Lakers threaten a high-powered offense with five top options — LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura — while relying on credible outside shooting from role players to keep lanes open.

Vanderbilt’s 3-point future is a focal point; a healthy summer has him dialing in the stroke, and LaRavia says he’s looked sharper in camp. If Vanderbilt shoots league-average, his floor-spacer potential compounds the Lakers’ defense and rebounding strength, while LaRavia’s own shooting touch adds more spacing around the core stars.

Scottie Pippen doubts Luka Doncic's championship ceiling with the Lakers, saying star power alone won't seal a title in a deep West and that depth and sacrifice shape champions. Doncic's 2024 Finals run was extraordinary, but Pippen questions whether that style can repeat in today's game.

He notes the era's rule changes favor offense and shooting, describes the modern game as positionless and more open, and argues that the Lakers still need a supportive cast and a team-first mindset to contend for a title.