Lakers receive surprising prediction after LeBron James departure originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers entered a new era when LeBron James left for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Their response was not subtle.
Los Angeles rebuilt much of its roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, adding Matisse Thybulle, Quentin Grimes, Walker Kessler, Kevon Looney, Collin Sexton, Jaden Hardy, Ziaire Williams and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
The result is one of the NBA’s most dramatically altered teams.
Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey believes the overhaul will work, at least during the regular season. In his record predictions following the 2026-27 schedule release, Bailey projected the Lakers to finish 48-34.
That would comfortably exceed their 44.5-win betting total and keep Los Angeles in the middle of the Western Conference playoff race.
Luka Doncic becomes unquestioned Lakers centerpiece
James’ departure removes one of basketball’s greatest players, but it also eliminates any uncertainty about whose team this is.
The Lakers now belong to Doncic. Los Angeles can construct every lineup and offensive decision around the five-time All-NBA selection. Reaves provides a secondary creator, while Sexton and Hardy give the Lakers additional scoring options in the backcourt.
Kessler might be the most important addition.
The 7-foot center gives Doncic a natural pick-and-roll partner and provides the rim protection Los Angeles has lacked. Looney adds championship experience, physicality and another dependable option at center.
Grimes and Thybulle should help cover difficult perimeter assignments. Los Angeles will need both players to offset a roster that still appears far more dangerous offensively than defensively.
That imbalance did not prevent Bailey from predicting 48 victories.
“With Luka Dončić orchestrating, this attack is going to be able to outscore the opposition more often than not,” Bailey wrote.
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Lakers face significant defensive questions
Los Angeles lost more than James. Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart also departed. Each played regular rotation minutes, meaning head coach JJ Redick must integrate an almost entirely new supporting cast.
The Lakers’ offense should remain productive. Doncic can create efficient possessions regardless of the lineup around him, and the roster includes several players capable of making open shots.
Defense could determine whether Los Angeles reaches Bailey’s projection.
Kessler protects the basket, but the Lakers will need to find lineup combinations that can survive against faster teams. Doncic, Reaves and Sexton could create difficult matchups if they share extended minutes.
Thybulle provides elite defensive instincts but can become an offensive liability. Grimes offers a more balanced skill set, although Los Angeles will ask him to handle some of the league’s most dangerous scorers.
The Lakers also must overcome a demanding Western Conference. The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs were projected to win at least 55 games, while Houston, Denver and Minnesota each received predictions of 49 or 50 victories.
Los Angeles might not belong in the championship favorite tier. It should remain relevant, however, because an offense built around Doncic has an exceptionally high floor. James’ exit represented the end of an unforgettable era. Bailey’s prediction suggests it does not have to represent the end of the Lakers as a playoff contender.
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