The Los Angeles Lakers are embarking on a new chapter for the franchise this summer. After LeBron James indicated he would not return for the 2026-27 season, the team rapidly began reconstructing its roster.
General Manager Rob Pelinka's free agent acquisitions were headlined by the signing of center Walker Kessler to a four-year, $130 million deal. Kessler is set to join superstar Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as the team's new core, a development that has captured the attention of basketball fans, who have generated a variety of creative nicknames for the revamped squad.
Comments circulating on social media, as noted by comedian and actor Jordan Conley, include suggestions such as "The Harvard Lakers," "Lakestreet boys!!!," "Looking like Dawson’s Creek," "The Credit Scorers," "Getting back to the Minneapolis Lakers," "THE SNOWTIME LAKERS," and "The Beatles."
Kessler is one of many new additions to the storied franchise. The Lakers also acquired guards Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes, as well as big man Sandro Mamukelashvili. Sexton and Grimes are expected to fill roles previously held by sharpshooter Luke Kennard and defensive specialist Marcus Smart. Mamukelashvili adds further height and skill to the frontcourt.
In a recent trade, the Lakers sent Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for guard Jaden Hardy and two second-round draft picks. There is speculation that the team may be pursuing at least one more trade, with forward Rui Hachimura and Jonathan Kuminga reportedly being players of interest.
Hachimura, who has played for the Lakers for over three seasons, has attracted attention from other teams. Both Hachimura and Kuminga could provide the Lakers with much-needed versatile wing defense. Pelinka is tasked with orchestrating further deals as the Lakers aim to return to contender status for the upcoming 2026-27 season.