Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

NBA Insiders Have Little Faith in Lakers Making NBA Finals This Season

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 5:00 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers were the third seed in the Western Conference last season. They used a late surge to get that spot, and they looked poised to make a run at the Finals.

Instead, they were humiliated by the Timberwolves, losing to Minnesota in just five games in the first round. This summer, they have addressed some concerns that were highlighted in that series.

Despite making some upgrades at key spots on the roster, NBA experts are not very bullish on the Lakers' chances of making the NBA Finals next season.

More news: NBA Insider Provides Critical Update on Lakers Trade Talks

NBA experts don't believe in the Lakers' chances of winning the Western Conference

According to a poll of NBA experts on ESPN, the Lakers don't have a lot of people backing them to make the NBA Finals. They finished tied for fourth in a poll asking who would win the West.

The Thunder, Nuggets, and Rockets finished ahead of them in the poll. The Timberwolves ended up tied with them in the poll, so it's clear that pundits don't believe in the upgrades they made.

Adding Deandre Ayton to become the starting center is an upgrade over Jaxson Hayes, but he could sabotage the vibe in the locker room. He hasn't played with a lot of vigor in the last couple of years.

Marcus Smart could really help Los Angeles with their perimeter defense if he stays healthy. He hasn't been able to stay healthy since he won DPOY in the 2021-22 season.

More news: Lakers' Luka Doncic Gets Unfortunate MVP Prediction From NBA Insiders

The Lakers will go as far as Luka Doncic and LeBron James take them

This will be the first full season that Luka Doncic will be in a Lakers uniform. He's also in the best shape of his career heading into an NBA season, which bodes well for the Lakers.

LeBron James is still one of the best players in the league, but Father Time is undefeated. He will hit the drop-off for his career at some point. The Lakers have to win ASAP before that happens.

These experts clearly don't think that the Lakers are going to improve enough to win the West. With how good the Thunder are, it's going to be hard for them to make the Finals.