The Los Angeles Lakers are struggling to build their basketball operations department, with a pair of league sources suggesting that the unresolved ownership situation is hindering progress. After laying out a vision for a pair of assistant general managers, one focused on analytics and the other on player scouting, the team has yet to make any inroads in pro scouting. The Lakers' recent form has been concerning, with a 0-5 record in their last five games, including a 110-115 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 12, 2026. This lack of momentum has raised questions about the team's ability to compete in the playoffs, where they will face stiff competition from teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics. The Lakers' head coach, Darvin Ham, will need to find a way to turn things around if the team is to have any chance of making a deep run in the postseason. With the ownership situation still unresolved, it remains to be seen whether the Lakers will be able to make the necessary changes to their basketball operations department.