Despite having already made significant attempts to improve their roster, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make aggressive moves in the near future in order to develop the lineup built around Luka Dončić.
Although LeBron James was considered the face of the Lakers until last season, the team’s unexpected decision to trade away Anthony Davis to acquire Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks drastically changed their situation.
While the team was expected to make noise and contend for a title during James and Dončić’s first season together as teammates, they ended up losing in the first round of the 2024-2025 Western Conference playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Be that as it may, the Lakers have not let this recent setback impair their future vision for Dončić.
What Other Players Could the Los Angeles Lakers Recruit To Aid Luka Dončić?
After being eliminated by Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves last postseason, the Lakers’ defensive issues became clear. In an attempt to correct that, the organization added Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to its roster this offseason.
Perhaps those moves might be enough to help the Lakers make a championship push this upcoming season. However, a report from the New York Times indicates that the team is still looking to make upgrades after successfully signing Dončić to a three-year contract extension worth $165 million this offseason.
“According to team and league sources, the Lakers’ stance on roster improvements heading into this season has shifted because of the start of this new chapter together…Dončić’s multi-year commitment has nudged LA’s priorities in more aggressive directions.”
“According to team and league sources, the Lakers’ stance on roster improvements heading into this season has shifted because of the start of this new chapter together.
… Dončić’s multi-year commitment has nudged LA’s priorities in more aggressive directions.”…
— The Lakers Review (@TheLakersReview) September 11, 2025
Although it is unclear who the Lakers are currently looking to pursue, their eagerness to get better and make the most of this time with Dončić is undoubtedly a smart move. If the Lakers want to get the most value for their money, it would make sense to acquire an experienced free agent such as Seth Curry, Russell Westbrook, or Ben Simmons.
None of those stars is expected to cost the Lakers much money. However, it is in the team’s best interest to wait until the end of this season. After all, James is in the final year of his contract and might just leave the team or retire, leaving them with plenty of cap space and flexibility to add another star to the roster.
The Lakers have always been known to develop generational talent and give them a chance to contend for a title. Fans are left wondering if the same will occur with Dončić in the near future.
