The Los Angeles Lakers cannot be considered a low-performing team this season by any standard. They narrowly missed reaching the NBA Cup semifinals, but their overall form has been strong.
With a 17-7 record in the 2025–26 NBA season, the Lakers have firmly positioned themselves among the league’s better teams. However, new reports suggest the Lakers’ front office could still make aggressive moves to further strengthen a roster already led by superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
Lakers’ Front Office Is Eyeing to Bolster the Team
In a recent episode of “The Zach Lowe Show” podcast, NBA analyst Zach Lowe hinted that the Lakers’ new ownership is prepared to push all the right buttons to maximize the team’s championship chances.
“There’s been like dichotomy of either the Lakers stand pat, or they try to make some crazy Giannis trade that involves Reaves and all their picks… There’s some buzz about, could they sort of make a fringey trade to try to upgrade their roster… As this new ownership comes in, they’re trying to maximize this team. I don’t think they have enough. But I’m just throwing that out there,” said Lowe during the show.
The Lakers were owned by the Buss family from 1979, when Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the team, until 2025. Under the Buss family’s leadership, the franchise captured 11 NBA championships, becoming one of the most successful teams in sports history. In June 2025, the Buss family agreed to sell majority ownership of the Lakers to Mark Walter, the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, at a $10 billion valuation, and the deal was finalized in October.
With Walter’s track record with the Dodgers in MLB, many Lakers fans grew excited, expecting a similar “all-in” style approach in the NBA.
On the court, the 2025–26 Lakers have been headlined by Dončić, James, and Austin Reaves. Dončić is averaging 35.0 points per game, James is putting up 16.5 ppg, and Reaves is adding 27.8 ppg. This trio has powered the offense and kept the Lakers near the top of the standings.
However, according to a recent report from Dan Woike, Reaves is set to miss games due to a calf injury. Over the next few days, the Lakers are expected to lean heavily on Dončić and James, while also expecting key support from players like Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton.
All of them are capable players who can help keep the team winning, but fans are already wondering if more help is on the way.
Those questions are not coming out of nowhere. There have already been reports that the Lakers could pursue Andrew Wiggins. Defensively, the team has a rating of 117.2 and gives up the 15th-most points per game. That suggests the Lakers often have trouble staying in front of quick guards. Wiggins could give them a much-needed boost on that end.
As the trade season approaches, it remains to be seen what moves the Lakers will ultimately make.
