The LeBron James era came to a close in Los Angeles, and the franchise was sold for the second time in 10 months. How's that for an offseason, Lakers fans?
Beyond the major headlines, the Lakers overhauled their roster this summer, bringing in C Walker Kessler, F Sandro Mamukelashvili, G Quentin Grimes, G Collin Sexton, F Kevon Looney, F Matisse Thybulle and G Cameron Carr to pair with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Will the new-look roster be exactly what Doncic needs to lead the Lakers back to the Finals for the first time since the 2020 bubble championship? Or will the turnover be too much to overcome in a loaded Western Conference?
ESPN's staff of experts is looking back at the offseason and taking an early look at the 2026-27 season for all 30 teams, with 30 pieces -- one for every team -- rolling out each weekday through Sept. 18. We're answering the biggest looming questions, evaluating X factors and much more for all 30 teams.
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Offseason at a glance Key additions: C Walker Kessler, F Sandro Mamukelashvili, G Quentin Grimes, G Collin Sexton, F Kevon Looney, F Matisse Thybulle, G Cameron Carr Key retentions: G Austin Reaves Key subtractions: F LeBron James, C Deandre Ayton, G Marcus Smart, F Rui Hachimura, G Luke Kennard, C Jaxson Hayes
James informed the Lakers he would not be returning for next season on June 30. Two days later, the team transformed the roster, with Doncic squarely as the focal point.
The biggest addition -- literally and figuratively -- is 7-foot-2 center Kessler, acquired in a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz. L.A. sent two unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and pick swaps in 2028 and 2030, not to mention a four-year, $130 million contract, to acquire him.
Mamukelashvili, Grimes, Sexton, Looney and Thybulle also signed with the Lakers, and free agent Ziaire Williams and first-round pick Carr bolster the team's young prospect pool of Adou Thiero, Bronny James and Dalton Knecht.
The most important move, though, came when Reaves, coming off a career season in which he averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, signed a four-year, $180 million extension.
When the dust settled, it was a dramatic roster overhaul in what could prove to be one of the most consequential summers in franchise history, with the team also being sold for the second time in 14 months, this time to venture capitalist Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger, who bought the Lakers from Mark Walter at a $12.5 billion valuation. -- Dave McMenamin