# Lakers’ 11-2 start hasn’t convinced everyone they’re title contenders

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/lakers-11-2-start-hasnt-convinced-everyone-theyre-title-contenders/
- Published: 2026-11-14T04:09:01+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-14T05:20:55+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/13/sports/lakers-strong-start-nba-title-contenders/
- Topics: Basketball, Entertainment, Sport, TV, World

## Key points

- The Lakers are 11-2, but Perkins wants a signature win.
- Their toughest opponents so far have included Portland, Golden State and Detroit.
- Positive injury updates came for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

## Summary

The Los Angeles Lakers have started the NBA season 11-2 and rank among its top teams, but former champion and analyst Kendrick Perkins says they have not yet proved they are genuine title contenders. He argues that a strong record needs to be backed by a defining win over a leading opponent.

Perkins pointed to the Lakers’ lack of wins against Oklahoma City, Houston, San Antonio and New York, while their toughest games so far have been against Portland, Golden State and Detroit. Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic both left Wednesday’s game injured, but the team shared positive updates at Friday’s practice; Doncic’s health remains especially important to the Lakers’ prospects.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.