The Los Angeles Lakers have seven role players they must upgrade on this offseason if they want to be serious title contenders. LA won 53 games and advanced to the second round of the playoffs, but it was clear the Thunder were the more talented team. The purple and gold aren’t happy just qualifying. They want to win a championship, which makes this a crucial summer.
The Lakers have cap space, but need to sort out the futures of Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Luke Kennard. Bringing back those four players wouldn’t leave room for upgrades. The Lakers don’t have enough talent, so Rob Pelinka will be forced to make some tough decisions.
These players should all be on the chopping block as the offseason gets underway. Ideally, all of these options find new homes for the 2026-27 season. If Los Angeles can’t make that happen, head coach JJ Redick should glue them to the bench.
The Lakers can’t bring back Deandre Ayton
Ayton has an $8.1 million player option for next season, but the Lakers have to show him the door. Fans know the issues well. The big man struggles to protect the rim and can be a total non-factor on some nights. Ayton is a problem the Lakers must solve.
This should be one of the Lakers' highest offseason priorities. Luka wants a pick-and-roll partner to take LA’s offense to the next level. Ayton is not that player, and it is time the Lakers send him packing.
The Lakers must trade Dalton Knecht
The former first-round draft pick has fallen out of favor in Los Angeles. He played a total of 90 minutes over the final 35 regular-season games and was mostly limited to mop-up duties this year. Knecht has struggled to make shots and remains a bad defender.
The 25-year-old is set to make $4.2 million next season, but he desperately needs a change of scenery. Los Angeles should look to include him in a trade and hope the 6’6 wing gets a larger opportunity elsewhere.
Nick Smith Jr. should be sent packing
The Lakers have a $2.4 million team option for Smith Jr. for next season. The 6’2 guard was waived by the Hornets, so LA took a shot on him. It quickly became clear that his offensive game couldn’t make up for his defensive woes. Smith Jr. had a negative value over replacement player (VORP) and is not helping a contender.
Depth is more important than ever in the NBA. The Lakers can’t waste a roster spot on a guard who simply can’t see the floor in a competitive playoff game. They should decline his option and move on.
The Lakers must find a Jarred Vanderbilt trade
Vando is a limited player who gets exploited in the playoffs. He plays stout defense, but can’t hold up offensively. The 6’8 forward is a career 29.0 percent 3-point shooter. He can’t handle the ball or make plays. His team has to rely on his cutting, but the opposition knows this.
Vando won’t be easy to move. He is set to make $12.4 million next season and has a $13.2 million player option for the 2027-28 season. The Lakers' only hope is using him as a salary matcher in a larger trade.
Jake LaRavia was played off the floor in the playoffs
It quickly became clear that LaRavia couldn’t play against the Thunder. He was turning the ball over, struggling on defense, and letting OKC dominate. The Thunder outscored the Lakers by 23 points in his 24 minutes in the series. Coach Redick benched him after Game 2, and nobody was surprised.
LaRavia is under contract for $6.0 million next season. He helped LA in the regular season, and the 24-year-old still has room to grow. The Lakers overpaid, but they can bring him back if he is a deep bench option over a needed piece of the nightly rotation.
It is time for Maxi Kleber to retire
Kleber just can’t stay healthy. He has played 43 or fewer games in four straight years. The 6’10 big man has lost his jumper as the injuries mounted. Kleber heads into free agency, and the Lakers should have zero interest in a reunion.
The Lakers need to let Luke Kennard walk in free agency
This may be the most controversial name on the list. Kennard is one of the best shooters in NBA history, but he has struggled to find a home. The 6’5 wing has defense issues. His impact declined in the playoffs, and the Lakers can’t afford to bring him back.
Kennard made $11 million last season and will be looking for a raise in free agency. The Lakers can’t retain every player. This money should be reallocated to finding a difference-making big man and improving the defense.
The Los Angeles Lakers must make significant changes if they want to build a serious title contender around Luka Doncic. They have the alpha. It is all about finding the right role players, which should force LA to make moves.
These seven players should be shown the door or glued to the bench. That is easier said than done, but it is a must if the Lakers want to take the next step.
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