The 2025-26 NBA season is just three months away, and while most teams are deep in roster building, the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be trailing behind-and fans are growing restless.
The blockbuster arrival of Luka Doncic midway through last season, via a high-profile trade with the Dallas Mavericks, seemed to signal that the Lakers were all-in on building a championship-caliber squad alongside LeBron James.
But following a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the offseason moves have done little to inspire confidence. One month into the summer, analysts and fans alike are questioning whether the Lakers have a real plan-or if they’re simply treading water.
Lakers offseason grade: D for Disappointment
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report didn’t hold back, slapping the Lakers with a D grade for their lackluster offseason strategy. He criticized the front office for failing to make a compelling extension offer to LeBron, essentially forcing him to opt into his player option-likely signaling his final season in purple and gold.
Adding to the sting, Hughes pointed out that forward Dorian Finney-Smith bolted for the Houston Rockets, accepting a modest two-year deal rather than sticking with L.A. “Those moves make it quite clear the Lakers aren’t willing to spend what it takes to make this year’s team as talented and cohesive as possible,” he wrote.
Instead of locking in key depth, the Lakers chose to retain Marcus Smart, whose injury-riddled seasons and declining impact raise questions. Smart is a recognizable name, Hughes admitted, “but he’s not a high-rotation piece for this team-let alone a reliable starter.”
LeBron’s last dance, Luka’s uncertain era
While rebuilding around Doncic may seem like a logical long-term move, Hughes warned that there’s no guarantee Luka’s next five years will eclipse his last five-and even less certainty the Lakers will find a better player than a 40-year-old LeBron James in future offseasons.
The additions of Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia might offer some upside, but according to Hughes, “It still feels as if the Lakers are keeping their powder dry for a post-LeBron, prime-Luka run that may never happen.”
In the end, the Lakers’ strategy feels more like hesitation than ambition-an approach that may cost them both a farewell title for LeBron and a true shot at unlocking Luka’s championship potential.
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