The Los Angeles Lakers are just starting a crucial offseason in building around Luka Doncic, but it is already heading down a nightmare path. The Golden State Warriors freed up room to target LeBron James and former Lakers star Anthony Davis. If watching a rival improve at your expense was not enough, the Lakers also had Deandre Ayton accept his player option and face rumors that Marcus Smart is heading toward a three-year deal (subscription required) with the Rockets.
Losing LeBron and Smart would be painful. Draymond Green is a Klutch client, so that alone sends a loud message that King James might be headed for the Bay Area. Losing Smart to Houston leaves LA without a point of attack defender. Rob Pelinka suddenly has two new holes to fill and a headache he was hoping to avoid with Ayton.
Ayton opting in gives Los Angeles more salary to trade, but Pelinka has to find a move that improves their roster. They re-signed Austin Reaves to a max contract, so it wasn’t a massive win. Things are bordering on disaster, and the only player the purple and gold have added is Cameron Carr in the draft.
LeBron James rumors have Lakers fans fearing the worst
Fans were questioning Rob Pelinka on Monday morning after the series of hits the Lakers took.
Why does Rob Pelinka still have a job man https://t.co/3W8goheqMi
— Cash$King💸🅿️ (@SakiGodLou) June 29, 2026
rob pelinka count your days
— joc 🇲🇽🇧🇷🇨🇴🇨🇮 (@ferrawrrii) June 29, 2026
Rob Pelinka needs to be fired immediately
— Manny (@_mannys1ngh) June 29, 2026
It is still early. The Lakers' focus is upgrading their roster around Luka Doncic. LeBron and Smart were key pieces of last year’s team, but they are not perfect fits. King James needs the ball a bit too much, and Smart is a below-average shooter. Pelinka has time to make moves, but the pressure has cranked up to ten.
Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, and Jaxson Hayes are also unrestricted free agents. Hachimura is being pursued by the defending Western Conference champion Spurs. The Lakers have to solve their futures as they try to convince LeBron and Smart to return. Losing five rotation pieces in one summer would be brutal.
Los Angeles has cap space to improve their roster. They must find a difference-making center capable of catching lobs and protecting the rim. The Lakers are also searching for 3-and-D wings to flank Doncic. The purple and gold have their two stars locked in long-term. Now, Pelinka has to find the right role players to make the franchise a serious title contender.
Things look bleak right now, but a recovery could happen quickly. The Lakers may steal Walker Kessler or Peyton Watson in restricted free agency. They could complete a difference-making trade. It is too early to tell.
The Lakers promised Luka upgrades this summer. So far, they are just losing talent and picking up problems. Pelinka and the front office need to flip things in a hurry, or a nightmare situation will be here.
Things look bleak for the Los Angeles Lakers right now. LeBron James could be on the Warriors. Marcus Smart has a three-year offer from the Rockets, and Rui Hachimura may be a Spur. Deandre Ayton opted in, which will force Rob Pelinka to find a trade partner. Everything is going wrong right now. The pressure is on. Sadly, Lakers fans have been disappointed by Pelinka several times, and it looks like they will be again this summer.
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