The strategic direction for the Los Angeles Lakers became evident on February 8th. On this date, the team chose not to finalize their second significant trade of the deadline period, a planned acquisition involving Mark Williams, due to health concerns identified during his medical evaluation. Had their sole objective been to vigorously compete for the 2025 NBA championship, they likely would have proceeded with the trade for the Charlotte player regardless. Despite any perceived limitations Williams might have, his absence arguably represents the most substantial factor in the Lakers` recent first-round elimination by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Beyond the obvious need for a center, the depth of the roster was so limited that coach JJ Redick, in Game 4, became the first head coach in recorded history to utilize the identical five-man lineup for an entire half of a playoff game. His trust was confined to five players, so he deployed only those five. The team simply needed one additional reliable and playable individual.
The Lakers were acutely aware of their roster`s deficiencies back in February. This understanding is precisely why they moved swiftly to acquire Williams initially. However, his medical issues forced a critical decision. The trade deadline had passed, eliminating other immediate avenues for adding an impact player. They faced a choice: either acquire Williams, prioritize immediate contention and address future concerns later, or concede the 2025 season, retain their assets, and plan for subsequent opportunities. The priority had to be defined: present success or future building.
This fundamental choice was somewhat obscured by the team`s early success with Luka Dončić. For a brief period, it genuinely seemed plausible that the Lakers might achieve a deep playoff run without expending the assets needed for the upcoming offseason. The Timberwolves series served as a stark reminder of why that scenario was ultimately unrealistic. The regular season often favors overall team strength, while the playoffs ruthlessly expose weaknesses. Attempting to completely reshape a roster mid-season in February makes it exceedingly difficult to effectively mitigate those deficiencies by April and May. Perhaps the Lakers could have navigated this if they had prioritized immediate results. But they did not. Their actions explicitly favored the future.
Consequently, that future is now upon them. While the Lakers are unlikely to claim the 2025 championship, they possess the foundational elements of a team potentially capable of achieving that goal in 2026. Their roster includes one of the NBA`s premier current players in Dončić and one of the sport`s all-time greats in LeBron James. Securing star power is often the most challenging aspect, and they have it. They might even have a potential third star in Austin Reaves. What they currently lack is the versatility and depth that proved decisive for Minnesota in their series victory. Finding these missing pieces will be the primary focus over the next few months. Here is an outline of their probable approach:
Asset Evaluation and Roster Needs
Presently, the Lakers are committed to slightly over $121.2 million in guaranteed salaries for nine players for the next season. This group includes Luka Dončić, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, Shake Milton, and Bronny James. A tenth player, Jordan Goodwin, holds a non-guaranteed minimum contract for the upcoming season and is highly probable to return at approximately $2.3 million. With no further signings, this setup places the Lakers roughly $30 million below the projected salary cap and $65 million below the luxury tax threshold. More significantly, they would have approximately $73 million in space below the projected $195.9 million first apron and around $85 million below the projected $207.8 million second apron. Naturally, two critical player situations remain to be addressed.
The first is Dorian Finney-Smith, acquired in an earlier trade. He possesses a player option valued at $15.4 million. The Lakers would ideally like him back at this figure. He is presumably open to staying, but likely seeks greater long-term security. Depending on the Lakers` strategic goals regarding the salary cap, they could either offer him an extension based on the $15.4 million figure or, if needing more financial flexibility this season, potentially ask him to decline his option and accept slightly less money this year in exchange for more in future years. A long-term agreement is anticipated either way.
The second situation, involving LeBron James, is far more impactful. Similar to Finney-Smith, James holds a player option, significantly more expensive at approximately $52.6 million. If he opts in at this amount, the Lakers would not object. If he chooses to opt out and re-sign for his slightly higher maximum salary, again, the Lakers would be agreeable. However, their preferred scenario is for James to accept a lower salary, freeing up funds to facilitate roster enhancements.
