Lakers Reboot: Luka Doncic Leads a Rebuilding Franchise

The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2026-27 NBA season without former star LeBron James, who left in free agency after a playoff run that ended with a second-round sweep. The franchise’s new centerpiece is Luka Doncic, now under contract as the team’s primary scorer and playmaker. Alongside Doncic, the starting lineup features guard Austin Reaves and newly acquired center Walker Kessler, while the roster also includes recent signings Quentin Grimes and Ziaire Williams.

Newsweek

James’ departure prompted a cascade of offseason moves. The Lakers traded for Kessler, added Grimes and Williams on free agency, and appointed former player JJ Redick as head coach. Point-guard depth remains a concern: Collin Sexton missed preseason action with a lower-leg injury, and backups such as Bronny James, Jaden Hardy and Chris Manon have produced mixed results in limited minutes. The organization must also resolve a backup-center vacancy, as Kessler is expected to log heavy minutes.

Collin Sexton's injury proves Lakers need another PG to survive regular season grind

• Luka Doncic averaged 33.5 points per game last season, shooting 47.6 % from the field, and led the league in scoring.

JJ Redick can count on Luka Doncic's versatility to pay off all Lakers season

• The Lakers ranked tied for 11th in team scoring at 116.3 points per game, but were among the bottom ten in three-point makes (11.8 per game).

Newsweek

• Defensively, the team was 19th in rating, allowing 114.6 points per game.

New York Post

• An NBA general-managers survey projected the Lakers to finish with 44-48 wins, likely earning the sixth seed in the Western Conference.

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• The same survey gave Luka Doncic zero votes for the MVP award, a stark contrast to his prior top-three finishes.

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Pelinka indicated the roster must be trimmed to 15 standard contracts before the season opener against the Golden State Warriors, hinting at possible trades or a two-for-one deal to achieve the cut while the front office remains “actively exploring” options for the backup-center role.

Sports Illustrated

Perkins’ claim that the Lakers could become the league’s top offense conflicts with the GM survey’s modest win projection and sixth-seed expectation. Similarly, the “legitimate championship contender” narrative in some media pieces contrasts with the same survey’s assessment that the team is unlikely to contend for the title. No source provides a definitive answer on whether the Lakers will secure a backup center before the roster deadline, leaving that hole unresolved.

Sports Illustrated

• The Lakers open the regular season at home against the Golden State Warriors; the roster must be finalized beforehand.

Sports Illustrated

• The team waives forward Cole Swider as part of roster trimming.

Sports Illustrated

• Throughout the season the Lakers will monitor the health of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Collin Sexton, while evaluating trade possibilities for a backup center and additional guard depth.

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