Lakers Focus on Roster Building Around Doncic
The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into a pivotal offseason with several objectives in mind. However, Rob Pelinka, the team president and general manager, emphasized that a key priority is to construct a roster that harmonizes with and supports their star guard, Luka Doncic.
Doncic had a standout 2025-26 season, solidifying his place among the league’s elite. Unfortunately, the Lakers were eliminated by the Thunder in the second round, and Doncic’s left hamstring strain on April 2 sidelined him for the entirety of the playoffs.
He finished as the league’s top scorer for the second time in three seasons and ranked fourth in MVP voting, which was ultimately won again by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder.
Last August, Doncic signed a three-year extension worth around $160.4 million, with annual salaries of $49.5 million for the upcoming season, $53.5 million in 2027-28, and a player option of $57.4 million for 2028-29. This move solidified his role as the team’s cornerstone.
With Doncic at the center of the Lakers’ plans, Pelinka mentioned there will be a collaborative approach to assembling next season’s roster.
“The prototype of the roster we envision will be tailored around Luka and his needs,” Pelinka stated. “He’s undoubtedly a player we want to guide us moving forward.”
If this rings a bell, it’s probably because Pelinka made similar assertions after the 2024-25 season, shortly after acquiring Doncic in a surprising trade.
“When you make a significant roster change, it’s like assembling a plane while it’s in the air. Now, we need to land it and really assess what adjustments are necessary,” Pelinka articulated on May 1, 2025. “That’s our aim.”
Since those remarks, the Lakers have made several moves, including re-signing Jackson Hayes and bringing in Jake Laravia on a two-year deal. They’ve also added Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, both on two-year deals with player options for the upcoming season.
In addition, Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin have been waived, while Dorian Finney-Smith transitioned to the Rockets, and Markieff Morris remains a free agent. These decisions are considered crucial as the Lakers aim to secure their first playoff series win in three years, yet they still fall short of being true contenders.
So, how does this offseason compare to the last one? It essentially begins with better resources to build the roster.
According to ESPN, the Lakers could have approximately $47 million in cap space, depending on the choices made by players like Austin Reeves, Ayton, and Smart, among others. This is a significant improvement over last year, where cap flexibility was limited.
On draft night, they also have the chance to trade three of their first-round picks, including the 25th pick in 2026 and picks in 2031 and 2033.
“We have various avenues to optimize our roster—whether through drafts, trades, or free agency,” Pelinka remarked. “We’re exploring all possible ways to enhance the team.”
However, just because they have more resources doesn’t guarantee a total overhaul of the roster. Both Ayton and Smart have a say in their futures, and players like Hayes share connections with Doncic (they have the same agent, Bill Duffy). The Lakers also value the contributions of Kennard and Hachimura, particularly in supporting Doncic’s gameplay.
Before any significant decisions regarding LeBron James and Reeves unfold, ensuring a roster that better fits Doncic remains a priority. This offseason may represent the Lakers’ best opportunity to build effectively since the trade.
