Former NBA champion Norman Powell called the Los Angeles Lakers the "most overrated" team in the league during a live stream with popular streamer N3on.
Norman Powell, a 2026 All-Star and 2019 champion with the Toronto Raptors, did not hesitate when asked for his opinion. Streamer N3on posed the direct question, "Who is the most overrated team in the NBA?" Powell's immediate response was, "Bro, imma say the Lakers bro. There you go." The clip from the September 12, 2026 stream quickly circulated online. Powell, who has also played for the LA Clippers, offered this blunt assessment of the Lakers despite their offseason moves to add center Walker Kessler around stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Many analysts share Powell's skepticism about the team's ceiling. The primary concern centers on the defensive limitations of the Doncic-Reaves backcourt pairing. Opponents have exploited those weaknesses recently, as seen in the Lakers' tough results.
The statistics support the argument that the Lakers are struggling.
This poor run of form gives weight to external critiques like Powell's. The Lakers' front office aimed to fix interior defense by acquiring Walker Kessler, but perimeter defense remains a significant challenge. Teams are shooting a high percentage from beyond the arc against them, and the transition defense has been slow. Fans looking for a turnaround can monitor the team's upcoming schedule for signs of improvement.
Powell's comments add fuel to an already intense spotlight on the Lakers. History suggests Luka Doncic uses such confrontations as motivation. When the Lakers next face a team featuring Powell, Doncic could be primed for a huge offensive night. The Slovenian star is known for his competitive fire and ability to dominate games when challenged.
For the Lakers, the path forward is clear. They must translate their roster upgrades into consistent, two-way performances. The pairing of Doncic and Reaves can be explosive offensively, but they need to commit more on defense. Coach Darvin Ham will be tasked with finding schematic solutions to hide their defensive shortcomings. The team's current standings position reflects these struggles, and every game becomes important for building momentum.
The offseason signings were meant to create a more balanced team, but the early returns are mixed. Players like Kessler need to establish a strong paint presence to deter drivers and secure rebounds. The new rotation pieces must gel quickly to provide reliable support. Until then, critiques from veterans like Norman Powell will continue to resonate around the league. The Lakers' response on the court is the only answer that will truly matter.
