Lakers Engage in Roster Overhaul
The Lakers are in the midst of a significant roster transformation.
Recently, they traded Deandre Ayton to the Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks from Washington (2031 and 2032). This move not only aids in their rebuilding efforts but also highlights other needs for the team.
Ayton will don a new jersey next season, joining the likes of LeBron James (team still undecided), Marcus Smart (Rockets), Luke Kennard (Suns), and Jackson Hayes (Jazz) as members of the Lakers’ 2025-26 lineup.
Moreover, Rui Hachimura, a 6-foot-8 forward still on the market, has piqued the interest of several teams. The chances are slim that the Lakers will retain the players who featured in their first five playoff games against the Rockets (Smart, Kennard, James, Hachimura, and Ayton).
With two roster spots open, four tradeable draft picks, and enhanced financial flexibility, the Lakers are poised to tackle the evident gaps on their roster.
- Potential additions include:
- Walker Kessler (four years, $130 million)
- Quentin Grimes (four years, $60 million)
- Sandro Mamukelashvili (four years, $52 million)
- Collin Sexton (two years, $19 million)
- Hardy (two years, $12 million)
They have also re-signed Austin Reeves (four years, $185 million) and inked a rookie deal with Cameron Carr, the No. 24 draft pick, for four years at $16.8 million, just yesterday.
Identifying Team Needs
The Lakers are looking for a skilled big man behind Kessler, ideally, someone defensively-minded to pair with Kessler, Luka Doncic, Austin Reeves, and possibly Grimes.
Currently, the roster leans heavily towards guards and backcourt players, featuring Doncic, Reaves, Grimes, Sexton, Hardy, Carr, and Bronny James. Interestingly, Doncic, Grimes, and Carr are versatile enough to play wing or forward roles.
Only Kessler, who stands at 7-foot-2, exceeds 6-foot-10 on the roster, while players like Mamukelashvili, Dalton Knecht, Jake Larabia, Adu Tierro, and Jared Vanderbilt fall between 6-foot-6 and 6-foot-9.
Targets and Considerations
It’s somewhat ironic that Ayton surpasses the current backup big man options available. Veteran center Kevon Looney is a free agent, and the Lakers may consider acquiring him.
Nick Richards, another unrestricted free agent, is entering his seventh NBA season. The Lakers might also eye Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas, who is in the last year of a three-year, $30.3 million deal.
From this list, Looney should be a priority for the Lakers due to his track record of contributing to wins and his reliability.
Moreover, Los Angeles had expressed interest in Andre Drummond for backup center, but he signed a contract with the Knicks. The Lakers still want to secure Jonathan Kuminga, who has drawn interest from other teams yet remains a key target.
There’s a possibility that Hachimura could stay with the team. However, with limited cap space left, they may need to let go of Hachimura’s rights to make necessary additions, which could ultimately allow him to sign elsewhere for more money.
Ziare Williams, a former Nets forward, is likely joining the Lakers, with Ochai Agbaji also being a strong consideration for the wing position.
Potential Moves Ahead
The Lakers hold three tradeable second-round picks (two from the Wizards, plus their own in 2033) and a potential swap for a 2032 first-round pick that could factor into upcoming trades.
They might explore adding a pick to a player like Vanderbilt to enhance financial leeway and create roster space.
Additionally, these picks could be used to acquire players ready to make an immediate impact.
Once LeBron makes his decision about the next stage of his career, the Lakers will have to consider whether to keep Bronny on the roster or trade him to the same team LeBron chooses.
