The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to an impressive start this season, securing a spot at the top of the Western Conference and making another strong run in the NBA playoffs. The team’s three-headed monster of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves has been one of the NBA’s most significant topics of discussion this season.
Many fans and analysts believe the Lakers are solid contenders for a title. However, James’s agent, Rich Paul, offered an interesting take while discussing the Lakers’ outlook.
What Did Rich Paul Say About The Lakers
Paul discussed the Lakers on his new Game Over podcast with sports commentator Max Kellerman. Paul surprisingly doesn’t believe the Lakers are currently equipped to maintain their current start.
Paul said, “I personally don’t think the Lakers are good enough to be contenders, not right now. I don’t think they have enough to get to the Western Conference Finals.”
Paul added, “I think, when you look at it, when you have the talent up top that they have, those guys can win games. But then things start to really, you come to the back half of the season, then when you go into the playoffs, we’ve seen it last year, they ran into athleticism and length, they struggled.” Paul simply doesn’t believe that the Lakers are a complete team.
Rich Paul says the Lakers are NOT contenders 👀
“I personally don’t think the Lakers are good enough to be contenders, not right now. I don’t think they have enough to get to WCF.”
(h/t @NBA__Courtside)pic.twitter.com/z4FQnFnmtb
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) December 9, 2025
The Lakers are currently tied with the Denver Nuggets for the second-best record in the West at 17-6. The entire league is chasing the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who are 23-1, and Paul admits are in a class above everyone else.
Doncic is making a run at winning his first Most Valuable Player Award this season, averaging 35 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game. James is working his way back into form after missing the start of the season, and is averaging 16.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. Reaves is essentially a lock to make his first All-Star Game if he stays healthy, averaging 28.4 points per game.
MORE: ‘Luka Dončić Himself Inquired’ About Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Potential Trade to Lakers
The Lakers’ dynamic backcourt is primarily why they rank in the top 10 in scoring and offensive rating. However, Paul is still concerned. He expressed doubt that the team can play fast, which is valid, considering the team is currently in the NBA’s bottom 10 in pace.
While Doncic is in arguably the best shape of his career, he still plays at his own pace, while expecting the soon-to-be 41-year-old James to play in an up-tempo system is probably unrealistic.
Paul also questioned Reaves’ potential role in the playoffs. The Doncic, James, and Reaves trio has -15 net rating, though it’s still a small sample size due to James’s injury. However, Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick could be forced to make a tough decision if that stat doesn’t improve. The Lakers are also a middle-of-the-pack defensive team so far this season.
Paul may have indirectly put pressure on the organization to make a big trade soon or risk more disappointment next April.
