The Lakers haven’t celebrated a championship since 2020, but whispers around the league suggest this year might be different. With Luka Dončić transformed, LeBron James defying father time, and key roster holes finally filled, the Purple and Gold are quietly building something that has rival executives taking notice.
Why Are NBA Executives Warning Teams About the Lakers?
According to a report by Lakers Daily, an NBA executive issued a strong warning to rival teams, claiming the Lakers have quietly made significant improvements during the offseason and could be gearing up for a serious push in the 2025-26 campaign.
“They were the third seed last year and did that without a starting-level center. They definitely got better by adding Ayton and Smart. I can see them making the conference finals. You can never count out LeBron.”
“I don’t care how old he is. He’s still amazing offensively. And everyone keeps talking about how great Luka looks after his weight loss. He’s probably hungry to win it all next season,” said the NBA Executive as per Lakers Daily.
This confidence stems from more than just wishful thinking. The Lakers addressed their biggest weaknesses while keeping their core strengths intact, creating a roster that looks fundamentally different from the one that struggled in the postseason.
How Has Luka Dončić’s Transformation Changed Everything?
One of the most talked-about additions from last season was the blockbuster acquisition of Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks on February 2. The Slovenian superstar immediately gave the Lakers an offensive engine, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists during the regular season.
Those numbers helped the Purple and Gold secure a 50-32 record and a playoff berth, but the postseason ended disappointingly with a first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves in just five games. The loss stung, but it also motivated Dončić to make dramatic changes.
Since then, however, Dončić has made waves off the court with his incredible physical transformation. Determined not to repeat the playoff disappointment, he spent the summer reshaping his body, shedding a stunning 31 pounds. The transformation shocked the basketball world, but his game hasn’t lost its edge.
Proof came during an August 16 FIBA EuroBasket friendly, where he torched Latvia for 26 points, four rebounds, and five assists in just the first two quarters of play. If this version of Dončić shows up in Los Angeles next season, the Lakers will have an even more dangerous offensive weapon than before.
What Makes LeBron James Still Dangerous at 40?
Then there’s LeBron James, whose presence alone keeps the Lakers relevant. The biggest storyline this summer was his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Rumors swirled about a potential move, but those whispers have faded for now.
Even at 40 years old, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game last season, making the executive’s reminder to “Never count out LeBron” ring especially true. As long as the King remains on the floor at this level, the Lakers maintain championship aspirations.
The combination of a rejuvenated Dončić alongside James creates matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. Both players can create for themselves and others, giving the Lakers multiple ways to attack regardless of the situation.
Beyond their star power, the Lakers also addressed glaring roster holes with smart offseason additions. Jake LaRavia brings much-needed depth, Marcus Smart adds veteran leadership on the defensive end, and the acquisition of Deandre Ayton fills a crucial void in the paint.
Their lack of a true center presence was exposed during the playoff loss to Minnesota, but Ayton’s arrival promises to stabilize the interior and provide the rim protection they desperately needed.
The executive’s warning carries substantial merit. With Dončić rejuvenated, James still performing at an elite level, and key reinforcements in place, the Lakers appear poised to enter the 2025-26 season with more confidence and depth than they’ve had in years. That combination might just be enough to silence the critics and bring another championship banner to Los Angeles.