James' agent: Lakers roster is far from championship level It's not an excuse, it's a fact

On May 5, Beijing time, James' agent Rich Paul said on the show that the Lakers lineup is far from reaching the championship level. Previously, the Lakers were eliminated by the Timberwolves 1-4 in the first round.

Although the Lakers acquired All-Star guard Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade, some of the team's problems against the Timberwolves in the playoffs were still exposed, especially the lack of basket protection. Timberwolves center Gobert played bravely in Game 5 of the series to lead the team to a game-stopper. Against the Lakers' small-ball lineup, he grabbed 24 rebounds and contributed 27 points.

Lakers star Le James' agent, Rich Paul, believes that the Lakers' roster this season is "nowhere near the" championship level. "I really don't think the Lakers' roster is up to championship level, you know," he said. It's not an excuse, that's what it is. It's very difficult to build a team that balances the present and the future...... You've got to have assets available, you've got to have salary flexibility, you've got to have draft picks. ”

The Lakers did try to bring in an interior player before the trade deadline, but their trade with the Hornets for center Mark Williams ultimately fell through. That made Hayes the Lakers' main interior lineman, but he didn't get much playing time in the first round against the Timberwolves.

If the Lakers are to take the next step in the 2025-2026 season, they need to do something in the offseason. The American media believes that if the Lakers can upgrade the roster in the offseason and ensure the tactical position of the three core players of James, Reaves and Doncic, then they are expected to hit the championship next season. The Lakers have a number of tradable assets, including Kneckett and some first-round picks.

When asked about Lakers coach Redick's controversial no-substitution decision in the first round of G4, Rich Paul said, "You're trying to win the game and he's sending players on the court who he thinks will help the team win. Feel free to express your opinions, but in this life-or-death situation, fatigue is the last thing to consider. Like a 300-pound man, when a dog rushes out of the driveway, he will immediately run and may even jump over the fence out of fear. And under normal circumstances, he might not be able to do that at all. ”