The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing the NBA championship this 2025-26 season, but former Lakers star Byron Scott has his doubts. Speaking candidly on his podcast, Scott didn't mince words about the Lakers' chances, suggesting they might need divine intervention to secure the title.
“They ain’t winning no championship this year,” Scott asserted. “We all bleed purple and gold, but you’ve got to be real.
They don’t have enough depth. Sure, they have three great players, but you need a full roster.
OKC took the championship last year because they were 10 deep, with each player knowing their role and playing hard.”
Scott reminisced about the camaraderie of his Showtime Lakers in the '80s, drawing parallels to the current Oklahoma City Thunder squad. “They’re connected and focused on winning, not just scoring. That’s what makes them dangerous.”
The Lakers boast stars like Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, but Scott believes the supporting cast falls short. The center rotation with Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes has been underwhelming. Ayton started strong but has since seen his performance decline.
On the wings and guard positions, the Lakers have talent with Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia. However, defensive lapses from Hachimura and Kennard, combined with offensive inconsistency from Smart and LaRavia, pose challenges.
Jarred Vanderbilt adds to the mix of one-way players, contributing to a defense that has struggled at times. Despite some defensive improvements before the All-Star break, their first game back was a setback. Facing the Clippers, the Lakers allowed a high shooting percentage, even as the Clippers dealt with key absences like Darius Garland and John Collins.
Head coach JJ Redick had seen signs of progress, but the recent performance raises questions about consistency. Was it just a blip or a sign of deeper issues? Only time will tell.
Scott isn’t alone in his skepticism. Zach Lowe from The Ringer has also dismissed the Lakers' prospects, pointing to teams like the Thunder, Spurs, Nuggets, and Timberwolves as the real contenders in the West. The Thunder and Nuggets, in particular, seem to be a step ahead.
The Lakers have undeniable star power, but as Scott highlights, championships require depth and cohesion. As the season progresses, the Lakers will need to address these gaps if they hope to turn aspirations into reality.