The Lakers are facing a number of questions this offseason, even beyond the futures of stars Austin Reaves and LeBron James.
It’s unlikely Los Angeles’ front office simply runs it back with last season’s roster, writes Dan Woike of The Athletic. There is internal pressure to make changes that will bring the team closer to the contender it views itself as, though there doesn’t seem to be much of a market for a trade package that includes Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, and draft compensation.
The Lakers also appear to be more likely to retain Marcus Smart than Deandre Ayton, as Woike reports that some within the team are focused on trying to get younger and more athletic at the center position. Robert Williams III could be an option there, but Woike reports that the Trail Blazers are expected to attempt to retain the defensive-minded big man.
L.A. also has a decision to make on its assistant general manager job opening. The team has been going through the interview process since the playoffs were ongoing, but it’s unclear how much progress they’ve made. Kurt Rambis is involved in some level of team decision-making, Woike reports. Rohan Ramadas, the team’s newly hired assistant general manager of strategy and data systems, is one of two assistant GMs the team set out looking to hire, and has apparently been impressing in the early days of his tenure.
We have more news and notes coming out of the Pacific Division:
- The Lakers are unlikely to land a starter with the 25th pick, Woike writes. A more realistic successful outcome would be finding someone who could be a top-eight rotation player, according to Woike, who suggests that the team will likely target a high-motor player. One prospect who fits that mold is Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s), a slightly undersized defensive big man who is likely to be in their draft range, Benjamin Royer writes for the Orange County Register. Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston), Tarris Reed Jr. (Connecticut), Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky), and Isaiah Evans (Duke) are some other options Royer breaks down.
- The Clippers are at one the true inflection points of the 2026 NBA draft, with no clear sense of who will be the first player off the board after the presumed consensus top four. Los Angeles could also choose to trade back or out of the draft if a deal emerged to land the club a star player or additional assets, Janis Carr writes for the Register, before breaking down several of the potential options the Clippers will consider if they do select at number five.
- Devin Booker has officially changed his jersey number for the Suns, from No. 1 to No. 15, Duane Rankin of AZ Central notes (via Twitter). The move is a tribute to his father, Melvin Booker, who played two seasons in the NBA from 1995-1997. “I’ve been chasing 15 my whole career. It’s always been a family number,” he said. “Obviously [my dad] wore it and I looked at [him] as the blueprint for success.”
