The Los Angeles Lakers are charging into the 2025-26 NBA season with a dramatically retooled roster and a new sense of urgency. The blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic back in February marked the beginning of a bold new chapter for the storied franchise. Since Doncic donned the purple and gold, the Lakers have gone 18-10, with their new superstar averaging a sizzling 28 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists over 28 games. That’s the kind of production that gets fans dreaming of banners and parades in downtown Los Angeles.
But as the Lakers look to the future, there’s a complex balancing act at play. LeBron James, who turns 41 this December, remains a centerpiece of the team’s identity and ambition. Yet, with Doncic entering his prime at age 26 and hungry to cement his legacy as a Lakers legend, questions swirl about how these two ball-dominant stars can coexist—and whether they can lead the Lakers back to the NBA’s mountaintop.
The Lakers’ front office, led by General Manager Rob Pelinka, wasted no time this offseason in bolstering the supporting cast around Doncic and James. "We just wanted to make a statement to Luka that we support what he does for his country. That’s really important to the Lakers when we have a player that’s the face of our franchise, just to show that support for him," Pelinka told reporters in Poland, where he and team owner Jeanie Buss traveled to cheer Doncic on ahead of the FIBA EuroBasket tournament. Their trans-Atlantic show of support was not just symbolic—it was strategic, signaling to Doncic and the basketball world that the Lakers are all-in on building around their new superstar.
Doncic himself was quick to acknowledge the gesture. "Means a lot, it’s a long flight, like 11, 12 hours, means a lot for them to be here to support me. We had a great lunch today, it was great to see them," Doncic said during a post-practice media availability in Poland. As he prepares to face off against European powerhouses Spain, Germany, and France, Doncic knows the Lakers are watching—and waiting for his return to Los Angeles, where he and James will be expected to lead the charge for a deep playoff run.
But what about the rest of the roster? Pelinka’s summer overhaul brought in three significant new faces: DeAndre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia. Ayton, a former #1 overall pick, brings a career average of 16 points and 10 rebounds per game—a much-needed post presence and lob threat. Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, promises to shore up the Lakers’ perimeter defense, which has been a sore spot in recent years. Smart’s addition was described as "unexpected," but his championship pedigree and relentless defensive energy are expected to be crucial as the Lakers eye a return to the Finals.
Perhaps the most intriguing new arrival is Jake LaRavia, a 23-year-old sharpshooter who shot 49% from the field and a blistering 44.4% from three-point range last season with the Memphis Grizzlies. LaRavia averaged 7.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists over 20.9 minutes per game, and advanced stats showed Memphis was better with him on the court. Despite this, the Grizzlies dealt him to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team swap, opening the door for the Lakers to pounce. Pelinka made LaRavia the first major addition of the Lakers’ offseason, banking on his ability to stretch the floor and contribute as a steady rotation piece.
LaRavia himself is eager to seize the opportunity. "I’m trying to take it to the next level by maintaining that percentage while also increasing my attempts per game. Playing alongside LeBron [James] and Luka [Doncic], who have such gravitational pull on the court, will help me achieve that," he said. Jovan Buha, a respected NBA analyst, noted, "I am optimistic on Jake LaRavia and his potential. I trend more toward him working out and being a rotation guy. Is he a ninth man? Is he a seventh man? ... We don't really know yet what that's going to look like and how good he's going to be as a Laker."
Alongside these newcomers, the Lakers are counting on further growth from returning young talents like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dalton Knecht, all entering their prime. Yet, the rumor mill hasn’t stopped churning. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley floated the idea of trading Reaves and a 2031 first-round pick to Dallas for Dereck Lively II and Caleb Martin—a deal that would add more frontcourt muscle and postseason experience. Still, Reaves has become a fan favorite in L.A., and unless a true star is coming back, it’s hard to see the Lakers pulling the trigger on such a move.
Despite all the upgrades, the Lakers still face some pressing questions. Last season, their second unit ranked a dismal 28th in offensive rating and 29th in points per game when the starters sat. Defensive woes persisted as well, with the team finishing in the bottom 10 for overall defensive rating, opponents’ three-point percentage, and points allowed in the paint. While Smart’s arrival helps, the Lakers will need more from their bench and improved team defense to compete with the West’s elite.
There’s also the looming question of LeBron James’ future. He’ll become an unrestricted free agent after this season, and if the Lakers fall short, whispers of a split could grow louder. Both James and Doncic are known for their high basketball IQs, but both like to have the ball in their hands and neither is an elite defender at this stage. Will James be willing to cede more playmaking duties to Doncic and focus on defense and off-ball movement for the sake of another championship run? If not, the Lakers may have to consider a major philosophical shift—and perhaps even life after LeBron.
For now, the Lakers are betting that a healthy blend of star power, improved depth, and a renewed commitment to defense will keep them in the thick of the title chase. Head coach JJ Redick will have plenty of lineup options to explore, with rotational wildcards like Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Jaxson Hayes all vying for minutes. If LaRavia, Smart, and Ayton can live up to their billing, and if Doncic continues his ascent as one of the NBA’s elite, Los Angeles just might have the firepower to go toe-to-toe with anyone.
As the 2025-26 campaign approaches, anticipation is sky-high in Lakerland. With Doncic set to return from EuroBasket and James gearing up for another run at history, the Lakers’ new era is officially underway. Whether it ends with confetti falling from the rafters or more tough questions about the future, one thing’s for sure: this season promises to be anything but dull in Los Angeles.
