The Los Angeles Lakers want to contend for the championship after retooling their roster around Luka Doncic, which puts several players’ under pressure before training camp kicks off in September. They will have no qualms about dumping a one-year contract if it isn’t working out or looking to trade someone who doesn’t fit around Luka. The Lakers already have three players on the trade block, and these men all need to step up when camp begins.
The Lakers dumped eight players this offseason, including all five starters from Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Rockets. Yes, Doncic and Austin Reaves were hurt, but that is a lot of turnover. It should tell fans that Rob Pelinka wants to build a winner around number 77, and he’s not afraid to make changes to do it.
The Lakers enter this season with lofty goals and still have a few holes to fill. These players could alter their futures with how things go before the trade deadline. They are all facing pressure to perform as training camp approaches.
7. Matisse Thybulle
Thybulle signed a one-year minimum contract to join the Lakers. He is an elite defender and fills a need in LA, but the team won’t hesitate to move on if it doesn’t work. Thybulle has played just 45 games in the last two years combined. This isn’t a long-term pact. If the 6’5 wing has lost a step or just can’t stay healthy, the Lakers have no reason to keep him on their roster.
Thybulle should stand out next to Luka Doncic. He has shot 36.9 percent from 3-point range and averaged 1.6 steals in just 19.2 minutes per game over the last four seasons. The 29-year-old is the 3-and-D option number 77 thrives playing off of. The ice is only thin for Thybulle because of injury and fit questions. He could quickly answer them and become the next Marcus Smart.
6. Collin Sexton
Sexton signed a two-year, $19.2 million contract with the Lakers this offseason, but the second year is a player option. The veteran guard can put himself back on the market next summer, which puts pressure on him to produce and prove he can impact winning. Sexton has missed the playoffs in his first eight NBA seasons. Now is his shot to change that.
Sexton will be the sixth man in LA. Expect him to efficiently get buckets, but he must prove his defense can hold up to get into the closing lineup. This is a massive season for the 27-year-old that will determine his future earnings, which sounds like immense pressure to perform.
5. Ziaire Williams
Williams signed a one-year minimum contract and has played on a rebuilding team for three straight years. He has struggled to make shots and has produced a negative value over replacement player (VORP) in four of his first five NBA seasons.
The Lakers want to win, so the pressure is firmly on the 6’9 forward to prove he can be an impactful role player on a contender. The 24-year-old is coming off a career-best year on the defensive end. He has a shot to shine, and the pressure is on to make it happen. If not, Williams could be out of the NBA entirely in short order. Â
4. Jake LaRavia
LaRavia was cut from the rotation entirely after Game 2 of their second-round series against the Thunder, and is now in a contract year. The Lakers will have no issues dumping his $6 million expiring deal before the deadline, so the pressure is on for him to prove he belongs. LaRavia grew up rooting for the Lakers. He doesn’t want to leave, but he may not have a choice.
The 6’7 forward played in all 82 regular season games last season. His energy and effort were impactful. LaRavia doesn’t have a massive contract, and the Lakers need help at forward. There is no need to immediately move on, but the 24-year-old must prove he can make an impact in the playoffs to stick in Los Angeles.
3. Kevon Looney
Looney is coming off a forgettable season in New Orleans where he wasn’t even in the rotation for stretches. The 6’9 big man played in just 21 games and was a replacement-level player by VORP. A down season in LA where he can’t stick in the rotation could end Loon’s NBA career.
The three-time NBA champion brings valuable experience and leadership, but his on-court impact is questionable. The Warriors moved on in 2025 after he showed signs of decline. Things were worse for the Pelicans. Is this the end for the 30-year-old? Looney is under significant pressure to prove he’s not done.
2. Bronny James
Fans know the pressure is mounting on Bronny. His famous father is in Philadelphia, which means Bronny has to earn his roster spot with his play. The 21-year-old improved significantly in year two, but the Lakers have a team option for the 2027-28 season. Bronny must play well enough that it gets picked up.
Bronny will be an unrestricted free agent in 2028, so it is time to start thinking about an extension. The 21-year-old must crack the rotation to stay long-term. James must get closer this season. If not, the Lakers could quickly move on.
1. Walker Kessler
The Lakers gave up two unprotected first-round draft picks and two first-round swaps to sign-and-trade for Kessler. They gave him a four-year, $129.4 million contract to go with it. Kessler is now the third star in LA, and the center Luka Doncic has been asking for. That alone adds pressure to deliver.
Kessler has been an elite rim protector and rebounder, but his offensive game and injuries have kept him from All-Star consideration. Kessler played just 63 games in the last two seasons combined. He must stay healthy and be the ideal rim-rolling big man to fully unlock Luka’s game. The Lakers want to win now, and the 7’2 big man has never been to the playoffs. There is certainly a ton on his shoulders.
The Los Angeles Lakers want to contend for a championship, so there is always pressure. These players are feeling it most because they have to prove themselves. Some are closer than others, but the Lakers need everything to come together to make this retool a success.
It will all come down to how these players handle their new pressures. Fans can bet that some will fail and others will thrive. Stay tuned to see how it all plays out.
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