With the offseason heating up and contenders reshuffling for a championship push, NBA insider Jovan Buha believes the Los Angeles Lakers should be taken seriously as a legitimate title threat heading into the 2025–26 season.

Buha outlined five key reasons behind his belief, and none of them require outlandish optimism. If anything, the stars in Lakerland are finally aligning. Here’s why.

1. Luka’s Revenge Season Is Coming

Luka Doncic heard it all last year that he was traded from Dallas due to questions about his commitment, leadership, conditioning, and long-term potential. And the sting of that criticism only deepened during the Lakers’ first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, where Luka was relentlessly targeted on defense and visibly worn down late in games.

The noise got louder. Doncic’s body language, effort, and defense were criticized by fans, media, and former players alike. But instead of sulking, Luka responded. Hard.

This offseason, Doncic has undergone a complete physical and mental transformation. His recent feature in Men’s Mental Health magazine revealed a redefined physique and strict regimen, 16-hour fasting, no gluten, no sugar, and an intense training program that has reshaped his frame. But it’s not just about the weight loss. It’s about mindset.

Sources close to the team believe Luka is entering “revenge season” with MVP-caliber urgency. His offseason recruitment of Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton further signals he’s bought into the Lakers long term.

All indications point to him signing a four-year, $220 million extension in the coming week. If that happens, expect monster numbers and a relentless drive to silence every critic. The kid is out for blood.

2. Deandre Ayton Addresses The Lakers’ Biggest Weakness

The Lakers’ biggest flaw last season wasn’t hard to spot. Once again, they lacked a reliable starting center. Jaxson Hayes showed flashes but simply wasn’t consistent enough to anchor the paint.

Enter Deandre Ayton. Bought out by Portland, Ayton joins the Lakers with a chip on his shoulder and a golden opportunity. A former No. 1 overall pick with career averages hovering over a double-double, Ayton has all the tools to thrive alongside Luka and LeBron. At just 27, he could become the Lakers’ long-term answer at center, provided he brings consistent effort and improves defensively.

Jaxson Hayes’ re-signing adds bench depth, and sources say the Lakers are still exploring other big men such as Robert Williams III or Nikola Vucevic to fortify the rotation. For the first time in years, the Lakers have the flexibility and now the personnel to finally plug the center hole.

3. The Lakers Can Still Make A Trade

As Buha recently noted on his podcast, the Lakers aren’t done. Despite their limited draft capital, they still have several key assets that could be moved in-season: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and Dalton Knecht, plus their 2031 or 2032 first-round pick and at least one second-rounder.

While those assets alone may not net a star, packaging them with a first could land a meaningful upgrade at the trade deadline, especially if the Lakers are a piece away from contending. With over $110 million in expiring deals and LeBron James still on the roster, don’t be surprised if the Lakers get aggressive midseason.

They’re also holding out cap space for 2026, but that won’t stop them from pushing the chips in if the time is right. Luka and LeBron are too good to waste a year.

4. LeBron James Is Still the Best No. 2 Option In the League

LeBron James will be 41 during the 2025–26 season. He’s entering his 23rd NBA campaign. And he’s still one of the 10 best players in the world.

Even last season, James made an All-NBA team and regularly took over down the stretch. His explosiveness might have declined slightly, but his IQ, passing, shooting, and clutch shot-making remain elite. Most importantly, LeBron has seemingly embraced his role as the second option behind Luka, and that makes the Lakers dangerous.

Despite offseason noise suggesting friction with the front office over the team’s long-term Luka focus, LeBron never demanded a trade or buyout. In fact, his camp clarified that he’s fully committed.

As the best No. 2 option in basketball, LeBron elevates the Lakers into contender territory automatically. He’s been here before. He knows how to win.

5. Roster And Coaching Continuity Will Pay Off

The Lakers finished third in the West last year with 50 wins, and that was with Luka joining midseason and struggling with fitness. Even amid all that, the roster clicked. Now, they’ve added Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, and Jake LaRavia, three pieces that address key needs.

More importantly, they’ve retained the rest of the core. JJ Redick, entering his second year as head coach, showed promise as a tactician and communicator. Players trust him. He has the locker room. And with a full offseason to implement his schemes around Luka and LeBron, this team could take another leap.

While other contenders undergo roster shakeups or navigate superstar drama, the Lakers are stable and motivated. Continuity matters in the NBA, especially when your stars are aligned and the locker room is united.

The Lakers Are A Sneaky Contender

The Lakers aren’t just a legacy team relying on past glory. They’re built to win now, and Jovan Buha’s five reasons make a compelling case.

Luka Doncic’s transformation and leadership. Deandre Ayton’s arrival at a position of need. Smart midseason trade flexibility. LeBron James is still a top-10 player. A cohesive roster with coaching stability.

In short: don’t sleep on the Lakers.

They’re not just a threat. They might be the problem.