Carmelo Anthony Says Lakers Have 'No Shooting,' Talks Outlook for 2025-26 NBA Season
Basketball Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony spoke about the Los Angeles Lakers during the latest edition of his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast (21:00 mark). Of note, he expressed concerns about their shooting but noted their potential regardless.
"Lakers don't have no shooting, though. They have no shooting, so it's scary," Anthony said.
However, Anthony followed that up by praising the team.
"Lakers are good, Lakers will be good...Lakers could be a top-five team in the West."
Los Angeles is looking to take a big step with a full season of five-time All-NBA guard Luka Dončić, who arrived from the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 1 via a blockbuster trade.
Unfortunately, L.A. is starting the year without GOAT candidate and four-time NBA MVP LeBron James, who will be evaluated in a few weeks due to sciatica on his right side.
The Lakers did add some talent this offseason. Namely, the team got a sorely needed starting center in Deandre Ayton alongside backcourt depth (and a defensive menace) in Marcus Smart. L.A. also has a knockdown three-point shooter in forward Jake LaRavia, who hit 42.3 percent of his shots from beyond the arc last year.
The Lakers' biggest issue might be defense, which was mediocre last year (15th in rating, per Basketball-Reference). And to Anthony's point, this roster isn't filled with a host of good outside shooters. Only one regular from last year's team, who's returning this year, Rui Hachimura, hit more than 38 percent of his threes (41.3 percent).
Still, this team certainly has the talent to be a top-five squad in the West or perhaps better. It's a loaded conference as usual, though, with the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder leading the way and the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors also looking strong on paper.
The Lakers will get their season going on Oct. 21 when they host the Warriors.
