Norman Powell Names The Lakers As The NBA’s Most Overrated Team

· Yahoo Sports

Norman Powell had an easy way out when he was asked to name the NBA’s most overrated team. Instead of dodging the question, the veteran guard accepted the heat and pointed directly at the Los Angeles Lakers.

The answer came during a conversation with streamer N3on as Powell went through a question-and-answer segment involving chicken wings. Powell knew the response could create backlash, but he made it clear that was not enough to scare him off.

Visit saltysenoritaaz.org for more information.

Norman Powell Wasn’t Going To Duck The Question

N3on asked Powell to name the most overrated team in the NBA and gave him the option of avoiding the question by taking a bite of a wing. Powell initially paused, then explained why he was willing to answer even if the response brought criticism.

Jan 3, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (24) reacts after scoring against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the third quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

“You think I’m not gonna say it because I’m gonna get backlash for saying it? I get backlash for my quotes all the time, bro. I’m not afraid at all,” Powell said during the conversation. “Most overrated team in the NBA? I’m a say, just so I don’t have to eat the wings, bro, I’m a say the Lakers, bro. There you go.”

Powell’s answer is especially interesting because he is not speaking as an outside observer. He spent the 2025-26 season with the Miami Heat and averaged 21.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 58 games before earning his first All-Star selection.

His assessment also comes as the Lakers remain one of the NBA’s biggest draws despite falling short of the championship last season. Los Angeles went 53-29, won the Pacific Division and reached the Western Conference semifinals before Oklahoma City swept the Lakers.

Norman Powell’s Lakers Take Will Get Plenty Of Pushback

The Lakers still have Luka Doncic as their franchise centerpiece, and the roster has been reshaped around him heading into the new season. Los Angeles added several pieces during the offseason while keeping Austin Reaves and other key rotation players in place.

Dec 5, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (24) reacts after a basket against the Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

That makes Powell’s label subjective rather than obvious. Calling a team overrated depends on how much is expected from it, not simply whether it is good.

There is also a reason the Lakers attract those expectations. Few teams receive as much attention, and a roster led by Doncic naturally comes with championship pressure even before the season starts.

Powell’s answer suggests that pressure may be part of his point. He did not say the Lakers are bad. He said the expectations surrounding them may be higher than what the team has actually shown.

That distinction will likely keep the conversation going as the season approaches. Powell knew the answer would travel, and he gave it anyway.

Now the Lakers have a chance to answer on the court.

More NBA News:

Read full story at source