Will the Lakers make the 2026 NBA Playoffs?

How Lakers Will Make NBA History as Wild Stat Revealed After LeBron's Decision to Leave for 76ers

The 2026-27 Los Angeles Lakers, led by a newly built roster after LeBron James left for the Philadelphia 76ers, will be the first team in NBA history to begin a season with none of its top five players in minutes from the previous postseason, as they bring in multiple new players to contend in a competitive Western Conference.

Lakers Draft Strategy: Big Men or Wings? - NBA Draft 2026 (2026)

The article argues the Lakers should use their 25th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to either add a versatile big man or an athletic wing to complement Luka Doncic, emphasizes balancing immediate needs with long-term potential, notes Rob Pelinka’s focus on improving depth and athleticism inspired by the Thunder’s playoff run, and highlights prospects like Jayden Quaintance, Sergio de Larrea, and Braden Smith as potential targets while stressing careful development and fit within a transitionary, window-constrained roster strategy.

2026 NBA Play-In Tournament Predictions: Who Makes the Playoffs? (2026)

The article argues that the 2026 NBA Play-In emphasizes legitimacy and high-stakes drama, highlighting mid-season surges (notably Charlotte’s late-year turnaround) and veteran teams’ continued influence as key factors shaping which teams earn a playoff berth.

ESPN's somewhat gloomy forecast for the Lakers this season

ESPN projects the Lakers will make the playoffs but win only about 45 games (sixth in the West) this season after a major roster turnover with LeBron gone, indicating early chemistry challenges but a potentially smoother October–November schedule and a possible late-season push.

Lakers made plenty of moves, but questions remain

The Lakers overhauled their roster this offseason, keeping Austin Reaves as a core alongside Luka Doncic and new center Walker Kessler, but ESPN’s early preview questions whether the moves truly improve the team, given thin forwards, a questionable backup center, a depleted draft-pick pool, and ongoing pursuit of further targets such as Jonathan Kuminga.

Lakers' Offseason: Optimism or More of the Same? (2026)

The article views the Lakers’ 2026 offseason as a pivotal test for Rob Pelinka, weighing optimism from potential upgrades and new front-office hires against skepticism over long-term centers and superstar targets, while outlining possible moves (re-signing Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and draft-focused reinforcements) and the need to translate opportunities into meaningful improvements.

Los Angeles Lakers offseason recap, early 2026 27 season preview - LiveonScore.com

The Lakers’ offseason signals the end of the LeBron James era in Los Angeles and outlines the key moves and expectations as they prepare for the 2026-27 season.

Are the Lakers Better Off Without LeBron James? Luka Doncic's Post-LeBron Roster Faces Scrutiny Into 2027

The Lakers, post-LeBron, rebuilt around Luka Doncic with a bigger, defense-oriented roster (including Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, and Matisse Thybulle) to supplement Doncic and Austin Reaves, shifting away from a big-three structure and raising questions about whether this new approach can deliver improved team performance and a clear identity in 2027.

Lakers' Bold Move for Walker Kessler: A Risky Gamble or Championship Contender? (2026)

The article argues that the Lakers’ bold move to acquire Walker Kessler by trading away future first-round picks creates opportunity costs and leaves the team with few wings or trade assets, making a championship run riskier and pushing them to chase Jonathan Kuminga as a high-stakes, uncertain fix.

Lakers Vs Portland Trail Blazers Standings: Impact On Playoff Race And Season Narrative - Accel

The article contrasts the Lakers’ bid for a top Western Conference seed at 42-28 (6th) under veteran leadership with the Trail Blazers’ rebuilding push at 30-36 (10th) centered on young talents like Scoot Henderson and Jerami Grant, highlighting injuries, coaching philosophies, and the remaining schedule as pivotal factors shaping their playoff prospects and season narratives.