The Los Angeles Lakers continue to be one of the most talked-about teams in all of sports — thanks to stars like LeBron James, Luka Dončić, head coach JJ Redick, and even LeBron’s son Bronny James drawing daily headlines.
On Thursday night (February 26, 2026), the Lakers suffered a disappointing 113-110 road loss to the Phoenix Suns — a team missing both Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks. The defeat exposed ongoing vulnerabilities as the Lakers head toward the 2026 postseason.
Bronny James Might Be Wrong About the Lakers
Over their last two games, the Lakers have shown clear signs of struggle in key areas. LeBron (at age 41) has shown flashes of age-related decline, while center Deandre Ayton has been alarmingly quiet — scoring four points or less in two of the last three games.
Law Murray of The Athletic pointed out a brutal stretch:
“The Lakers were outscored by 30 points in the 16 minutes that Deandre Ayton was on the floor last night without one of Luka, LeBron, or AR on the floor with him. Phoenix Suns made 7 of their 8 3-point attempts in those 16 minutes.”
Earlier this month, Bronny had his best game of the 2025-26 season — scoring 12 points (5/10 FG, 2/2 3PT) — but the Lakers were blown out by the San Antonio Spurs 136-108.
After that game, Bronny made a bold statement:
“I know that our team believes that we can be contenders and make a deep playoff run… We all believe that.”
While Bronny said the right things, reality may prove him (and his teammates) very wrong. The Lakers are in the middle of another strong regular season on paper, but they are also coming off a first-round exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 playoffs.
After the latest loss, the Lakers sit as the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a 34-24 record through 58 games.
Charles Barkley, never one to hold back, went off on NBA on ESPN Friday night:
“The Lakers out here tanking right now. Adam Silver gotta fine them soon, because they just out here tanking. The Lakers are tanking, man. The Lakers lost to the Suns last night… They’re closer to the play-in than they are first-place.”
Barkley was joking (mostly), but the Lakers are showing real weakness for a team expected to be among the West’s elite. Even with Luka Dončić dropping 41 points, they couldn’t beat a shorthanded Suns squad.
Upcoming Schedule & Injury Notes
On Saturday, the Lakers travel to San Francisco to face Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
Law Murray of The Athletic reported:
“The Los Angeles Lakers are doubtful to have Rui Hachimura (illness) for Saturday at Golden State. Not having Hachimura was a hot mess for them in Phoenix. Warriors remain without Stephen Curry, but Kristaps Porziņģis (illness) is questionable and Draymond Green (back) is probable.”
Final Word
Embed X: https://twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU/status/2027457940865880247
The Lakers’ 2025-26 season has been filled with star power and big moments — but also glaring inconsistencies. Bronny’s optimism is understandable, but the team’s recent performances (especially defensively and in closing games) raise serious questions about their true ceiling.
With Luka Dončić now the centerpiece, the offseason will likely demand major changes — potentially moving on from LeBron (or having him accept a reduced role/pay cut) and surrounding Luka with better-fitting 3-and-D wings and reliable role players.
Until then, every game matters. Saturday in San Francisco is another big test. The Lakers last won a title in 2020 and reached the Western Conference Finals in 2023 — but right now, they’re closer to the play-in than to first place in the West.
Lakers Nation: the margin for error is shrinking fast. Time for this team to prove it can live up to the hype — or face a very different offseason than anyone expected.