The Los Angeles Lakers are kicking off training camp this week with a dramatically different look, heading into what general manager Rob Pelinka has dubbed the “Luka Doncic-led era.” More than half of the team’s roster features new faces, leaving two starting spots still open for competition as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Doncic, a two-time scoring champion who averaged 33.5 points per game last season, is taking center stage for the Lakers after his recent arrival. Pelinka, the president of basketball operations, expressed at a preseason news conference that Doncic is the "world’s greatest offensive player" and that having him in the building is "special," requiring the franchise to build a team around him. Head coach JJ Redick, now in his third year, feels that for the first time, the "pieces actually fit together" with Doncic and returning guard Austin Reaves acting as the team's core.
Doncic himself has embraced a new leadership role. He recently organized a team minicamp in his hometown of Ljubljana, Slovenia, where players and some assistant coaches participated in practices and team-bonding activities like golfing, rowing, and sightseeing. Pelinka noted that players were so appreciative they presented Doncic with handwritten thank-you notes. In a vlog, Doncic, now a father to two daughters, reflected on his growth, stating, "the leadership is an important part of my case now," acknowledging he wasn't the leader he was supposed to be five years ago.
The Lakers' offseason also saw the acquisition of Walker Kessler, a move that cost four first-round picks. Despite the significant investment, Kessler is still largely unproven in the NBA, having played only five games last season due to a shoulder injury. Pelinka confirmed the organization conducted a "deep dive" into Kessler’s medical history and is not concerned about the injury lingering. Redick plans to utilize Kessler in a defensive role, similar to how the San Antonio Spurs deploy Victor Wembanyama, keeping him low and near the basket. Kessler’s "elite rim protection — 2.4 blocks per game in his NBA career — can open a new defensive style" for the Lakers, allowing for more aggressive perimeter defense.
Kessler, at 25, joins Doncic (27) and Reaves (28) to form a younger core for the franchise. Redick views Kessler as the "perfect fit for those guys and building out the next phase of the Lakers." The team also secured Austin Reaves with a four-year, $185-million contract, making him the second-highest paid player on the roster. Reaves, who had a career-best 23.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game last season, said his "heart was in L.A. the whole time" despite being a highly sought-after free agent. While he missed significant time last season due to injuries, Redick praised Reaves for being "a leader in the gym every single day" this offseason.
With 16 players on guaranteed contracts, the Lakers must trim one player to meet the league maximum of 15 by the October 21 season opener. Aside from filling the two open starting roles alongside Doncic, Reaves, and Kessler, competition for the final roster spots will be intense. Pelinka noted that a "consolidation trade that ships two players out for one" is a possible solution to the overcrowded roster. While the team has depth at wing positions with players like Jake LaRavia, Ziaire Williams, and Jarred Vanderbilt, they might look to bolster their center options beyond Kessler and backup Kevon Looney, and are unsettled at power forward. Vanderbilt and third-year guard Dalton Knecht, who was traded and returned in 2025 and has yet to find a solid role, are mentioned as potential trade pieces. Pelinka affirmed that "building a championship roster is an evergreen process" and that the work is "never done."
Off the court, the Lakers are also dealing with a pending ownership change. Mark Walter's controlling stake sale is awaiting approval, with Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner set to take over after purchasing majority stakes at a $12.5-billion valuation. Pelinka said he's had "preliminary discussions" with Iger and Kushner that have been "really, really positive," and stated that "in terms of day-to-day, nothing’s changed. We’re operating with Lakers excellence." The organization has also been expanding its front office, adding over 15 new personnel, including Rohan Ramadas and Eric Amsler as assistant general managers. The team has also "rebuilt our entire player experience and player development arm," led by Zach Guthrie, the former G League affiliate head coach, and is investing in new equipment and scouts, with a goal to be the leader among NBA teams in these areas.
