Lakers Roster Leaves NBA GMs Puzzled and Intrigued
The Los Angeles Lakers have made significant roster changes this summer, leading to confusion among NBA general managers. A recent poll conducted by NBA.com reveals the Lakers are tied for second place among teams with the most unpredictable 2025-26 season outlooks.
Lakers’ Roster Moves Raise Eyebrows
According to the poll, the Lakers, along with the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, and New Orleans Pelicans, each received 7% of the votes. The Philadelphia 76ers topped the list with 47% of the votes, highlighting their clearer forecast for the upcoming season.
Last year, the Lakers were deemed the most perplexing team, with 17% of general managers expressing confusion about their lineup. Despite these uncertainties, Los Angeles finished the season with a record of 50-32, securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
Key Departures and Additions
Significant changes marked the Lakers’ roster through midseason trades. Last year’s squad lost Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and D’Angelo Russell, while acquiring Luka Doncic, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. Of these new additions, only Doncic and Kleber remain on the team.
This summer, the Lakers made strategic moves in the offseason. They focused on strengthening their frontcourt by signing former No. 1 draft pick Deandre Ayton after his buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton is on a one-plus-one deal, and his skills around the basket may provide immediate benefits to the team.
Additional Signings and Departures
- The Lakers also acquired three-time All-Defensive Team guard Marcus Smart.
- They signed 3-point shooting combo forward Jake LaRavia.
- Dorian Finney-Smith departed for a four-year contract with the Houston Rockets.
The Lakers’ roster strategy also included trading up in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft to select Adou Thiero from Arkansas. The exit of Finney-Smith raises questions about defensive strength, especially if Smart cannot perform consistently due to injury concerns.
In their pursuit of success, the Lakers aim to balance the contributions of new signings with the performance of existing players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, who have struggled with shooting accuracy throughout their careers.
As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, their roster decisions promise to be a topic of intrigue among fans and analysts alike.
