The Los Angeles Lakers are doing everything they can to put a title-contending roster around Luka Doncic. With the futures of LeBron James and Austin Reaves still unknown, Rob Pelinka and the front office are prioritizing adding players that fit well around their new Slovenian superstar.
In accordance with that plan, the Lakers have made multiple roster changes leading up to their training camp and media day. Most recently, Los Angeles added former first-round pick Nick Smith Jr. on a two-way contract. They also signed Anton Watson and Nate Williams to their preseason roster.
While the most recently added players do not have a guaranteed spot on the Lakers roster this upcoming season, their previous free agent additions of Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia are expected to hold larger roles in 2025-26.
Lakers Recent Roster Changes
Just days before the start of the preseason, the Lakers have made multiple moves to complete what is expected to be their full lineup heading into the regular season. While they’ve been active in the waivers over the past few days, the Lakers have cut numerous players to make room for their new additions.
Most notably, Los Angeles has brought in Smith Jr., who was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 2023 but was recently waived. In his first two seasons, the guard averaged a combined eight points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 111 total games. He joins one of many recent former Hornets’ draft picks to be waived, and now signed a two-way deal with the Lakers.
Smith will join Christian Koloko and Chris Manon as the three Lakers players on two-way contracts.
Los Angeles also picked up Watson and Williams. Watson has played in just nine career NBA games, all of which came with the New York Knicks last season. He was waived after playing a total of 22 minutes in 2024-25. Williams has a bit more experience, 47 games and four starts over three seasons, but will likely hold a similar, limited role in their preseason lineup.
Originally, the Lakers cut Arthur Kaluma and added Jarron Cumberland. But he was on the roster for just over a day, as the team announced they were cutting him for Jones. Jones and Eric Dixon were then cut to bring in Watson and Williams.
Through just a few days of roster transactions, the Lakers have made multiple moves, including keeping players on their roster for less than 24 hours. With just days before the start of preseason, Pelinka and the front office look to have finally secured their lineup.
Ready To Compete With Doncic At The Helm
While none of these recent additions are groundbreaking, it does show that Pelinka is keeping his promise to Doncic and Lakers fans that he plans to build a contending roster.
Doncic himself made it clear that he hopes to compete for titles every single year, and though they didn’t land a big name in free agency or through a trade, the front office is doing everything it can to find players that fit well with their superstar.
Most recently, Pelinka also discussed the future of James, which has now come under question after the Doncic trade and Rich Paul’s comments to Shams Charania. The Lakers’ general manager said he hopes James will retire as a member of the team, as he still sees the value the NBA’s all-time leading scorer brings to the table.
“The first thing we want to do in terms of LeBron and his future is just give him absolute respect to choose his story with his family in terms of how many years he’s going to continue to play,” Pelinka said. “We would love if LeBron’s story would be he retired a Laker. That would be a positive story.”
The Lakers also announced that they have agreed to a contract extension with head coach JJ Redick. The first-year coach led the team to a 50-32 record in the regular season, followed by a first-round series loss in the postseason.
As the team continues to retool its roster, Doncic and James remain the biggest storylines. All signs show the team is fully committed to their new superstar, leaving the aging one to make his own plans, which are currently unknown.
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