With Luka Dončić and LeBron James on their roster, the Los Angeles Lakers were a championship-hopeful team long before the 2025-26 season kicked off. But with James’ initial health struggles and a somewhat incomplete roster, the Lakers have struggled more than expected.
Currently ranked fifth in the Western Conference with a 28-17 record, the team remains in the playoff race but is not an actual title threat. And while one will have to wait and see how the NBA trade deadline pans out, a few NBA analysts and former players already have their views on the Lakers’ championship pursuit.
Former NBA Champion Highlights One Big Problem About the LA Lakers’ Roster
During a recent segment of ESPN’s “First Take,” former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins spoke about the Lakers and their spot in the title race. As mentioned, the Lakers are good, but not good enough to be a sure-shot championship winners.
As per Perkins, though the Lakers are “knocking at the door”, they might not even win the West.
“Luka Dončić is one of the greatest offensive players this game has ever seen. The Lakers could score and put up points with any team in the NBA. The problem is when you talk about winning championships or being a legit title contender, it gotta go to the other end,” Perkins began.
“I got to look at a guy like Deandre Ayton right now, and that’s the only problem I have. I feel like they’re a big man away.” ✍️@KendrickPerkins on how close the Lakers are to being legit title threats 🏆 pic.twitter.com/sCrWd5GDnF
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 27, 2026
As per the retired NBA star, the Lakers’ true problem right now is Deandre Ayton.
“…I gotta look at a guy like Deandre Ayton right now,” Perkins continued. “And that’s the only problem I have. I feel like they’re a big man away. A Daniel Gafford player away from actually being legit. Because the way Deandre Ayton has been looking of late, I can’t roll with the Lakers solely because he’s a guy that’s not being…not playing with force.”
He went on to highlight Ayton’s stats, explaining how the double-doubles he puts up are simply a “fool’s goal”. According to Perkins, the Lakers need to make a move at the NBA trade deadline to bolster their defense if they want a real shot at winning.
Previously with the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton is currently under contract with the Lakers for 2 years and $16,208,000. He is averaging 13.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game while shooting 66% from the field this season.
Lakers Might Have Trade Offers in Mind Before the NBA Trade Deadline
While Ayton might be an issue in the long run, reports have hinted at the Lakers’ rumored interest in Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga. And while the forward might be a good fit in LA, the Lakers have nothing of the same value to offer. Since a trade might not materialize, there’s no official trade offer from either side.
Other rumors suggest the team may trade Rui Hachimura or Dalton Knecht to maximize its roster strength by moving weaker links.
Having said that, the team is yet to make a move, leaving fans increasingly anxious about the February 6 deadline. And with Dončić being hailed as the team’s new focus, their decisions might hinge on what best complements him.
Currently on a two-game winning streak, the Lakers will face the Cleveland Cavaliers next on Wednesday, January 28.
