The Los Angeles Lakers are just weeks away from kicking off their 2026 NBA season. The Lakers will come into this year with a very different roster, with LeBron James having departed in free agency and the team pivoting by making several key trades and free agent signings.
Now, Lakers franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic spoke on his message to his teammates heading into the new campaign.
“If you don’t think we can win a championship, you shouldn’t be here,” said Doncic, per NBA on ESPN on X, formerly Twitter.
That would exclude most of the basketball-watching world from joining the Lakers, as the majority of pundits seem to agree that the Lakers' moves in free agency and on the trade market weren't enough to elevate the team to the level of the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder out West, especially now that James is out of the picture.
Article Continues BelowLos Angeles did make a big swing by signing and trading for Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler, which should give Doncic the lob threat and rim protector that he worked so well alongside with the Dallas Mavericks.
However, the signings of Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and others, while giving the team some shooting and playmaking, didn't address Los Angeles' primary concern of size and athleticism on the wings to help cover for Doncic and Reaves' lack of prowess on the defensive end of the floor.
Doncic seems poised for another monster statistical season this year, and he may need to win his first MVP award in 2026-27 in order to give this Lakers roster a puncher's chance in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles is set to kick off its new season on October 21.