Here’s a look at the Lakers during the offseason:
Luka Doncic
Statistics: 33.5 ppg, 8.3 apg, 7.7 RPG
Contract Status: 2026-27: $49.5 million; 2027-28: $53.5 million; 2028-29: $57.4 million player option.
Overview: Doncic showed he’s among the elite players in the league but missed out on the playoffs due to a hamstring injury. He clinched the scoring title for a second time, making him the first Lakers player to achieve this since Kobe Bryant in the 2006-07 season. This season also marked his sixth All-NBA First Team selection in eight years.
LeBron James
Statistics: 20.9 ppg, 7.2 apg, 6.1 RPG
Contract Status: Unrestricted free agent
Overview: James continued to redefine the aging athlete’s career in his 22nd season, where he was named an All-Star. He adapted to changes in the team’s offensive strategy and remained a key player, particularly in the first playoff round against the Rockets.
Austin Reeves
Statistics: 23.3 ppg, 5.5 apg, 4.7 RPG
Contract Status: 2026-27: $14.9 million player option.
Overview: Though injuries hindered Reeves during an otherwise impressive season, his return significantly bolstered the Lakers’ performance and helped them regain momentum against the Thunder. His upcoming contract could reflect his rise, likely resulting in a substantial increase.
Deandre Ayton
Statistics: 12.5 ppg, 8 RPG, 1 bpg
Contract Status: 2026-27: $8.1 million player option.
Overview: Ayton’s performance in the playoffs mirrored his season overall. He demonstrated two-way capabilities in the first round but struggled against the Thunder, sometimes being more of a liability than an asset.
Marcus Smart
Statistics: 9.3 ppg, 3 apg, 1.4 spg
Contract Status: 2026-27: $5.4 million player option.
Overview: Smart served as a passionate motivator and key player for the Lakers this season, contributing positively after his notable stints with the Grizzlies and Wizards.
Rui Hachimura
Statistics: 11.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg
Contract Status: Unrestricted free agent
Overview: Hachimura’s development as a shooter was evident, with him achieving personal bests in career three-pointers and postseason scoring. He elevated his game at critical moments.
Jake LaRavia
Statistics: 8.2 ppg, 4 RPG
Contract Status: 2026-27: $6 million.
Overview: LaRavia made a noteworthy impact during his time with the Lakers, playing all 82 regular-season games. However, his three-point shooting efficiency dropped, affecting his performance in the playoffs.
Luke Kennard
Statistics: 8.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.2 apg
Contract Status: Unrestricted free agent
Overview: Kennard led the league in three-point shooting percentage, illustrating that his impact goes beyond just numbers, especially after being acquired during the season.
Jackson Hayes
Statistics: 7.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg
Contract Status: Unrestricted free agent
Overview: Hayes recorded his most effective scoring season to date, showcasing efficiency and improving his game in areas like screening, making him an appealing option off the bench.
Jared Vanderbilt
Statistics: 4.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Contract Status: 2026-27: $12.4 million; 2027-28: $13.3 million player option.
Overview: Vanderbilt expressed a desire to increase his corner shooting, although results were inconsistent. His finishing at the rim remains a challenge, affecting his court time.
Maxi Kleber
Statistics: 2 ppg, 2 rpg
Contract Status: Unrestricted free agent
Overview: Health issues limited Kleber’s impact, and he faced challenges in maintaining his place in the rotation.
Nick Smith Jr.
Statistics: 6.2 ppg
Contract Status: 2026-27: $2.5 million team option.
Overview: After transitioning from a two-way contract, Smith’s season saw ups and downs, highlighted by a standout game against the Trail Blazers.
Bronny James
Statistics: 2.9 ppg, 1.2 apg
Contract Status: 2026-27: $2.3 million; 2027-28: $2.5 million team option.
Overview: The younger James gained playing time towards the end of the season, showing improvement in both defense and shooting elements.
Dalton Knecht
Statistics: 4.2 ppg, 1.1 rpg
Contract Status: 2026-27: $4.2 million; 2027-28: $6.5 million team option.
Overview: Knecht’s limitations in non-scoring aspects prevented him from becoming a more significant contributor since being drafted.
Adu Tierro
Statistics: 1.9 ppg, 1.1 rpg
Contract Status: 2026-27: $2.2 million; 2027-28: $2.5 million team option.
Overview: Tierro began the season recovering from knee surgery but regained traction by the playoffs, displaying potential despite areas needing improvement.
JJ Redick
Contract Status: Contracted until the 2029-30 season.
Overview: Redick has led the Lakers to consecutive seasons with 50 wins, including achieving 53 wins in 2025-26, the franchise’s highest total since 2010-11.
