The Los Angeles Lakers are battling hard at the top of the Western Conference to start the 2025-26 NBA season. Luka Doncic looks like the MVP, Austin Reaves has leaped, and the role players are performing. But Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul doesn’t think the Lakers are championship contenders.

Paul is LeBron James’ agent and one of his closest friends. He has been known to publicly defend James when needed and often has his back. Despite this, he doesn’t think LA has what it takes to achieve the ultimate goal this season. He recently explained why.

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“I personally don’t think the Lakers are good enough to be contenders right now. Not right now,” Paul told Max Kellerman on the Game Over podcast. “I don’t think they have enough to get to the Western Conference Finals.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is congratulated by forward LeBron James and guard Luka Doncic. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“When you go into the playoffs, we’ve seen last year, they ran into athleticism and length. They struggled,” Paul said. “When you look at it now, athleticism, length, shooting, speed. Can the Lakers play fast? I don’t think so. That style of play is going to be very easy to guard when you get to the playoffs.”

The Lakers do have obvious roster deficiencies, but their offense has looked unstoppable. There is still plenty of time for Rob Pelinka to make moves as well. Paul might be right about their current chances, but adding a solid defensive wing or two could change that instantly.

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