The Los Angeles Lakers have invested heavily in building a championship contender around Luka Doncic, but their biggest challenge may have little to do with scoring points.
After reshaping the roster following LeBron James' departure, Los Angeles enters the 2026-27 NBA season with an explosive offensive partnership between Doncic and Austin Reaves, supported by several significant offseason additions.
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The two guards combined for 56.8 points per game last season, with the Lakers recording a 30-11 record when both were available.
Those numbers provide considerable encouragement, but the team's defensive limitations could become increasingly difficult to conceal against opponents capable of exploiting mismatches.
The arrival of Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz was designed to address one of Los Angeles' most pressing weaknesses.
The 7-foot-2 center signed a four-year, $130 million contract after the Lakers committed substantial draft capital to acquire him.
Kessler provides an imposing presence around the basket, but his effectiveness will depend heavily on the defenders operating in front of him.
Opponents can force switches involving Doncic and Reaves, attack gaps created by screens and repeatedly challenge the Lakers' ability to contain penetration.
That places additional pressure on Kessler, who must decide whether to contest shots, protect against passes to opposing centers or compensate for teammates beaten on the perimeter.
The departures of experienced defenders, including Marcus Smart, have only increased the importance of Los Angeles finding consistent solutions.
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Head coach JJ Redick has several candidates capable of helping address those concerns, including Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams.
Los Angeles experimented with aggressive full-court defensive pressure during the preseason, demonstrating its potential during a 127-103 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
However, maintaining that approach against elite playoff opponents will require discipline, particularly when initial pressure fails and defenders must recover into half-court positions.
Redick believes his new players understand the expectations attached to representing the Lakers.
"All these guys that haven't gone through it, there's nothing like it," he said. "And I think they all want to embrace it. They all have a chip on their shoulder about it. They want to make Lakers fans proud, and I know they will."
The challenge is turning that enthusiasm into defensive consistency across an entire season.
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Despite the uncertainty, Doncic has welcomed the franchise's aggressive approach to roster construction.
The Slovenian superstar was involved in discussions surrounding Kessler's acquisition and expressed enthusiasm about playing alongside the former Utah center.
"There was a lot of communication with Rob and JJ about him," Doncic said. "So I'm very excited to just share the floor with him."
Doncic also hosted his new teammates for an offseason gathering in Slovenia, helping establish relationships before the campaign begins.
Grimes believes that experience has already strengthened the group's chemistry.
"Everybody came in ego-less," he said. "And I feel like everybody really bought into the role of what they need to do on this team."
Los Angeles now faces the challenge of translating that chemistry into results against Western Conference contenders such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
The Lakers possess enough offensive talent to challenge those opponents, but postseason success will ultimately depend on whether their defensive improvements prove sustainable.
Without reliable perimeter resistance, even Kessler's considerable shot-blocking ability may not be enough to deliver another championship.