Recall that he demonstrated a willingness to do so last year. While the exact amount was undisclosed, the concept was to generate sufficient cap space to either utilize the non-taxpayer mid-level exception or acquire a player via a sign-and-trade agreement. This would have entailed sacrificing between $15 million and $20 million. The Lakers leveraged this flexibility to pursue Klay Thompson but were unsuccessful, leading James to sign for close to the maximum. Assuming he is willing to do this again, what sort of contract might he sign?
Predicting with certainty is difficult, especially without knowing the Lakers` trade market activity, but here`s a preliminary estimate assuming no major salary additions or subtractions via trade. If Finney-Smith opts in, the total guaranteed salary would be around $138.9 million. Next, factor in $14.1 million, the projected non-taxpayer mid-level exception, earmarked for a significant free-agent signing, plus an additional $10 million to complete the roster in July and maintain some in-season flexibility for 10-day contracts or minor trades. This cumulative total brings the Lakers` salaries to approximately $158.9 million, leaving roughly $37 million in salary space below the first apron for James. This represents a $15 million reduction from his player option, aligning well within the previously discussed range.
If this framework is generally acceptable to James, the Lakers will likely structure their offseason maneuvers similarly to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2023. James Harden reportedly instructed the 76ers to make their planned roster moves and then allocate him `whatever is left over.` This approach would grant the Lakers maximum flexibility in navigating their offseason transactions. They could execute desired trades, sign free agents, and subsequently compensate LeBron with the remaining funds below whichever salary apron they are operating under. If they aim to sign a non-taxpayer mid-level free agent, they would need to remain below the first apron.
Excluding a few improbable scenarios discussed later, it is safe to assume that Dončić, James, and Reaves are considered foundational, effectively untradeable. Finney-Smith`s option provides him with negotiating power, suggesting he would only be traded if he consented. Thus, assume he stays. Hachimura presents the most challenging asset among the remaining players to trade, but his salary of approximately $18 million makes him useful for salary matching in certain deals. More likely, the Lakers will attempt to utilize the expiring contracts of Kleber ($11 million) and Vincent ($11.5 million) as salary filler in any trades. While they would prefer to move Vanderbilt ($11.6 million) instead of Vincent due to Vanderbilt having three years left on his contract, he will be more difficult to relocate. Knecht ($4 million) is another potential trade asset.
Regarding draft capital, the Lakers possess their unprotected 2031 first-round pick, which they can trade outright. They are also able to offer swap rights on their first-round picks in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032. Furthermore, the 2027 first-round pick owed to the Jazz is protected for the top four selections and does not extend to future years. Consequently, they can include their 2027 pick in trades with the condition that the acquiring team receives it only if it falls within the top four.
Having reviewed the Lakers` assets and salary obligations, the next step is to identify their acquisition targets. From an immediate basketball perspective, they have two primary needs. The first is a center, any capable center. The upcoming offseason appears promising for finding centers on the trade market, which aligns well given the relatively limited free-agent market at that position, with one notable exception. The second requirement is a guard with defensive capabilities. While Finney-Smith can defend larger forwards, the Lakers demonstrated an inability to contain dynamic guards like Anthony Edwards. Conveniently, this free-agent class is considered strong for defensive-minded perimeter players. However, as learned with Vanderbilt, this defender must possess sufficient offensive ability to remain effective on the court during playoff competition.
Finally, it is important to acknowledge the inherent reality: these are the Lakers. They will inevitably explore opportunities for any available star players. James provides star power for the foreseeable future, and Reaves holds potential All-Star aspirations, but the team currently lacks an obvious long-term co-star for Dončić. Acquiring one, either imminently or in the future, will remain a significant consideration.
With this context established, let`s examine potential targets.
Potential Center Trade Targets
The initial call from the Lakers should undoubtedly be directed to the Milwaukee Bucks regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo. The offer should encompass everything except Dončić and James – Reaves, draft picks, other players, whatever is necessary. While the response will likely be negative, making the inquiry is essential. This is characteristic of the Lakers, and historically, they have demonstrated a notable degree of success in pursuing such ambitious opportunities, as seen with Dončić.
