The NBA regular season begins this week, with the Los Angeles Lakers ushering in a new era in the franchise’s history. With LeBron James now in Philadelphia, the franchise face of one of the league’s most storied teams has changed.

Additionally, the front office retooled the roster in an attempt to keep pace in the Western Conference. An 11-year veteran did not mince words in his assessment of the team’s chance for the upcoming season.

DeMarcus Cousins Casts Doubts on Lakers’ Chances to Compete Without LeBron James

James, who led the Lakers to their last title in 2020, departed for the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason. Center Deandre Ayton, forward Rui Hachimura, and guard Marcus Smart, key pieces of the team last season, will now play elsewhere as well.

DeMarcus Cousins, who played for seven NBA teams, including the Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Clippers, discussed the Lakers as they’re currently composed.

“Do I think this is a championship group? No. I think they’re a scary team every single night… But, as far as being that high-level team, contending-type team, I just can’t call it right now,” Cousins stated.

“I think they have a lot of work to do. I expect Luka (Dončić) to put up some incredible numbers. It could be potentially be an MVP-type season depending on how he can carry this group. But I can’t say they’re a better team without LeBron James,” he added.

With James gone, the mantle of responsibility falls upon star guard Luka Dončić to become the cornerstone. Dončić, who ended last season on the shelf with an injury, takes the reins of a team that will look very different in a myriad of ways.

The Lakers traded for center Walker Kessler. Kessler is agile on both ends of the floor. On offense, he gives the Los Angeles a potential double-double every night. Similarly, on defense, he patrols the paint well, recording 2.4 blocks per game over his four-year career.

With Kessler, the main questions surround how he will rebound after recovering from a shoulder injury that limited him to five games last season.

The Lakers have also added veteran depth, signing guard Collin Sexton and forward/center Kevon Looney. Each can provide energy and scoring that will help Dončić and Austin Reaves, whom the team signed to a max deal in the offseason. Despite all of these moves, Cousins seems rather unmoved.

Dončić is 14 years younger than James and shot considerably better from 3-point range last season, 36.6% to 31.7%. However, he has not played more than 64 regular-season games in the last two seasons.

Plus, without a cemented second option, Dončić will need to rely on Kessler and Reaves when the defenses rotate towards him. On Wednesday, the Lakers begin the season at home, facing the Golden State Warriors.