Former Los Angeles Lakers champion Derek Fisher delivered a brutal reality check about the team's roster, directly comparing them to the Western Conference's top contenders, the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
What did Derek Fisher say about the Lakers and Thunder?
On his show, Fisher was asked what piece the Lakers were missing. He pushed back on the premise. "NBA rosters very rarely are missing pieces necessarily," Fisher said. "I mean, the question is, what are we comparing it to? Like missing compared to what? To Oklahoma City? Oh, yeah… To San Antonio?" His point was clear.
The Lakers struggled mightily against those elite teams. They went 0-4 versus the Thunder and 1-3 against the Spurs during the 2025-26 campaign. They were 1-7 in those matchups, with six losses coming by double-digit margins. The athleticism and defensive prowess of the Thunder and Spurs created bad matchups for Los Angeles.
How do the Thunder and Lakers rosters compare now?
The Lakers have gotten younger, but defensive questions persist. Their defensive rating of 115.5 ranked 20th last season. New center Walker Kessler helps, but the backcourt of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves isn't known for defense. Their power forward spot remains a puzzle with options like Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ziaire Williams, and Jake LaRavia.
In stark contrast, the Oklahoma City Thunder project a formidable starting five. It features Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein. Their bench includes defensive stalwart Alex Caruso along with Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain. This depth makes them a dominant defensive unit that can also score efficiently around two-time MVP Gilgeous-Alexander. You can review their full roster on our roster page.
What is the current context for the Thunder?
The San Antonio Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, present another massive hurdle. Their likely starting lineup of De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Tobias Harris, and Wembanyama is incredibly versatile. Wembanyama alone transforms their defense, and Castle provides additional perimeter pressure. For the Lakers or any team, beating these squads requires near-perfect execution.
Fisher's analysis cuts to a core truth. Building a roster isn't just about adding talent. It's about constructing a team that can match up with the very best. The Thunder have built that through defense, youth, and star power. Their recent results, including the loss to San Antonio, are a reminder of the high level required. The Lakers' offseason moves haven't clearly closed that gap. Their search for a reliable power forward and consistent defensive effort continues as they look ahead to the new season. Check the latest standings to see how the conference shapes up.
