Udonis Haslem and Los Angeles Lakers team (Image source: Getty Images)
After months of suspense around the head coach, the Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly appointed JJ Redick as their new head coach, which also garnered attention from Magic Johnson. As the Lakers aim to move past last season’s playoff struggles, Udonis Haslem has boldly predicted the team’s playoff performance this season.

During his appearance on “Get Up ESPN,” Haslem expressed skepticism about the Lakers’ title chances. He stated that regardless of Redick’s game plan, the Lakers are not true title contenders next season.

“Ain’t no way in hell that they go to the playoffs this year with that roster. JJ Redick can draw up the annexation of Puerto Rico, it does not matter,” Haslem said.

Haslem’s predictions appear to be well-founded. According to Sports Illustrated, the Lakers are not even ranked in the top 10 or even the top 12 in odds to win the championship.

Udonis Haslem Predicts the Los Angeles Lakers’ Struggles Amid Rising Young Stars

Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers finished with a 47-35 record. Though they finished as the seventh seed last season, they were later eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

Udonis Haslem later elaborated on the growing competition from young stars in the league. He suggested that the Lakers may face significant challenges in their pursuit of a championship.

“A couple of little giants for y’all, but it does not matter who’s on that roster because these young guys Ant-man, SGA, Luka, he’s gonna get more experienced, he’s going to grow out of some of those bad habits that he had and these guys are getting better. I like to call this right now idols are becoming rivals. All the young guys that have watched these guys dominate all this time, this is their chance and they are not letting off the gas,” Haslem said.