There’s no mistaking the Los Angeles Lakers’ intentions this season—they’re in it to win an NBA title.
LeBron James nearly left the team over the summer, and it wasn’t just idle talk. It spoke to how determined he is to add a fifth championship to his legacy.
Los Angeles has more than enough talent on paper. JJ Redick, who’s taking charge of a roster featuring Luka Doncic and LeBron James, will be looking for big contributions from players like Austin Reaves.
“Championship habits, championship communication, championship shape.” That message is up on a screen at every Lakers practice, summing up exactly what the season is all about.
But actions often speak louder than words. Given how they’ve handled preseason so far, are the Lakers really building those habits they keep talking about?
LeBron and Luka sit out preseason as Lakers stick to new approach
While the Lakers have been talking up their commitment to staying in championship shape, both James and Doncic haven’t featured in preseason action so far. James is dealing with a nerve issue in his glute, but he’s expected back for the season opener.
Doncic, meanwhile, took part in EuroBasket this summer and is now resting ahead of the NBA campaign. The team is taking a cautious approach with him after his offseason transformation, even though he’s said to be in top condition.
On their own, those choices are understandable. James is 40 now and has picked up more injuries over the past few seasons. Doncic also played heavy minutes for Slovenia this summer and could probably use a lighter workload right now.
But with so many new faces on the roster and high expectations around the team, getting everyone on the same page early matters.
DeAndre Ayton joined Los Angeles this offseason after a tough year in Portland. The Lakers are hoping he can find his form again alongside James and Doncic.
However, when Ayton was asked about playing with them so far, he replied: “I haven’t. It’s something I’ve just been waiting on.”
The regular season starts soon, yet neither star has shared meaningful minutes with Ayton. That doesn’t exactly scream preparation for a title run.
The NBA season is long, but early games matter too—especially when it comes to building chemistry within a new group.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic send mixed messages about LA Lakers preseason
Even with the Lakers talking about being in championship shape, both LeBron and Doncic have missed their preseason games so far. LeBron is dealing with nerve irritation in his glute, though he’s expected back for the opener.
Doncic, on the other hand, has been resting after a busy summer playing for Slovenia at EuroBasket. He’s come into camp looking fitter than ever, but the Lakers are still being cautious given how long the season can be.
Each decision makes sense individually. LeBron is now 40 and has dealt with plenty of injuries over recent seasons. Doncic carried a heavy load for Slovenia this summer and could benefit from some early rest.
But with high expectations and a retooled lineup, there’s pressure to hit the ground running this year.
The addition of DeAndre Ayton was meant to give them another boost inside. Ayton came over from Portland looking to reset his career after a tough stretch with the Blazers.
Asked what it’s been like sharing the court with James and Doncic so far, Ayton responded: “I haven’t. It’s something I just be waiting on.”
The season is less than two weeks away, and neither star has played alongside Ayton yet. For a team that wants to contend right away, that’s not ideal preparation.
And while there’s plenty of time over an 82-game schedule, early chemistry issues could cost them games in a packed Western Conference race where every win will matter.
A slow start could be costly for LA Lakers in loaded West
In past years, especially during his Eastern Conference days, James had more flexibility to ease into seasons. That won’t work for this Lakers team given how deep the West is now.
The conference might be stronger than ever before. If LA doesn’t start well, they could quickly fall behind in the playoff chase without much room to make up ground later on.
The top of the standings will likely feature teams like Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant’s Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets who are stronger again heading into next season before mentioning Golden State Warriors, or Minnesota Timberwolves, who both have legitimate title hopes as well.
READ MORE: Stephen Curry believes Jimmy Butler can help Golden State make another championship run
With eight teams realistically eyeing championships spots again this season; seven will inevitably end their campaigns feeling disappointed once everything wraps up by April/May timeframes.
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