The subsequent call is also likely to be declined but represents a slightly more realistic scenario: Jaren Jackson Jr. His situation is somewhat unusual. If he earns All-NBA honors, he is expected to re-sign with Memphis for a supermax contract. If he does not, the Grizzlies will require salary cap flexibility to renegotiate and extend his contract. While they have created some cap space, it is currently uncertain if it will be adequate. Jackson`s situation is fluid. Should he not sign an extension, it might simply mean he is waiting until the following summer when he can do so with full Bird Rights. Alternatively, it could indicate his intention to depart.
This is where player tampering demonstrably and unequivocally does not occur (though in reality, it often subtly does). If Jackson desires to join the Lakers, the team will become aware of it. Given the Lakers` potential to generate maximum cap space in 2026, they could pose a threat to sign him outright if he wishes to come. This strategy was partly instrumental in the Lakers acquiring Anthony Davis in 2019. Again, while not guaranteed, these are scenarios the team will meticulously evaluate. If they believe they can pressure the Grizzlies into an unfavorable trade involving Jackson, they will attempt to do so.
Now that the discussion of star players is complete, let`s focus on more practical targets. The priorities for a center acquisition are rim protection and the ability to finish lobs effectively. The ideal Lakers center would excel at both. Cost is a factor on multiple levels. We previously discussed the salary aprons, but it is also important to note that part of Williams` appeal was his rookie contract. This implied not only a low salary currently but also a favorable cap hold as a free agent in 2026. Ideally, the Lakers would likely prefer to maintain cap flexibility for 2026 free agency and beyond. We will acknowledge this where relevant, but the primary focus for now is basketball fit. There are eight teams that seem reasonably plausible as trade partners for the Lakers seeking a big man. Listed in no particular order:
- Dallas: Will Nico Harrison ever engage in a trade with the Lakers again? Likely not, but Dončić has established rapport with both Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively and would probably welcome reuniting with either. Gafford is a free agent in 2026. Lively is eligible for a rookie extension in 2026. If there are any hesitations regarding new contracts for either, or if either hints at a desire to explore other options, making an inquiry wouldn`t hurt.
- Brooklyn: An obvious candidate here. Their recent season was disappointing, partly due to their reluctance to move enough veteran players. If they aim to rectify this, trading Nic Claxton makes logical sense. If their ambition is to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo aggressively, trading Claxton still aligns with that goal as he is a non-shooting center. His contract decreases in value annually, making him easy to incorporate into a team`s salary structure. He defends the perimeter almost as effectively as he protects the rim, offering a valuable asset for a Lakers team that has become comfortable switching defensive assignments this season. However, he lacks the necessary bulk to effectively defend larger centers like Nikola Jokić, nor is he a perfect offensive match. While his verticality with his leaping ability and wingspan is beneficial, his hands are not consistently reliable for catching high passes from Dončić. He is a good fit, though slightly less ideal than the two Mavericks players mentioned.
- Indiana: Rumors surrounding Myles Turner surfaced around the trade deadline, and he is nearing free agency. The Lakers have expressed interest in him in the past but lack the immediate win-now assets the Pacers would likely seek. Contract considerations are also a factor. How much does Turner expect on his next deal? Offensively, he would be incredibly beneficial. He not only excels in pick-and-roll situations but also consistently makes three-pointers. Surprisingly, questions arise regarding his defense, as Turner`s rim-protection statistics have declined recently. While Indiana`s overall defense has improved this season, he is not the same `cover for everyone` big man he was several years ago.
- Utah: Walker Kessler is another player frequently linked to the Lakers. His rim protection is elite, and while not ideally suited for a switch-heavy defensive scheme, he is not entirely incapable on the perimeter either; he can move reasonably well. His offensive game, aside from rebounding, is still developing. He has attempted three-point shots with underwhelming results and is a notably poor free-throw shooter. Evaluating him as a pick-and-roll player is difficult because the Jazz have lacked consistent, even average, guard play throughout his career. If the Jazz intend to keep him, they will offer him an extension. If they draft a big man in June, perhaps he becomes available. Like Williams, he is still on a rookie contract with a favorable cap hold for 2026.
