The Los Angeles Lakers are attempting something rarely seen in today’s NBA — trying to win now while also planning for life after a living legend. With LeBron James entering what could be his final season in Los Angeles, the franchise has made it clear that Luka Dončić is the centerpiece of the next era.
This offseason’s addition of Deandre Ayton was about more than addressing last year’s size issues — it was a move designed to both stabilize the frontcourt and maintain cap flexibility heading into 2026, when James’ $52.6 million salary comes off the books. Meanwhile, the front office, led by Rob Pelinka, has focused on balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability around Dončić, who becomes eligible for a supermax extension on August 2.
So what does this all mean for the Lakers’ 2025–26 campaign? Can they still contend, or are they quietly shifting to a retool around their new superstar?
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