The Los Angeles Lakers are actively searching the trade market this offseason as they look to reshape the roster around Luka Doncic, according to Evan Sidery, who reported that the team is using its cap space aggressively to improve the roster.
The Lakers finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 53-29 record, earning the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, but their playoff run ended with a second-round sweep against the Oklahoma City Thunder. That result pushed the organization toward finding upgrades around Doncic, who averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds in 64 games while finishing fourth in MVP voting.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Doncic has communicated a preference for the Lakers to add a high-level center. While the All-NBA guard has stayed in contact with LeBron James and Austin Reaves, he has not been involved in recruiting players or directing offseason decisions.
The frontcourt is the clearest area of focus. Deandre Ayton provided strong regular-season production after joining Los Angeles, averaging 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting 67.1% from the field in 72 games.
Los Angeles has already explored options at center, including restricted free agents Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler. Duren would be one of the biggest possible additions after averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 65.0% from the field for the Detroit Pistons, who finished with the NBA’s best record at 60-22.
Landing Duren would require a significant investment, as league expectations suggest he could command more than $30 million annually in restricted free agency. Detroit has strong motivation to retain the 22-year-old as part of its young core.
Kessler could be a more attainable target if his situation with the Utah Jazz remains unsettled. Before a torn labrum limited him to five games, Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 blocks while shooting 70.3%. His ability as a lob threat and rim protector would complement Doncic’s playmaking.
The Lakers have also monitored defensive-minded forwards. Denver’s Peyton Watson averaged 14.6 points while shooting 49.1% from the field and 41.1% from three, while Houston’s Tari Eason averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals.
Beyond the frontcourt, Los Angeles will likely evaluate its supporting cast. Austin Reaves had a breakout season, averaging 23.3 points and 5.5 assists, while LeBron James remained productive at age 41 with 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game.
