The Los Angeles Lakers have always made their biggest moves in the summer. From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, and more recently, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the franchise has a history of seismic offseason transactions. However, this time, they landed Luka Dončić midseason in one of the most shocking trades in NBA history. They have their new franchise cornerstone. Next up on the Lakers wishlist will be to build a contender around Dončić.
What’s Next for the Lakers After Luka Dončić
With just days before the trade deadline, they must quickly build a roster around Dončić. The challenge is balancing LeBron’s immediate championship window with the long-term plan to keep Dončić happy in Los Angeles.
The Lakers’ Immediate Needs
The Lakers now have one of the best offensive trios in basketball with Dončić, James, and Austin Reaves. However, the rest of the roster has major holes.
Center Rotation
The Lakers lack a proven center. Maxi Kleber and Jaxson Hayes are not enough. Kleber struggles with injuries, and Hayes has yet to prove himself as a consistent rim protector. Christian Wood may return, but Dallas let him go for a reason.
Dončić thrives with centers who protect the rim and finish lobs. The Lakers don’t have that kind of player right now, making it their top priority.
Point-of-attack Defender
Dončić must be excited to reunite with Dorian Finney-Smith, but the Lakers need more 3-and-D players. Jarred Vanderbilt is a great defender but can’t shoot. Rookie Dalton Knecht is a promising shooter but struggles defensively. Losing Max Christie hurts, as the Lakers were 17-8 with him as a starter. He blossomed into the point-of-attack defender the team needed beside Reaves.
If the Lakers want to compete this season, they must add at least one center and one reliable 3-and-D wing/guard before the deadline.
The Bigger Picture: Luka’s Future Co-Star
LeBron is 40 and can’t be the long-term co-star for Dončić. While Reaves could fill that role, his fit with Dončić is uncertain. Reaves has played well as a point guard this season, but he must adjust to being a secondary playmaker.
More concerning is Reaves’ defense. He thrived as a rookie but has regressed as his offensive role expanded. Now, without an elite center behind him, his weaknesses could be exposed.
Dončić becomes a free agent in 2026. The Lakers need to prove they can win long-term. Role players won’t be enough—they need another star to keep him in Los Angeles.
Who’s Next on the Lakers Trade Block After Dončić Trade
Several Lakers players could be moved before the deadline:
- Rui Hachimura: A 42% three-point shooter over two seasons, but his defense and rebounding are weak.
- Gabe Vincent: A solid defender and improving shooter, but he’s a salary-matching piece.
- Dalton Knecht: Valuable but makes under $4 million, meaning he must be packaged with another player to land a significant return.
- Jarred Vanderbilt: Injury-prone with three years left on his deal, making him tough to trade.
With limited trade assets, the Lakers must be smart with their moves.
The Road Ahead
The Lakers are in a tricky spot. They must add immediate help while keeping flexibility for Dončić’s long-term future. If they don’t land another star, their best bet is to build a strong supporting cast that makes Los Angeles a desirable destination.
The next few days will determine whether the Lakers can compete with Dončić in 2025 or if they need to wait for a bigger move down the line. One thing is clear: this trade was just the beginning.
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
