The Lakers are planning for next season with Luka Doncic as the focal point, while uncertainty surrounds LeBron James' return. Options for building the roster include a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Key points
Lakers are uncertain about LeBron James' return
Luka Doncic will be the centerpiece of the offense
Austin Reaves is a strong second option
Coach JJ Redick will return next season
Potential trade options include Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Los Angeles Lakers enter the offseason with plenty they know and plenty they don't know about next season.
The Lakers know coach JJ Redick will be back, Luka Doncic will still be the centerpiece of their offense and Austin Reaves is capable of being a strong second option.
L.A. doesn't know whether LeBron James will be back and doesn't know who might step in and fill the void if he isn't.
Who could the Lakers target to build a championship-level roster without James? Here's a look at the options.
What are the Lakers' options if LeBron James doesn't return?
If LeBron James doesn't return, the Lakers may explore trades, including a potential deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo, to reshape their roster around Luka Doncic.
Who will be the main players on the Lakers' roster next season?
Luka Doncic is expected to be the centerpiece of the Lakers' offense, with Austin Reaves positioned as a strong second option.
What role will coach JJ Redick play for the Lakers next season?
Coach JJ Redick will return to lead the Lakers as they navigate roster changes and build around their key players.
How might the Lakers build around Luka Doncic?
The Lakers could build around Luka Doncic by acquiring complementary players through trades or free agency, focusing on enhancing their overall team dynamics.
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The dream for the Lakers would be acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, which is something The Athletic reports the team will explore this offseason. Antetokounmpo would give L.A. one of the game's brightest stars in its frontcourt and ensure they keep the championship window open for multiple years with Doncic in his prime.
The question would be whether the Lakers have the assets to get a deal done without giving up Austin Reaves, who Doncic wants to keep around. L.A. owns four of its next six first-round picks, but would a bevy of potentially late first-round picks be enough to beat out other suitors without a third team getting involved?
If the Bucks tear it down and don't trade Antetokounmpo to the Lakers, could L.A. revisit a player the franchise has been connected to for a number of years? Myles Turner doesn't have much of a place on a rebuilding Bucks team, even with three years remaining on his contract, and he could serve as an upgrade over Deandre Ayton in the frontcourt.
Turner is a much different player than James, to put it mildly, but the Lakers can't expect to find an outright replacement on the market and will have to use their resources however they can to upgrade the roster. Turner is coming off a career-worst rebounding season but averaged better than 15 points per game a year ago and has a career average of 2.1 blocks per game.
Draymond Green has a player option for 2026-27, but in-season reports indicated he was likely to either work out a new deal or simply opt-in. If he opts-in, Green could become trade bait on an expiring contract.
The controversial former All-Star's best days are likely behind him, but the edge and defensive presence he brings to the floor could make him a welcomed addition in Los Angeles.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported in February that Green would have had interest in the Lakers if he was included in an Antetokounmpo trade and subsequently bought-out, so the connection has already been established.
If the Lakers are set on landing a big man upgrade, Isaiah Hartenstein is likely the top option in free agency. The Thunder big has a team option for 2026-27, but Oklahoma City is positioned to decline it with severe luxury tax ramifications looming and Thomas Sorber ready to start stepping into that role once healthy.
Injuries haven't allowed Hartenstein to play a full season in Oklahoma City, but he averaged a double-double across 57 games last year, proved he could win in the playoffs and is a strong passer for his role. Hartenstein would be a major upgrade for the Lakers' frontcourt.
The Knicks hit the panic button and fired Tom Thibodeau after falling short of the NBA Finals last season. If they can't win the East this year, could a Karl-Anthony Towns trade be on the table?
Towns is effectively entering a contract year, and there were some rumors about the Knicks making a move before they found their groove again this season. Towns would give the Lakers that versatile frontcourt piece they have been looking for, but whether L.A. has the assets to match up with the Knicks on a deal is another question.
It still isn't clear whether Andrew Wiggins will opt-into the final year of his contract with the Heat at more than $30 million, but if he takes the risk and hits the open market, the Lakers could be a team that comes calling. Wiggins is quietly coming off an efficient year in Miami, and he's shown an ability to thrive in a situation that doesn't force him to be a No. 1 or No. 2 option since his days with Golden State.
Reaves will certainly opt-out of his deal unless a new contract is worked out, as his player option is less than $15 million for next season. Still, it seems highly unlikely that he would leave the Lakers.
Free agents
The following players will be unrestricted free agents:
James is the biggest name for the Lakers set to hit the open market, but L.A. will also have to work out a new deal with Hachimura if it wants the former Wizards forward back. Kennard and Hayes, who each played key roles at times down the stretch, are also set to hit free agency.
