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By Ricardo Sandoval
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Los Angeles Lakers are only four days away from the start of their 2025-26 season. The Lakers enter the season with high expectations, as they now possess a young superstar by the name of Luka Doncic.
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Doncic is set to bring the Lakers back to glory, somewhere LA has been accustomed to being for most of their existence. With Doncic on their side for the foreseeable future, LA will remain in title contention.
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That is no different this season. While the Lakers boast star power, the rest of their roster raises a few questions.
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One person in particular who has cause for concern regarding LA is former Lakers forward and NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony.
In a recent episode of his podcast, 7PM in Brooklyn, he expressed concern about the Lakers and their lack of shooting.
"Lakers don't have no shooting, though. They have no shooting, so it's scary," Anthony said.
While Anthony was blunt in that regard, he quickly followed it up with praise.
"Lakers are good, Lakers will be good...Lakers could be a top-five team in the West."
It's a fair criticism to have of the Lakers. Their top shooters — LeBron James, Austin Reaves or Gabe Vincent — aren't exactly the type to strike fear into opposing defenses from beyond the arc.
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Nonetheless, that certainly isn't the Lakers' biggest worry. The biggest cause for concern regarding the Lakers and their chances this season, as currently constructed, is their perimeter defense.
While the Lakers added Marcus Smart to shore up that department, it is not enough. Smart has struggled with injuries over the past handful of seasons, and some would say he is far from the player he was in Boston.
That remains to be seen as we have yet to see a full, healthy season from the 31-year-old former Defensive Player of the Year. Outside of Smart, the Lakers certainly lack in that department.
The Lakers are expected to use the first 20 to 25 games of the season to assess the roster. If adjustments are needed, Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka won't hesitate to make the necessary moves.
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