EuroLeague Coach Throws Shade at Struggling Lakers

Panathinaikos' Ergin Ataman claims Valencia could beat the Lakers right now

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:13am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of purple, gold, and blue, capturing the tension and uncertainty surrounding the Lakers' current state.A cubist interpretation of the Lakers' struggles against international competition, as perceived by a EuroLeague coach.Los Angeles Today

Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman made a bold claim that even if Valencia Basket played against the Los Angeles Lakers, they could beat them with their current style of play. The Lakers have been struggling lately, dealing with injuries to key players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and are in danger of falling out of the top four seeds in the Western Conference.

Why it matters

The Lakers are a storied NBA franchise, and Ataman's comments are seen as a stinging rebuke of their current struggles. As the Lakers try to maintain their playoff positioning, these types of comments from overseas coaches add to the pressure and frustration the team is facing.

The details

Following Valencia Basket's 102-84 win over Panathinaikos in Turkish Airlines EuroLeague play, Ataman made the surprising statement that he believes Valencia could beat the Lakers if the two teams faced off right now. The Lakers have been dealing with injuries and are in the midst of a three-game losing streak, putting their top-four seed in the Western Conference in jeopardy.

  • The Lakers' current record is 50-29.
  • The Lakers lost to Valencia Basket 102-84 in EuroLeague play on April 9, 2026.

The players

Ergin Ataman

The head coach of the Panathinaikos basketball team in the EuroLeague.

Luka Doncic

A star player for the Los Angeles Lakers who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Austin Reaves

A key player for the Los Angeles Lakers who is also dealing with an injury.

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What they’re saying

“Tonight, I believe that even if Valencia played against the Los Angeles Lakers, with this basketball they could beat them.”

— Ergin Ataman, Head Coach, Panathinaikos

What’s next

The Lakers will need to find a way to get healthy and regain their form if they want to avoid falling out of the top four seeds in the Western Conference and make a deep playoff run.

The takeaway

Ataman's comments highlight the Lakers' current struggles and the perception that even non-NBA teams could potentially beat them in their current state. This adds to the pressure the Lakers face as they try to turn things around and secure a favorable playoff position.