The Los Angeles Lakers are making moves to refresh their roster, stepping away from a reliance on players over 30. However, the LA Clippers have just demonstrated what the Lakers might be missing.
In a strategic move focused on long-term stability, the Clippers signed breakout wing Jordan Miller to a multi-year deal. While it might not grab headlines, this signing reflects the Clippers' commitment to learning from past missteps. They, too, once leaned heavily on an older roster but have quietly shifted to valuing emerging talent.
This approach helps the Clippers avoid long-term pitfalls by nurturing young players into key contributors. While this strategy doesn't entirely safeguard against potential setbacks, like Kawhi Leonard's possible departure or injury, it certainly strengthens the supporting cast around him. It's a playbook the Lakers might want to consider as they aim to help Luka Doncic secure his first championship.
Without leveraging their limited draft picks to bring in and develop young talent, the Lakers risk hitting a ceiling in their success.
The Clippers' signing of Jordan Miller signals a forward-thinking mindset. Despite their flaws, the Clippers turned towards the future when their aging roster faced challenges. Miller, a second-round pick in 2023, still has room to grow at 26 and has rewarded the Clippers with solid performances, averaging 12.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in recent games.
Miller isn't the only young talent making waves. Kobe Sanders, a 23-year-old shooting guard, has been impressive, shooting 37.0 percent from three-point range in his rookie season.
Drafted 50th overall in 2025, Sanders has been given a real chance to shine. Additionally, when the Clippers parted ways with James Harden, they focused on the future by acquiring 26-year-old point guard Darius Garland.
On the other side of town, the Lakers need to craft a sustainable future. The Ivica Zubac trade, while debated, underscored LA's focus on a stronger long-term outlook. It brought in 23-year-old scorer Bennedict Mathurin, productive big man Isaiah Jackson, and two first-round picks to rejuvenate the roster.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have been searching for talent in the G League and among former lottery picks on minimum contracts. There's some promise with Luka Doncic at 26 and Austin Reaves at 27, along with Jake LaRavia and Dalton Knecht at 24. Youngsters Nick Smith Jr. and Adou Thiero have also shown potential at 21.
The pressing question remains: Which young Laker could earn a multi-year deal based on immediate impact? LaRavia has stepped up, but Knecht, their closest Mathurin equivalent, sees limited playtime. The Lakers have sacrificed numerous draft picks, compromising their ability to develop talent internally.
Fortunately, the Lakers hold their 2026 first-round pick and have significant cap space. The hope is they use these assets to build a sustainable future.