Malika Andrews Says Lakers Could Drop Into Play‑In After Major Roster Overhaul

Overview

• ESPN’s Malika Andrews told national television that the Lakers are “maybe in danger” of falling out of the West’s top six and into the NBA play‑in tournament, a view reflected in multiple August 11 reports.
• The Lakers completed a sweeping offseason reset that included LeBron James and several veterans leaving and brought in players such as Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Kevon Looney, Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle.
• Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves remain the only established core returners, and Dončić has reported full health and held a player-funded minicamp in Slovenia as the team prepares for training camp.
• Coverage highlights a clear defensive worry because Kessler is the lone high‑level defender projected in the starting group, and insiders inside the Lakers have acknowledged the club may have taken a short-term step back while pursuing a younger, cost-conscious roster.
• The Western Conference’s depth — with the Spurs, Thunder and several other strong teams projected above or alongside Los Angeles — narrows the margin for error and increases the real risk that the retooled Lakers will battle for a play‑in spot.