Rob Pelinka signals greater willingness to invest in Lakers roster after Doncic’s EuroBasket showcase
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Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said Luka Doncic’s standout summer has prompted the franchise to look more aggressively at roster upgrades for the 2025-26 season.
Doncic, who trimmed down noticeably, inked a three-year extension with Los Angeles earlier in the offseason and then led Slovenia to the EuroBasket quarterfinals. Pelinka watched the entire run and told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that the performance underscored the guard’s status as “arguably the best player on the planet,” placing added urgency on maximizing the Lakers’ championship window.
“In terms of team building, we’ve talked about the importance of having optionality,” Pelinka said. “Having both Luka and LeBron James continues to allow us to think carefully about the value of that optionality.”
Expiring contracts and draft assets in play
The Lakers will open training camp with 14 players, including three notable expiring deals: Rui Hachimura ($18.3 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million) and Maxi Kleber ($11 million). According to ESPN, Los Angeles can attach one of its 2031 or 2032 first-round picks in trade talks and, with Doncic now under contract through 2028, is willing to absorb a player whose contract runs past 2026.
Only four of the 15 roster spots carry guaranteed money beyond 2025-26, a structure designed to keep flexibility for another star acquisition in the next two summers. Pelinka said the front office will “execute” any move that meaningfully enhances the pursuit of the franchise’s 18th championship.
Trade targets remain unclear
Golden State Warriors wing Andrew Wiggins has been the lone player linked to Los Angeles in recent weeks, but no deal appears imminent. Barring a major development, the Lakers are expected to begin the season with their current group and evaluate options as the year unfolds.
Doncic still processing Mavericks exit
Doncic has publicly acknowledged lingering mixed emotions over last season’s trade from the Dallas Mavericks, the organization where he expected to spend his entire career. Dallas officials cited concerns about conditioning and work ethic in explaining the decision, and the All-NBA guard said he is unsure whether he will ever feel complete closure with the franchise.
Source: Lakers Nation
