The reality of the Lakers' currently constructed roster.
The Los Angeles Lakers entered the offseason determined to reshape their roster after falling short in the playoffs.
General manager Rob Pelinka addressed several of the team's biggest needs by adding size, depth and perimeter shooting, but not everyone is convinced the moves have elevated L.A. into championship contention.
During The Zach Lowe Show, NBA analyst Zach Lowe offered a blunt assessment of the Lakers' outlook, arguing that the team's offseason may not be enough to compete with the Western Conference's emerging powers.
"They look like a team that has next to no chance to beat the Thunder and Spurs in a playoff series in the next 2-3 years," Lowe said. "And almost no outs at all to change their team, other than trading Austin Reaves in two years when this doesn't work out... this is an unbelievable reach for Walker Kessler."
The comments come after one of the busiest offseasons in recent franchise history. The Lakers acquired center Walker Kessler to address their long-standing need for a defensive anchor while also adding Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
What the Newcomers Bring to L.A.
Kessler gives L.A. one of the league's better young rim protectors; Grimes provides another two-way perimeter scorer; Sexton gives more scoring depth behind Dončić and Reaves; and Mamukelashvili adds frontcourt versatility.
Despite those additions, Lowe questioned whether the Lakers have enough top-end talent to seriously challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs, two teams widely viewed as among the Western Conference's brightest young contenders.
Oklahoma City has already established itself as one of the NBA's elite teams, while San Antonio continues building around Victor Wembanyama and has added veteran talent to accelerate its timeline. Lowe believes both organizations possess stronger long-term outlooks than L.A.
Austin Reaves (15) moves the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) during the first half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Roster Concerns
Another concern is roster flexibility. After giving Austin Reaves a four-year, $185 million maximum contract and committing significant money elsewhere on the roster, the Lakers have fewer avenues to make major improvements in the coming years.
Lowe suggested that if the current core falls short, the team's best opportunity to significantly reshape the roster could involve eventually moving Reaves despite making him the centerpiece of the franchise this offseason.
The criticism is notable because the Lakers have clearly embraced a new direction. Rather than beginning another rebuild, the organization chose to remain competitive by surrounding Reaves with complementary veterans and younger contributors capable of filling specific roles.
Austin Reaves (15) handles the ball against Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the third quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center.Whether that formula is enough remains one of the biggest questions entering the season.
The Lakers believe Kessler can solidify the defense, Grimes can provide another reliable scoring option and the added depth will help the team compete throughout an 82-game season.
Lowe, however, remains skeptical that those moves meaningfully close the gap between L.A. and the conference's elite.
Austin Reaves (15) drives between Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) and guard Cason Wallace (22) in the first half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. His comments are certain to fuel debate among Lakers fans.
The answer won't come until the season begins, but Lowe made one thing clear: despite an aggressive offseason, he isn't ready to put the Lakers in the same tier as the Thunder or Spurs when it comes to competing for a title over the next several years.
