The Los Angeles Lakers are projected to be the NBA's most disappointing team in the 2026-27 season, according to a new list from ESPN. This prediction comes despite the franchise's active offseason building around superstar Luka Doncic following LeBron James's departure to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Lakers' recent form has been poor, losing their last four games, including a 110-115 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 12, 2026.
Why are the Lakers on this list?
ESPN's ranking places the Lakers at the top of teams expected to underwhelm. This is a direct shot at the team's offseason moves. To support Luka Doncic, the front office acquired Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Kevon Looney, Matisse Thybulle, Jaden Hardy, and Ziaire Williams. The organization believes this roster can compete in the tough Western Conference.
Analysts at the network clearly disagree. They see the post-LeBron era as one of potential struggle, even with a talented core. The team's 1W-4L record in its last five outings, a string of four consecutive losses, provides recent context for this skeptical outlook. You can track their progress and upcoming challenges on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
How have fans reacted?
NBA fans quickly voiced their opinions on social media, with many criticizing ESPN's take. One fan saw it as motivation, writing, "Just the kind of fuel Luka needs." Another pointed out the omission of the 76ers, LeBron James's new team, from the disappointing list.
Lakers supporters were particularly vocal. "They have no idea what they’re talking about," one fan stated. Another commented, "Shocking espn hating on Luka once again, so espn if the lakers win 50 games Luka’s mvp right Alr bet." Some dismissed the prediction as a necessary narrative. "The gimmick is needed for them to feed their families, but hardly to be taken seriously," a fan said.
Others issued a warning. "I want everyone to keep this same energy when the season starts." The reaction shows a divided expectation between national media and the team's passionate fanbase.
Will Luka Doncic stay with the Lakers long-term?
Despite the disappointing forecast, ESPN's Dave McMenamin believes Luka Doncic is unlikely to leave Los Angeles soon. Doncic has two years remaining on his current contract. The only exit before 2028 would be a trade request, which McMenamin considers improbable.
He notes the Lakers have made Doncic the absolute center of their universe. "It's hard to imagine the organization suddenly changing directions and not continuing to build with Doncic as the center of its universe," McMenamin wrote. This commitment continues even with an impending ownership change from Mark Walter to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger.
McMenamin also highlighted Doncic's own investment in the team. The Slovenian star recently funded a six-figure minicamp and team retreat in his home country. That kind of personal commitment suggests a player planning for a future with his teammates. "It's similarly unfathomable to believe that Doncic... would suddenly decide that he is done with the Lakers next summer," McMenamin added.
What does this mean for the upcoming season?
The Lakers enter the 2026-27 campaign with significant external doubt. ESPN's label as the league's top disappointment creates a clear underdog narrative. For a competitor like Luka Doncic, that can be powerful motivation. His performance, likely needing MVP-caliber numbers in points, rebounds, and assists, will be the primary factor in proving critics wrong.
The new supporting cast must gel quickly. Players like Collin Sexton need to provide perimeter scoring, while Walker Kessler and Kevon Looney must control the paint and rebounds. The team's defensive efficiency, with additions like Matisse Thybulle, will be tested early. Success hinges on translating offseason activity into on-court chemistry and wins, moving past that difficult 110-115 loss to Oklahoma City that ended their previous campaign. Fans can monitor the roster's development and stats on our [squad](/squad) and [stats](/stats) pages.
