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Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka in April 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers made it clear at the trade deadline that their most aggressive roster upgrades may ultimately come in the offseason.
General manager Rob Pelinka did address one immediate need by acquiring Luke Kennard, adding perimeter shooting without compromising the team’s long-term financial flexibility.
Kennard’s expiring contract ensures the move does not impact Los Angeles’ ability to pursue larger additions.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Lakers are projected to have roughly $51 million in cap space this summer, even accounting for Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million free agent hold.
Reaves is widely expected to remain with the franchise, but the Lakers’ flexibility could increase significantly depending on LeBron James’ decision in unrestricted free agency.
If James departs, Los Angeles would gain substantial financial freedom to reshape the roster and pursue multiple high-impact players.
Lakers Expected to Revisit Andrew Wiggins Pursuit
Andrew Wiggins has long been viewed as a potential target for the Lakers. The team previously declined to meet the Miami Heat’s asking price of two rotation players and a first-round pick last summer, per reports, but their interest has persisted.
HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto reported that Los Angeles revisited Wiggins at the trade deadline, and ESPN’s Dave McMenamin indicated that he remains firmly on the team’s radar heading into the offseason.
“Unrestricted free agents who have been discussed internally, sources told ESPN, include Andrew Wiggins and Tari Eason, while Tobias Harris, Quentin Grimes and Dean Wade are other players who fit that profile,” McMenamin wrote.
“The Lakers also privately discussed restricted free agent Peyton Watson, sources told ESPN, and could land him if Denver, which already has $215 million in salary committed to returning players for next season, doesn’t match the offer sheet.”
Wiggins, now in the third year of a four-year, $109 million deal, is earning $28.2 million this season and holds a $30.1 million player option for 2026-27.
At 31-years-old, he could decline that option in search of long-term security.
On the court, Wiggins continues to provide steady two-way production. Through 50 games, he is averaging 15.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 block per game while shooting 47.1% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range.
His defensive versatility and perimeter shooting would directly address key weaknesses for the Lakers. Los Angeles currently ranks 23rd in defensive rating and sits near the bottom of the league in three-point production, areas where Wiggins could provide immediate impact.
Lakers Positioned for Major Moves Across Multiple Frontcourt Targets
Beyond wing upgrades, the Lakers are also preparing for potential frontcourt additions.
Los Angeles will control three tradable first-round picks — in 2026, 2031, and 2033 — giving the front office valuable assets should a star become available.
According to McMenamin, the Lakers believe they would be among the preferred destinations if Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo were to request a trade, highlighting the franchise’s continued ambition to pursue elite talent.
The center position also remains a major priority. ESPN’s Kevin Pelton identified Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams as “realistic possibilities” to strengthen the Lakers’ interior presence.
The Lakers explored center upgrades at the trade deadline but ultimately limited their move to acquiring Kennard for shooting help. Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround Deandre Ayton’s long-term role.
NBA insider Jake Fischer previously reported that the Lakers do not view Ayton “as their long-term answer at center or as the pick-and-roll rim-lob threat that Luka Doncic,” despite him holding an $8.1 million player option next season.
Ultimately, the direction of the Lakers’ offseason may hinge on James’ decision. Should he return for a 24th season, his salary would naturally influence the team’s flexibility and roster construction.
If not, Los Angeles appears poised to aggressively reshape its roster.
With cap space, draft capital, and multiple targets already identified, the Lakers are positioning themselves for what could be a pivotal offseason.
Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
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