Sep 28, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers player Luka Doncic (77) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers player Luka Doncic (77) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Lakers underwent some massive changes this offseason. Aside from the sudden change in ownership, which saw Bob Iger and Josh Kushner take over operations, L.A. also experienced a major roster overhaul to compensate for the departure of several key players.
For the most part, L.A.’s offseason roster construction has been meaningful. With the addition of players like Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton, among others, the Lakers have arguably even become a more formidable team on paper. Still, former Laker Nick Young doubts the team’s ability to contend for a title.
During his appearance on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast, former NBA champion Nick Young didn’t seem too convinced about the team, highlighting one peculiar aspect as the team’s biggest flaw. Although show host Shannon Sharpe highlighted the team’s performance last year as an indicator of their overall potential, Young responded:
“Yeah, most definitely. But I don’t know about the Trump Lakers this year. It’s too white. I know a lot of people say that. But it’s a little too white.”
“ I like the Snowtime. I like the AR. I like Luka. But your big man is cut… as you said. He’s got to defend. He’s got to guard these guys. I don’t know if that team is; you could put them with, like, the Spurs and Philly now. Philly got a tough team. But they’re going to be entertaining for sure. I feel like it’s going to be a lot of step-back threes for AR. They’re going to be very entertaining. But championship? I don’t know about that.”
Although Nick Young makes an interesting observation by pointing out the sheer number of white players on the Lakers’ roster, even referring to it as a shortcoming, his sentiment isn’t an original one.
Many have highlighted this aspect of the Lakers’ roster, with former NBA player Kenyon Martin even claiming that the team won’t make it out of the first round if their starting lineup features four white players. While JJ Redick has ensured that the two remaining starting spots won’t be taken up by white players, there is reason to believe that these sources, including Nick Young, are being overly critical.
Last season, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves emerged as one of the best offensive duos in the league. Although their overall impact was limited due to injuries at different points in the season, during their 41 games together, the duo averaged 66.8 points, 23.5 rebounds, and 14.0 assists per game while posting an offensive rating of 118.5.
With Doncic entering the new season in better shape than last season, there is no telling what else he will be capable of. But as promising as this is, it is the acquisition of Walker Kessler that could really move the needle for L.A.
Although Young has his doubts about Kessler, the Lakers’ center is bound to be a high-impact addition. Over the last few years, the Lakers have struggled to find a genuine big man to pair with their superstar. Now, with Kessler playing alongside Doncic and Reaves, he is bound to be a threat on both ends of the floor.
Defensively, Kessler possesses the potential to be an All-Defensive Team selection. Although he missed most of the 2025-26 season due to injury, with career averages of 0.5 steals and 2.4 blocks per game, the 25-year-old is the interior presence the Purple and Gold desperately needed to become more competitive.
Aside from these three, who will undoubtedly form the core of the team, the Lakers also feature some other noteworthy white players, including Jake LaRavia and Sandro Mamukelashvili. However, considering players like these a liability, especially given what they can contribute off the bench, may be excessive.
As things stand, the Lakers are positioned to be interesting, even possessing the potential to make a deep run in the playoffs. Despite this, the depth of competition in the West may be too much for the Purple and Gold to overcome in just one season together.