After first round despair against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Lakers are back to the drawing board to get over the hump.
This can either become the beginning of Luka Dončić’s Laker era or a wasted championship window.
Securing Contracts
The Lakers have some decisions to make to turn their current team into a championship roster.
Their biggest problem concerns their star player, Doncic. Doncic can sign a three-year, $165M extension on August 2, 2025. Since he was traded mid-contract, he’s no longer eligible for the supermax.
This could cause Doncic to opt out and test free agency, which would be the worst-case scenario for the Lakers.
With the Lakers trading for Doncic, they want him to be the next face of the Lakers franchise.
With LeBron James turning 41 next season, you have to maximize his final chapter with Doncic as well. James also has a $52.6M player option this season, with a June 29 deadline.
James made the All-NBA Second Team this season with a lot to go in the tank, but he has made it clear there isn’t much time left.
Lastly, Reaves will be eligible for a contract extension on July 6th, and securing him to give Doncic a partner-in-crime will be crucial for the future. Reaves averaged 20.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 5.8 APG this season, and he performed well when James and Doncic were down with injury.
Healthy Luka
Even if they secure Doncic to a long-term extension, it will not matter if he’s not available on the court.
Doncic suffered a left calf strain on Christmas night against the Timberwolves, the same team that ended the Lakers’ season. The injury lingered with him throughout the season.
Despite the injury, Doncic still averaged 28.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG, and 7.5 APG with the Lakers. There were already concerns about Doncic’s weight in Dallas. If he isn’t healthy, then the Lakers’ championship chances will be very slim.
Upgrading Frontcourt
Seeing how the Timberwolves ended the Lakers’ season, it is evident that the Lakers are desperate to bring a center to Los Angeles.
Losing Anthony Davis was a huge blow to the Lakers’ defense. Jaxson Hayes ended up being the starting center after the trade. He was benched against Minnesota.
The Lakers have been actively looking for Hayes’ replacement. Mark Williams was initially set to become the Lakers’ starting center, but due to a failed physical, the trade was rescinded.
Now, with the offseason approaching, there are a few names that have been linked to the Lakers. Nic Claxton, Walker Kessler, and Clint Capela are all centers whom the Lakers could target.
Each center answers the Lakers’ problems with rim protecting, giving Doncic a lob threat, and some bring playoff experience.
As the Lakers are going into a new transition outside of LeBron James. They have to hit the ball out of the park to avoid wasting trading Anthony Davis, LeBron James leaving to retire, and potentially losing Luka Doncic in free agency.
This offseason is crucial for the Lakers’ potential championship window.
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