Here's a groundbreaking thought courtesy of Rich Paul: the Los Angeles Lakers need to surround Luka Doncic with quality role players. That is a totally fresh idea that no one, especially not even the Lakers front office, has been aware of. Thankfully, the Klutch Sports CEO was there to save the day.
In all seriousness, that was something Paul proclaimed on a recent episode of his podcast with Max Kellerman. It's not that it is a bad thought. It's just that this was advice no one in Los Angeles really needed. The super agent had the vision come to him after watching the well-oiled machine that was the Boston Celtics after their recent matchup with the Lakers.
Paul said, "Anytime you have any great talent, you have to make sure that the pieces fit for their strengths and you have the holes filled for their weaknesses."
It's a good point, but it carries the same relevance as telling a mailman to deliver a package. Rob Pelinka and the front office have been firmly in the rumor mill with targets lined up for the offseason that will suit Doncic's game. The early indicators have already shown they understand what works too.
Lakers should already know what players to surround Luka Doncic with
From the start of the Doncic era in Los Angeles, the Lakers tried to add complimentary pieces. The Mark Williams trade may have failed, but it represented the type of athletic center that Doncic consistently thrived with in Dallas. The idea and intent were there, it was just lacking the execution.
The 2025 offseason saw the Lakers attempt to make patchwork solutions within the limitations of their finances and who was available. Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia all had thought behind them. The results have ultimately been mixed.
Everyone knows the summer of 2026 can be the true reset, if done right. The Lakers will have financial freedom, a ton of open roster spots, and an opportunity to build a great supporting cast in a similar manner to how they did so with the 2020 championship team.
The chatter of wanting to add 3-and-D upgrades has been around since last September. It was consistently messaged throughout the entire campaign. There was also plenty of talk around Ayton not being the long-term solution at center (and thank goodness for that).
The plan is there. The model for building a successful team around Doncic is obvious. The reminders are unnecessary. Making it happen is what matters from here.