James Worthy Advises Lakers on Building Roster Around Luka Doncic
james-worthy-advises-lakers-on-building-roster-around-luka-doncic
Los Angeles — Lakers Hall of Famer James Worthy believes the franchise’s first full offseason with Luka Doncic offers a clear template: surround the 26-year-old star with reliable three-point shooters, versatile defenders and a rim-protecting big man.
During an appearance on The Kevin O’Connor Show for Yahoo Sports, Worthy outlined his priorities as the front office prepares for the summer of 2026, the club’s initial opportunity to tailor the roster completely to Doncic’s strengths.
“Shooters, particularly those who can hit the three consistently,” Worthy said. “Guys who can defend and, not necessarily hide him, but take some pressure off him. They need a big who can protect the paint, catch lobs and anchor the defense. They also need players who can create—an Austin Reaves-type.”
Worthy added that veteran LeBron James, now 41, relieved some of the defensive traps aimed at Doncic late last season, but emphasized the importance of consistent secondary playmaking. He pointed to Oklahoma City’s bench productivity as a model, saying Los Angeles should aim for reserve units capable of “40, 50, 60 points from time to time.”
The Lakers acquired Doncic in February 2025 and, despite limited time to retool, finished 53-29 and reached the Western Conference semifinals while their new cornerstone battled injuries. General manager Rob Pelinka now enters an offseason with cap flexibility and several free agents—Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton among them—who could help address Worthy’s checklist.
Worthy’s blueprint mirrors elements of the 2024 Dallas Mavericks, who paired Doncic with shooting (P.J. Washington, Maxi Kleber, Tim Hardaway Jr.), defense (Josh Green, Derrick Jones Jr.) and interior size (Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II) during a Finals run. Whether Los Angeles can replicate that balance remains uncertain.
Former Laker Robert Horry recently offered a complementary sentiment, urging the team to tailor its moves toward countering the Western Conference–leading San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Lakers’ front office will begin formal roster discussions after the NBA Finals conclude, with free agency opening July 1.
Source: LakersNation.com
