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Malika Andrews predicts Lakers could face playoff challenges this season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 8:35 AM

Last updated Aug 11, 2026

Malika Andrews predicts Lakers could face playoff challenges this season

Summary

Malika Andrews of ESPN provided an analysis of the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, expressing skepticism about their chances. The team underwent significant roster changes, losing LeBron James and other key players while acquiring new talent like Walker Kessler. Andrews noted that the Western Conference remains highly competitive with teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder showing strength. She suggested that the Lakers could find themselves fighting for a play-in tournament spot, contrasting their previous top four finishes over recent seasons.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Lakers lost LeBron James along with other key players.
•Walker Kessler and others joined the Lakers this offseason.
•Andrews predicts Lakers may struggle to maintain a top six seed.
•The Western Conference is expected to be highly competitive.
•Lakers finished in the top four in the last two seasons.

Latest Updates

11:13 AMYahoo Sports — Malika Andrews Says Lakers Are In Danger Of Falling Into The NBA Play-In
8:35 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Maybe in danger’ – Malika Andrews makes bold playoff prediction about Los Angeles Lakers

What they're saying

"
The Los Angeles Lakers are dividing opinions across the NBA world ahead of the 2026-27 season. ESPN’s Malika Andrews, for one, is not a believer.
— Yahoo Sports