- Charlotte: There is certainly some history here, but it is known that the Lakers rate Williams highly as a player and that the Hornets are open to trading him. While potentially awkward, it would not be surprising if the Lakers re-engaged the Hornets this summer at a potentially lower price point. They might have attempted this after the failed physical had the trade deadline not passed.
- New York: Relying on Mitchell Robinson as a full-time starter would be challenging due to his injury history, but his salary is relatively low, he meets the on-court requirements the Lakers need, and the Lakers were interested in him coming out of the draft. He could potentially be part of a center rotation if the Lakers acquire another player at the position.
- Portland: Robert Williams III shares similarities with Robinson regarding injury concerns, making him a valuable asset but not a reliable starter. Deandre Ayton is perhaps more intriguing. The Lakers have a history of acquiring talented players who have underperformed recently at a lower value. Ayton has seemingly wasted several seasons by avoiding physical play in the paint and settling for mid-range jumpers. This year, he began showing slow progress in the right direction, and his form from 2021 aligns perfectly with what the Lakers seek. Entering a contract year should ideally provide motivation, and the Lakers would be betting on a team culture influenced by James to maximize his potential. He is the most expensive player discussed so far in terms of salary but likely wouldn`t require a significant asset package. If the Lakers are comfortable combining the salaries of Vanderbilt, Vincent, and Kleber for him, they could likely preserve their draft assets and 2026 cap space. Regardless, Portland is unlikely to retain both Ayton and Williams on their roster for the season. Donovan Clingan will likely be their starting center, with the other serving as a backup.
- Minnesota: Yes, this is a less conventional idea. Is Rudy Gobert guaranteed to remain with the Timberwolves next season? His cap number is set to decrease due to a pre-season extension, but the Timberwolves face decisions regarding new contracts for Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. It is probable that one of these four players will not return, as the Timberwolves are unlikely to consistently operate in the second salary apron. They have already traded Karl-Anthony Towns partly for financial considerations. Moving Gobert now would further reorient the team around their younger players. If Dončić could tolerate sharing the court with him, Gobert would be an excellent basketball fit. He remains an outstanding defender, and while his offensive production declined this season, he has historically been proficient at catching lobs, setting screens, and offensive rebounding. These are precisely the duties the Lakers require from their center.
The free-agent market for centers, beyond Turner, is not particularly well-suited to the Lakers` needs. Brook Lopez is in decline, and even at his peak, he wouldn`t complement Dončić`s requirement for a lob threat. If he were willing to accept a significant pay cut to serve as a backup and reside near Disneyland, the Lakers could consider it, but it`s improbable he fits. The Timberwolves are unlikely to facilitate Naz Reid joining Los Angeles, which would necessitate a sign-and-trade agreement. Furthermore, he is not defensively impactful enough to anchor this team`s defense. Even the market for backup centers isn`t strong this year. As uncomfortable as it might be for some Lakers fans, retaining Jaxson Hayes might be the most viable option for a backup center.
The more likely scenario is that the starting center will be acquired via trade from the list above. The strategic approach should be to trade for a center and then pursue wing players through free agency. Fortunately, there are several suitable options available.
Potential Free-Agent Wing Targets
The primary focus for wing acquisitions will be defense. There are six free-agent wing players who make reasonable sense as targets, potentially using all or part of the mid-level exception, with one particularly notable candidate:
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker: If he is willing to commit to the Lakers for the full four-year non-taxpayer mid-level exception, he should be a priority. He represents an ideal fit for this role, being a high-level guard defender who has shot in the low 40s on catch-and-shoot three-pointers for two consecutive seasons. The main obstacle here is financial. Minnesota holds his full Bird Rights and can outbid the Lakers, and their willingness to do so will likely depend on the contract situations of Randle and Reid. Any team with significant cap space could also pose a threat, and the Nets, depending on their future plans, loom as a potential competitor. The Lakers should extend an offer; if he declines, they move on.
