"I don't believe they need anything else" - Perkins explains why the Lakers are a legitimate title contender with an engaged Luka
Despite the defending champs, Oklahoma City Thunder, returning everyone next season, the Houston Rockets adding Kevin Durant, the L.A. Clippers adding Bradley Beal and Chris Paul, and the Denver Nuggets reloading, ESPN's Kendrick Perkins still believes that the Los Angeles Lakers are right there with them as legit title contenders.
The Lake Show didn't acquire a player as high-profile as KD or Beal, but Perk says they have what it takes to make a run for a record-tying 18th NBA championship next season.
"The Lakers are right there, y'all. Matter of fact, to be honest, I don't believe that they need anything else. I don't think they need a damn thing. As long as they have an engaged Luka, which seems like they have, and a LeBron James that's going to be engaged, who I believe is going to be on the Lakers' roster next year, they got a shot. They got a fu—ng shot in there," said Perkins.
Perk says the Lakers have enough pieces to win
The Lakers began the offseason looking for the lob threat Luka did not have when he was traded to Los Angeles. However, after failing to land their targets, they got a break when former No.1 pick Deandre Ayton chose to sign with them. Prior to Ayton, the Purple & Gold also bagged reserve Jake LaRavia in free agency. Then, just recently, they caught another break when they landed former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart.
Aside from these three finds in free agency, the Lakers also traded up to pick Adou Thiero in the 2024 NBA Draft. They also re-signed center Jaxson Hayes, who was previously believed to be leaving the team. With these players backing up LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, and, of course, Doncic, Perkins says the Purple & Gold are definitely a threat.
"If anybody tells you different, they're lying to themselves or just hating. Luka Doncic being in this shape elevates the Lakers to another level. Period," Perk added.Slim Luka is a favorite to win the NBA MVP award next season
Perkins is one of the many NBA talking heads who have been gushing over Doncic's new physique. The Slovenian recently featured on the cover of "Men's Health" magazine after transforming from an out-of-shape 26-year-old star into a lean, mean fighting machine. Most of them say that the Don's offseason work shows how determined he is to prove himself next season, which could mean winning the MVP award. However, Stephen A. Smith is not sold on slim Luka.
"There's a difference between getting in shape during the offseason and staying in shape during the regular season. And that's something that we have to monitor moving forward," the ESPN analyst explained. "So it's nice to see him prioritize his conditioning because we know that's been an Achilles heel of his. He's a terrific basketball player; he's a superstar in this league. But how it's going to translate to the basketball court, it's not just about how you look, but the effort that you put forth. And it doesn't end in the offseason. That's when it starts."
SAS has made many ridiculous declarations, but this one isn't one of them because we have not seen how this version of Luka will fare next season. The same goes for Kendrick's Lakers prediction, although on paper, he might be wrong already.This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
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