Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has made a habit out of acquiring stars. He's made big swings to build around the likes of Anthony Davis, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Russell Westbrook, and has brought in former All-Stars such as Marc Gasol, Dwight Howard, and Rajon Rondo to function as role players.
Though Pelinka's ability to land star-caliber names and talents can't be disputed, there's one question he's yet to answer: Can he build an elite rotation that features quality role players in their prime?
Though the Westbrook trade failed to produce ideal results, it's difficult to knock a general manager who has managed to land Davis, Doncic, and James. Pelinka also deserves credit for unearthing several diamonds in the rough, including Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves.
Depth has been a steady issue since the 2020 championship team was broken up, however, and the Lakers' inability to adapt has inevitably resulted in their making just one trip beyond the first round of the playoffs in five tries.
With depth being more important than ever before, the Lakers simply can't hope to rely on a top-heavy roster that's complemented by aging veterans who are no longer star-level players. They need athleticism along the wings, rim protectors who can deter and disrupt, and shooters who can provide spacing without losing too much value on defense.
Thankfully, Pelinka has a mountain of cap space to work with in 2026. Unfortunately, there are no ideal stars to target—and Luka Doncic needs him to make meaningful improvements to the roster.
Rob Pelinka lands stars, but can he build a balanced Lakers rotation?
The 2026 class of free agents isn't necessarily devoid of big names, as Lakers stars LeBron James and Austin Reaves headline a group that could include James Harden, Zach LaVine, and Trae Young. Though each of those players is talented, it's fair to question if any actually fit Los Angeles' roster.
With that in mind, the Lakers' best use of its cap space appears to be the prioritization of multiple high-level signings on ideally structured contracts.
There are decorated players, including All-Defense honoree Luguentz Dort and All-Stars Norman Powell and Andrew Wiggins. None of the three are necessarily franchise players, however, but instead high-level contributors who can excel in the ideal role.
Fit and role being crucial factors mark a steady theme at virtually every position, including the Lakers' arguable primary weakness: Center. Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson are the top prime-year talents among those eligible for unrestricted free agency.
Though both are undeniably talented, they also come with some combination of injury concerns, skill set limitations, and debatable market value.
Lakers have cap space, but no ideal stars to chase in free agency
Perhaps the Lakers can swing for the fences on a restricted free agent and emerge lucky enough to outbid the team that reserves the right to match their offer sheet. Jalen Duren, Tari Eason, Walker Kessler, and Peyton Watson are among the names in a fascinating group who fit the bill.
The harsh reality remains, however, that any offer the Lakers make can be matched. Though it's fair to dream and important to explore all options, that makes all interest dependent on external factors.
With all of this in mind, building around Doncic will require Pelinka to prove that he can do more than land stars. It's an undeniably important ability, but Los Angeles needs depth and they have the cap space to add multiple quality players, including starting-caliber contributors.
If Pelinka manages to prove that he can build a contender without big splashes, then the Doncic era should be fruitful. If not, it may signal a need for broader changes.