The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2025-26 season under a cloud of uncertainty. Their iconic leader, LeBron James, missed the first 14 games due to sciaticnerve issues, leaving fans and analysts to wonder if the team could survive without its veteran cornerstone.
Instead of collapsing, the Lakers surprised many by delivering a 10-4 record and offering a glimpse into what life might look like after LeBron eventually retires.
Far from relying solely on past glory, the Lakers demonstrated resilience, cohesion, and an impressive depth that many hadn’t anticipated. Much of this success can be attributed to the strategic roster changes orchestrated by President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka.
“We talked a lot about how we wanted to get younger with the roster and then more depth,” Pelinka said while speaking to Spectrum Sportsnet.
“If you look around the league at the successful teams, they’re young. Everyone’s playing fast, everyone’s playing physical. When we went out and added Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia and brought in Marcus Smart, we really felt like that would fill out our depth, and to see that happening in real time… proof of concept has been encouraging.”
Ayton’s presence in the paint has proven invaluable as his scoring efficiency, rebounding, and rim protection have helped stabilize the frontcourt and provided a reliable anchor for a team that previously struggled at the center position.
LaRavia, meanwhile, has emerged as a dynamic spark off the bench, capable of key scoring bursts in crucial moments, while Smart has contributed veteran defensive play and versatility, bringing a stabilizing presence on both ends of the floor.
Early-season success hints at sustainable success
Pelinka believes that the temporary absence of LeBron and other superstars may have been a hidden advantage. It allowed younger players and less-established contributors to step up, gain confidence, and experience meaningful minutes.
This shared responsibility has fostered cohesion and created a sense of depth that could carry the team well beyond the current season. Rather than relying solely on a single superstar, though the play of Luka Doncic has been a bright spot, the Lakers are demonstrating that multiple players can contribute meaningfully on any given night, reinforcing a sustainable approach for the post-LeBron era.
When LeBron eventually returned to the lineup, he fit seamlessly into this more balanced team. The chemistry cultivated during his absence remained intact, showing that the Lakers can integrate their star without disrupting the system.
For the organization, the early-season success has done more than just secure wins. It has provided a tangible blueprint for a future where youth, depth, and shared responsibility allow Los Angeles to remain competitive even after their legendary leader steps away.
Read the full article here
