Getty

Rob Pelinka' offseason plan for lakers around Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the offseason earlier than expected after being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals, but the organization has already made clear where its focus lies moving forward: building around Luka Doncic.

Following the playoff exit, Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick outlined the franchise’s plans during end-of-season media availability. The Lakers believe they have the financial flexibility and roster tools necessary to reshape the team around Doncic, who completed his first full season in Los Angeles after arriving from the Dallas Mavericks in 2025.

Pelinka said the organization views Doncic as the franchise’s centerpiece going forward.

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

The Lakers now face several major roster decisions involving LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and multiple free agents while trying to improve a team that fell short of championship expectations.

Rob Pelinka says Lakers have “optionality” to improve roster

GettyGeneral Manager Rob Pelinka and Head coach JJ Redick

Pelinka emphasized that the Lakers believe they can improve the roster through multiple avenues this offseason, including trades, free agency, and the NBA Draft.

“I think having optionality to roster plan and roster build, there are several ways to do it,” Pelinka said. “There’s in the Draft, there’s through trades — where some teams are going to be getting off good players in this harsh system — and then there’s through free agency.”

The Lakers are expected to prioritize adding athletic wings, perimeter defenders, and a more mobile center who can thrive alongside Doncic in pick-and-roll situations.

Pelinka also expressed confidence that Los Angeles can still make meaningful additions even if James and Reaves both return next season.

“Absolutely,” Pelinka said when asked if the Lakers could improve while retaining both players. “There’s 15 roster spots, so if you mention three players, that leaves you 12 others to build around.”

He added: “We have enough tools in our tool chest to build out a team, for sure.”

The Lakers must also decide the futures of several other players, including Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Luke Kennard. Smart, who can opt out of his contract this summer, is someone the organization is interested in retaining.

Meanwhile, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins floated a possible sign-and-trade scenario involving LeBron James and Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen.

“I guarantee you, (LeBron James) will take Jarrett Allen’s money,” Perkins said on “Get Up.” “If you can sign and trade, and you can do LeBron for Jarrett Allen, Cleveland is doing it, and the Lakers are doing it.”

Luka Doncic embraces leadership role with Lakers

GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic

Doncic finished the season averaging a league-best 33.5 points per game and earned Western Conference Player of the Month honors for March before a Grade 2 left hamstring strain ended his postseason.

Despite the disappointing playoff exit, Doncic spoke positively about the Lakers’ chemistry and growth during the season.

“I think we had a great team, we had great chemistry,” Doncic said. “Obviously playing with (Austin Reaves and LeBron James), it’s an unbelievable experience.”

He also pointed to the Lakers’ strong March stretch as evidence of the group’s potential.

“Most importantly, everybody was having fun,” Doncic said. “So, I think that run we made was pretty special.”

Redick praised Doncic for taking major steps as a leader during the season, both on and off the court.

“He was very committed this year to developing those relationships, both on and off the court,” Redick said. “He was phenomenal this year as a teammate and a leader.”

Pelinka described his relationship with Doncic as a “collaborative process” and said the star guard’s basketball knowledge will play a role in roster construction.

“His basketball IQ on the court is something we get to see as fans,” Pelinka said. “His knowledge base is vast and so those collaborations with him are really inspirational.”

Doncic also made clear that he is comfortable in Los Angeles and committed to the organization.

“I like playing for the Lakers,” Doncic said. “It’s one of the best organizations in the world. Being a Laker means a lot to me.”