Lakers basically set their team for next season, as their only remaining asset is Reaves. To an extent could also be LeBron, but I think he will retire as a Laker. They only have one SRP left to trade and a couple of pick swaps. Williams is a huge gamble. If he can stay healthy, he could be a good trade asset. If not...
I know Reaves is limited defensively, but I could see him work next to Luka. Kyrie also worked with Luka despite their defensive limitations. Of course Reaves is not Kyrie on offense, but he is good and on a great contract. They are set on center if he can stay healthy and they have good shooters (DFS and Hachimura are shooting over 40 %), although not on a good volume. They have good wing defenders in Vando (another player with a big question mark if he can stay healthy) and DFS. Nothing else on that team. No good young talents. They will likely scan the buyout market, but they are limited due to first apron rules.
For this season it will all come down to how much Luka and LeBron are willing and able to play defense. On the other hand, they will be very difficult to stop on offense. LeBron and Luka can both post up, drive, shoot,... Which team has two strong, mobile and big wings to guard them?
Lakers have basically a clean sheet for 2026 summer as only Vando and Shake Milton (min deal) are under contract then. The big challenge will be to replace LeBron (I assume he retires at some point or at least his salary is reduced). They will be able to trade 2026 and 2033 picks. Not a strong FA class with some very old stars (Durant, Lillard). Strong "almost star" and high level role players class though - Mikal Bridges, Jaren Jackson, Hartnestein, Wiggins, Gordon, Poeltl, PJ, Dort. Plenty of excellent defenders and solid offensive guys to build a team. But, teams will likely take care of best free agents before than anyway.
I know Reaves is limited defensively, but I could see him work next to Luka. Kyrie also worked with Luka despite their defensive limitations. Of course Reaves is not Kyrie on offense, but he is good and on a great contract. They are set on center if he can stay healthy and they have good shooters (DFS and Hachimura are shooting over 40 %), although not on a good volume. They have good wing defenders in Vando (another player with a big question mark if he can stay healthy) and DFS. Nothing else on that team. No good young talents. They will likely scan the buyout market, but they are limited due to first apron rules.
For this season it will all come down to how much Luka and LeBron are willing and able to play defense. On the other hand, they will be very difficult to stop on offense. LeBron and Luka can both post up, drive, shoot,... Which team has two strong, mobile and big wings to guard them?
Lakers have basically a clean sheet for 2026 summer as only Vando and Shake Milton (min deal) are under contract then. The big challenge will be to replace LeBron (I assume he retires at some point or at least his salary is reduced). They will be able to trade 2026 and 2033 picks. Not a strong FA class with some very old stars (Durant, Lillard). Strong "almost star" and high level role players class though - Mikal Bridges, Jaren Jackson, Hartnestein, Wiggins, Gordon, Poeltl, PJ, Dort. Plenty of excellent defenders and solid offensive guys to build a team. But, teams will likely take care of best free agents before than anyway.
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