The Lakers’ season came to an abrupt and shocking conclusion as LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and company fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. Even more surprising than the earlier than expected exit was the fact that L.A. was expelled from the series in just five games—an outcome no one would have predicted before the playoffs began.
The series defeat marks the first time in Lakers’ franchise history that the team has lost a first round playoff series as the higher seed. L.A. has also lost in the first round in back-to-back seasons for the first time in 18 years. So, what can the Lakers do in the offseason in order to get back into championship contention in the 2025-26 season? Here’s three key moves that the team should prioritize.
Upgrade At Center
It became abundantly clear after the Lakers traded away Anthony Davis that they would end up having a glaring hole in their frontcourt. This resulted in them trying to trade for Hornets’ center Mark Williams at the trade deadline; however, that trade ended up falling through, leaving the Lakers unable to address their need for a big man until the offseason. The lack of rim protection and interior defense ultimately proved costly for L.A. in the series against Minnesota.
Once free agency begins, adding a high quality center should be the Lakers’ top priority. The 2025 free agent pool is expected to have multiple big name centers, including the likes of Myles Turner, Clint Capela, Brook Lopez and more. Of course, the Lakers could also decide to initiate a trade for a different center should they choose. Either way, upgrading in this area will be at the top of Rob Pelinka’s to-do list.
Build A Deeper Bench
Throughout the 2024-25 season, the Lakers’ were continually harbored by a lack of bench production. L.A. finished the season with the second-fewest bench points of any team in the league (only the Knicks had fewer). The Lakers’ absence of scoring off the bench played a direct role in their early playoff exit. Not a single player on the Lakers’ bench scored double-figures in any of their five playoff games. In the series-clinching game for the Timberwolves, L.A.’s bench combined for just four points in total.
In order to construct a solid bench, the Lakers will have to play it smart in free agency. With their two superstars taking up a significant portion of their cap space, L.A. will be forced to pursue cost-effective options in free agency that can help improve their overall depth. To make matters a bit more complicated, the Lakers do not have a first-round pick in 2025. As of right now, their only selection will come at the end of the second round at pick number 55.
Re-Sign Luka Doncic Long-Term
The only thing certain about the Lakers as of right now is that their long-term plans revolve around Luka Doncic. Doncic is poised to be the face of the team once LeBron James retires—the next up in a long line of superstars to play for the iconic franchise. Even while LeBron remains on the roster, L.A. will look to build a contender around the dynamic duo.
The bottom line is that Doncic is the centerpiece of the team’s immediate and long-term future. Therefore, extending the ex-Dallas Maverick should be of crucial importance. The Lakers will be able to extend Doncic to a four-year, $230 million deal as early as August 2nd.
