Lakers Offseason Overview + Plan

Drafted 36 Adou Thiero A Undrafted: Eric Dixon B

Trades

Step 1: Lebron James and Dorian Finney-Smith both opt into their player options

Step 2: Trade Gabe Vincent + 2031 lottery protected First round pick for Robert Williams

Step 3: Trade Rui Hachimura + Shake Milton + 2nd round pick for Andrew Wiggins {Rumor Trade} (I believe Dalton is a massive overpay)

Step 4: Trade Jarred Vanderbilt for Lonzo Ball

Free Agency

Steo 5: Sign Clint Capela for TPMLE 2 years 11 m

Step 6: Sign Dante Exum to Veteran Minimum

Step 7: Sign Chris Boucher Veteran Minimum

Step 8: Sign Torrey Craig Veteran Minimum

Positions, Name, Offensive Role, Defensive Role)

Starters

PG Luka Doncic (Primary Ball Handler/Playmaker Primary Scoring Option & Low Activity Defender)

SG Austin Reaves (Tertiary Ball Handler/Playmaker Shot Creator & Chaser Defender)

SF Andrew Wiggins (Shot Creator/Stationary Shooter & Point Of Attack Defender)

PF LeBron James (Secondary Ball Handler/Playmaker Secondary Scoring Option & Wing Defender)

C Robert Williams (Roll & Cut Big & Anchor Big)

Bench

PG Lonzo Ball (Secondary Ball Handler/Playmaker & Point Of Attack Defender)

SG Dalton Knetch (Stationary Shooter & Chaser Defender)

SF Dorian Finney-Smith (Stationary Shooter & Primary Wing Defender)

PF Maxi Kleber (Stretch Big & Wing Defender)

C Clint Capela (Roll & Cut Big & Secondary Anchor Big)

PG Dante Exum (Tertiary Playmaker & Point Of Attack Defender)

SG Bronny James (Shot Creator & Chaser Defender) or SG Jordan Goodwin (Stationary Shooter & Wing Defender/Point Of Attack)

SF Adou Thiero (Rim Attacking/Lob threat & Wing Defender/Point Of Attack)

PF Torrey Craig (Slasher & Wing / Point Of Attack)

C Chris Boucher (Versatile/Floor Spacing Big & Mobile Big)

Extra

2way PF Eric Dixon (Stationary Shooter & Low Activity)

Closing Lineup/Playoff Lineup

PG Luka Doncic (Primary Ball Handler/Playmaker Primary Scoring Option & Low Activity Defender)

SG Austin Reaves (Tertiary Ball Handler/Playmaker Shot Creator & Chaser Defender)

SF Andrew Wiggins (Shot Creator/Stationary Shooter & Point Of Attack Defender)

PF LeBron James (Secondary Ball Handler/Playmaker Secondary Scoring Option & Help & Wing Defender)

C Robert Williams (Roll & Cut Big & Anchor Big)

Players Added: Robert Williams, Andrew Wiggins, Clint Capela, Dante Exum, Chris Boucher, Torrey Criag, Adou Thiero, Eric Dixon

Players lost: Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, Christian Koloko, Shake Milton, Alex Len, Trey Jemison

Gains from Offseason: Athleticism, Rim Protection, Length, Perimeter Defense, Interior Defense, Rebounding, Versatility, more 2-way ability, Size

Losses from Offseason: Shot Creation, Continuity, Health?

Heat Reason: The Heat are high on Rui Hachimura and are looking to move on from Andrew Wiggins' contract. Swapping Wiggins' $28 million salary for Hachimura’s $18 million is a significant financial benefit. Although Hachimura isn’t as strong defensively, he offers more offensive upside and is arguably just as impactful overall. Additionally, Shake Milton adds solid depth if he remains on the roster, and the 2030 second-round pick is a bonus asset.

The Heat are also interested in Dalton Knecht, but factoring in finances, age, and potential, parting with both Rui and Knecht for Wiggins feels like a lateral move at best. While Wiggins is a proven player, Knecht has long-term upside and could fit this roster’s future better. Trading him now might not be the smartest or most forward-thinking decision.

