LeBron James has officially left the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. This decision ends the speculation that had kept the Lakers and other NBA franchises in a holding pattern. With James' next destination confirmed, other teams and free agents can now finalize their offseason plans.
The Lakers have initiated a significant roster reconstruction following James' departure. The team is now planning around star player Luka Dončić for their unprecedented 24th NBA season. Eight players who were part of the Lakers' roster at the end of last season, including James, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, and Luke Kennard, will not return.
New additions to the Lakers' roster include Walker Kessler, who signed a four-year, $130 million deal; Quentin Grimes, with a four-year, $60 million contract; Sandro Mamukelashvili, on a four-year, $52 million deal; Collin Sexton, a two-year deal worth $19 million; Kevon Looney, a one-year deal for $3.9 million; Ziaire Williams, a one-year deal for $2.8 million; and Matisse Thybulle, on a one-year deal for $3.3 million. Additionally, the team acquired Cameron Carr, the 24th pick in the June NBA draft, and Jaden Hardy from the Wizards in exchange for Deandre Ayton. Austin Reaves also re-signed with the Lakers on a four-year, $180 million contract.
Despite these moves, the Lakers are not finished reshaping their roster. League rules require teams to trim their rosters to 15 players by the start of the regular season in October, and the team is actively seeking to add more players before training camp begins.
Pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga
The Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly still pursuing unrestricted free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga. The Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option on June 29. The Lakers met with Kuminga the day after his option was declined and have maintained contact, but financial terms have been a sticking point. Sources indicated the Lakers were offering around $10 million annually, with negotiations also involving the details of a potential sign-and-trade agreement with the Hawks.
A sign-and-trade, which requires a contract of at least three seasons without options, is considered the most feasible path for Kuminga to join the Lakers. The Hawks have reportedly been willing to send Kuminga to Los Angeles in a deal that could involve Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers' 2032 first-round pick swap. However, the Hawks also face roster constraints after acquiring Lu Dort in a three-team deal, leaving them with 17 players on standard contracts.
The Cavaliers also remain a potential suitor for Kuminga through a sign-and-trade. Their offer may depend on James Harden's willingness to take a pay cut to return to Cleveland after declining his $42.3 million player option. The Cavaliers are also reportedly interested in DeMar DeRozan.
Roster Needs
Without Kuminga, the Lakers have a clear need for a starting-caliber wing to play alongside Dončić and Reaves. If a deal for Kuminga does not materialize, their options for a backup wing appear limited. The team also faces a need for an additional backup big man, with the current rotation consisting of Kessler, Looney, and Mamukelashvili.
While front office personnel have expressed approval of the Lakers' offseason moves, the team is not yet viewed as a contender for the Western Conference title, remaining a tier below teams like the Spurs and Thunder. Acquiring Kuminga or another starting forward could help the Lakers close this gap, but significant roster transformation beyond current moves appears unlikely this offseason.