The Los Angeles Lakers have made it to the halfway point of the 2024-25 season. And so far, they have been a difficult team to evaluate. Superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis have looked the part and have been largely available. Austin Reaves has ascended to third star status. General manager Rob Pelinka made his first trade in nearly two years to improve the balance of the roster.
But it would be impossible to say that, through 41 games, the Lakers are championship contenders. They are 23-18, good enough for the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference.