The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2026 offseason facing one of the most important roster-building summers in franchise history. After finishing 53-29 and reaching the Western Conference semifinals, where they were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the organization must determine how to maximize Luka Doncic’s prime while navigating the NBA’s increasingly restrictive Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Doncic has already established himself as the unquestioned centerpiece. The 27-year-old guard finished fourth in MVP voting after averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds across 64 games. His offensive production carried Los Angeles throughout the season, but the playoff loss to Oklahoma City exposed a roster that still needs more two-way depth, shooting and athleticism around its superstar.
According to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the Lakers’ preferred path could revolve around retaining key free agents before pursuing targeted upgrades rather than chasing another headline-grabbing superstar acquisition.
The first priority is Austin Reaves. Reaves delivered the best season of his career in 2025-26, averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 49.0% from the field and 87.1% from the free-throw line. His growth into a reliable secondary creator alongside Doncic gives Los Angeles a proven backcourt foundation. Because the Lakers hold Full Bird Rights, they can exceed the salary cap to retain him.
Rui Hachimura represents another important piece of continuity. The versatile forward averaged 11.5 points while shooting 44.3% from three-point range, providing valuable floor spacing next to Doncic and center Deandre Ayton. Re-signing Hachimura would allow the Lakers to maintain size and offensive flexibility on the wing.
Luke Kennard could also remain part of the long-term plan. Acquired during the season, Kennard averaged 9.0 points while converting 44.8% of his three-point attempts. His shooting became even more important during the postseason, where he averaged 11.5 points and shot 47.4% from beyond the arc. Keeping elite perimeter shooting around Doncic remains a logical roster-building principle.
The proposed blueprint also emphasizes defensive balance. Marcus Smart, who averaged 9.3 points and 1.4 steals in 62 games, gives Los Angeles a proven point-of-attack defender capable of taking difficult assignments that allow Doncic and Reaves to conserve energy for offense.
Beyond retaining veterans, Robinson outlined a potential trade with the Brooklyn Nets that would send Jarred Vanderbilt, a 2031 first-round pick and a 2028 pick swap to Brooklyn in exchange for Noah Clowney and Day’Ron Sharpe. Such a move would inject youth into a roster that still relies heavily on veterans while adding frontcourt depth behind Ayton and Jaxson Hayes.
The Lakers could also seek additional shooting in free agency. Kevin Huerter has been mentioned as a potential target because of his ability to create spacing off movement and complement Doncic’s playmaking. Adding another perimeter threat would help prevent defenses from loading up against the Lakers’ primary creator.
Finally, the Lakers hold the No. 25 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Robinson suggested Arkansas forward Trevon Brazile as a possible target. Brazile’s athleticism, rebounding and shot-blocking profile could address some of the frontcourt weaknesses that surfaced during the postseason.
Whether LeBron James returns or chooses a different path, the central challenge remains the same. The Lakers already possess the hardest piece to acquire in the modern NBA: a generational superstar. The next step is surrounding Doncic with enough shooting, defense, youth and roster flexibility to transform a playoff team into a championship contender.
