The Los Angeles Lakers have begun reshaping their roster round Luka Doncic, and president Rob Pelinka has began assembly with a number of free brokers because the franchise searches for measurement, capturing and backcourt assist.
In response to Shams Charania on Tuesday, June 30, Pelinka has held a number of conferences with free brokers, together with restricted free brokers Walker Kessler and Jalen Duren. The Lakers are anticipated to prioritize frontcourt upgrades after their 2025-26 season ended with a 4-0 second-round sweep against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Los Angeles completed the common season 53-29, gained the Pacific Division and constructed its offense round Doncic, who averaged 33.5 factors, 8.3 assists and seven.7 rebounds. With Austin Reaves returning on a four-year, $185 million contract and LeBron James leaving the franchise in free agency, the Lakers at the moment are targeted on setting up a roster that maximizes Doncic’s strengths.
Kessler has emerged as one of the team’s reported targets. The 24-year-old heart declined a contract extension offer from the Utah Jazz that was reportedly value practically $140 million over 5 years and entered restricted free company.
The previous first-round decide has developed into one of many NBA’s most efficient rim protectors. Over 4 seasons, Kessler has averaged 9.5 factors, 9.3 rebounds and a couple of.4 blocks per recreation whereas capturing 68.1% from the sector.
His 2024-25 season was a breakout yr, as he began all 58 video games he performed and averaged 12.2 factors, 11.1 rebounds and a couple of.4 blocks. Earlier than a torn left shoulder labrum ended his 2025-26 season after 5 video games, Kessler was averaging profession highs of 14.4 factors, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 blocks whereas capturing 70.3%.
The Lakers have additionally made Jalen Duren a precedence. Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that Los Angeles met with the Detroit Pistons center and views him as a maximum-salary level player. The Lakers are scheduled to satisfy with him once more.
Duren, 22, is coming off an All-NBA Third Team season after averaging 19.5 factors and 10.0 rebounds whereas capturing 65% from the sector. He helped Detroit end 60-22, the perfect report within the Jap Convention, and earned his first All-Star choice.
The Pistons nonetheless maintain Duren’s restricted free-agent rights and have indicated they want to retain him. Detroit can match any supply sheet, however Duren’s market has expanded after his breakout season, with Sacramento additionally exploring a sign-and-trade path.
The Lakers’ curiosity in facilities displays a transparent roster want. Whereas Doncic offers elite perimeter creation, Los Angeles has been trying to find extra inside protection, rebounding and vertical ending.
Los Angeles additionally has roughly $52 million in cap house and is evaluating further frontcourt choices, together with unrestricted free brokers.
