Momentum is building around the Los Angeles Lakers at exactly the right time, but not everyone is convinced it will translate into a championship run.
After a string of impressive performances, fueled by the pairing of LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the Lakers have reentered the conversation as a serious Western Conference threat.
Yet Draymond Green, never one to shy away from a strong opinion, believes there is still a gap between promise and reality.
Speaking on his podcast, the Golden State Warriors forward praised the immediate impact Doncic has had since joining forces with James, while also raising doubts about whether Los Angeles has the balance required to go all the way.
“Luka Doncic has been playing absolutely incredible. Ironically the Lakers have been playing absolutely incredible, ironically Deandre Ayton‘s been playing better, ironically Marcus Smart‘s been playing better. Because that is the magic of Luka Doncic,” Green said, highlighting how the Slovenian star elevates those around him.
That influence has been central to the Lakers’ recent run. Doncic’s control of the game, combined with James’ ability to dictate tempo and make plays in key moments, has transformed the team’s offensive identity into one of the most potent in the league.
Two superstars, one undeniable ceiling
For all his skepticism, Green acknowledged that having two players of that caliber changes any postseason equation.
“You ask yourself how dangerous can they be in the playoffs? And apart of me wants to say not very dangerous at all, but the other side of me knows better,” he said. “You got Luka Doncic and LeBron James on the court at the same time. You have a chance always against anyone.”
It is a sentiment shared across the league. Few teams can match the combination of shot creation, playmaking, and experience that Doncic and James bring. In close games, that kind of star power often proves decisive.
The Lakers have leaned into that strength, building an offense that revolves around their ability to create mismatches and control the pace. During their recent winning streak, that formula has delivered results, pushing them up the standings and strengthening belief within the group.
The defensive concern that refuses to go away
However, Green’s analysis made it clear that he sees a critical weakness that could be exposed in the postseason.
“Teams that will put pressure on them that will make it tough on them in the playoffs is making them guard,” he said. “They’re not a great defensive team at all, kinda does some gimmicky stuff like some gimmicky zone that turns into a man.”
While such schemes can disrupt opponents in short bursts, Green questioned their sustainability over a playoff series.
“In a playoff series if you’re doing that like maybe one game, maybe two games they figure out a couple of plays to dice that sh*t up and then you got to play regular defense,” he explained.
“I just don’t know if they’re good enough defensively to ultimately take it all the way, but they will always be dangerous in the playoffs.”
A contender with questions still unanswered
Green’s assessment captures the broader uncertainty surrounding the Lakers. On their best nights, they look capable of beating anyone.
Their offensive ceiling, driven by two generational talents, is as high as any team in the league. But championships are rarely won on offense alone.
As the postseason approaches, the question is whether Los Angeles can find enough consistency on the defensive end to complement its star power.
If it can, the Lakers may yet emerge as a genuine title threat. If not, their run could be cut short by teams better equipped on both sides of the ball.
For now, the belief is growing. But as Green’s warning suggests, the difference between contender and champion may come down to the one area they have yet to fully solve.
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