Byron Scott labels the current Los Angeles Lakers team as pretenders

Former Los Angeles Lakers player Byron Scott characterizes the current roster as championship pretenders despite off-season roster changes. Scott suggests that while the addition of center Walker Kessler bolsters rim protection, the team lacks sufficient defensive depth to compete with top Western Conference contenders like the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs. Former teammate Olden Polynice agrees with this assessment, citing overall defensive struggles beyond the paint. ESPN analysts project the team to record 45 wins, a decline from the 53 games won during the previous 2025-26 season. While the offensive backcourt duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves is expected to maintain high production, critics argue these players lack the necessary defensive consistency to support a deep playoff run. Scott anticipates the team’s postseason ceiling to be the Conference Semifinals.

• 1:11 PMYahoo Sports — Byron Scott Explains Why The Lakers Are Pretenders, Not Contenders