As the offseason calendar inches closer to the start of training camp, it is important to find reason to believe in the team that will represent one's fandom. That is unless you root for someone like the Utah Jazz, New Orleans Pelicans, or Phoenix Suns. Abandon all hope in that case.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, it is a very short search to find belief in the squad that will take the court in 2025-26. It all starts with Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Having those two superstars should still inspire a quiet confidence that a championship can be had in the upcoming campaign.
Jovan Buha and his guest, Daman Rangoola, were searching for five reasons that instill Lakers optimism on a recent episode of Buha's Block. The podcast host reminded everyone just how fortunate of a position this team is in thanks to their superstar duo.
Buha said, "The Lakers have two top 10, top 15 at worst, players. If you look around the league, there aren't many teams that can make that claim or make an argument for that. ... Having those two guys as your foundation, ... that's a pretty good starting point."
Luka and LeBron well-equipped to lead another Lakers championship unit
Buha confidently mentioned how NBA history offers a 70-year sample size of what a championship-winning formula looks like. Having two talents of Doncic and James' caliber fits the mold of teams that have found the success needed to host a Larry O'Brien.
Recent examples of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, LeBron and Dwyane Wade, only further cemented Buha's point. The conversation here really should not be ignored.
Having that imposing duo leading the Lakers became a point of frustration near the start of the offseason. However, that dissatisfaction revolved around Rob Pelinka underdelivering when it came to surrounding the pair with the support needed to compete.
2027? You mean…two summers from now…for a player they may or may not be able to get? Is Rob Pelinka insane? YOU HAVE LUKA DONCIC AND LEBRON JAMES ON YOUR TEAM TODAY! https://t.co/gRzF13qQer
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 1, 2025
A few weeks later and the Lakers look much better suited to help Doncic and James in the pursuit of a championship. The roster has filled out respectably.
At the end of the day, Doncic is an MVP-caliber type of player. There are very few names who can be comfortably be argued above him at the top of the NBA's totem pole.
Nikola Jokic? Giannis Antetokounmpo? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? That's really it for players who have a case to be viewed more fondly than the Lakers superstar right now.
James easily claims the title of best second option in the NBA. Buha referenced examples like Karl-Anthony Towns and Evan Mobley as challengers for that crown. That discussion quickly tips in King James' favor.
The Lakers could still benefit from some fine-tuning of the roster when the opportunity presents itself. Until then, Doncic and James should be more than enough to inspire hope that Los Angeles can win now.