πŸ€ 5x5 | Royce Webb

πŸ€ 5x5 | Royce Webb

The Numbers Say the Lakers Are Very Ordinary β€” Unless Walker Kessler Breaks Out

Big acquisitions offset by painful departures

Jeremias Engelmann's avatar
Jeremias Engelmann
Jul 03, 2026
βˆ™ Paid
Austin Reaves, Luka DončiΔ‡, and Walker Kessler. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)


The Lakers have undertaken a major makeover this offseason, getting a lot younger in the process.

So, should we expect an improved Lakers team this season?

The numbers are skeptical. Here’s why.

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
Jeremias Engelmann's avatar
A guest post by
Jeremias Engelmann
Basketball analyst. Creator of ESPN's Real Plus-Minus. Formerly with the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks
Subscribe to Jeremias
Β© 2026 Royce Webb Β· Privacy βˆ™ Terms βˆ™ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture