The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired a new center, a fresh supporting cast, and for the first time since 2018, LeBron James is absent.
This led former Lakers and Clippers forward Matt Barnes to coin them a new nickname.
Introducing the “Snowtime Lakers.”
With James now heading to Philadelphia and the franchise fully focused on building around Luka Doncic, the Lakers spent their offseason reconfiguring the roster to support him.
They traded two first-round picks and two pick swaps for Walker Kessler, securing the formidable big man they’ve sought to complement Doncic for two seasons.
They also re-signed Austin Reaves and built a supporting cast that offers shooting, size, and fits well with their new big three.
Barnes took one glance at the roster and delivered the most memorable line of the summer.
“They’re dubbing them the ‘Snowtime Lakers,’” Barnes told the California Post in an exclusive interview.
The former Lakers forward and current “All the Smoke” co-host chuckled at the nickname, a clever twist on the Lakers’ historic “Showtime” era and the notable ensemble of white players—seven, to be precise—surrounding Doncic.
Yet underlying the humor is the looming question for this roster as they enter the 2027-28 season, much like last season.
Can they defend?
“With Luka and AR leading the way, you’ve got two incredibly scoring-oriented guards,” Barnes noted. “As someone who places importance on defense, I’m eager to see how they might solidify this roster and protect the basket.”
Barnes is not alone in wondering about this team’s defensive capabilities.
Four former Lakers—Barnes, Byron Scott, Michael Cooper, and Robert Horry—discussed with the California Post their observations of the franchise’s first full season within the Doncic era. All see significant offensive potential, though many also acknowledge the potential vulnerabilities.
Scott articulated it succinctly.
“You’re going to score, but can you stop anyone?”
This question carries weight coming from Scott, a three-time champion with the Lakers who thrived during the Showtime era and was a strong perimeter defender. Although basketball has undergone drastic changes, Scott believes one championship essential has persisted through all stylistic changes.
“For 40 years, NBA champions have not deviated,” Scott said. “Typically, the winning teams rank among the top five in defensive efficiency.”
Scott commended several of the Lakers’ offseason decisions and is particularly excited about their first-round draft pick Cameron Carr from Baylor. This talented rookie was obtained in a multi-team draft-day trade that involved sending the draft rights to Sergio De Larrea, the 25th overall pick, and cash to the New York Knicks. Scott praised the acquisition and believes Carr can immediately impact both sides of the court.
Nonetheless, he advised caution in viewing the current roster as complete.
“I don’t think the final chapter has been written,” Scott said. “We just have to wait and see.”
Cooper, an 8-time NBA All-Defensive selection and one of the best perimeter defenders in Lakers history, expressed confidence.
If you assess this roster on paper, said Cooper, championship expectations should be the norm.
“Reaves and Luka are capable of dropping 50 on any night,” Cooper added. “They’ll form the core of the future Lakers’ championship aspirations. I expect nothing less.”
This places the onus on the Lakers to build everything else around them—defense, rebounding, rim protection, and sufficient toughness for those nights when shots aren’t falling.
Horry believes they might have identified some of that grit.
The seven-time NBA champion playfully admitted that his allegiance to Alabama initially made it tough to embrace former Auburn center Kessler. Apparently, purple and gold can mend old SEC rivalries.
“My heart says I shouldn’t support Walker Kessler due to his Auburn ties, but now I have to,” Horry remarked.
Horry expressed particular enthusiasm for Quentin Grimes, whom he described as a “nasty, gritty player.”
“We have a saying: You’ve got to bring some grit to the game,” Horry said. “I believe that’s exactly what he’ll provide.”
For the first time, it’s clear whose Lakers these are.
James has departed. Doncic is fit. Reaves is retained. Kessler is ready to protect the rim, and a revamped roster has been built around the franchise’s next hopeful champion.
Whether these “Snowtime Lakers” can secure a title ultimately hinges on something far less catchy than an amusing new moniker.
They already demonstrate scoring ability.
Now, they must show they can defend.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!
