A lot of Los Angeles Lakers fans are hoping for major changes to the team’s roster this offseason so that it will become championship-caliber for next season. The Lakers certainly will have resources this summer, including but not limited to tens of millions of dollars of projected salary cap space and two future first-round draft picks they can trade.
But this year’s free agent market is tepid at best, and Los Angeles has multiple roster needs. Realistically, it may take multiple offseasons for the team to build a truly championship-caliber cast around Luka Doncic.
Sean Deveney wrote in a Heavy Sports article that fans hoping for big moves this offseason may be a bit disappointed in what actually takes place (h/t Lakers Daily).
“So, yes, the Lakers have cap space,” Deveney wrote. “But there are not that many free agents to bring in, and in the end, the feeling is that the Lakers will use their space as a facilitator to either acquire more assets or bring in a good role player.”
There has been lots of talk that L.A. will go after Giannis Antetokounmpo, whether it is the right thing to do or not. But Deveney wrote that the team is more likely to simply run it back.
“Yes, when it comes to the Lakers this summer, there will be chatter around the major trade chips that will be discussed–Donovan Mitchell, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, you name it. But around the league, the sense is that the Lakers like the players they have and could mostly bring back the key pieces to the 2025-26 roster.
“That means LeBron James (probably the biggest wildcard) and Austin Reaves stay put. It means that, if Rui Hachimura does not get a jaw-dropping offer, he could come back. Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard are maybes, depending on their offers. Bronny James and Jaxson Hayes? Probable. Same with Deandre Ayton, who might not opt out of his contract.”
But there is one type of addition the Lakers may make, and it is one that most feel is sorely needed.
“As one NBA executive said, ‘They’re going to find a big man, I think that is their line in the sand. That’s probably the big change there, it’s the thing they’ve been talking about for the last few years, really.’
“What’s the ceiling for something like that? Probably Jarrett Allen, who averaged 15.4 points and 8.5 rebounds this year in Cleveland, and is a solid defensive player in the middle. When it comes to the big guys the Lakers could conceivably acquire, Allen might be the best.
“It’s hard to see the Lakers bringing back James and Reaves and still going after, say, Jalen Duren of the Pistons. The math gets too sticky.”
Deveney noted that Daniel Gafford, Mitchell Robinson, Nic Claxton and Robert Williams III could be realistic targets for the Lakers. Bobby Marks of ESPN recently said he has heard buzz about the Lakers targeting Williams, who has a long history of injury problems but is a proven rebounder and shot-blocker.
The team also needs athletic two-way players at the wing and guard spots, but improving in that regard while also getting an upgrade at the 5 may not be realistic, at least not without letting one or two rotation players who are about to become free agents leave. The math won’t be easy for the Purple and Gold to work out, but there could be at least one real pathway for them to put a better team on the court next season.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Insider, NBA exec hint Lakers won’t make major changes this offseason
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