- Bruce Brown: He currently lacks the negotiating leverage he possessed a few years ago when multiple contenders competed to sign him with their mid-level exception before Indiana offered a larger contract. The past two years have been challenging and injury-plagued for Brown, but he is still only 28. While not an elite shooter, he makes corner three-pointers effectively. He is also more capable of handling the ball than often credited for. The success of his next contract, however, hinges on his defensive performance. If he can return to the defensive level he demonstrated in Brooklyn and Denver, he would be worth a substantial portion of the mid-level exception on a short-term deal.
- Gary Payton II: His defensive prowess is well-established, and an added benefit of acquiring him would be weakening the Warriors defensively, as he is their primary weapon against opposing star guards. Of course, his previous departure from Golden State did not unfold favorably. His preference will likely be to remain with the Warriors. If Golden State can accommodate him within their salary structure, they would prefer to do so, but if they opt for a more ambitious move like potentially sign-and-trading Jonathan Kuminga, retaining Payton might become challenging. Payton`s offensive game is similar to Brown`s: low-volume corner three-pointers, surprising effectiveness as a screener in pick-and-roll actions, and potentially less valuable outside the specific context that brought him prominence. He has developed his offense playing alongside Stephen Curry. Would he present similar offensive challenges that Vanderbilt has posed on a team without the greatest shooter of all time? Or could the Lakers successfully integrate him with three high-level ball handlers?
- Davion Mitchell: He is a restricted free agent, meaning Miami has the right to match any offer, but it`s unclear how high they are willing to bid. Mitchell improved his three-point shooting this season, and if he maintains this improvement, his consistently strong defense makes him a remarkably valuable player. He is also a capable passer, perhaps not enough to start at point guard on a typical team, but certainly equipped to capitalize on opportunities created by playing with other stars.
- Matisse Thybulle: He holds a player option which he might exercise. He missed a significant portion of the recent season due to injury. However, he has shown improvement from being a poor shooter to at least an occasionally passable one in Portland, and he has never played alongside the level of shot creation he would have in Los Angeles. He is most effective within a robust defensive system where he can gamble for turnovers and blocks. While the current Lakers team doesn`t entirely fit this description, he would immediately become their top perimeter defender.
- Dennis Schröder: A third stint with the Lakers is likely not a sensible move. Another team will value his offensive contributions, and had the Lakers intended to retain him, they would not have prioritized Vincent over him. Nevertheless, he is a player the Lakers are familiar with and remains effective against smaller guards.
These are the most prominent names, but the Lakers often deviate from conventional wisdom in free agency. Do not be surprised if they are linked to players primarily known for offense in the mid-level discussion, potentially intending to address defensive needs later through the trade market if their trade assets have not been depleted by the center pursuit. Gary Trent and Ty Jerome stand out as offensive players the Lakers might favor who do not possess full Bird Rights with their current teams this summer, potentially making it more difficult for those teams to retain them. The Lakers are quietly weaker in shooting than many observers realize. Dončić, James, and Reaves are primarily creators rather than pure shooters. Knecht`s shooting remains somewhat of an unknown, and Vincent`s shooting is inconsistent. Defense should ideally be the priority, but historically, the Lakers have often favored acquiring talent over strict fit considerations. This team is likely to be offense-centric, aiming to manage defensively.
Could this finally be the season James and Chris Paul team up, fulfilling the “banana boat” prophecy and perhaps exorcising the lingering effects of David Stern`s vetoed trade? It remains a possibility, though improbable. San Antonio is likely satisfied with Paul`s performance last year and may be willing to pay to keep him. He would likely be a minimum-salary target for the Lakers. However, his family is still based in Los Angeles, his relationship with James is exceptionally close, the Lakers would likely offer him playing time, and he could pursue a championship. He is by far the most noteworthy minimum-salary candidate but is likely not a feasible one. Nevertheless, mentioning him provides a useful transition. The Lakers are an organization driven by star power. So, let`s discuss potential star acquisitions.
