Lakers’ Offseason Overhaul: Have They Truly Leveled Up?
The answer: Yes — but not yet enough to be crowned Western Conference favorites.
1. The Blockbuster That Changed Everything
The defining event of the Lakers’ offseason was the acquisition of Luka Dončić from Dallas in February 2025. In a historic three‑team trade, they sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick to the Mavericks, receiving Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in return). Not only was this the first time two reigning All‑NBA players swapped teams midseason, but the move immediately repositioned the Lakers as serious contenders building around the 26‑year‑old superstar alongside LeBron James (Wikipedia).
2. Frontcourt Fixes: DeAndre Ayton and More
Post‑trade, the Lakers had a glaring need: a reliable center. They attempted to acquire Mark Williams from Charlotte but backed out after he failed a physical (cambridgejournal.co.uk). Then came the crucial free‑agent pick-up: DeAndre Ayton, signing a two‑year deal after Portland’s buyout. Ayton brings elite rebounding, pick‑and‑roll mobility, and rim protection to heal the Davis‑shaped hole
3. Perimeter Shift: Smart, LaRavia, Exhibit 10 Talent
To reinforce their defensive backbone and bench firepower, the Lakers added veteran Marcus Smart on an $11 million contract following a buyout, hoping his defensive intensity will anchor the second unit
They also signed Jake LaRavia on a two-year deal (~$12M) as a young sharpshooter (42% from three last year) poised to exploit Dončić’s playmaking Plus, four undrafted rookies—Eric Dixon, RJ Davis, Arthur Kaluma, Augustas Marčiulionis—got Exhibit 10 contracts, reflecting an emphasis on developing long‑term depth (artstribune.com).
4. Conditioning, Culture and Leadership
Meanwhile Luka Dončić underwent a rigorous fitness transformation: a new diet, Croatian training camp, and serious offseason discipline—an effort designed to elevate his game for the long haul. He even graced the cover of Men’s Health as the poster child for the Lakers’ renewed commitment to excellence
LeBron James, opting in for the 2025–26 season at $52.6 million, remains vocal about his commitment to winning now. Though 40, his work ethic and leadership underscore the urgency of title contention in the final chapter of his Lakers legacy
5. What Still Needs Fixing?
Despite the progress, key deficits remain:
- Center depth: Ayton is a step up, but a reliable backup is essential. Rumored targets like Nikola Vučević and Nick Richards highlight the ongoing need for interior insurance (artstribune.com,
- Wing defense: Letting go of Dorian Finney‑Smith, who signed with Houston, may have cost them stability and versatility on the perimeter
- Roster flexibility: The Lakers are deep into luxury tax territory and lack first-round picks until 2031–32, limiting future trading firepower
6. Championship Outlook: Ready or Not?
With Dončić and James anchoring a retooled roster, the Lakers have undeniably improved. Betting markets slashed their championship odds—from mid-tier longshots to single‑digit favorites in many projections Their dual star power, combined with Smart’s leadership and Ayton’s interior presence, gives them a legitimate chance in the crowded Western Conference.
But in a gauntlet featuring established contenders like Denver, OKC and Minnesota, depth and defense will determine if the upgrade is enough. The Lakers still trail elite roster balance—the kind that defines title-winning teams.
7. Final Take: Yes, But Work Remains
In summary: the Lakers have undeniably improved this offseason, with transformational moves to acquire Luka Dončić and shore up the roster around him. Ayton and Smart bring necessary upgrades, while youth adds intrigue and upside.
Yet they’ve also lost key role players and still lack interior contingency and wing reliability. Without further frontcourt reinforcements, the Lakers may remain vulnerable in the playoffs.
So have they done enough?
Not yet—but they’re on the right path. If they land another impact center or defensive wing, Los Angeles could become the force its headline duo promises.
