Following a season of significant transformation yet ultimately disappointing playoff performance for the Los Angeles Lakers, despite acquiring superstar Luka Doncic, serious questions emerged about the team`s path forward. Key uncertainties included finding a reliable starting center after failed trade attempts and playoff benchings, determining LeBron James` future, and adding more versatile, two-way players to compete with top teams like the champion Oklahoma City Thunder. The expected progression of the JJ Redick coaching era was also on everyone`s mind.
Unexpected Ownership Shift
The most surprising development, however, was something entirely unforeseen: the Buss family, long-time owners since 1979, agreed to sell a majority stake in the franchise to businessman Mark Walter in a deal valuing the team at an estimated $10 billion. While Walter`s statement confirmed Jeanie Buss would remain governor overseeing day-to-day operations, the sale signals a new era, and substantial roster changes are widely seen as necessary for the Lakers to become a true contender next season.
Evaluating the Starting Point
Assessing the Lakers` current position heading into free agency yields mixed perspectives. On one hand, the team won 50 games and secured the No. 3 seed in Redick`s debut season. The midseason acquisition of Doncic integrated relatively well with existing stars James and Austin Reaves, despite Doncic dealing with a calf strain and limited practice time.
Conversely, their season ended prematurely with a first-round playoff loss to the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. By the end of that series, coaching staff appeared to lose confidence in the starting center position. Furthermore, the on-court fit of the team`s principal players isn`t perfect; Doncic and Reaves face defensive challenges and occasional offensive overlap, while James, entering his 23rd season at age 41, presents natural concerns regarding durability and potential statistical regression.
Lakers President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka predicted an active summer following the playoff exit, stating, “There is going to be a lot of movement around the NBA. It just feels that way… I`m excited about the offseason, and what will come our way.”
Offseason Moves and Limited Assets
Pelinka`s prediction proved accurate, with several major trades occurring even during the NBA Finals. Despite this league-wide activity, the Lakers have remained largely on the periphery. While they were previously linked to center Mark Williams, he was ultimately traded to Phoenix in a deal similar to one the Lakers had reportedly offered earlier. Without a first-round pick in this year`s draft due to previous trades, the Lakers were spectators during the initial draft night action.
The team`s flexibility to significantly upgrade the roster is limited. Their primary tool in free agency is projected to be the taxpayer midlevel exception, worth about $5.7 million, largely because LeBron James is expected to opt into the final year of his contract worth $52.6 million. Trade assets include promising young player Dalton Knecht, the 2031 first-round pick, and expiring contracts like Rui Hachimura ($18.3M), Gabe Vincent ($11.5M), and Maxi Kleber ($11M), primarily used in pursuit of a center.
Pelinka has publicly affirmed Austin Reaves is not available for trade, emphasizing high confidence in the core trio of Reaves, James, and Doncic and the team`s commitment to building a supporting cast around them. Despite this, rumors linking the Lakers to players like Utah`s Walker Kessler and Miami`s Andrew Wiggins have surfaced, although reports suggest representatives for current Lakers players potentially involved were not contacted, indicating those deals may not have been close.
Targeting a Center and Role Players
The search for a starting center remains a priority. The Lakers had inquired about Kessler previously but found Utah`s asking price too high. Kessler`s youth, statistical production (especially rebounding and blocks), relatively low salary, and future contract flexibility make him an attractive target. Other centers the Lakers have considered internally include Onyeka Okongwu, Nic Claxton, and Robert Williams III, while potential free agent targets mentioned are veterans Clint Capela, Al Horford, and Brook Lopez.
Beyond the core and a potential starting center, the rest of the roster will likely be filled with players signed to veteran minimum contracts. In the second round of the draft, the Lakers traded up to select forward Adou Thiero, whom Pelinka described as potentially fitting the “archetype” of a versatile defender like OG Anunoby.
Key Player Decisions: LeBron, Reaves, and Finney-Smith
LeBron James is expected to opt in, but sources suggest he is not entering the season with a predetermined plan for it to be his last, having recently returned to on-court activities after injury and training with his son Bronny.
Austin Reaves` situation is also notable. He declined a four-year, $89.2 million extension offer, an expected move. While he is eligible for a larger extension in 2026 or could become an unrestricted free agent then seeking a maximum deal, both Reaves and the Lakers are reportedly motivated to work out a long-term agreement next summer.
Dorian Finney-Smith`s decision regarding his $15.4 million player option is crucial. He has a window to opt out or negotiate an extension before free agency begins. Opting out would allow the Lakers access to the full non-taxpayer midlevel exception ($14.1 million), providing more flexibility to sign multiple free agents or absorb salary in a trade. However, it would also mean losing a trusted player for the assets used to acquire him. Sources indicate Finney-Smith is interested in staying but might seek a multiyear deal elsewhere if opting in is the only path to remain with Los Angeles.
Luka Doncic: The Franchise Cornerstone
At 26, Luka Doncic is clearly the future face of the Lakers franchise. In August, the Lakers are eligible to offer him a significant contract extension, potentially a four-year deal worth $229 million or a three-year deal setting him up for an even larger max contract later. There are no indications of any desire for a split; a source close to Doncic views the new ownership positively due to Mark Walter`s financial strength and history of pursuing success. Doncic is reportedly highly motivated by his time with his previous team and the Lakers` playoff exit, committing to an intensive offseason training regimen. He will also spend time working directly with Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean this summer while playing for the Slovenian national team.
Looking Ahead
With a new, wealthy owner, a promising young coach in Redick, and an ascending superstar in Doncic, the Lakers have foundational pieces for the future. However, significant work remains to build a roster capable of maximizing the current championship window, particularly given LeBron James` proximity to the end of his career. As Rob Pelinka stated, the organization is committed to using every available resource and “won`t rest until we get it right.”
