A look at the Lakers entering the offseason:

Luka Doncic

Stats: 33.5 ppg, 8.3 apg, 7.7 rpg

Contract status: 2026-27: $49.5 million; 2027-28: $53.5M; 2028-29: Player option for $57.4M.

Skinny: Doncic reestablished himself as one of the league’s best players during the regular season before missing the playoffs due to a left hamstring strain. He won the scoring title for the second time in his career, becoming the first Laker since Kobe Bryant (2006-07) to accomplish the feat, and earned All-NBA first-team honors for the sixth time in his eight-season career. 

LeBron James

Stats: 20.9 ppg, 7.2 apg, 6.1 rpg

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent

Skinny: James continued to redefine what the latter stages of a player’s career can look like, earning an All-Star selection for a record-extending 22nd season. He navigated multiple changes within the team’s offensive hierarchy — from the co-second option to second option to third option — before closing the season in a primary role after the regular-season-ending injuries to Doncic and Austin Reaves. James was the Lakers’ best player during the first-round playoff series victory over the Rockets.  

Austin Reaves

Stats: 23.3 ppg, 5.5 apg, 4.7 rpg

Contract status: 2026-27: Player option for $14.9M.

Skinny: Reaves’ All-Star-caliber season was hampered by injuries, including the oblique strain that sidelined him for the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs. His return during the first round helped get the Lakers over the hump against the Rockets, and he started to regain his rhythm toward the end of the second round against the Thunder. He’s due for a significant pay raise this summer.

Deandre Ayton

Stats: 12.5 ppg, 8 rpg, 1 bpg

Contract status: 2026-27: Player option for $8.1M.

Skinny: The playoffs perfectly captured Ayton’s season with the Lakers. He was an integral part of their first-round series win on both ends of the floor, showcasing the two-way value he can bring. But against the Thunder, he was a nonfactor at best and a detriment to the Lakers at worst. 

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Marcus Smart 

Stats: 9.3 ppg, 3 apg, 1.4 spg

Contract status: 2026-27: Player option for $5.4M.

Skinny: Smart was the emotional and hustle tone-setter for the Lakers during a season he provided a reminder of what he can bring to the floor after two forgettable seasons with the Grizzlies and Wizards. 

Rui Hachimura

Stats: 11.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent

Skinny: Hachimura continues to grow as a shooter, knocking down a career-high 116 3-pointers and shooting a career-high 55.6% on midrange shots. He averaged a playoff career-high 17.5 points during the postseason, once again elevating his play when it matters most. 

Jake LaRavia

Stats: 8.2 ppg, 4 rpg

Contract status: 2026-27: $6M.

Skinny: LaRavia had his biggest role on the best team he’s played on so far through four NBA seasons. His durability (82 regular-season games played) and tenacity were positive, but he had the worst 3-point shooting season of his career (32.1%) and was too timid offensively in the playoffs. 

Luke Kennard

Stats: 8.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.2 apg

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent

Skinny: Kennard led the league in 3-point shooting percentage for the third time in his career. A pre-trade deadline acquisition, Kennard provided reminders that he brings more than just shooting to the table during the final stretch of the regular season. 

Jaxson Hayes

Stats: 7.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent

Skinny: Hayes had the most efficient scoring season of his career (75.6% shooting) and his highest scoring season in his third year with the Lakers. He continues to improve with his screening and not fouling, being the ideal lob threat to play alongside Doncic.

Jarred Vanderbilt

Stats: 4.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg

Contract status: 2026-27: $12.4M; 2027-28: Player option for $13.3M.

Skinny: Vanderbilt showed a willingness to shoot more corner 3s in 2025-26. But the results were shaky. And he’s still a subpar finisher at the rim, which makes it challenging to keep him on the court alongside a center despite his defensive skills.

Maxi Kleber

Stats: 2 ppg, 2 rpg

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent

Skinny: Kleber struggled to stay healthy and was the clear third big man in the rotation. He hasn’t played more than 50 games in a regular season since 2021-22.

Nick Smith Jr.

Stats: 6.2 ppg

Contract status: 2026-27: Team option for $2.5M.

Skinny: Smith earned a standard NBA contract after starting with the Lakers on a two-way deal but didn’t factor into the playoff rotation. His season highs of 25 points and six assists in the Nov. 3 win over the Trail Blazers was his best game.

Bronny James

Stats: 2.9 ppg, 1.2 apg

Contract status: 2026-27: $2.3M; 2027-28: Team option for $2.5M.

Skinny: The younger James received more playing time toward the end of the season after the injuries to Doncic and Reaves, even factoring into their playoff rotation. He grew as a defender and shooter.

Dalton Knecht

Stats: 4.2 ppg, 1.1 rpg

Contract status: 2026-27: $4.2M; 2027-28: Team option for $6.5M.

Skinny: Knecht’s deficiencies outside of scoring/shooting have prevented him from having a bigger role since being the Lakers’ first-round pick in 2024. 

Adou Thiero 

Stats: 1.9 ppg, 1.1 rpg

Contract status: 2026-27: $2.2M; 2027-28: Team option for $2.5M.

Skinny: The rookie forward wasn’t healthy to start the season, dealing with swelling in his left knee after surgery from before he was drafted by the Lakers. But by season’s end, he was in the playoff rotation, showcasing the athleticism the team needs. But he’s still raw and has many areas to improve..

JJ Redick 

Contract status: Signed through 2029-30 season. 

Skinny: Redick has led the Lakers to back-to-back 50-win seasons, including 53 in 2025-26, which was the franchise’s most in an 82-game season since 2010-11.