The Los Angeles Lakers are planning a major front office overhaul inspired by the championship structure of the Los Angeles Dodgers, while also positioning themselves to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2026 offseason, via Dan Woike of The Athletic.
League sources expect multiple key hires this summer as the organization reshapes its leadership.
One rival executive summed up the potential impact of the Lakers’ plans bluntly.
“It’s going to be scary,” the executive said.
At Thursday’s trade deadline, Los Angeles prioritized long-term flexibility. The Lakers’ only move was sending Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for Luke Kennard, a deal designed to preserve cap space for 2026.
The Lakers are projected to control three first-round picks on draft night, assets they could use in a bid for Antetokounmpo. While rival executives doubt that package alone would be enough, team sources say the Lakers intend to explore every option.
Los Angeles is expected to have more cap space than any other contending team, giving it multiple paths to improve the roster.
That flexibility could include pursuing restricted free agents such as Peyton Watson of the Denver Nuggets or Tari Eason of the Houston Rockets, potentially via sign-and-trade scenarios.
Head coach JJ Redick previously acknowledged that roster uncertainty contributed to a midseason slump, citing the mental toll of contract situations.
“It just goes back to the human element of everything,” Redick said. “And guys are worried about their futures. And that’s what happens when you have a team full of free agents and player options.”
At the time, only five Lakers had guaranteed contracts for next season. LeBron James is set to become an unrestricted free agent, while Austin Reaves holds a player option he is expected to decline.
League sources also say the Lakers aggressively shopped Dalton Knecht at the deadline without success and continue to monitor the buyout market, including potential interest in Haywood Highsmith and Cam Thomas.
Throughout the deadline process, Rob Pelinka, owner Mark Walter, governor Jeanie Buss and consultant Andrew Friedman remained aligned on preserving maximum cap flexibility.
Lakers Plan Dodgers-Style Front Office Overhaul, Giannis Antetokounmpo Pursuit https://t.co/unDqpw5rGT
— RealGM (@RealGM) February 7, 2026
