What the Lakers Must Fix to Become a True Championship Favorite

The Los Angeles Lakers have established themselves as one of the top teams in the Western Conference during the early stretch of the 2025-26 NBA season. With Luka Dončić leading a high-powered attack, the team continues to climb the standings and showcase one of the most explosive offenses in the league.

However, while their offensive firepower is undeniable, there remains a clear weakness that could hold them back when the games matter most: team defense.

The offense is elite — but playoff basketball demands more

Los Angeles entered the season with a revamped roster designed to improve both ends of the floor. The addition of Marcus Smart brought toughness, leadership, and impactful defense at the point of attack. He has helped lighten the burden on Dončić, particularly when facing elite perimeter scorers.

But Smart alone cannot cover every gap. The roster, as constructed, remains significantly more offense-oriented, with the Lakers frequently needing to outscore opponents rather than stop them. That’s a formula that works in the regular season — especially with Dončić elevating teammates and controlling the pace — but postseason matchups demand a more complete defensive approach.

The defensive problem in the numbers

As of now, the Lakers sit 16th in the NBA in defensive rating, placing them firmly in the middle of the league. That ranking suggests a capable but not championship-level defense, and when facing the powerful offenses waiting in the Western playoffs, average is unlikely to be enough.

Teams like the Thunder, Nuggets, Mavericks, Kings, and Timberwolves won’t be outscored three rounds in a row without the Lakers generating reliable stops.

What the front office needs to do

The situation isn’t dire — far from it. Los Angeles:

• Has time before the trade deadline
• Possesses clear roster chemistry
• Continues to see Smart positively influence the guard rotation
• Is winning games while identifying the problem early

But for Rob Pelinka and the front office, the mission going forward is becoming increasingly clear:

The Lakers need to add more versatile, physical, two-way defenders — both on the perimeter and in the frontcourt.

Whether through trade, free agency, or internal development, the Lakers must strengthen the defense to match the championship-level ceiling of their offense.

The foundation is there — the final step is clear

With Dončić playing at an MVP pace and the offense firing on all cylinders, Los Angeles already looks like one of the NBA’s most dangerous teams. But the Lakers' journey from “dangerous” to “championship favorite” will ultimately depend on whether they can plug their defensive holes before the postseason arrives.

If they solve that one problem, the Lakers have everything needed to compete for their next title.