​DETROIT, MICHIGAN – MARCH 23: LeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers walk off the court after their loss to the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 23, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) GettyThe Los Angeles Lakers spent the summer formally turning the franchise over to Luka Dončić after LeBron James left for Philadelphia, surrounding their new centerpiece with a roster built to complement his playmaking.Byron Scott is not ready to buy the hype.On his Byron Scott’s Fast Break podcast, the former Lakers guard and head coach was asked which NBA team had the most overrated offseason. Scott’s answer came quickly.“The Lakers,” Scott said. “The team that you said going to win 58 games. I think they had the most overrated offseason.”The response drew laughter from the panel, particularly because Scott’s connection to the franchise runs so deep. He won three championships as a Lakers player during the Showtime era and later coached the team for two seasons.Scott made sure nobody confused his criticism with a change in allegiance.“I’m purple and gold down to the core,” Scott said. “But, I mean, everybody was talking about all these great — no, I just don’t see it yet.”That skepticism arrives at a fascinating moment for Los Angeles.Lakers Begin Luka Doncic Era Without LeBron JamesGettyLuka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
James’ departure ended an eight-season run with the Lakers and removed a player who had been at the center of virtually every major decision the franchise made since 2018.Now there is no question whose team it is.The Lakers spent the offseason constructing a younger, deeper roster around Dončić, adding Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Kevon Looney and Sandro Mamukelashvili while retaining Austin Reaves.Kessler gives Dončić the kind of vertical lob threat that has traditionally thrived alongside him, while also providing Los Angeles with a legitimate rim protector.Grimes offers a two-way skill set next to Dončić and Reaves. Sexton offers downhill scoring and another ballhandler. Thybulle brings a defensive specialist to the perimeter. Williams adds size and athleticism on the wing, while L