Trail Blazers Reason: Portland now has four playable centers—after drafting Donovan Clingan last year and Yang Hansen this year—on top of Deandre Ayton. With Robert Williams struggling with injuries, moving him for a lottery-protected first-round pick and an expiring contract in Gabe Vincent opens up frontcourt opportunities for Clingan and Hansen adding long-term value.

Chicago Bulls Reason: The Bulls have been trying to move on from Lonzo Ball, who has been in and out for years. Acquiring a player like Jarred Vanderbilt brings immediate value, especially on the defensive end. Vanderbilt adds versatility at the wing, replicating some of what Lonzo brought while being healthier and more durable. Shedding Ball’s contract, a year early would be a smart move for the front office.

Lakers Overview:

The Lakers are in win-now mode, aiming to maximize the championship window of Luka Dončić and LeBron James. Realistically, this window is two years—through the 2026 and 2027 seasons. With that in mind, the front office must prioritize adding athleticism, size, interior defense, and versatile two-way players.

Core Vision: Luka Dončić should be an MVP candidate this season. Expect him to be in much better shape throughout the year, maintaining high-level play from start to finish.

LeBron James can take a step back offensively, allowing him to operate more off-ball as a wing and strong-side help defender—preserving energy for key moments.

Austin Reaves is entering another year of development and should be viewed as the second playmaker and scorer behind Luka. Offensively, he could have a breakout year.

New Additions & Player Fits: Robert Williams, Clint Capela, and Chris Boucher add much-needed size, rim protection, and lob threat ability. Boucher gives the Lakers the added flexibility of a stretch big who can also run in transition.

Williams is an elite help-side shot blocker.

Capela brings solid positional defense and rebounding.

Boucher gives shooting and versatility.

Andrew Wiggins is a bounce-back candidate with strong 3-and-D value. He's a better point-of-attack defender than Dorian Finney-Smith, with more shot creation in the midrange and as a driver. He fits well next to Luka and LeBron and provides two-way consistency.

Lonzo Ball, if healthy, is an elite perimeter defender and high-IQ playmaker. His shooting and floor-spacing would be invaluable. He could play a role similar to what 2020 Rajon Rondo brought to the title team.

Dante Exum brings defensive versatility, a strong connective-passing role, and reliability in a system-oriented offense.

Torrey Craig adds physical wing defense and playoff toughness.

Maxi Kleber adds another stretch big with switchable defensive ability. He’s smart, experienced, and fits modern defensive schemes.

Jordan Goodwin provides strong point-of-attack defense, hustle, rebounding from the guard spot, and decent offensive stretch. He’s an energy role player who does the little things.

Young Core & Development: Dalton Knecht should take a leap in year two. Already a high-level shooter, he’s expected to be one of the best shooters in the league next year. With improved defensive teammates and development, he could become a legit two-way contributor and excellent off-ball chaser.

Bronny James is capable on-ball defensively and has shown flashes as a playmaker. With steady development—particularly off-ball defense and consistency—he could make a solid leap as a rotation player.

Adou Thiero was a smart draft pick. He’s an elite defender, athlete, and slasher with rim pressure. While his shooting needs work, he compares favorably to Jarred Vanderbilt—arguably a better athlete but a worse passer. Still, Thiero likely has a higher ceiling and could (I believe will) develop faster.

Final Thoughts: The Lakers already have the offense covered with Luka, LeBron, and Reaves. The priority now is building a defense-first, athletic team around them. If everyone stays healthy, this team has championship potential.

With Luka playing at an MVP level and LeBron able to focus more on defense and efficiency, this roster would be dangerous on both ends. The combination of elite playmakers, lob threats, defenders, shooters, and versatile wings makes this one of the most complete rosters the Lakers could field in the LeBron era.

The only concern is health. If the key players can stay healthy through the season and into the playoffs, this team is fully capable of winning a title.