The Los Angeles Lakers built their roster around Luka Doncic this offseason, which meant getting younger and more athletic. They let multiple players walk in free agency, including LeBron James. Luka is a superstar in his prime. They need pieces that fit around him. Austin Reaves is the second-oldest player on their current roster at 28, and Kevon Looney is the only player over 30.
The Lakers signed several rotation players, but who should LA be trying to develop? For this list, a young player is someone under 25 years old. Dalton Knecht, Walker Kessler, and Jake LaRavia just missed the cutoff as they are in their age-25 season. The Lakers should develop Kessler and LaRavia. Fans know it is long past time to move on from Knecht.
That leaves six players, including two on two-way contracts. The purple and gold should only be looking to develop three of them and should move on from the others. Here is a look at how LA’s young talent should be prioritized.
Lakers should give up on AK Okereke
Los Angeles signed the undrafted rookie to a two-way contract before summer league, but it is already time to move on. Okereke is coming off the bench and failing to impress. He averages just 6.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 16.2 minutes per game over six summer league contests.
The 23-year-old should be dominant against this lesser competition. If he can’t start in Las Vegas, he won't be making an impact for the Lakers anytime soon. LA would be wise to cut ties after summer league and sign someone more ready for NBA minutes to his two-way spot.
Lakers need to invest in Adou Thiero
The 2025 second-round draft pick is still raw, but fans have seen the flashes in summer league. He has averaged 14.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.0 steals over five games. Thiero still needs time to develop, but the upside is exciting.
His size, athleticism, and defensive potential jump off the screen. The Lakers have to help him reach his ceiling because the 6’7 wing could quickly become an important part of the rotation. LA must prioritize his development and maximize his game reps next season. Expect lots of G League run and spot minutes in the NBA.
Lakers should dump Peter Suder
This was a second disastrous two-way signing by Rob Pelinka. Suder is also coming off the bench in summer league and has made just ten of his 31 field goal attempts. For a 6’5 wing known for his jumper, this is a problem.
Suder turns 23 later this month and doesn’t look like an NBA player. The Lakers should cut him from his two-way contract immediately.
Bronny James should stick on the Lakers
Los Angeles wants to keep Bronny after LeBron James’ departure. His improved shooting and defense have given the Lakers hope. Everyone is rooting for the fan favorite, and Bronny keeps getting better.
There are limitations. The 6’1 guard likely tops out in a TJ McConnell or Jose Alvarado role. Those veterans helped their team reach the NBA Finals in the last two years. Making a few plays, playing pesky defense, and bringing energy is important. Bronny may already be a better shooter than those players, which would give him a bit extra to rely on.
Lakers should trade Jaden Hardy
The purple and gold acquired Hardy in the Deandre Ayton trade. The 6’3 guard is a score-first player that will struggle to make an impact in the playoffs. The Lakers want to compete for championships with Luka Doncic. They need postseason players, and Hardy isn’t one of them.
The 24-year-old is making $6 million this season and had a $6 million team option for the 2027-28 campaign. Hardy will be a trade chip whenever the Lakers decide to make a move.
Lakers drafted an absolute steal in Cameron Carr
The rookie immediately jumped to the top of the Lakers' development list. He is putting on a show in summer league by showcasing a versatile offensive game and defensive potential. Carr averaged 18.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 block in 25.1 minutes per game over five contests.
Getting an athletic 6’5 wing that can space the floor and make plays on both ends is massive. Carr looks ready to crack the Lakers rotation as a rookie, and the 21-year-old has plenty of room to grow. They are already putting him in NBA scenarios and letting him improve.
The Los Angeles Lakers should be developing Cameron Carr, Bronny James, and Adou Thiero moving forward. It is time to move on from the other players under 25 years old on their roster.
LA must take this seriously. They should find opportunities for Carr, Bronny, and Thiero this season to grow their games. That means finding minutes in the NBA and G League. All three could become key pieces around Luka Doncic, but they need time to develop. The Lakers must invest in them now to maximize their potential.
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