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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to the media during a press conference after Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2025-26 season with momentum.

They exit it with pressure.

According to The Athletic, the Lakers are now “on the clock” after making bold promises to Luka Doncic — promises that now define one of the most pivotal offseasons in franchise history.

Lakers ‘On the Clock’ to Build Around Luka Dončić

Los Angeles won 53 games this season, its highest total since 2010-11 outside the 2020 championship campaign, and exceeded preseason expectations for a second straight year.

Under coach JJ Redick, the Lakers developed a tougher identity and advanced in the playoffs.

But internally, league and team sources told The Athletic that simply running it back is not viewed as a viable option.

“The Lakers are on the clock,” one league source told The Athletic.

That urgency is tied directly to the expectations set when Dončić committed long-term to the franchise.

Luka Dončić Contract Timeline Raises Stakes

Dončić’s contract structure only heightens that urgency.

The Lakers star signed a three-year, $165 million maximum extension last summer that begins next season, with a player option in the final year that allows him to become an unrestricted free agent after just two seasons.

That effectively compresses the Lakers’ timeline.

Instead of a gradual build, the franchise now has a two-year runway to prove it can construct a legitimate championship contender around Dončić.

Rob Pelinka Confirms Lakers Will Build Around Dončić

Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka reinforced that direction during his season-ending press conference.

“The archetype of the roster that we want is going to be retrofitted around Luka and the things he needs,” Pelinka said. “He’s that leader and player for the future that we want to build the right way around.”

Pelinka added that the organization is already working through a detailed evaluation process.

“There’s a lot to be proud of… back-to-back 50-win seasons, but certainly nothing that we’re satisfied about,” Pelinka said. “This is a market with championship expectations.”

He emphasized that roster construction will be a collaborative effort with Dončić.

“We’re in constant communication with him and his team,” Pelinka said. “Those collaborations with him are actually really inspirational.”

Lakers Roster Needs: Center, Defense, Secondary Playmaker

According to The Athletic, the Lakers’ offseason priorities are clear:

Center upgrade:
A rim-running lob threat — similar to Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II — to maximize Dončić’s pick-and-roll offense.

Two-way wings:
Athletic defenders who can guard multiple positions while providing perimeter shooting.

Secondary playmaker:
A guard capable of initiating offense independently while complementing Dončić.

That final need brings focus to Austin Reaves.

Austin Reaves, LeBron James Decisions Loom

Reaves is expected to decline his player option and enter unrestricted free agency, while LeBron James also faces a decision on his future.

Retaining both could complicate roster flexibility.

Still, multiple league sources said Dončić strongly prefers to continue playing with Reaves and views him as a long-term fit.

That preference is significant.

According to The Athletic, Dončić would not want Reaves included in potential trade discussions involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, even as the Lakers are expected to explore such scenarios.

Lakers Facing Defining Offseason

The Lakers have a foundation. Now they need a finished product.

Pelinka made clear that internal growth alone won’t be enough.

“We’re going to be incredibly process-oriented… to deliver a roster next season that our Lakers fans can be excited about,” he said.

That process now carries real urgency. Because this isn’t just about improving a playoff team — it’s about fulfilling a promise to a franchise player.

And with Dončić’s contract effectively setting a two-year clock, the timeline is no longer flexible.

The Lakers didn’t just sign Dončić.

They started a countdown.