The Los Angeles Lakers are once again a formidable force in the NBA, aiming for their 18th championship title in 2025. With a roster loaded with star power, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers have high hopes for a successful postseason. However, there are still several crucial questions that the team must address if they are to lift the championship trophy at the end of the season. As the team gears up for the long road to glory, these key issues could determine whether or not they truly have what it takes to reign supreme.
First and foremost, the Lakers need to answer the question: Can Anthony Davis stay healthy for the full season? Davis has long been regarded as one of the most talented big men in the league, but his injury history has raised concerns about his durability. When healthy, Davis is an elite defender and one of the most versatile players in the game. However, if he continues to struggle with injuries, the Lakers’ title hopes could be derailed. The team’s chances of securing the championship heavily depend on his ability to stay on the court and produce at a high level.
Another pressing question for the Lakers is whether LeBron James can continue his dominance into his 21st season. While LeBron remains one of the league’s best players, at 40 years old, his ability to carry the team through a grueling playoff run is uncertain. Can he maintain his elite play at this advanced stage of his career, or will Father Time finally catch up with him? LeBron’s leadership and scoring ability are crucial to the Lakers’ championship aspirations, but the team will need him to avoid major injuries and remain efficient throughout the postseason.
Additionally, the Lakers must figure out how to balance their roster depth and ensure their role players step up. With the addition of players like Gabe Vincent and Taurean Prince, the Lakers have improved their bench, but questions remain about how effective their supporting cast will be in the playoffs. Can Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell take on a larger role when needed, or will the Lakers fall into the trap of relying too heavily on their superstars? Depth will be key in the grind of a deep playoff run, and the Lakers must find a way to get the most out of their role players.
Another major question revolves around the Lakers’ defensive consistency. While the team boasts one of the league’s most formidable defensive units with Davis anchoring the defense, the Lakers need to be more consistent on that end. If they can maintain their defensive intensity and lock down opposing offenses, they will be in a great position to make a deep playoff run. The ability to defend across multiple positions will be crucial, especially in matchups against high-powered offenses like the Denver Nuggets or Phoenix Suns.
Finally, the Lakers will need to find a way to navigate the competitive Western Conference. The NBA’s Western Conference remains stacked with contenders, including the defending champion Nuggets, the resurgent Golden State Warriors, and the talented Phoenix Suns. To secure the 2025 championship, the Lakers will need to beat these teams at their best, which means not only maintaining their own form but also finding ways to exploit the weaknesses of their competitors. The road to glory will be tough, but with the right adjustments and answers to these critical questions, the Lakers could be on the cusp of another title.
