Overview

• ESPN’s Kevin Pelton identified on-ball perimeter defense as the Lakers’ biggest roster hole entering 2025–26.
• Los Angeles lost Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency and added Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia and Adou Thiero while re-signing Jaxson Hayes and extending Luka Dončić.
• Multiple outlets report the Lakers are pursuing a two-way wing such as Andrew Wiggins, with beat writer Jovan Buha calling that archetype the ideal fit beside Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
• Heavy cites reporting that the Lakers are open to moving rookie Dalton Knecht with expiring contracts as they explore deals, with Miami said to seek a future first-round pick in such talks.
• Until a move materializes, the team plans to lean on internal options including LaRavia, Thiero, Bronny James, Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, with February’s trade deadline viewed as a likely pivot point if issues persist.