Excerpt: The Lakers built a younger roster around Luka Dončić, but their aggressive overhaul also created new questions entering the 2026-27 season.
The Los Angeles Lakers entered the offseason promising to reshape their roster, and they followed through with one of the NBA’s most extensive makeovers.
LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes departed. Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney, Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams arrived.
L.A. became younger and deeper while constructing a roster more suited to Luka Dončić. Still, not everyone benefited equally from the changes.
Oct 31, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick talks with guard Austin Reaves (15) and guard Luka Dončić (77) during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesWinner: Luka Dončić
The Lakers acquired Kessler, an athletic center who should provide Dončić with an effective pick-and-roll partner and lob threat. Kessler is also an elite rim protector, although he played only five games last season before undergoing surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Grimes gives L.A. another capable perimeter defender and spot-up shooter. Mamukelashvili can stretch the floor, while Sexton and Hardy should ease some of Dončić’s ball-handling burden.
The roster is not perfect, but its younger legs, improved shooting and additional athleticism should complement Dončić better than last season’s group.
Winner: Austin Reaves
Reaves received the security he earned after averaging career highs of 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds last season.
The Lakers retained him on a four-year deal reportedly worth $185 million, keeping one of the league’s best undrafted success stories alongside Dončić. Reaves should remain an important secondary creator, particularly after James’ departure created additional offensive opportunities.
Oct 31, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić (77) reacts with guardAustinReaves(15) during a timeout during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesGrimes and Thybulle could also help cover difficult defensive assignments, allowing Reaves to conserve more energy for offense.
Loser: L.A.’s future flexibility
The Lakers paid a substantial price to acquire Kessler, sending Utah unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.
Kessler could become their long-term answer at center, but surrendering that much draft control carries considerable risk. His recent shoulder injury only increases the uncertainty.
Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić (77) reacts after a basket in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesL.A. must hope the partnership between Kessler and Dončić remains productive enough to justify sacrificing assets that could become valuable later.
Loser: The end of the roster
The Lakers currently have 16 players on standard contracts and must reduce that number to 15 before opening night.
That leaves Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, Adou Thiero and other reserve players facing increased competition. The additions of Sexton, Hardy, Williams and Thybulle also make minutes considerably harder to find.
The offseason should be considered a promising one for L.A., especially after retaining Reaves and adding Kessler. However, health concerns, an unsettled backup-center rotation and the eventual roster cut prevent the makeover from being an unquestioned victory.
