The confidence in the offseason which the Los Angeles Lakers were having was not always there. However, as the dust has settled, Rob Pelinka and company have come out at the other end looking comfortable with what they managed to accomplish in the summer of 2025.
Kevin Pelton of ESPN recently took on the task of grading every NBA team's offseason to the point of July 28, 2025. The Lakers received a favorable assessment with a 'B' from the writer.
Pelton wrote, "The Lakers are an interesting contrast to their crosstown rivals' offseason. ... The Lakers' additions weren't as effective last season as the [Los Angeles] Clippers', but the new Lakers stand a better chance of being long-term contributors."
Being patient with Pelinka and the front office this offseason has proven worthwhile. After a period of warranted skepticism in the early parts of free agency, and even some LeBron James trade rumors that have mostly been put to rest, the Lakers look promising heading towards training camp.
Lakers offseason has been solid, but unspectacular
It is tough to say that Pelinka nailed this summer with flying colors. Despite that, it is unfair to dismiss that the Lakers have ultimately improved as the calendar hits August. That is why Pelton's grade of B is spot on.
Los Angeles has not had the type of offseason that a team like the Houston Rockets has enjoyed. The Denver Nuggets have bolstered up quite a bit this summer too. However, the Lakers do look better than the team that flamed out in the first round of the NBA Playoffs last year.
The aspect of this summer that has flown under the radar is the Lakers fixing their biggest issue from last year's disappointment against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Their depth has been patched up nicely.
Each individual addition brings something to the table. DeAndre Ayton addresses the starting center spot. Jake LaRavia adds two-way impact on the wings. Marcus Smart boosts the perimeter defense. Even Adou Thiero has an opportunity to be a rotational player in 2025-26.
Marcus Smart to Jaylen Brown backdoor cuts https://t.co/NCfgGMSQgc pic.twitter.com/v90XpuHep0
— Jack Simone (@JackSimoneNBA) July 25, 2025
In some of those cases, the Lakers really are banking on the good outweighing the bad. However, the strong handful of smaller moves should collectively work to improve the roster.
The thing keeping the Lakers from having a slam-dunk summer would be the lack of grand spectacle. There was no defining move of the offseason that really stands out for Los Angeles.
All in all, that is more than fine at this point. The Lakers have a roster they can feel mostly confident about heading into 2025-26. Exploring additional moves that can be made should not be out of the question. However, Pelinka can afford to be a little stingy in trade negotiations from here.