The Los Angeles Lakers are dividing opinions across the NBA world ahead of the 2026-27 season. The Los Angeles Lakers had a massive roster overhaul last season. And while some believe in the team, there are those who think Los Angeles will struggle this year. Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesMalika Andrews thinks the Los Angeles Lakers could drop into the play-in tournamentThe Western Conference continues to be extremely stacked with talent. “I see both of these teams [Lakers and Celtics] as having actually fairly similar paths,” Andrews said.