After finishing third in the West this past season and making it to the first round of the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers have big ambitions for the future. For as long as Luka Doncic and LeBron James are together, GM Rob Pelinka will build with urgency to win now, and it starts this summer in a pivotal offseason.
While options are limited in terms of what the Lakers can do, there are several options available to make some changes, either through a trade or in free agency. The priority will be finding a big man to replace Jaxson Hayes. Then, the Lakers will do whatever they can to fill out their bench with worthy role players.
With Luka Doncic and LeBron James expected to lead the way again, the Lakers should be in a position to contend in the West once again, but unless they begin this season with the proper adjustments (both internal and external), they will never reach their full potential. That's why everything hinges on this offseason and Rob Pelinka building an ideal rotation that looks something like the one below:
Point Guard: Luka Doncic
Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Luka Doncic made waves in his arrival in Los Angeles earlier this season. He was left in shock for weeks after the trade, but adjusted quickly on the court as the Lakers climbed the standings in the West. Now, the Lakers will get to experience their first offseason with Doncic, where they hope to develop a plan that will bring out his best.
The key for Doncic will be staying in shape throughout the season, but there's no question that he's one of the best in the league at his position. With averages of 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game in the 2024-25 campaign, he'll have full control of the offense going forward, and his presence alone elevates the Lakers' ceiling in the West.
Shooting Guard: Austin Reaves
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) moves the ball against Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Austin Reaves has been mixed in some trade rumors this summer, but the Lakers have made it clear that he's here to stay. The 27-year-old guard, who has four years of experience in the NBA, has become a fan favorite in Los Angeles, and he's the third most trusted offensive option behind Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Reaves is not quite an All-Star, but his scoring ability always makes an impact in games, and coach JJ Redick leaned on his offense many times throughout the season. In 73 games, he averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game on 46.0% shooting. He'll obviously play a major role in the rotation next season, and he may even take another leap in his NBA development.
Small Forward: LeBron James
Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after scoring three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
At 40 years old, LeBron James has never been closer to retirement, but reports indicate that he will almost surely return for his 23rd season. As a free agent, James is expected to re-sign with the Lakers for another season or two at the most, but his body is showing no signs of cracking after over two decades.
Despite stepping into a more sidekick role for his team, LeBron manages to stay effective on the court by tweaking his game, altering his approach, and using his intellect to outthink the opponent. After averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game on 51.3% shooting last season, LeBron is poised for another expert campaign, and the Lakers wouldn't want anyone else running the show.
Power Forward: Lauri Markkanen
Mar 17, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) shoots a technical free throw during the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
The Lakers are due for another major trade, and they still have the assets to make one last big move. With a package of Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and a 2031 first-round pick, the Lakers may be able to pry Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz, and it would be an unbelievable acquisition.
As a 7'0" versatile big man, Markkanen is exactly the type of player the Lakers need in the frontcourt. Besides size, youth, and strength, he brings a fierce commitment to playing both ends of the floor, and he could be the final piece that brings the Lakers over the top. In 47 games for the Jazz this season, Lauri averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game on 42.3% shooting.
Center: Mitchell Robinson
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) and center Mitchell Robinson (23) react after a play against the Boston Celtics in the second half during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
After trading for Lauri Markkanen, you might think the Lakers would have nothing left over, but it'd be just enough to make an upgrade at center. In our NBA trade idea, we suggested a deal based around Jarred Vanderbilt and two future pick swaps (2026, 2028) in exchange for the Knicks' Mitchell Robinson, who is only making $12.9 million next season.
Robinson is not known for being a consistent scorer, but he brings defense and rebounding to the frontcourt. Most importantly, he'd send Jaxson Hayes to the second unit and give the Lakers a proper center rotation. While Robinson was dealing with injuries this season, he still left his mark with averages of 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
With these five starting games, the Lakers will have the advantage in most matchups, but it doesn't end there. The Lakers would still have some help off the bench in the form of Dorian Finney-Smith, Bronny James, and Jaxson Hayes.
Getting this lineup together before opening night is a long shot for the Lakers, but still very possible as they look to make one last title run for LeBron James. At the very least, they'll be on the hunt for some big-name stars, like Lauri Markkanen, who can come in and help them win while giving them some stability for the future. As it stands, nothing is off the table for the Lakers, and they will spare no expense to give their star the best possible odds of winning the title.
