The Los Angeles Lakers made it clear in the offseason their plan was to shift the direction of the franchise to an approach that focused around Luka Doncic. Say what you will about Rob Pelinka, but describing him as consistent would be a must, if the rumors prove to be true here.
Marc Stein came out to deliver his latest rumor mill round-up from across the NBA on a night he titled Trade Season Eve. The Lakers were thrust into the spotlight ahead of the pivotal checkpoint in 2025-26. The trade needs and wants are also staying consistent for the Lakers front office.
It was said late into the offseason that Los Angeles wanted an upgrade involving the 3-and-D market. That much has not changed. Keon Ellis and Herbert Jones were two names linked by Stein, with the latter believe to be out of reach. The interesting part came next.
Stein wrote, "My read on the Lakers' preferences is that they would like to target players in the same age range as stars Luka Doncic (26) and Austin Reaves (27) as they continue building out the roster around them as opposed to surrendering prime trade assets for thirtysomethings."
Lakers (rightfully) prioritizing a Doncic-Reaves present and future
Stein thought the Lakers already offered ample proof of wanting to prioritize Doncic and Reaves as the figures central to leading this era of basketball in Los Angeles. Splitting their midlevel expectation on Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia in the summer was the evidence brought to aid that case.
What implications does this have on the whole?
The fit of the players should be mostly obvious. Doncic and Reaves being at the forefront of what the Lakers are doing should suggest the desire to add 3-and-D reinforcements may not stop with just one upgrade. The pair would benefit by being surrounded with a handful of those players.
However, given the relatively young age of both stars, it could also mean the Lakers will not force the issue to get their best shot in now.
An 18-7 record for Los Angeles should invite desire to build on a solid start to the season. This will not be their last chance to win, though. That would be far from the truth. That could mean a slower and more gradual approach to fine-tuning the roster.
The Lakers should have something up their sleeve before February. That much is all but a given. The type of fanfare that eventually comes with the move(s) is still up for debate.