After falling short in the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers aim to revitalize their roster. Despite losing Dorian Finney-Smith, they added Jaxson Hayes and Deandre Ayton to strengthen the center position. With these changes and the influence of JJ Redick, fans are confident in their team’s potential to clinch the 2026 championship. Nevertheless, an NBA Hall of Famer has weighed in with a prediction about their chances of achieving that goal.
“Well, he’s (LeBron) on the downside of his career; it’s Luka’s team going forward. But they’ve got bigger problems than those guys. They got to worry about the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Houston Rockets and the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers gonna have a good team, but everything in the West is gonna start with OKC, the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets,” Charles Barkley said, via Yahoo Sports.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ roster looked vulnerable against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as head coach JJ Redick made minimal substitutions, highlighting his limited trust in his rotation players. Consequently, many expected the franchise to bring in impactful players to strengthen the lineup from the bench. However, General Manager Rob Pelinka has not secured additional acquisitions, leaving NBA experts skeptical about their chances to shine on the court.
Not only have they lacked new arrivals, but also Western Conference franchises have made significant changes. For example, the Houston Rockets have kept most of their roster intact and have managed to incorporate Kevin Durant, securing an elite scorer to enhance their postseason chances. Similarly, the Nuggets have added Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr, and Jonas Valanciunas. Consequently, the Lakers seem less competitive compared to their biggest rivals.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
Moreover, Charles Barkley has made a bold prediction about the future of the NBA, identifying the franchise he believes will dominate the league in the coming years. “They’re (Oklahoma City Thunder) gonna be the favorites the next three or four years. They’re young, they’re talented, they’re very well coached,” he affirmed, via Yahoo Sports.
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The Thunder may not have made any blockbuster moves heading into the 2025-26 season, but they secured long-term commitments from their key players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren have all re-signed, positioning the team for future dominance reminiscent of the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s.
