Luka Doncic has been with the Los Angeles Lakers for two seasons now (one and a half if you really want to get technical about it). Despite that, Rob Pelinka and company have yet to truly add major impact players who align with Doncic's timeline since his arrival.
To the credit of the Lakers front office, they did have an immediate attempt at doing just that when they landed a trade for Mark Williams before the same deadline that followed the blockbuster Doncic move. As we all know, that deal was quickly nixed due to health concerns surrounding the former Charlotte Hornets center. That was probably for the best in the long run.
Despite that, It still puts the Lakers in this position where they have not done much to secure the future with Doncic. They have only really delivered temporary patchwork to this point.
Jake LaRavia does fit the Doncic timeline, but his run with the Lakers has been underwhelming thus far. Marcus Smart was a great addition, but at 32 years old, his effectiveness will fade. Deandre Ayton was a stopgap center at best when he arrived in Los Angeles. The Lakers need long-term solutions this summer.
Lakers need new arrivals to be in it for the long haul with Luka Doncic
The Lakers definitely get their opportunity to build around Doncic this summer. They have money, they have some trade capital, and they have a first-round pick to add to the mix (if they use the selection).
"For me, a success would be if they would add one or two players that ... would be there in this next iteration of the team," Iztok Franko said during an appearance on Jovan Buha's podcast. "So, not to repeat the things that they did last offseason."
Franko referenced Ayton and Smart as good pickups, but not long-term answers. Ideally, two starters, mainly a center and a wing, next to the Lakers' star trio was viewed as what the team needed.
He is right. That really should be the goal for Pelinka's front office. At bare minimum, the Lakers should want new players who could be envisioned in that starting lineup for the remainder of Doncic's best years.
Naturally, things in the NBA move fast and guys are traded even faster. However, that should not erase the mindset of searching for additions in 2026 who can stick with Luka for the full title window in Los Angeles. That would help build the foundation for the Doncic era.
Building a real contender around the superstar point guard in Los Angeles will not be an overnight thing. Getting a couple of players who provide an answer beyond just a year or two will pay dividends.
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