Future Free Agency Considerations
Returning to the initial point, the Mark Williams trade, part of the rationale behind acquiring him was his projected low cap hold of approximately $18.8 million in 2026. Reaves falls into a similar category. His team-friendly contract means he will have a cap hold of only about $20.9 million in the summer of 2026. The original blueprint would have involved retaining these players plus other low-cost contributors while clearing significant cap space elsewhere to sign a max-salary free agent. They could still potentially pursue this strategy, depending on the financial implications of any players added this summer, but it becomes more challenging without having the center position secured beforehand.
If this remains the ultimate strategy, Jaren Jackson Jr. is the obvious primary target. We discussed him previously from a trade perspective, but it is also possible that he plays out next season on an expiring contract. If he does, the Lakers would likely want to be positioned to pursue him as an All-Star defensive anchor to complement Dončić and Reaves. Their moves this summer will be indicative of this potential long-term goal. If they primarily add players on short-term deals, it likely signals their belief in having an opportunity to add a star in free agency down the line, potentially when James has retired or is at an age where his salary is less of a constraint.
This approach isn`t limited exclusively to 2026 and Jackson. It undeniably becomes more complicated afterward because Reaves will no longer be on a below-market contract, but it is also plausible that the Lakers only acquire players whose contracts expire before 2027. Consider the following list with caution. We are looking so far into the future that the entire league landscape could change dramatically. Most players on this list will likely sign extensions or be traded before the summer of 2027. However, as things stand, the following players could become free agents in 2027: Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Donovan Mitchell, Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Davis, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Kawhi Leonard.
It is important to state emphatically that the Lakers should not anticipate all of these players being available. Technically, Dončić is even on that list. He is not discussed in that context because it is assumed he will sign an extension, as many players on this list likely will. Others will age out of stardom. The purpose of presenting this list is to make a relatively simple point: at any given time in the contemporary NBA, there are typically a handful of star players nearing the end of their contracts. Some of these stars will be content with their current teams. Others may develop interest in exploring new opportunities. The Lakers, without another significant leap from Reaves, likely lack the necessary assets to trade for such a player under normal circumstances.
However, if they strategically position themselves to be able to pay for such players in free agency, that significantly alters the equation. It opens the door for potentially favorable trades or acquiring players without sacrificing assets. Star team-ups, more often than not, are driven by relationships between star players. If Dončić and another prominent player decide they wish to be teammates, they will typically find a way to make it happen. Historically, when two such players decide to pair up and one is based in Los Angeles, the other frequently joins them in Los Angeles. Consider the pairing of James and Davis as a prime example.
To connect this back to the beginning, this explains why the Lakers were comfortable prioritizing the future over immediate results. Dončić provides them with a younger version of the dynamic James created in 2019: a powerful recruiter. They understand that at some point in the reasonably near future, a star player will likely want to join his team. In the interim, they will endeavor to balance their objectives. They do not wish to overlook the potential they possess with James currently due to what they might achieve with someone else in the future. However, if you doubt that the Lakers are keenly aware of the close relationship between Dončić and Jokić and how that might become relevant if the Nuggets face organizational challenges in the coming years, you have not closely studied NBA history. This is how the dynamics often unfold for the Lakers.
Inevitably, somewhere in the league, a star player will become dissatisfied. When that occurs, Dončić and the Lakers will aim to be prepared to capitalize on the situation. Keep this principle in mind as the Lakers make their moves this summer. They possess a legitimate opportunity to compete for a championship in 2026. They will not disregard that possibility. However, they will be balancing this near-term goal against the ambition of establishing a decade of sustained contention. Navigating this balance is a challenging endeavor, but if any team possesses the historical fortune and strategic positioning to potentially succeed, it is likely the Lakers.
Jasper Hawthorne