The Los Angeles Lakers have learned from their past mistakes ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Even with the dynamic duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the team, the Los Angeles Lakers faced an early exit from the 2025 playoffs.
The most obvious reason was the lack of a talented big man in the lineup, as the Minnesota Timberwolves outplayed the Lakers in the first round.
Keeping that in mind, general manager Rob Pelinka has made some key changes to the roster, improving the Lakers’ odds of lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy next season.
Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty ImagesBiggest additions to the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster
As mentioned earlier, the JJ Redick-coached team lacked an elite big man last season. So, the most notable addition to the roster is undoubtedly Deandre Ayton.
Ayton joined the Purple and Gold after getting bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers. On top of Ayton’s addition, the Lakers also similarly signed Marcus Smart.
With key defensive adjustments, the Lakers look all set to win championship No. 18 next season. But before that, here are all the major additions to the team’s roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Deandre Ayton (Signed a two-year deal)Marcus Smart (Signed a two-year deal)Jake LaRavia (Signed a two-year deal)Luka Doncic (Re-signed to a three-year deal)Jaxson Hayes (Re-signed to a one-year deal)
Of course, how can anyone forget Doncic showing long-term commitment to the Purple and Gold. He did so by agreeing to a massive three-year, $165 million contract extension.
Doncic’s partnership with Ayton on the hardwood will likely result in some major athletic plays during the course of the season.
Biggest departures from the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster
Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
With the LA Lakers’ 2025-26 lineup looking solid, there are a few familiar names who won’t be a part of the team next season.
That includes fan-favorite Dorian Finney-Smith. DFS departed the Lakers to get a massive payday from the Houston Rockets.
Initially, the move was criticized, but the Laker Nation quickly became happy with the above-mentioned additions to the roster.
Keeping that in mind, here is every major departure from the Lakers ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Dorian Finney-Smith (Left as a free agent)Shake Milton (Waived)Jordan Goodwin (Waived)Trey Jamison III (Waived)
The Lakers’ roster seems set, at least for now. If the team needs to make any changes, they have more than $40 million in expiring deals that will serve as bargaining chips around the NBA Trade Deadline.