The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of a significant roster reconstruction, evidenced by recent trades and ongoing free agency pursuits. The team has traded Deandre Ayton to the Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks, signaling a clear direction for their roster makeover.
Several players from the 2025-26 squad have already departed, including Ayton, LeBron James (whose next team is undetermined), Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and Jaxson Hayes. Rui Hachimura also remains an unrestricted free agent with multiple teams expressing interest. This turnover suggests that the Lakers may not return any of the players who started in their first-round playoff series victory over the Rockets.
With two open roster spots, four tradeable draft picks, and increased financial flexibility, the Lakers are prioritizing addressing key needs. These include a backup center behind Walker Kessler and a defensive-minded wing or forward who can potentially start. The current roster is noted as being heavy on guards, with only a few players in the 6-foot-6 to 6-foot-9 range, and Kessler as the sole player 6-foot-10 or taller.
New Additions and Re-Signings
The Lakers have made several player acquisitions, signing Walker Kessler to a four-year, $130 million contract, Quentin Grimes to a four-year, $60 million deal, Sandro Mamukelashvili to a four-year, $52 million contract, and Collin Sexton to a two-year, $19 million deal. Jaden Hardy has also been signed to a two-year, $12 million contract. Additionally, Austin Reaves was re-signed to a four-year, $185 million contract, and Cameron Carr was selected with the No. 24 pick in the draft and signed to a rookie scale contract.
Target Players
In their search for a backup big man, veteran center Kevon Looney, an unrestricted free agent, is a player the Lakers are considering. Nick Richards, also an unrestricted free agent, and Jonas Valanciunas, entering the final year of his contract, are other potential options. Looney is seen as a priority due to his proven ability to contribute to winning teams and his durability.
On the wing, the Lakers are reportedly exploring adding Jonathan Kuminga, an unrestricted free agent who is also drawing interest from other teams. The possibility of Hachimura returning exists, though it may be challenging given the Lakers' limited cap space and the likely higher salary he could command elsewhere. Former Nets forward Ziaire Williams and Ochai Agbaji are also mentioned as potential wing targets.
Future Moves
The Lakers possess three tradeable second-round picks and a 2032 first-round pick swap, which they may use to facilitate further trades. They are also expected to explore attaching picks to players like Jarred Vanderbilt to create financial flexibility and roster space. The team's decision regarding Bronny James's roster status will also depend on LeBron James's future team destination.