Udonis Haslem dismisses the notion that the Lakers are genuine contenders: "We're unsure about their defense"

The Los Angeles Lakers have started the season strong, reaching a 14-4 record and climbing to the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference standings. Despite this, some voices suggesting they could challenge the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, are being met with skepticism.

NBA on Prime Video analyst Udonis Haslem is cautious about labeling the Lakers as top contenders. He believes the Western Conference is stacked with teams that may currently be stronger than Los Angeles.

"Absolutely not," Haslem said. "The Lakers are performing well, credit to them. But let's not underestimate the other teams. Just because the Lakers are winning now doesnt mean the rest will fall off. This isnt a criticism of the Lakers, its a reflection of how competitive the West is."

Haslem specifically mentions the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets as teams that present a bigger threat to the Thunder. He attributes the Lakers high ranking partly to favorable scheduling and injuries that allowed them to rise in the standings.

Looking ahead to the playoffs, Haslem expresses concern about the Lakers defensive capabilities, particularly in a seven-game series where opponents can repeatedly target key players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. He also notes that while LeBron James remains a dominant figure, his defensive skills are not what they once were.

"In a seven-game series, we have Luka, Austin, and LeBron. LeBron, as great as he is, isnt the defender he used to be. And we dont really know how the defense will hold up with Luka and Austin, because in a full series, nobody is reinventing the wheel. You go at whoever until adjustments are made."

Another former NBA star, Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady, also downplays the Lakers chances, citing a lack of depth on the bench. He questions whether the team can withstand the physical demands of a seven-game series against teams like Oklahoma City or Denver, which have size, speed, and roster depth.

"I dont think this roster can survive OKC or Denver in a seven-game series," McGrady stated. "Look at the bench. What consistency can they provide over a full series against these opponents?"

Despite criticism, the Lakers continue to perform well at 14-4, proving resilient under intense scrutiny that comes with representing one of the leagues most high-profile franchises. Analysts and fans alike will be watching closely to see if the team can maintain their momentum.

This article was first published by Basketball Network on Dec 1, 2025, in the Latest News section.

Author: Sophia Brooks