GMs Give Lakers Surprising Prediction for Season Finish

NBA general managers have projected the Los Angeles Lakers to finish sixth in the Western Conference, according to an annual NBA.com survey. The projection follows significant roster turnover, including LeBron James' departure after eight seasons and Luka Doncic taking over as the team's primary leader. Rival executives placed the Spurs, Thunder, Timberwolves, Nuggets, and Rockets ahead of Los Angeles, with Doncic receiving zero MVP votes.

General manager Rob Pelinka reshaped the roster by acquiring center Walker Kessler through a sign-and-trade deal worth $130 million alongside multiple first-round picks. Ryan Stano writes that rival executives remain skeptical of Pelinka's moves, projecting the Lakers to finish sixth in offensive rating despite building around the scoring of Doncic and Austin Reaves.