Los Angeles Lakers Face Crucial Questions as New Season Approaches

The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into a new season facing critical questions regarding player development, roster construction, and their overall championship aspirations. Following significant offseason moves, including the acquisition of center Walker Kessler, the team's success will hinge on the performance of its core players and the emergence of new talent.

Player Expectations and Roster Moves

At the forefront of these questions are guards Austin Reaves and the newly acquired Walker Kessler. The Lakers are not asking them to fundamentally alter their game but rather to consistently perform at a high level in their established roles. For Reaves, this means continuing his role as a scorer and playmaker, complementing star Luka Doncic, and potentially taking on more leadership responsibilities. Kessler, a 7-foot-2 center, is expected to be a dominant force on both ends of the court, providing rim protection, rebounding, and efficient finishing around the basket. The team has invested heavily in Kessler, signing him to a four-year, $130 million contract and trading significant draft capital, underscoring the expectation that he will be a key component alongside Doncic.

The Lakers opted to get younger in the offseason, a strategic shift from maintaining a veteran-heavy roster. This move, following back-to-back seasons with over 50 wins, signals a belief that the current core can develop into a championship-caliber group. However, questions remain about whether this youth movement will pay off and if the team's offensive production will be consistently elite throughout the season. While the pairing of Doncic and Reaves suggests a strong offensive foundation, the Lakers have yet to achieve sustained elite offensive performance since Doncic's arrival in February 2025.

Wing Depth and Offensive Firepower

Depth on the wing presents another significant question for the Lakers. With several players competing for playing time, including Grimes, Williams, LaRavia, Thiero, Thybulle, and Carr, the team needs several of these players to provide reliable "3-and-D" contributions. The success of the team may depend on a committee approach to fill these roles effectively, as no single player has clearly emerged as a consistent starter in this group.

Off-Court Developments and On-Court Impact

In the background of the upcoming season is the pending sale of the franchise from Mark Walter to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger. While the sale is not anticipated to directly affect on-court operations this season, it remains a significant storyline for the franchise's future. This, coupled with the ongoing dynamics within the Buss family, adds another layer of narrative to the Lakers' season.

Key Player to Watch: Walker Kessler

Kessler's arrival is a transformative addition for the Lakers. His ability to rebound, protect the rim, and finish plays is precisely what superstar Luka Doncic needs in a center. After a season largely cut short by shoulder surgery, Kessler faces pressure to not only meet but exceed expectations. His performance will be crucial for the Lakers' interior presence and their overall effectiveness.

Critical Decision: Starting Lineup

The decision of who will fill the remaining two starting spots alongside Doncic, Reaves, and Kessler is paramount. These players must excel at both ends of the floor and complement the team's stars. The composition of the starting unit could significantly influence the Lakers' standing in the highly competitive Western Conference.

Outlook for Contention

The Lakers are generally perceived to be in the tier below established Western Conference powerhouses like the Thunder and Spurs. However, if Doncic delivers an MVP-caliber season, Reaves solidifies his position as a No. 2 option, Kessler performs to his potential, and role players contribute effectively, the Lakers possess the potential to challenge the top teams in the conference.

Conversely, a failure for multiple wing players to meet expectations could hinder their contention hopes. The team needs several players from the wing group to outperform their contracts to compete at the highest level.

Potential Early Struggles

Given the number of new additions and limited time for established chemistry to form, particularly with key players having limited preseason play, the Lakers might experience a slow start to the season. Coach JJ Redick's previous teams have started strong, but this iteration of the Lakers may face early challenges as players integrate and find their rhythm.

Trade Deadline Speculation

Discussions about potential trade deadline acquisitions are likely to persist throughout the season. The consensus around the league suggests that the Lakers' offseason moves may not have been enough to elevate them to true contender status. Questions about the need for a backup center or a proven starting-level wing will likely resurface as the season progresses.