NEW YORK — On February 1, 2025, the Lakers exited Madison Square Garden with a 28-19 record, marking the fifth-best winning percentage in the Western Conference after a strong win against the Knicks. They were in a solid playoff position that season, ultimately finishing with a 50-32 record, landing them the No. 3 seed in the West.
A year later, the Lakers are fighting for sixth place in the same conference, holding a 29-19 record. They recently lost to the Knicks on the road, a defeat that hasn’t happened since November 21, 2021. It’s striking how the playoff race resembles last year’s scenario, as they remain contenders for a spot.
Among the many changes, the most noteworthy is the Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Doncic. As the one-year anniversary of the trade arrives, questions linger about the team’s chances for not just a playoff berth, but a shot at the NBA championship.
“We’re in a good position,” Doncic stated. “Of course, there’s work to be done, but I believe in this group.”
However, the roster still requires some tweaks. Doncic has dazzled in 68 regular-season games, but last year’s early playoff exit—where the Timberwolves fell in five games—shows there’s still a lot of ground to cover. Some familiar business changes have also occurred, like Mark Walter becoming the majority owner from the Bass family.
LeBron James backed Doncic’s optimism, appreciating the team’s potential while also acknowledging their ups and downs, as well as uncertainties lying ahead. “We’ve had some really good moments,” he reflected. “But there are also times that aren’t so great.”
James expressed the need to keep improving, especially in a competitive league where dealing with injuries can be tough. With two All-Star guards currently sidelined, it complicates the bigger picture of the team’s capabilities.
Speaking of injuries, Austin Reeves, who has been averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds, hadn’t been named an All-Star—mainly due to having missed a significant number of games from a strained left calf. Though he was ruled out for Sunday’s match after warmups, he could potentially return for an upcoming game against the Brooklyn Nets.
“We want him back on Tuesday, and he needs to be fully confident,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick.
Yet even with Reeves’ return, it seems unlikely the Lakers will soar higher in the standings. Before entering this week, they were 10-9 during his absence, and it remains to be seen if he can be a viable playoff threat upon his return.
Concerns loom regarding an imbalanced roster, filled with more “one-way” players rather than those who can contribute on both ends of the court. “We’re fighting for a playoff spot in the West,” Redick mentioned. “The players have done well handling the season’s ups and downs, though perfection in a roster isn’t something that happens often.”
Going forward, the Lakers aim to improve under the guidance of franchise president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka, especially with the trade deadline approaching this Thursday.
While a blockbuster trade like the one for Doncic seems unlikely, fans are hoping for at least some strategic moves to bolster the team’s chances. Making it past the first round of playoffs for the first time since 2023 seems like a tall order without necessary adjustments.
