The Los Angeles Lakers, coming off another early playoff exit, are viewed by ESPN’s Summer Forecast panel as one of the teams most likely to slide in the 2025-26 NBA season.
In the poll, the Lakers ranked second in the “Team Turmoil” category with 32 points, trailing only the Milwaukee Bucks, who received 41. The Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns tied for third, while the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers rounded out the list.
The skepticism comes despite Los Angeles having one of the league’s most talented rosters, headlined by LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and a strong supporting cast. The survey highlights doubts about how quickly JJ Redick, entering his second year as head coach, can stabilize a group that underwent a dramatic midseason transformation in 2024-25.
The blockbuster February trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Doncic gave the Lakers two All-NBA stars, but the roster failed to deliver in the postseason. Los Angeles was eliminated in the first round by Minnesota, marking consecutive years of early exits.
ESPN’s panel pointed to the uncertainty surrounding James’ age, Doncic’s defensive limitations, and the team’s lack of continuity as factors that could drag down expectations. With James turning 41 during the season, questions persist about how long he can maintain his level of play.
Los Angeles added Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia in free agency, while also reshaping the bench with depth pieces. Still, doubts remain about whether those moves are enough to offset the chemistry issues that emerged late last season.
Milwaukee topped the turmoil list after waiving Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner, a move rival executives described as desperate. The Bucks’ future rests almost entirely on Giannis Antetokounmpo, with analysts questioning whether he can carry the roster alone.
The Celtics, Suns, 76ers, and Pacers each made the list due to injury concerns or major roster shake-ups. Boston will be without Kristaps Porzingis, Philadelphia is adjusting to Paul George’s arrival, Phoenix is retooling after parting with Kevin Durant, and Indiana faces the absence of Tyrese Haliburton following his Achilles injury.
For the Lakers, the path forward will depend on how Redick manages rotations, whether Dončić can thrive alongside James, and if the supporting cast — including Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, and Deandre Ayton — can provide consistency.
The franchise is seeking to avoid three straight first-round exits for the first time since the mid-2000s. With expectations high and scrutiny mounting, Los Angeles enters the 2025-26 season as one of the league’s biggest question marks.
