What Lakers must do to compete with Thunder, Spurs for NBA titles
The Lakers face significant challenges in competing with the Thunder and Spurs for NBA titles. Unlike these teams, the Lakers cannot afford to tank and must find ways to build a championship roster each year. Retaining their core players while enhancing their supporting cast may be crucial for their future success.
- ▪The Lakers were swept in the second round of the playoffs by the Thunder.
- ▪General manager Rob Pelinka emphasized the need for sustained excellence rather than rebuilding through losing seasons.
- ▪The Lakers must decide whether to pursue another superstar or focus on acquiring strong role players to complement their existing roster.
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Melissa Rohlin NBA What Lakers must do to compete with Thunder, Spurs for NBA titles By Melissa Rohlin Published May 25, 2026, 7:00 a.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The California Post on Google If there’s one thing the Western Conference finals has taught us, it’s that there’s an enormous chasm between the teams in the penultimate round of the playoffs and the NBA’s other 28 ballclubs, including the Lakers. The Thunder and Spurs have depth. They have stellar perimeter and interior defenders. They have multiple lasers. They have superstars. They have 10 players who are starring in their roles. 6 The Spurs have Victor Wembanyama, but San Antonio also has depth that features 10 players starring in their roles.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at California Post.