Lakers' Offseason Overhaul: Doncic Era Begins as James' Future Looms & New Ownership Takes Charge

Lakers Navigate Offseason Crossroads After Transformative Year

Following a season of significant change for the Los Angeles Lakers, highlighted by the arrival of superstar Luka Doncic but culminating in a disappointing first-round playoff exit, the franchise faces critical questions about its future.

Key issues include the search for a starting center to complement Doncic, the potential retirement of LeBron James, and the need for enhanced two-way talent to compete with top teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder. The second year of the JJ Redick era also adds intrigue.

Amid these on-court concerns, a seismic shift occurred off the court: the Buss family agreed to sell a majority ownership stake to businessman Mark Walter for a reported $10 billion. While Jeanie Buss will remain governor and oversee team operations, roster adjustments are crucial for the Lakers to contend next season.

The Lakers' current standing is a matter of perspective. On one hand, they achieved 50 wins in Redick's inaugural season and secured the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. The midseason acquisition of Doncic proved successful, as he integrated well with existing stars James and Austin Reaves, despite limited practice time due to a calf strain.

Conversely, the Lakers suffered a first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Coach Redick benched Jaxson Hayes in the series' final game, highlighting concerns about the fit of the team's core pieces.

Doncic and Reaves are known defensive liabilities with overlapping offensive styles. Additionally, James, entering his 23rd season, may experience performance decline, potentially impacting his availability.

Rob Pelinka, Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager, indicated an active offseason.

"There is going to be a lot of movement around the NBA. It just feels that way," Pelinka stated. "There's just so many aggressive leaders and organizations that are expecting now success. So, I think there will be a lot of opportunities for us to look at. I really do. I'm excited about the offseason, and what will come our way."

The early activity in the NBA supports Pelinka's prediction, with multiple trades occurring even during the NBA Finals.

The Lakers were linked to a deal involving Mark Williams, who was traded to Phoenix. However, their assets to improve the team this summer are limited.

Their primary mechanism in free agency is projected to be the taxpayer midlevel exception, valued at $5.7 million, assuming James exercises his $52.6 million player option.

On the trade front, Dalton Knecht and the Lakers' 2031 first-round pick remain valuable assets. Expiring contracts of Rui Hachimura ($18.3 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million), and Maxi Kleber ($11 million) could also be utilized in the search for a center.

Pelinka affirmed that Reaves would not be traded, emphasizing confidence in the core of Reaves, James, and Doncic.

"The level of confidence in Austin Reaves, LeBron James and Luca Doncic is at an all-time high still," Pelinka said. "I think those three guys have incredible promise playing together. And we will collectively do a better job to make sure they're surrounded with the right pieces to have ultimate success."

Rumors have connected the Lakers to potential trades involving Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz and Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat.

Kessler was previously considered by the Lakers, but Utah's asking price of multiple first-round picks proved prohibitive. The 23-year-old center averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks last season.

Other potential center targets include Onyeka Okongwu of the Atlanta Hawks, Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets, and Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers. Free agent options include veterans Clint Capela, Al Horford, and Brook Lopez.

The Lakers acquired Arkansas forward Adou Thiero with the No. 36 pick in the draft, trading up to secure him.

Pelinka compared Thiero to OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks, citing his athletic profile.

Meanwhile, James is expected to opt into his $52.6 million player option.

After recovering from a Grade 2 MCL sprain, James has resumed on-court basketball activities. He has also been training with his son, Bronny James. Despite previous considerations of retirement, James is reportedly not approaching next season with certainty that it will be his last.

Reaves declined the Lakers' four-year, $89.2 million offer, a move that was anticipated. He is eligible for a larger extension in 2026.

Dorian Finney-Smith has a player option for $15.4 million and is extension-eligible.

The decision by Finney-Smith could significantly impact the Lakers' options. His departure would open up the full midlevel exception of $14.1 million, allowing them to pursue multiple free agents.

Then there is Doncic, L.A.'s 26-year-old superstar and the future face of the franchise.

On Aug. 2, the Lakers can offer Doncic a four-year, $229 million extension.

A source close to Doncic indicated that Walter's purchase was viewed positively, citing Walter's track record of winning.

Doncic remains motivated by the Mavericks' handling of his trade and the Lakers' playoff exit. He has committed to an offseason training and nutrition program.

Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean will serve as an assistant coach with the Slovenian national team, providing a direct link to Doncic during the FIBA EuroBasket tournament.

The Lakers have a potential star in Doncic, a promising coach in Redick, and a wealthy owner in Walter, but significant work remains to maximize their current window of opportunity, especially with James nearing the end of his career.

"We're going to turn over every stone and whatever resources the collective bargaining agreement gives us, we're going to use to the utmost," Pelinka said. "We won't rest until we get it right."