{"id":121649,"date":"2025-02-03T09:31:42","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T14:31:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=121649"},"modified":"2025-02-03T09:31:42","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T14:31:42","slug":"whats-next-for-the-lakers-after-luka-doncic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/03\/whats-next-for-the-lakers-after-luka-doncic\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s Next for the Lakers After Luka Don\u010di\u0107"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> have always made their biggest moves in the summer. From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar<\/a> to Shaquille O\u2019Neal<\/a> and Kobe Bryant<\/a>, and more recently, LeBron James<\/a> and Anthony Davis,<\/a> the franchise has a history of seismic offseason transactions. However, this time, they landed Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/a> 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 Don\u010di\u0107.<\/p>\n

What’s Next for the Lakers After Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/h2>\n

With just days before the trade deadline, they must quickly build a roster around Don\u010di\u0107. The challenge is balancing LeBron\u2019s<\/a> immediate championship window with the long-term plan to keep Don\u010di\u0107 happy in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

The Lakers\u2019 Immediate Needs<\/h3>\n

The Lakers now have one of the best offensive trios in basketball with Don\u010di\u0107, James, and Austin Reaves<\/a>. However, the rest of the roster has major holes.<\/p>\n

Center Rotation<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The Lakers lack a proven center. Maxi Kleber<\/a> and Jaxson Hayes<\/a> are not enough. Kleber struggles with injuries, and Hayes has yet to prove himself as a consistent rim protector. Christian Wood<\/a> may return, but Dallas let him go for a reason.<\/p>\n

Don\u010di\u0107 thrives with centers who protect the rim and finish lobs. The Lakers don\u2019t have that kind of player right now, making it their top priority.<\/p>\n

Point-of-attack Defender<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Don\u010di\u0107 must be excited to reunite with Dorian Finney-Smith<\/a>, but the Lakers need more 3-and-D players. Jarred Vanderbilt<\/a> is a great defender but can\u2019t shoot. Rookie Dalton Knecht<\/a> is a promising shooter but struggles defensively. Losing Max Christie<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Bigger Picture: Luka\u2019s Future Co-Star<\/h3>\n

LeBron is 40 and can\u2019t be the long-term co-star for Don\u010di\u0107. While Reaves could fill that role, his fit with Don\u010di\u0107 is uncertain. Reaves has played well as a point guard this season, but he must adjust to being a secondary playmaker.<\/p>\n

More concerning is Reaves\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Don\u010di\u0107 becomes a free agent in 2026. The Lakers need to prove they can win long-term. Role players won\u2019t be enough\u2014they need another star to keep him in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

Who’s Next on the Lakers Trade Block After Don\u010di\u0107 Trade<\/h3>\n

Several Lakers<\/a> players could be moved before the deadline:<\/p>\n