2 biggest internal concerns for Lakers entering the regular season

Colin Keane of Lake Show Life argues that the Los Angeles Lakers face two major internal roster concerns heading into the 2026-27 regular season: rebounding depth and secondary ball-handling. Although head coach JJ Redick called the current roster the most cohesive group of his tenure, Keane suggests these limitations could cost the team winnable games.

The first primary concern highlighted is frontcourt rebounding when center Walker Kessler rests, as backup center Kevon Looney and power forward Sandro Mamukelashvili offer limited athletic size against top opposing rebounders. Keane also notes that ball-handling depth is heavily dependent on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, especially with Collin Sexton missing preseason action and Bronny James not yet ready for major minutes.