Lakers News: ESPN Ranks L.A. as Most Likely to Struggle in 2024-25

The Los Angeles Lakers head into the 2024-25 season with a familiar roster, but familiarity might not be their friend this time around. Despite boasting two of the league's top ten players— LeBron James and Anthony Davis —the Lakers are at risk of falling short of championship expectations.

An ESPN panel has named them the team most likely to take a tumble this season, pointing to a series of unsettling factors.

The Lakers’ lack of impactful offseason moves is at the forefront of these concerns. While other teams made significant adjustments, L.A. remained largely unchanged, a decision that could come back to haunt them. Sure, they have James and Davis—two all-time greats—but with a roster that lacks depth and a first-time head coach in JJ Redick, the team is on shaky ground.

"Team Turmoil" is not a title any team wants, but the Lakers have earned it according to ESPN’s experts. The panel focused on instability on the court, in the coaching staff, and within the front office. With 43 percent of first-place votes, L.A. topped the list, outpacing their former Staples Center co-tenants, the Clippers, who garnered 25 points. Trailing behind were the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls, each with 19 points.

"When it comes to the Team Turmoil vote, the focus is on uncertainty on the floor, coaching staff and front office," ESPN's staff wrote.

"This season's 'winner' is the Los Angeles Lakers, who have a first-time coach in JJ Reddick, a superstar turning 40 in LeBron James, and plenty of questions on the court after a first-round exit in last season's playoffs," ESPN’s staff continued.

The upcoming season could unfold in one of two ways for the Lakers, but most signs point to a less favorable outcome. The team will heavily rely on their superstar duo, fresh off an Olympic gold medal run. While James and Davis managed to stay healthy through all 82 games last season, it's difficult to imagine a repeat of that fortune.

The Lakers’ roster was plagued by injuries last season, with key role players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent missing significant time. Health will be crucial, but the odds of maintaining it across the board are slim, particularly for James and Davis.

Another wildcard in the Lakers' season is JJ Redick, who steps into the role of head coach for the first time. While Redick is widely respected for his basketball IQ, coaching requires more than smarts—it demands experience and the ability to manage egos, strategies, and in-game adjustments. As August rolls on, it remains uncertain how Redick will fare in this new role.

Adding to the skepticism is the Lakers' front office, which has been eerily quiet this offseason. Vice President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka has done little to address the team’s glaring needs, leaving many to question his leadership.

The Lakers are an enigmatic team heading into the season, and it’s not hard to envision them unraveling as the season progresses. For a franchise that prides itself on championship contention, the upcoming season could be a rude awakening.

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for the 2024-25 season, they find themselves at a crossroads. With an unproven coach, an aging roster, and minimal offseason improvements, the odds are stacked against them.

While James and Davis remain formidable forces, the lack of depth and the question marks surrounding their health could spell trouble. If the Lakers hope to defy the predictions of experts, they’ll need more than just star power—they’ll need resilience, strategy, and perhaps a bit of luck.