The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2025 offseason intent on reinforcing the roster around stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Without turning to the trade market, the club used its cap exceptions to secure veteran help, re-signed key contributors and finalized a new deal with Doncic.
Key Free-Agent Additions
Deandre Ayton signed for two years and $16,208,000 with a second-year player option, using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (MLE).
Jake LaRavia accepted a two-year, $12,000,000 MLE agreement.
Marcus Smart joined on a two-year, $10,524,700 MLE contract that also carries a second-year player option.
Jaxson Hayes re-upped for one year at $3,449,323 via Non-Bird rights and waived his trade veto.
Minimum-salary Exhibit 10 deals went to RJ Davis, Eric Dixon, Arthur Kaluma, Kylor Kelley and Augustas Marciulionis.
Draft-Night Activity
The Lakers maneuvered twice in the second round. They first acquired the rights to No. 45 pick Rocco Zikarsky from Chicago for the rights to No. 55 selection Lachlan Olbrich plus $2.5 million. Minutes later, Los Angeles sent Zikarsky and $3.25 million to Minnesota in a seven-team swap, landing the rights to No. 36 pick Adou Thiero. Thiero subsequently signed a three-year, $5,949,688 contract; the first two seasons are guaranteed and the third carries a team option.
Two-Way Contracts
Christian Koloko (partial guarantee of $85,300, rising to $318,218 when the season opens) and Chris Manon (partial guarantee of $85,300) filled two of the club’s three two-way slots.
Departures
Forward Dorian Finney-Smith signed with Houston, while Alex Len and Markieff Morris remain unsigned.
Other Roster Moves
On Aug. 2, the first day he became eligible, Luka Doncic inked a three-year maximum veteran extension projected at $160,838,784, with a player option in the final season (2028-29).
LeBron James triggered his $51.4 million player option for 2025-26 on June 29, marking the first expiring contract of his career.
Guards Jordan Goodwin and Shake Milton and two-way center Trey Jemison were waived.
Salary Breakdown
Los Angeles is operating over the $154.6 million cap and above the $187.9 million luxury-tax line, carrying roughly $194.8 million in salary. The club is hard-capped at $195,945,000 and holds three traded-player exceptions, the largest valued at $1,891,857.
What’s Next
The Lakers have 14 standard guaranteed contracts but sit only about $1.1 million below their first-apron hard cap, limiting immediate options for a 15th player unless salary is shed. One two-way slot remains open; Exhibit 10 signee Eric Dixon is considered a leading candidate once healthy. Extension eligibility also exists for Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent and Austin Reaves. Reaves declined an $89 million extension and is expected to revisit talks next offseason.
The Lakers will open training camp with James, Doncic and their new supporting cast aiming to build on last season’s first-round playoff appearance.
Source: Hoops Rumors
