Lakers Face Critical Roster Concerns Ahead of Season Opener

UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers are just four days away from the start of their 2025-26 NBA season, and urgent concerns have emerged regarding their roster. With star player Luka Doncic joining the team, expectations are high. However, former Lakers forward and NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony has raised significant red flags about their shooting capabilities.

In a recent episode of his podcast, 7PM in Brooklyn, Anthony bluntly stated, “Lakers don’t have no shooting, though. They have no shooting, so it’s scary.” His remarks come as the Lakers gear up for what they hope will be a championship-caliber season. Despite the presence of Doncic, Anthony pointed out potential weaknesses in their lineup that could hinder their title aspirations.

While the Lakers are seen as contenders, their shooting depth has been called into question. Star players such as LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Gabe Vincent have yet to prove they can consistently strike fear into opposing defenses from beyond the arc.

Furthermore, Anthony expressed cautious optimism, adding, “Lakers are good, Lakers will be good…Lakers could be a top-five team in the West.” This sentiment reflects the mixed feelings surrounding the team’s potential as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Another pressing issue for the Lakers is their perimeter defense. Although they added Marcus Smart to bolster their defensive lineup, concerns linger regarding his health and performance. Smart has faced injury challenges in recent seasons, and questions remain about whether he can regain his form as a former Defensive Player of the Year.

As the Lakers approach their first game, they plan to use the first 20 to 25 games as a critical assessment period for their roster. Should adjustments be necessary, Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka is prepared to make impactful changes to enhance the team’s chances of success.

The Lakers are expected to face their first challenge on October 25, 2025, as they look to establish themselves in a competitive Western Conference. With the NBA season heating up, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how these urgent issues will unfold.

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