Key Dates for the Lakers in the 2026 NBA Offseason
key-dates-lakers-2026-nba-offseason
The 2025-26 NBA campaign ended with the New York Knicks celebrating their first championship in 53 years, and the Los Angeles Lakers now turn to an offseason that could redefine the franchise around All-Star guard Luka Doncic.
June 23–24: NBA Draft
Los Angeles owns the No. 25 pick and could either add a young prospect or include the selection in a trade. Although the club has no second-round choice, past drafts have shown the front office’s willingness to buy or trade for additional picks if a targeted player slips.
June 29: Player and Team Option Deadline
Decisions on 2026-27 contracts must be submitted by this date. Guard Austin Reaves is expected to decline his option, while Marcus Smart ($5.39 million) and Deandre Ayton ($8.1 million) have choices that remain uncertain. The Lakers also hold a $2.49 million team option on guard Nick Smith Jr. Each decision will affect the club’s salary-cap flexibility.
June 30: Start of Free-Agency Negotiations
Teams can begin talks with free agents at 3 p.m. PT. For the Lakers, the list includes Reaves, LeBron James—if he returns for a 24th NBA season—Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, and Luke Kennard. Smart and Ayton would join that group if they opt out. Management is expected to pursue athletic two-way wings for perimeter defense and rim-running centers to complement Doncic.
July 3–6: California Classic Summer League
The Lakers, Warriors, Heat, and Spurs will meet at Chase Center. Second-year wing Adou Thiero and the 2026 draft pick will headline the Los Angeles roster.
July 5: Free-Agent Signings Become Official
Contracts can be executed at 9 p.m. PT, allowing the Lakers to formalize agreements in an order that maximizes cap space.
July 9–19: Las Vegas Summer League
All 30 NBA teams gather in Las Vegas for an extended look at young talent. Standout performances can secure training-camp invites or two-way contracts, as seen in previous years with players such as Reaves.
Late September: Media Day and Training Camp
The 2026-27 season officially opens when returning and new Lakers converge for Media Day, followed immediately by training-camp workouts. The exact date will be announced later in the summer.
Source: Lakers Nation
