The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a comeback after last season's playoff stumble, with high hopes fueled by a star-studded lineup featuring LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves. But not everyone is convinced they have what it takes to reach the pinnacle.
Lakers legend Byron Scott, speaking on his Fast Break podcast, shared a candid assessment of their championship aspirations. "They ain't winning no championship this year," Scott stated bluntly.
Despite the undeniable talent of their big three, Scott argues the Lakers lack the depth needed for a title run, pointing to the Oklahoma City Thunder's success last season with a deep, role-conscious roster.
Currently, the Lakers sit in the 5th spot in the Western Conference with a 34-21 record. With 27 games remaining, they’re on track for a playoff berth, but the real challenge will be overcoming their recent first-round playoff exits. Can they break the cycle and make a deeper run this year?
Off the court, changes are afoot as well. Mark Walter, who took over majority control of the Lakers from the Buss family for a whopping $10 billion, is making moves to see returns on his investment.
Fans are facing a 14% hike in ticket prices, along with a 3% administrative fee for late payments, as confirmed by ESPN. This follows last season's 12.7% increase, and with a reported 45.9% surge in prices for the upcoming season, attending games will be a pricier affair.
The Lakers have stated that these adjustments reflect the current market and demand, leaving fans to ponder if their loyalty will withstand the rising costs.