The Los Angeles Lakers saw their once-promising 2024-25 season come to an end after falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in just five games in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Despite securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, JJ Redick’s squad suffered an early exit from the postseason.
After a season defined by the landscape-changing arrival of Luka Dončić, LAL heads into the offseason with several important questions that will shape the state of the franchise for the foreseeable future.
Los Angeles Lakers 2025-26 Outlook
Season Summary
The Lakers finished with a 50-32 record this season, a slight improvement over their 47-35 mark the previous season. However, they got bounced in the first round for the second straight year.
The beginning of JJ Redick’s tenure as head coach was met with mixed reviews. Despite how the season ended, Redick’s first season as head coach wasn’t as bad as it seems today. Still, there are some concerns about the former NBA sharpshooter’s decision-making down the stretch.
While he brought a fresh voice and modern offensive ideas, Redick’s lack of coaching experience was magnified in high-pressure moments. He leaned heavily on his stars, most notably in Game 4 of the playoffs, where he rode his preferred lineup for the entire second half.
Heading into Year 2, it will be interesting to see how Redick grows in terms of game management and in-game adjustments. For what it’s worth, Dončić and LeBron James applauded their coach for how he handled the pressure this season.
Looking back at the 2024-25 season, everyone will remember the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Dončić. That move is one that shifted the entire NBA landscape and will have a lasting impact next season and beyond.
Long-term Picture
So, what’s next for the Lakers?
After their disappointing playoff exit, Rob Pelinka and the front office must turn their attention to the offseason. LAL enters the offseason in an interesting position in terms of capital. They currently own a second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, with the Atlanta Hawks owning the rights to their pick in Round 1.
The Lakers currently rank 27th in the NBA with -$60.2 million in cap space, according to Spotrac. That number is sitting at -$59.8 million heading into the 2025-26 season. The largest cap hits belong to James ($52.6 million) and Dončić ($46 million).
James is currently under contract, but he has a player option to become a free agent. As does Dorian Finney-Smith, whom the Lakers acquired midseason. Other notable free agents include Jaxson Hayes, Jordan Goodwin, Alex Len, and Markieff Morris.
The Lakers enter the offseason with major questions looming at all levels of the roster. The team’s decision to rescind a trade deadline deal for Hornets big man Mark Williams left them exposed in the paint. While Jaxson Hayes showed flashes, he struggled to stay on the floor, forcing head coach Redick to lean heavily on small-ball lineups.
Although James, Dončić, and Rui Hachimura bring size, the team lacked a big, physical paint presence. That hurt LA on both ends of the floor and reared its ugly head in the postseason.
Many people expect Los Angeles to be active in the trade market this summer. Championship windows don’t last forever, and if they believe they are one star away from reaching the NBA Finals, Pelinka could be aggressive in that pursuit.
Assuming Dončić and James are untouchable, any dream trade conversation would have to start with Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, but that may not even be enough for a team like the Milwaukee Bucks to entertain a deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo. More realistic trade targets could include Jaren Jackson Jr., Nic Claxton, Myles Turner, and Daniel Gafford.
Beyond Gabe Vincent, the Lakers’ bench was thin at the guard positions as well. While staggering minutes between LeBron, Luka, and Austin Reaves helped cover for the lack of depth during stretches, the cracks showed when it mattered most. Reinforcing the second unit, particularly with versatile, two-way guards, is a must for Los Angeles to contend in a deep Western Conference.
Dončić is eligible for a contract extension this summer but can hit free agency as soon as 2027. The five-time All-NBA selection will likely want to see how the Lakers build around him before committing long-term. How Pelinka and the front office navigate this situation will define the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
As for James, he’s fresh off completing his 22nd NBA season at age 40. He showed he can still play at a high level, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game. But his future remains a major storyline.
The arrival of Dončić and the prospect of sharing the league with his son, Bronny, may extend his career, but his long-term plans are still unknown. Much will depend on the team’s offseason moves and whether they can build a championship-caliber roster around their aging superstar.
With Dončić as the franchise centerpiece, the Lakers have a strong foundation, but with the bright lights come expectations. How long before this team is considered a true title contender?