ESPN's Malika Andrews predicts decline for Lakers amid offseason changes
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 2:45 AM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026
ESPN analyst Malika Andrews suggests the Los Angeles Lakers may struggle next season in the competitive Western Conference. Significant offseason changes, including the loss of LeBron James and other key rotation players, have raised concerns about the team's depth and overall competitiveness. The addition of Walker Kessler and other new players may not be enough to secure a top playoff position, with Andrews noting that the Lakers could find themselves in play-in territory. Meanwhile, other Western teams, such as the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder, are seen as stronger contenders, further complicating the Lakers' prospects for the upcoming season.
- •Lakers lose key players, including LeBron James, this offseason.
- •Walker Kessler joins the roster as a significant addition.
- •Andrews warns Lakers may struggle to secure a top-six playoff spot.
- •Other teams like Spurs and Thunder are seen as stronger contenders.
- •Play-in seeding would signify a disappointing season for the Lakers.
- 2:45 AMYahoo Sports — Popular ESPN NBA Personality Predicts Huge Lakers Decline
"The Los Angeles Lakers will have a tough road ahead of them next season in the loaded Western Conference. Luka Doncic remains one of the premiere NBA superstars, but the rest of the roster has been judged for polarizing offseason moves. Losing LeBron James and five other rotation players from last season led to Walker […] The post Popular ESPN NBA Personality Predicts Huge Lakers Decline appeared first on HEAVY.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NBA•Oct 18, 2026, 3:57 AMNets' Michael Porter Jr., Julius Randle ranked top-14 in NBA preseason
NBA•Oct 18, 2026, 3:57 AMSale of Lakers to Josh Kushner, Bob Iger could officially happen soon
NBA•Oct 18, 2026, 2:05 AMKevin Durant fires back at Phoenix owner Mat Ishbia over trade comments- NBA•Oct 18, 2026, 1:15 AMShawn Marion on today's game: 'They don't really call plays anymore'
- NBA•Oct 17, 2026, 10:37 PMCoach admits being 'intimidated' to approach Taylor Swift at NBA Finals
NBA•Oct 17, 2026, 9:54 PMKnicks weighing options to keep both James Wiseman, Bruce Brown on roster
