Los Angeles Lakers 2020 champion Danny Green has issued a warning about the team's new-look roster, highlighting a lack of postseason experience as a major hurdle. Green made his comments during the Lakers Youth Foundation Golf Tournament, endorsing the offseason overhaul but expressing playoff concerns.
What did Danny Green say about the Lakers roster?
Green gave a split verdict on the team's summer transformation. He told reporters and Lakers Nation that he likes the moves but worries about the playoffs. "I think they're going to be a pretty good regular season team." Green said. He noted the group added depth, youth, and speed.
The three-time champion identified Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as the backcourt foundation with new center Walker Kessler. Building a supporting cast around that trio is the front office's immediate task. Green, who retired in 2024 after a 15-year career, admitted the summer's activity was a blur before it started to make sense to him.
Who are the X-factors for the new-look Lakers?
Green pointed to several players who could swing the team's fortunes. "Obviously we know what Austin and Luka can do and then you got a lot of heavy on Walker Kessler," he stated. He specifically named rookie Cameron Carr, Ziaire Williams, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton.
He called Sexton a defensive presence capable of starting or coming off the bench at point guard. "Those three guys, to me, can be X-factors for the group, like what Jake (LaRavia) was last year," Green added, saying LaRavia could also improve in that role. Kessler, the headline acquisition, was brought in specifically to repair the Lakers' defense.
Why is playoff experience a concern for Los Angeles?
The Lakers underwent massive turnover following LeBron James' departure. According to ClutchPoints, Los Angeles brought in 11 new players this summer including two-way contracts. Key departures included James to Philadelphia, Rui Hachimura to the Clippers, Luke Kennard to Phoenix, and Deandre Ayton traded to Washington.
Marcus Smart left for Houston and Jaxson Hayes signed with Utah. The roster now carries minimal significant playoff experience. This inexperience is the problem Green warned about, one the front office cannot address until next spring at the earliest. The team's full transformation can be tracked on our roster page.
What is the financial and competitive context?
Los Angeles committed major resources to retain and acquire talent. Austin Reaves re-signed on a four-year deal worth approximately $185 million. Acquiring Walker Kessler cost four years and roughly $130 million plus a package of first-round picks and swaps sent to Utah.
The Lakers finished the 2025-26 season with a 53-29 record. They beat the Houston Rockets in six games during the first round before being swept in four straight games by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference semifinals. That playoff exit set the stage for this summer's dramatic roster reboot. Fans can monitor how this new group stacks up in the standings as the season progresses.
Green's analysis provides a sobering counterpoint to offseason optimism. He likes the individual pieces but questions how they will perform under playoff pressure. Building chemistry and finding reliable role players will be essential for this young group to compete in a tough Western Conference.