Lakers Roster Baffles NBA General Managers

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Lakers Roster Baffles NBA General Managers

The Los Angeles Lakers’ recent roster changes have left many NBA general managers puzzled. A poll conducted by NBA.com among league executives revealed that the Lakers are viewed as one of the teams with the most unpredictable outlook for the 2025-26 season. Alongside the Lakers, teams such as the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, and LA Clippers each received 7 percent of the votes.

Lakers’ Roster Outlook for 2025-26 Season

Leading the poll, the Philadelphia 76ers garnered 47 percent of the votes, indicating their situation is viewed as the most confusing. Last year, a similar poll found that the Lakers were already considered challenging to predict, with 17 percent of general managers expressing their confusion. Despite these uncertainties, the Lakers finished the previous season with a record of 50-32, securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.

Major Roster Changes

The Lakers underwent significant roster changes last season. Key players like Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and D’Angelo Russell were traded, while they welcomed new talents including Luka Doncic, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. However, only Doncic and Kleber remain in the current lineup.

  • Departed Players:
    • Anthony Davis
    • Max Christie
    • D’Angelo Russell
  • New Additions:
    • Luka Doncic
    • Dorian Finney-Smith
    • Maxi Kleber
    • Markieff Morris

The Lakers also attempted to trade for center Mark Williams, but the deal fell through. Eventually, they signed Alex Len, who struggled during the playoffs, leading to head coach JJ Redick relying on other players.

New Signings and Strategies

This season, the Lakers are taking a different approach by acquiring former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton, who previously played for the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton’s contract situation is notable, featuring a one-plus-one deal, and he is expected to enhance the Lakers’ frontcourt presence.

Additionally, the team signed three-time All-Defensive Team guard Marcus Smart and shooting specialist Jake LaRavia. While Ayton and LaRavia are anticipated to make immediate impacts, Smart’s injury history raises concerns about his reliability throughout the season.

Draft Picks and Departures

The Lakers also traded up to select former Arkansas forward Adou Thiero in the early second round of the 2025 NBA Draft. However, they lost Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets on a four-year deal, which could be a significant defensive loss for the team.

If Smart’s health becomes an issue, the Lakers may depend heavily on players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, both of whom have struggled with consistent long-range shooting throughout their careers.

For continuous updates regarding the Lakers and their ongoing roster strategies, explore El-Balad for the latest news and insights.