Jul 5, 2026 7:37 PM

The Lakers still have two big needs surrounding their current roster after moves.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the busiest teams since NBA free agency opened, reshaping the roster following LeBron James' departure and continuing their transition into the Luka Dončić era.

General manager Rob Pelinka addressed several needs by adding size, shooting and backcourt depth, but the front office's work appears far from finished.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers remain focused on adding two more pieces before training camp.

"The Lakers, league sources say, are focused on adding a wing and another big man after Friday's agreement with Washington to trade Deandre Ayton for the slightly less expensive Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks."

Luka Doncic (77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) look on from the bench during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Luka Doncic (77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) look on from the bench during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. 

The Lakers Moves

The Lakers have already made significant changes this offseason.

Pelinka acquired defensive anchor Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz to become the team's starting center while signing guards Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton.

L.A. also signed forward-center Sandro Mamukelashvili and reunited Dončić with former Dallas Mavericks teammate Jaden Hardy after acquiring him from the Washington Wizards in the Deandre Ayton trade.

The Lakers also received two future second-round picks in the deal, giving the front office additional draft capital for future moves.

Luka Doncic (77) reacts with guard Austin Reaves (15) during a timeout during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. MLuka Doncic (77) reacts with guard Austin Reaves (15) during a timeout during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. M

The Lakers' Two Areas of Need

Despite those additions, the roster still has two noticeable areas that need to be addressed.

The biggest priority is adding another wing defender.

The Western Conference is loaded with elite scorers like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards (and now LaMelo), Kevin Durant and Jalen Williams.

While Grimes gives the Lakers another perimeter defender and Jarred Vanderbilt still on the roster, L.A. could still use a longer, more physical wing capable of guarding multiple positions and taking on the toughest defensive assignments.

JJ Redick watches against the Utah Jazz in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. JJ Redick watches against the Utah Jazz in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. 

Building around Dončić means surrounding him with players who can defend at a high level while knocking down open shots.

The Lakers have improved their perimeter depth, but another experienced two-way wing would provide JJ Redick with greater lineup flexibility throughout an 82-game season and into the playoffs.

The second need is another frontcourt player and that's a backup center.

Kessler immediately upgrades the Lakers' interior defense and rebounding, while Mamukelashvili offers versatility as a stretch big who can play both frontcourt positions.

 Luka Doncic (77) talks with head coach JJ Redick in the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.  Luka Doncic (77) talks with head coach JJ Redick in the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. 

However, relying heavily on one starting-caliber center can become risky over a long season.

Adding another veteran big would give the Lakers valuable insurance against injuries and provide another option against the Western Conference's bigger frontcourts.

Fortunately for L.A., Pelinka now has additional flexibility after acquiring Hardy and two future second-round selections from Washington.

Luka Doncic (77) walks across the court during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.Luka Doncic (77) walks across the court during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.

Those draft assets could become useful in another trade if the Lakers identify the right veteran before training camp or closer to the trade deadline.

Financially, however, the Lakers have limited room to make another splash signing. Any remaining additions will likely come through the veteran minimum market or via trade using existing contracts and draft assets.

If Pelinka can add another dependable wing defender and one more rotational big man before the season begins, L.A. could enter training camp with one of the deepest and most balanced rosters in the Western Conference as the franchise begins its new era built around Dončić.

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