The checklist for the LA Lakers after early exit

The Los Angeles Lakers’ early playoff exit in 2025, despite the high-profile acquisition of Luka Dončić, underscored glaring deficiencies in their roster construction and depth. After trading away Anthony Davis to land Dončić, the Lakers lost their primary rim protector and interior anchor, creating a void that opponents like the Minnesota Timberwolves exploited with relentless drives and paint scoring. The lack of a true center forced the Lakers to rely on a “swarming” defensive scheme, heavy on switches and double teams, which proved unsustainable over a playoff series as teams targeted their defensive weak links and exploited mismatches.

Offensively, the Lakers’ supporting cast failed to provide consistent help. While Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves offered elite playmaking and scoring, the absence of reliable shooters and versatile defenders like Jarred Vanderbilt and Dorian Finney-Smith—both of whom struggled or were unavailable—meant the Lakers often played four-on-five on offense and lacked help on defense. The result was a team that ran out of gas late in games, with Dončić and James unable to carry the entire load, especially in crunch time.

General Manager Rob Pelinka has acknowledged these issues, stating that adding size at the center position and improving wing defense are top offseason priorities. However, the Lakers face significant salary cap constraints and limited draft capital and will likely need to rely on trades involving expiring contracts to address their needs. The challenge for Pelinka is to find immediate, viable solutions that complement Dončić’s ball-dominant style while restoring the defensive identity that once made the Lakers contenders. The coming offseason will be critical in determining whether Los Angeles can retool around its stars and return to championship contention.

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The Los Angeles Lakers’ most glaring roster weakness this season has been their lack of a reliable rotational center. After trading Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić, the Lakers entrusted the center position to Jaxson Hayes. While Hayes brought energy, rebounding, and some paint presence during the regular season, his inexperience was exposed in the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year. Hayes struggled to match Gobert’s physicality and defensive impact, and his inability to consistently protect the rim or finish inside under pressure led to a significant drop in his value during the series.

Both Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick have publicly acknowledged the urgent need for a quality center who can maximize Luka Dončić’s playmaking. Dončić thrived in Dallas with lob threats like Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, who capitalized on his passing with high-percentage finishes at the rim. Gafford, in particular, stands out as an ideal target for the Lakers. He is an elite shot-blocker, productive rebounder, and a proven lob partner for Dončić. This season, Gafford has averaged 12.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while holding opponents to significantly lower shooting percentages near the basket.

Trade scenarios for Gafford are realistic, as Dallas has reportedly shown willingness to move him in exchange for perimeter defense and draft compensation. The Lakers could package players like Gabe Vincent or Jaxson Hayes, along with draft picks, to entice the Mavericks. Other potential targets include Brook Lopez, Myles Turner, Nic Claxton, and Clint Capela, but Gafford’s age, skill set, and chemistry with Dončić make him the most attractive option.

Ultimately, acquiring a center like Gafford would not only address the Lakers’ defensive and rebounding deficiencies but also unlock new offensive dimensions, giving Los Angeles a much-needed boost in their quest to return to championship contention.

Additional help in perimeter defense

Another hole the Wolves have uncovered within the Lakers' lineup is the shortage of on-ball perimeter stoppers. Anthony Edwards had a heyday against LA. Surgically dissecting the Lakers’ perimeter defense headed by Dorrian Finney-Smith. As good as Finney-Smith is, he can’t contain the ball alone. Navigating against screens is his kryptonite, and with the Wolves, it becomes much more evident.

Minnesota will force Finney-Smith to switch off Edwards and more than likely hunt Luka in the perimeter. It comes as no surprise how Doncic struggles to keep opposing players in front and gets blown by easily, especially with the caliber of a slasher Edwards is.

So having an additional perimeter defender, whether off the bench or in the starting unit, can present an advantage for the Lakers. But the problem lies in getting one, as players like this are a hot commodity in the league.

Deep bench scoring

Aside from the starters, the Lakers have no other capable offensive punch off the bench. JJ Reddick opts to play Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jordan Goodwin, who are known more as defensive stoppers. The lack thereof forced the starter to carry heavy lifting offensively, which spells doom, especially in the playoffs.

Though they have an amazing unit offensively in Luka, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, it is still important to get a capable scorer off the bench to lighten their load. It could also present flexibility in the team’s line-up, as Reddick can play multiple intricacies of players inside.

Whether getting an outside sniper or another playmaker, the important thing is the fit roster-wise and timeline-wise with Luka.

Sign LeBron James to a team-friendly deal

At 40 years old, LeBron James once again proved that he can still go against the top dogs of the NBA. He adjusted to his new role as the utility guy, even giving us defensive plays that, at year 22, are unimaginable.

So, even if his timeline is not as perfect with Dončić, the Lakers still need to sign LeBron. But the caveat is that it should be a team-friendly deal. The 4-time MVP can opt out of his player option and sign a new contract. This could provide space for Pelinka to introduce a wrinkle to his contract through a pay cut in exchange for a concrete plan to acquire additional help next season.

If successful, the Lakers could get James to a lower deal compared to his initial $51.4 million player option.