The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2024-25 season with high hopes, pairing Luka Doncic and LeBron James in an attempt to build a championship contender. However, their playoff run ended early with a first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves. While the front office remains optimistic about their star duo, not everyone is convinced—including former Lakers champion Danny Green.
Why Danny Green is skeptical about the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship chances
Danny Green, who won a title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, recently shared his doubts about the team’s ability to compete for a championship with Doncic and James leading the way. Speaking on All the Smoke, Green pointed to key concerns: – Defensive limitations: Danny Green believes the duo lacks the defensive intensity needed for a deep playoff run. – LeBron’s age: James will turn 41 next season, raising questions about his ability to sustain elite performance. – Roster construction: The Los Angeles Lakers’ supporting cast, including Austin Reaves, doesn’t provide enough defensive support to compensate.
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Danny Green’s full quote: “I think they’re explosive offensively. I think they lack a lot defensively… I don’t know how many years he (James) has left longer, and it’s really hard to win a championship when your best player is 40 years old… Next year LeBron going to be 41… He can still average 30, 20 something, but I just don’t see them winning a championship with that formula right now.”
The challenges of building around Doncic and James
Despite the skepticism, both Doncic and James have proven they can lead teams deep into the playoffs when surrounded by the right pieces:
| Player | Recent playoff success |
|---|---|
| LeBron James | Won 2020 NBA title, reached 2023 WCF |
| Luka Doncic | Led Mavericks to 2024 NBA Finals |
However, the Los Angeles Lakers’ current roster has glaring weaknesses: – No traditional starting center – Lack of elite perimeter defenders – Over-reliance on offensive firepower
Can the Los Angeles Lakers fix their roster issues?
The front office has a narrow path to contention this offseason. Possible solutions include: 1. Adding defensive specialists: Players who can cover for Doncic and James on the perimeter. 2. Finding a reliable center: A rim protector would help shore up the interior defense. 3. LeBron’s adjusted role: If James focuses more on defense, it could elevate the team’s overall performance.
LeBron James weighs in on the NBA’s analytical era
Amid discussions about the Lakers’ future, LeBron James recently shared his thoughts on the NBA’s shift toward analytics-driven play. On his *Mind the Game* podcast with Steve Nash, James acknowledged fan frustrations with the modern game’s reliance on three-pointers and layups but emphasized that the league is working to improve the viewing experience.Also read: Why the 2025 Thunder Are Oklahoma City’s Best Team Ever – According to Kendrick PerkinsWhile the Los Angeles Lakers have two of the NBA’s most talented players, Danny Green’s concerns highlight the difficulty of constructing a championship roster around them. Without significant defensive upgrades, the team may struggle to compete against deeper, more balanced contenders. The offseason will be critical in determining whether the Lakers can turn their star power into a title-winning formula.
