The Lakers lost LeBron James this summer, but a busy month of moves has reshaped the roster around Luka Doncic in ways that already look promising.
Few teams entered the summer with more uncertainty than the Los Angeles Lakers, and the noise only grew when LeBron James told the front office in late June that he would play elsewhere next season.
Rob Pelinka responded with one of the busiest roster builds in the league, adding a starting center, two rotation guards, and a stack of depth pieces around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Some of these moves will age better than others, but a few already look like clear wins.
Here is a ranking of the best business the Lakers have done since the season ended.
The Walker Kessler Deal
Trading for Walker Kessler cost the Lakers unprotected first round picks in 2031 and 2033 plus two swaps, and the four year, 130 million dollar sign and trade still ranks first on this list.
Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in five games before shoulder surgery ended his season in Utah, so his health will need monitoring, but he gives this roster the rim protection it has chased for two straight years.
Centers his age with his defensive resume almost never become available, which is why Collin Sexton praised what Kessler brings within days of joining him in Los Angeles.
Keeping Austin Reaves
Before the market even opened, the Lakers signed Reaves to a four year, 185 million dollar extension that ended any drama about his future.
He averaged 23.3 points and 5.5 assists last season while carrying heavy minutes next to Doncic, and locking him in early gave the front office cost certainty for everything that followed.
That stability is a big reason Doncic sounds confident about the new look roster heading into next season.
Value Signings Fill Out the Rotation
The rest of the summer was about depth, and the moves look strong to me.
Quentin Grimes arrived on a four year, 60 million dollar deal to guard big wings, while Sexton signed for two years and 19 million after averaging 15.4 points on 48.5 percent shooting between Charlotte and Chicago.
Sandro Mamukelashvili adds shooting at backup center, Jaden Hardy arrived as a young guard in the deal that sent Deandre Ayton to Washington, Kevon Looney brings three rings worth of experience behind Kessler, and the team also took a low risk swing on Matisse Thybulle that could restore its wing defense.
Summer League standout Arthur Kaluma earned a two way contract after a scorching week in Las Vegas, and rookie Cameron Carr flashed real scoring pop before the semifinal loss to Golden State.
There is still work left, since the front office continues to chase Jonathan Kuminga in a possible sign and trade while sorting out its final two way spot before camp.
Even so, a roster that looked unsettled three weeks ago now has a genuine identity built on defense, depth, and Doncic's playmaking.
