Fans of Jeetbuzz App Download following the NBA preseason might sense that the Los Angeles Lakers’ grand plans are starting to wobble. In a thrilling 116–117 defeat to the Sacramento Kings, they ended their preseason journey with a discouraging 1–5 record. Luka Dončić looked every bit the superstar he was meant to be, dropping 31 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists, but even his fiery form couldn’t rescue the team from another narrow heartbreak. The loss, sealed by Isaac Jones’s calm free throws in the final seconds, exposed just how far this team is from turning its “title contender” talk into something real.

Throughout the preseason, the Lakers seemed trapped between experimentation and frustration. They were outplayed by the Suns 81–103, fell to the Warriors 103–111, and snatched their lone win in the rematch, 126–116. Any momentum they built vanished soon after with more defeats to Phoenix and Dallas, including a 94–121 collapse against the Mavericks where both offense and defense fell flat. Their final matchup with Sacramento at least showed fight, but the same late-game lapses cost them dearly again. Without LeBron James, who missed all games with sciatic pain, and with Dončić appearing in only two contests, the team lacked rhythm and consistency. For Jeetbuzz App Download followers watching closely, this was less about wins and losses, more about revealing how unfinished the puzzle still looks.

Head coach Darvin Ham used the preseason to test different rotations, eventually shaping a tentative starting five of Dončić, Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton. The structure clearly revolves around Dončić’s leadership — and he looked transformed. Having shed nearly 18 kilograms, his quicker first step, better footwork, and sharper movement were obvious. In two games, he tallied 25 and 31 points, leading with authority and composure. Vincent, meanwhile, brought some spark to the perimeter, hitting 4-of-5 from deep in the finale after torching Dallas earlier with five threes in one quarter. His shooting provides much-needed width for Dončić’s drive-and-kick offense, giving Los Angeles something to build around.

Marcus Smart also added defensive bite, notching 4 steals and 14 points versus the Kings. His presence on the perimeter gave the Lakers a more aggressive edge. Hachimura stayed steady as ever, posting consistent double-digit scoring nights while anchoring both ends of the floor. Still, the team’s biggest weakness remains defense. Rotations break down too often, communication falters in switches, and their transition defense looks far from playoff-ready. Against Dallas, they blew a 17-point lead in one quarter — a collapse that underlined poor focus and energy management, especially among veterans.

Deandre Ayton’s situation has become a talking point. While he’s shown flashes, his pick-and-roll execution and rim protection are still miles from elite. Dončić and Ayton haven’t yet developed natural chemistry, something Ham pointed out bluntly, urging Ayton to “embrace the fight” inside the paint. Reaves’ shooting slump also raised eyebrows — his 3-of-15 performance in the finale, including 0-of-7 from three, left a visible gap when the team needed a secondary scorer. Once Dončić sits, the Lakers’ offense often grinds to a halt, exposing their lack of depth and playmaking support.

With the season fast approaching, the Lakers’ optimism looks fragile. Dončić’s brilliance offers hope, but LeBron’s absence, defensive instability, and unclear hierarchy could haunt them when real competition begins. For Jeetbuzz App Download followers, the takeaway is simple — talent alone doesn’t equal trophies. Until Los Angeles finds balance, energy, and accountability, the dream of another championship will remain just that — a dream waiting for proof on the court.