New Era for Lakers
Lakers Rebuild Around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves Following LeBron James Departure
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Lakers president Rob Pelinka thanked LeBron James for his eight seasons in Los Angeles, including the 2020 championship and 2023 Western Conference finals run, after James signed with Philadelphia. Pelinka said the team aimed to retain Austin Reaves, acquire a franchise center and add younger, versatile depth, with Reaves and Luka Doncic positioned as leaders; ESPN projects the Lakers to finish 45-37 and reach the Western Conference play-in tournament. New Houston guard Marcus Smart called the Rockets “scary,” and coach Ime Udoka and forward Jabari Smith Jr. said they expect the team to advance beyond the first round after last season’s playoff exit. The Clippers have not provided an update on new forward Brandon Ingram ahead of media day after he had heel surgery in May; the injury affected him late last season and caused him to miss playoff games. His recovery remains a concern as the Clippers head toward training camp and a season reshaped by the Kawhi Leonard trade.
Key Points
1
The Lakers’ shift toward a post-LeBron future had begun in February 2025, when they traded Anthony Davis to Dallas for Luka Doncic—months before James left for Philadelphia.
2
James joined Philadelphia on a veteran’s minimum contract; his eight seasons with the Lakers were the longest continuous stint with any one team in his career.
3
As part of its offseason roster plan, the Lakers acquired center Walker Kessler in a trade, alongside retaining Austin Reaves and adding younger players.
4
Ingram’s right-heel surgery in May involved removal of a heel spur. He had been expected to be ready by September, but the heel had flared up in March; he missed Games 6 and 7 against Cleveland and averaged 12 points on 32.8% shooting in the five playoff games he played.
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