Lakers' Losers of the Off-Season?

The Los Angeles Lakers have new owners after 46 years with the Buss family. Lakers fans are welcoming this change, as the aura around the Lakers has been on the decline. The Clippers are next door now and they have a better culture, a new arena, and richer owners. Because of this, the Lakers are not the top choice for players anymore. Missing out on key free agents led to the Lakers signing LeBron James. This move led the team to trade for Anthony Davis. Then, it resulted in the Luka Dončić trade during the season. The way they have built the roster over the past few seasons makes it clear they have no idea what they are doing. Mark Walter's new ownership has been great for the Dodgers. It's exciting to think about the future of this legendary franchise. As he gains power in LA, Jeanie and Rob feel the pressure. They need to build a winning team to compete in the tough Western landscape. LeBron James and his camp have made a statement about the upcoming season. This, along with Luka Dončić's uncertain future in LA, puts pressure on the current administration. But the front office does not appear to be proactive enough.

LeBron James is nearing retirement as he approaches his 40s; he aims to win his fifth NBA championship before he finishes his career. The Lakers lost to the Timberwolves in five games this postseason. Their recent actions haven't built confidence in their ability to compete. Also, Rich Paul's statements have not helped. LeBron picked up his player option as expected. Rich then stated, “LeBron knows the Lakers are building for the future. He also wants to compete for championships,” Paul said. “We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make the most of his remaining seasons. The Lakers get this, support him, and want what's best for him. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie (Buss) and Rob (Pelinka) and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.” LeBron James and his team are known for their influence. Now, they want to push the team to become contenders instead of focusing on the 2027-28 free agency. Which has now led to conversations about LeBron being traded and the future of Luka Dončić as a Laker.

Reports say Rob Pelinka and the Lakers are focusing on the 2027-28 free agency. They are willing to sacrifice the next two seasons to land a big-name free agent. Two of the top five players in the league, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, are key free agents. They are the big prize to land. Many superstars choose to sign extensions due to the market setup; they prefer this over risking their guaranteed money. Getting either free agent is tough. This makes Luka's future a big gamble, and he could end up leaving.

It is ridiculous that the Lakers are willing to tank two seasons as Luka Dončić has entered his prime. After reaching the finals last year, Luka will actively pursue the opportunity to compete again. SGA won a championship, so now the Lakers feel pressure. They need to build a strong team around Doncic to compete. LA isn't a team that Luka has any attachment towards, as he has no history with anyone beside JJ Reddick. With the former team he had great relations with Mark Cuban, but with this team he knows no one. That puts pressure on the Lakers to make a roster that can win a title. Or Luka can look to make a move where he could find himself on another team. Those two years on a gamble of getting a major free agency aren't worth wasting Luka's All-NBA years. Which is something that the Lakers look to do this off-season.

One odd move by the Lakers was Rob calling other teams to lower Dorian Finney-Smith's value. It seemed crazy because Finney-Smith is a wing the Lakers needed. His connection with Luka has also been mentioned. It was an embarrassing moment and showed that the front office has no clue what they are doing. Because of this, the news of Jake Laveria got undermined. He is a player who can play off the ball with his ability to make threes and cut to the basket. Along with being a solid playmaker and ok defender, he can be a plus, but not enough to win a title. The Lakers had another hole to fill, and they took on a big gamble.

The DeAndre Ayton buyout surprised no one. The Trail Blazers drafted centers in back-to-back drafts. The first pick in the 2018 draft has been left behind. This is due to a lack of effort on both sides of the court. Ayton puts up empty numbers, but his production is horrible, which has now led to him finding himself being booted out of two organizations. Now, he is on a team with two great playmakers and in one of the biggest markets in the league. The hope is that LA could get the best out of the big man; he'd be the fifth option needed in order to compete. Especially against the likes of Nikola Jokic, it is important for Ayton to figure out a role on both ends of the court. The Lakers even brought back Jaxson Hayes to ensure their center depth.

JJ Reddick's biggest blunder during the playoffs was not playing Jaxson Hayes. Hayes has been shown to improve once the Luka trade went through, and it has been ideal. He excelled in the pick and roll with the new player. Jaxon was a strong lob threat too. Jaxson Hayes will be an incredible rotational player next season for the Lakers. The Lakers did an ok job with filling in some of their holes, but Austin Reeves's situation makes it tough right now.

LA is dealing with the Austin Reaves situation, as he isn’t looking to sign an extension this off-season. After declining his $89 million dollar deal, it is clear that he looks to get a bigger paycheck. After having a bad post-season, there were questions as to his future. The Lakers front office will have to think throughoutthis season if they are willing to keep Reaves for a ton of money or look to invest in depth. This storyline has been undermined due to the LeBron situation and Luka's future. Rob Pelinka has to make a clear choice in what direction they go.

There could be a future where Rob finds himself fired. Mark Walters, the new owner, might hire someone to manage daily operations. Luka Doncic is watching every move the Lakers make, which will help him decide his future. It is uncertain if this team will remain a contender, as the end of the season will decide LeBron's next season. Teams like the Spurs, Rockets, and Thunder have improved. The Lakers made some moves, but they aren't enough to win the championship.

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