Lakers’ Offseason Dilemmas Leave Fans Disappointed
The anticipation was palpable. It all began when the Lakers brought Luka Doncic into the fold back in February 2025. This roster was thought to be on the brink of greatness, potentially leading the team back to its former NBA glory.
This optimistic mood swelled further when Mark Walter’s ownership group, known for building the Dodgers into three-time World Series champions, took over the franchise. And then, of course, LeBron James announced that his epic eight-year run with the Lakers was over.
All eyes turned to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. What master plan was he cooking up, especially after the team triumphantly claimed the championship in the summer of 2026?
As it turned out, the response was underwhelming.
Instead of the anticipated cheers, the air was filled with groans. Rather than constructing a competitive squad to rival teams like the Spurs and Thunder, Pelinka seemed to craft a roster that underperformed compared to last season.
It looked like he was attempting to recreate the success of the 2023-2024 Mavericks, who had Doncic flanked by capable ball handlers and athletic wings. However, this attempt felt misguided.
The Lakers paid an eye-watering price for center Walker Kessler, inking him to a four-year, $130 million deal, complete with a player option for the final year. In the sign-and-trade with the Jazz, they surrendered unprotected first-round picks for 2031 and 2033, along with additional picks in 2028 and 2030.
While Kessler is indeed the defensive presence they needed, one has to wonder—was this steep cost justifiable? The Lakers now lack a tradeable first-round pick for the next seven years.
Yes, seven years.
The team also picked up notable offensive talents like Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton. Yet, the losses in free agency raise eyebrows.
LeBron James, often hailed as the greatest player, is still capable at age 41. He could very well singlehandedly clinch victories for the Lakers. The team also parted ways with Marcus Smart, their fiercest defender, and Luke Kennard, the top three-point shooter.
Now, aside from Kessler, the roster lacks a strong defender. Overall depth seems thin, which is troubling.
Entering free agency, the Lakers had about $50 million in cap space, the most in the league, yet they failed to capitalize on it. Their current lineup is unlikely to surpass last year’s performance in the playoffs, and they’ve squandered valuable draft resources.
Instead of an incredible offseason, the Lakers seem to be fading. True, they’ve gotten younger—Austin Reeves is now the oldest player at 28—but they seem less talented. Their financial commitment to Doncic, Reeves, and Kessler amounts to a staggering $480 million.
The offseason isn’t over yet. Rumors swirl about interest in Jonathan Kuminga, whose $24.3 million option was declined by the Hawks. If changes are coming, they better be decisive.
It’s clear that Pelinka’s moves haven’t sparked excitement. Competing in the highly competitive Western Conference seems improbable. They are hamstrung by hefty contracts and are missing essential draft assets, plus their defensive line appears vulnerable.
Meanwhile, Doncic is undoubtedly keeping a close eye on all this. At his peak, he’s not likely to tolerate a lack of competitiveness for long. Although he’s expressed a desire to spend his entire career with the Mavericks, the Lakers haven’t offered him the same assurances.
This summer was meant to be a triumph for Pelinka—a showcase of his capabilities. A chance to prove his strategic prowess. He needs to show that any drafting missteps were just blips on the radar and that acquiring Doncic, a slam dunk, secures the franchise’s future.
Time will tell, but this may be a pivotal moment for him. The Lakers entered this offseason with an array of tools to craft a championship-caliber team. There was some genuine excitement buzzing in the air. Yet, instead of instilling fear in their opponents, they’ve constructed a roster that barely raises eyebrows.
So much for the summer of 2026. Lakers fans, brace yourselves for a potentially long and uncomfortable winter.
