The Los Angeles Lakers want to build a title contender around Luka Doncic, but it will take significant roster changes. They are gearing up to have cap space and open roster spots to make alterations. Picking up a new player means letting someone else go.
The Lakers will look very different. LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and Jaxson Hayes will all be unrestricted free agents in the offseason. Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart could join them if they decline player options. Los Angeles doesn’t want to run it back, which means changes are coming.
Some of the moves are obvious. The Lakers want to keep Austin Reaves as Luka’s co-star. Others will be shown the door as they try to upgrade the shooting and defense around number 77. Here are six players who won’t be on the Lakers to start the 2026-27 season.
6. Maxi Kleber
Kleber came to LA from the Mavericks in the Luka blockbuster, but has struggled mightily to stay healthy. He didn’t play until the final playoff game last season and has appeared in just 20 contests this year. If he sticks in the NBA, Kleber will have to accept a minimum contract.
The 33-year-old may decide to retire or return to Europe to continue his career. He is friends with Luka, which could earn him a place at the end of the Lakers' bench. That seems unlikely, as Los Angeles wants depth to compete with the best teams. Expect Kleber to be off the roster one way or another this summer.
5. Gabe Vincent
This has been a disastrous signing for the Lakers. Vincent came to the Lakers fresh off being a starter on the Heat’s 2023 NBA Finals run. Los Angeles thought they were getting the ideal starting guard for a contender, but he has struggled to make shots and played subpar defense.
The Lakers would love to trade Vincent’s $11.5 million expiring contract for an upgrade before the deadline. If that doesn’t happen, he will be looking for a new home in free agency. Vincent is not the off-ball guard the Lakers need next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
4. Dalton Knecht
Los Angeles traded Knecht to Charlotte in the later rescinded Mark Williams deal. That was the beginning of the end for the former first-round draft pick. He was known as a shooter and scorer coming into the NBA, but has struggled to live up to that billing. His defense hasn’t improved, and the Lakers have the 24-year-old glued to the bench again.
Knecht still has two years left on his rookie contract, but LA will look to make him part of a trade package. He still has potential, but the 6’6 wing needs a new home to realize it. Expect the Lakers to find him one soon enough.
3. Rui Hachimura
Hachimura is making $18.2 million in the final year of his contract, and the Lakers haven’t extended him. That should tell fans all they need to know. If Los Angeles saw him as a long-term piece, the 6’8 forward would have a new contract and a more featured role.
The Lakers are bringing him off the bench to get him more scoring chances in the second unit. Hachimura and LeBron James have to guard the same players, which makes a bit of a clunky fit when Luka's on the floor. If they let King James walk, there could be an opening for Rui, but it seems like the Lakers want more of a 3-and-D option at this spot.
2. Deandre Ayton
Ayton was always a short-term fix for the Lakers at the five, but fans didn’t expect it to be this short. He is already getting benched in key moments and hurting the team with his lack of effort and production. This repeats the pattern fans saw in Phoenix and Portland before DA arrived in LA.
Los Angeles wants a rim-rolling big man capable of protecting the rim and cleaning the glass to play off number 77. Luka makes Jaxson Hayes look good. Imagine what he can do with an elite two-way talent.
Ayton has an $8.1 million player option for next season. The Lakers will try to trade him if he opts in. The fit simply isn’t there. Ayton may be ruining his final chance to be a starting center in the NBA, but his inconsistency is maddening. Expect him to be on a different team when training camp rolls around again.
1. LeBron James
When King James opted in to his $52.6 million player option in the offseason, fans knew this partnership was nearing the end. There were no talks of a longer-term contract. LeBron has a no-trade clause, but things will change this summer. If he doesn’t want to take a massive pay cut, James will be searching for a new home.
The Warriors are already rumored to be interested, and they won’t be the only team. LeBron is still putting up elite numbers, but his defense and overall impact are slipping. The Lakers can’t build a serious title contender around Luka and LeBron, especially if they plan to keep Austin Reaves.
King James’ decision will be the talk of the offseason. He may retire, return home to Cleveland, or find a new team to finish his legendary career. The GOAT doesn’t fit the Lakers' timeline, but others will be ecstatic to add him to their roster.
The Los Angeles Lakers will totally retool their roster in the offseason. Expect them to be active and aggressive in free agency and on the trade market. They will have multiple first-round draft picks to trade and have several holes to fill. These Lakers players won’t be long for LA, and it is on Rob Pelinka to find the right pieces to make the franchise a serious contender. There will be plenty of excitement, so stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.