaign and James set for his 23rd NBA season, expectations within the organization remain high as they chase another title run under second-year head coach JJ Redick.

However, not everyone across the league shares the same optimism.