There are going to be critical moves made during the Lakers’ offseason.
After losing in the first round of the NBA Playoffs to Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves, it’s safe to say this season was somewhat of a disappointment for the Los Angeles Lakers. Their lack of size in the interior spelled their doom. Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert dominated the paint the entire series.
Even though JJ Redick suffered a first-round exit, he shined during his first season on the sideline. He adjusted well to the midseason, landscape-shifting trade between the Lakers and Mavericks; that trade extended their championship window for the next decade by adding Luka Dončić. The five-time All-Star is fully settled in Los Angeles after an emotional whirlwind from February to April.
Now that the season is over, the Lakers have an opportunity to assess the assets they have at their disposal. Given the star power on the roster and usual lofty expectations for the franchise, this offseason will prove pivotal for LA.
Assessing the Situation
General Manager Rob Pelinka and Redick addressed the media on the morning of May 1. Pelinka opened by addressing the struggles with their current roster. He also expressed the front office’s excitement about surrounding Dončić with an improved supporting cast for the future.
“I think it’s important to recognize this team finished third in an incredibly tough Western Conference,” said Pelinka. “ When you commit a seismic trade at the deadline, [it affects] the roster and the building around it. It’s kind of like trying to build an airplane in the sky. Now we get a chance to land that plane, put it in the hangar, and retrofit the things we need to change.”
Regardless of their early exit, Pelinka has done an excellent job laying the groundwork for the future. LA’s front office seemingly remains in good spirits heading into the offseason. Pelinka is very excited about Dončić’s future in Los Angeles and clarified that he intends to improve the roster by any means necessary, now that they have a 26-year-old phenom to lead their franchise into the future.
Championship Expectations
Now that the post-LeBron foundation is set, Pelinka can focus on fortifying the roster for the future. The Lakers’ offseason work starts by improving their frontcourt depth.
“When you trade your starting center for a point guard, of course, that’s going to create significant issues with the roster,” said Pelinka. “We saw some of those this playoffs, and we know this offseason one of our primary goals is going to be to add size in our frontcourt at the center position, and that’s just going to be a part of the equation.”
Pelinka’s verbiage foreshadows an extremely active offseason to resolve their roster issues. Dončić and Reaves have proven to be defensive liabilities after playing 32 games together. Unless Pelinka signs a prominent player this summer, Reaves will be Dončić’s co-star for the foreseeable future, so defensive-minded role players will be at the top of their list in free agency.
According to TeamRankings.com, the Lakers allowed their opponents to score 49.3 points per game in the post. Protecting the paint is undoubtedly their most significant weakness, and winning a championship in the ‘Luka era’ will be impossible without a solidified big man. A player of his caliber is expected to win a ring before he retires, and now that he’s a Laker, that expectation has increased exponentially, given the franchise’s illustrious history.
Closing Their Biggest Hole
Free agency will present many affordable options at the center position, but according to prominent Lakers Insider Jovan Buha, the Lakers already have two names in mind: Nicolas Claxton and Daniel Gafford.
Claxton is their primary target after shining in Brooklyn for the Nets the last four seasons. The Nets signed him to a four-year extension worth $97 million before this season. Given his recent signing, the Lakers would have to trade for him, but the 23-year-old would be a perfect fit with his defensive versatility. He averaged 10.4 points and 7.3 rebounds last season and is expected to make a big leap heading into year seven.
If not Claxton, Gafford is a solid back-up plan given his shot selection and rebounding. He will have many offers after the Dallas Mavericks’ struggles this season and his contract is team-friendly, earning $13 million per-year contract. The 26-year-old averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting a remarkable 70% from the field across 57 games.
Looking Over The Horizon
The front office has $59 million in cap space to work with this summer. That means Pelinka has the funds to sign a permissible center for next year, ensuring the Lakers go deeper in the postseason than they did this year. Other teams are aware of the Lakers’ lack of size, as they consistently attacked the paint in games. However, if a hindered Lakers team can finish 20-12 post-trade deadline, they’re only a few pieces away from becoming legitimate contenders in the West.
Pelinka could aim for the moon and try to trade for another superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo, who suffered a first-round elimination against the Indiana Pacers. Another star-sized contract will not be easy to manage though. Dončić is due for a big payday next summer, and the Lakers will prioritize him above everyone else.
If they cannot sign a star this summer, 2026 free agency will feature multiple stars as Unrestricted Free Agents, including Jaren Jackson Jr., Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and De’Aaron Fox. It’s evident the Lakers’ brass have big plans for this team, and fans should prepare for whatever comes next.
Leave a comment