The Los Angeles Lakers enter the summer with an array of unresolved issues that stretch well beyond the futures of stars Austin Reaves and LeBron James, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic.
Lakers weigh roster changes and front-office hire
Team officials do not expect to simply run back last season’s roster. Internal voices are pushing for moves that would nudge the club closer to true-contender status, Woike reports. A trade package built around Jarred Vanderbilt, rookie Dalton Knecht and draft assets has generated little external interest so far.
The organization is viewed as more inclined to retain guard Marcus Smart than center Deandre Ayton. Some decision-makers favor adding a younger, more athletic center; Robert Williams III is considered a possibility, though Portland is expected to work to keep the defense-minded big man.
Los Angeles is also still searching for an assistant general manager. Interviews began during the playoffs, but there is no clear timetable for a hire. Kurt Rambis remains involved in basketball decisions, while recently added assistant GM for strategy and data systems Rohan Ramadas has drawn positive reviews early in his tenure. The franchise originally set out to add two assistant GMs.
Pick No. 25 unlikely to yield immediate starter
The Lakers hold the 25th selection in the 2026 NBA Draft and are not counting on landing a day-one starter, Woike writes. The franchise instead hopes to secure a high-energy player capable of cracking the top eight in the rotation. Potential targets identified by the OC Register’s Benjamin Royer include Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s), Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston), Tarris Reed Jr. (Connecticut), Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky) and Isaiah Evans (Duke).
Clippers control key draft pivot at No. 5
The crosstown Clippers may hold the first turning point of the 2026 draft at pick No. 5, Janis Carr of the Register writes. Debate continues over which prospect will be taken immediately after the widely projected top four. Los Angeles could keep the pick, trade down, or exit the draft altogether if a package for a star or additional assets materializes.
Booker honors father with new jersey number
Suns guard Devin Booker has officially switched from No. 1 to No. 15, Duane Rankin of AZ Central reported on social media. The change pays tribute to his father, Melvin Booker, who wore No. 15 during his two-season NBA stint from 1995 to 1997. “I’ve been chasing 15 my whole career. It’s always been a family number,” Devin Booker said.
Source: Hoops Rumors
