- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The Lakers enter a new chapter following LeBron James' departure, with analysts projecting a potent offensive attack built around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The duo ranked as the top-two offensive net rating performers last season when playing without James.
Kendrick Perkins, a former NBA champion and NBA Today analyst, expressed strong confidence in the Lakers' scoring potential. "I believe the Lakers are going to have the best offensive team in the league," Perkins said Friday. He urged the club to cultivate the same energy Doncic displayed alongside Daniel Gafford and Derek Lively.
The franchise addressed its frontcourt by adding Walker Kessler at center to bolster offensive production. Several additional roster pieces have been incorporated as well. The expected scheme emphasizes increased off-the-ball movement.
Questions persist on the opposite end. The Lakers finished 19th in defensive rating last season while surrendering 114.6 points per game, placing 11th in the league. Those defensive concerns extend into the 2026-27 campaign despite the offensive optimism.
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).