This season is still ongoing, but the Los Angeles Lakers have issues to watch at once, with 2024-25 over.
After the groundbreaking acquisition of Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers must readjustify to build a future.
The franchise is fully set up to be on the forefront of the league for the next few years, allowing it to maximize the presence of Slovenian superstars and ensure LeBron James’ continued commitment.
The Lakers are a large buyer. And the reason behind their success is their ability to attract the best talent, which is why they stand as one of the most decorated NBA franchises.
General Manager Rob Perinka is almost guaranteed to be able to show offensiveness in the upcoming offseason, regardless of what happens in the season with Don Sic and James.
The franchise has a lot of offseason obligations to pursue, but one of the things they are expected to tackle was the obvious void at the center spot, according to athletics Jovan Buha.
“It’s a bit too early, but I think tentatively, I think we’re planning on adding another center, whether it’s a starting center or a backup center,” Lakers reporter said on his Block Podcast in Buha.
“Maybe you’ll move Jackson (Hayes) to the bench and get a better starting center.
With Mark Williams’ trade cancelled after the Charlotte Hornets Center showed undisclosed medical issues, the Lakers are in fairly short hands in terms of frontcourt depth at Anthony Davis’ departure to the Dallas Mavericks.
Only Jaxson Hayes fits in as a standard bigger thing than the Lakers have. Beyond the former No. 8 overall pick, LA offers overwhelming and unproven center backups from Trey Jemison and Christian Koloko.
Alex Wren, the midseason emergency signing of the team’s midseason midseason run that failed Williams’s post-trade team, has largely disappointed the rebound that has endured among Lakers fans for the past few games with his run in purple and gold.
In addition to addressing the needs of the center, the Lakers are also looking to face key issues in maintaining their key core.
He is currently not eligible to get a five-year $345 million Super Max deal, so he shifts his focus to renewed deals the Lakers can offer. Meanwhile, James was able to opt out of the 2025-26 player options and ask for a new deal for himself.
Beyond Don Sic and James, Austin Reeves are also lined up for an extension. Dorian Finney Smith, the ace defender who was the team’s midseason X factor, is expected to become a free agent as he holds a $15.3 million player option next season.
“I think the priority is trying to sign the expansion to Luka (Don Chic).
“I think that’s more so that we’ll be able to hold some of the internal keypieces that will become free agents and extensions and get them to the trade market.”
For now, the Lakers can put all of this aside as the end of their current NBA season strongly determines how their summer will go.