The Lakers are the current winners of free agency

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka faced a lot of heat from fans after NBA champion LeBron James announced his intention to leave Los Angeles this summer. However, the Lakers may have ended up having one of the best offseasons in the league?

Image reference: Alonzo Adams- images

Before the start of free agency, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul informed ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania of LeBron James’ decision to leave Los Angeles as an impending free agent. Ending an eight-year relationship with the Purple and Gold, James’ run with the Lakers marks this as his longest tenure with any franchise.

Rob Pelinka had quite the job this offseason

Heading into the summer of 2026, there were a number of looming decisions over the head of Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. Not only was there uncertainty about LeBron James’ future, but also notable free agent Austin Reaves was up for a hefty payday, and with several other impending free agents, the reconstruction of this Lakers roster seemed like a long and daunting task.

We’ve seen sharpshooter Luke Kennard join the Phoenix Suns on a two-year deal, Marcus Smart joining forces with Kevin Durant in Houston, Jaxon Hayes leaving for Utah, and, of course, LeBron James opting out of Los Angeles.

Although James’ departure steals the headlines, the loss of key role players like Luke Kennard, who provided the Lakers with elite floor spacing throughout the 2026 playoffs, shooting 47.4% from downtown, is also a significant blow. Or Marcus Smart, who not only gave great on-ball and off-ball defense but also contributed to the Lakers taking a 3–0 series lead against the Rockets. And even Jaxon Hayes, a reliable running big who always delivered the ball handlers with a lob threat.

Free agent LeBron James is set for a new home, leaving Los Angeles after eight seasons. Image reference: Bleacher report

A new era

These departures had the potential to cause quite the mess; however, it gave the Lakers the cap flexibility to go out and offer larger contracts to more serviceable role players.

For instance, since the announcement of James’ departure, the Lakers have re-signed Austin Reaves and signed Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler, Quinton Grimes, and Sandro Mamukelashvili all in free agency. These moves show a clear shift towards prioritizing dependable role players, who provide solid offense and defense, over making space for three max contracts. E.g., the LeBron, Davis, and Westbrook era, which restricted the cap flexibility for other reliable role players to fill out the roster.

With these additions, the Lakers are now able to operate comfortably below the second apron, something that all front offices tend to avoid.

Obviously, there are various concerns to be had about the defensive strength of the roster. Walker Kessler being one of the only competent interior defenders in the starting five, lacking any sort of defense outside of his presence.

Fun fact!

Through Walker Kessler’s career, he holds a defensive rating of 113.4. Making him one of the league’s best defenders.

Image reference: Statmuse.com

However, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are considered liabilities on defense, and with the additions of Quinton Grimes and Colin Sexton (two undersized guards), the Lakers are going to have to adjust to a new defensive system. Last season, JJ Redick’s team ranked within the top 10 on defense. However, with the outgoings of LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, two of the Lakers’ stronger defenders, it’s safe to assume this may turn into a hot talking point throughout the season.

Via Chatgpt

Why things are improving in LA

Focusing on the positives, the Lakers’ upgraded guard depth provides some much-needed reinforcement. Previously, Doncic and Reaves had both suffered injuries in the early stages of the season, leaving the backcourt lacking any offensive strength or spark.

This became a problem for the Lakers last season, who hovered around 500 before improving their form post All-Star break. Grimes and Sexton are both well-established role players in this league, averaging above 20 pts per game on multiple occasions (Grimes once, Sexton multiple times). These small signings have gone incredibly unnoticed for a variety of reasons; when discussing the Lakers, the media likes to talk about the negatives, painting a picture that Los Angeles is a place where players’ careers come to die. E.g., Russell Westbrook, Dwight Howard, D’Angelo Russell, etc.

Lob threat and defensive anchor Walker Kessler gives the Lakers their best starting center since the departure of Anthony Davis in 2025. Holding down the paint, Kessler has also been improving his three-point shooting; possibly becoming a mid-30s percentage three-point shooter will open the paint for drives from Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. Something DeAndre Ayton and Jaxon Hayes failed to do.

Rob Pelinka faced a lot of heat after the announcement James would leave in the offseason; however, since then, he has reconstructed this roster brilliantly. Snagging elite role players and the perfect big man for the All-Star backcourt. The best offseason so far, even outperforming the Sixers.