The Los Angeles Lakers haven't entered the Luka Doncic era quite yet. Yes, Luka was acquired one year ago as part of the craziest trade in NBA history, but Los Angeles still hasn't had time to build the right team around Doncic.
That'll begin to change this coming offseason, as reiterated recently by ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
Lakers' Luka Doncic era will properly begin next season
Windhorst asserted that "the Lakers' Luka Doncic era will start next year," citing LA's need to surround Luka with perimeter defenders to protect against his defensive shortcomings, as well as rim-protecting/lob threat big men.
Windhorst pointed to the Dallas Mavericks as having found the blueprint for a successful, Luka-centric roster when they made the NBA Finals in 2024.
Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka simply hasn't had enough time to mimic the Mavs' strategy, nor has he had the cap space. Remember -- Pelinka and the Lakers didn't ever expect to land Doncic via trade until Nico Harrison started losing his mind.
Pelinka made a couple of additions this past offseason that spoke directly to Luka's needs. Marcus Smart is a defensive mastermind who won Defensive Player of the Year a few seasons ago. Deandre Ayton has the profile of a lob threat and rim protector that Doncic pairs well with.
However, Ayton hasn't been nearly as effective as, say, Dereck Lively II was in Dallas with Luka. And Smart, for all his toughness and grit, isn't at the peak of his athletic powers like he was during his Boston years. The Lakers need more.
Pelinka will have the means to go get more this summer. LeBron James' massive contract is coming off the books, and though it's expected to be replaced by an Austin Reaves max deal, the Lakers have a ton of other contracts expiring, including Rui Hachimura's $18.3 million cap hit, Gabe Vincent's $11.5 million, and Maxi Kleber's $11 million.
Pelinka is exercising wise restraint during this trade deadline, as taking on any long-term money would detract from his ability to re-tool this summer around Luka.
As it stands now, Luka, Reaves (assuming a new deal arrives), Smart, Ayton, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Bronny James, and Adou Thiero are the only Lakers players expected to be under contract following the season.
Pelinka might consider re-signing Jaxson Hayes, since he's been a nice lob threat for Luka and could be a good player to retain if the cost is low. If Ayton opts in to his player option, he's a trade chip.
It's a busy offseason ahead, and an important one. The Luka era must get off on the right foot.