The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a full-scale roster shakeup - and it’s all with one goal in mind: building a legitimate championship core around Luka Dončić. That means tough decisions are coming, from cap-clearing moves to letting go of familiar faces. The front office is setting the table for a transformative offseason, and if everything goes according to plan, this Lakers team is going to look a whole lot different by the time the 2026-27 season tips off.
Let’s break down six players who are unlikely to be wearing purple and gold next season - and why their time in L.A. appears to be winding down.
6. Maxi Kleber - The Injury Bug Won’t Let Go
Maxi Kleber arrived in Los Angeles as part of the Luka Dončić mega-deal, but he never really got a chance to make his mark. Health has been the biggest hurdle - he didn’t see the floor until the final playoff game last season and has only suited up for 20 games this year. At 33, with a growing injury history, Kleber’s NBA future is hanging in the balance.
He’s close with Dončić, which could’ve helped his case for sticking around in a bench role, but the Lakers are prioritizing depth that can actually contribute. Unless Kleber is willing to take a minimum deal and prove he can stay on the floor, he’s likely headed elsewhere - whether that’s overseas or into retirement.
5. Gabe Vincent - A Signing That Just Didn’t Work
When the Lakers signed Gabe Vincent after his strong run with the Heat in the 2023 NBA Finals, they thought they were getting a battle-tested, two-way guard who could thrive in big moments. Instead, they’ve gotten inconsistency on offense and lapses on defense - not exactly the formula for staying in a rotation built around Luka.
Vincent’s $11.5 million expiring contract could be a trade chip before the deadline, and the Lakers would love to flip it for an upgrade. But if that doesn’t materialize, he’ll likely hit free agency this summer. Simply put, Vincent doesn’t fit the mold of the off-ball guard this team needs next to Dončić and Austin Reaves.
4. Dalton Knecht - A Promising Prospect Who Needs a Fresh Start
Dalton Knecht came into the league with a scorer’s pedigree and a shooter’s touch, but it just hasn’t translated in L.A. After a trade to Charlotte (which was later rescinded), it became clear that the Lakers were ready to move on. He’s been mostly glued to the bench, and his defensive struggles haven’t helped his case.
Knecht still has two years left on his rookie deal, and there’s potential there - just not in Los Angeles. Expect the Lakers to include him in a trade package to bring in more immediate help. At 6’6", with shooting upside, another team might be willing to give him the runway he needs to develop.
3. Rui Hachimura - A Mismatch in the Rotation
Rui Hachimura is in the final year of his deal, making $18.2 million, and the Lakers haven’t shown signs of wanting to extend him. That speaks volumes. While he’s been productive at times, his fit alongside LeBron - and now potentially Luka - has always been a bit awkward.
Hachimura often comes off the bench to get more touches with the second unit, but his role has felt undefined. If the Lakers are moving forward with Luka and Reaves as the focal points, they’ll likely want a more consistent 3-and-D presence at forward. Unless something changes drastically, Rui looks like a cap casualty.
2. Deandre Ayton - The Fit Wasn’t There
Deandre Ayton was never a long-term answer at center for the Lakers, and the writing’s already on the wall. He’s been benched in crucial moments and hasn’t brought the energy or production the team needs. This is the same story we saw in Phoenix and Portland - flashes of talent, but frustrating inconsistency.
The Lakers want a big who can roll hard to the rim, protect it on the other end, and play off Luka’s playmaking. Ayton hasn’t checked those boxes.
He holds an $8.1 million player option for next season, and if he picks it up, expect the Lakers to shop him aggressively. His time as a starting center in the NBA may be running out.
1. LeBron James - The End of an Era?
LeBron James opted in to his $52.6 million player option last offseason, but there’s been no talk of a long-term extension - and that says a lot. While he still puts up elite numbers, his defensive impact has slipped, and the Lakers are looking to build a younger, faster core around Luka Dončić.
LeBron holds a no-trade clause, so the ball is in his court. If he’s not open to a significant pay cut, he’ll likely be playing elsewhere next season. The Warriors have already been floated as a potential landing spot, and there will be no shortage of suitors if he hits the market.
Whether he retires, returns to Cleveland, or chooses a new destination to chase one last ring, LeBron’s decision will dominate the offseason headlines. But one thing seems clear: the Lakers are ready to move into a new era.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
This summer is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent franchise history. The Lakers will have cap flexibility, multiple first-round picks to dangle in trade talks, and a clear mandate: build a championship-caliber team around Luka Dončić.
That means shooting. That means defense.
That means role players who can thrive in Luka’s orbit. Expect Rob Pelinka and the front office to be aggressive - both in free agency and on the trade market - as they look to reshape the roster from top to bottom.
The Lakers aren’t just retooling. They’re reimagining what this team can be. And with Luka as the centerpiece, the stakes - and expectations - couldn’t be higher.