After getting bounced in five games by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, a series where Rudy Gobert looked like Wilt Chamberlain on the glass and the Los Angeles Lakers looked two steps slow, cosmetic tweaks won’t cut it this time.
Luka Doncic delivered monster offensive numbers in his first postseason run as a Laker, but his defensive lapses were exploited mercilessly by Minnesota’s guards. LeBron James, now 40 and still defying Father Time, can only prop up this roster for so long before the cracks become canyon-sized.
If the Lakers want to maximize what’s left of LeBron’s career and give Luka a defense behind him, they need to chase elite two-way talent and size. That means tough decisions are coming, and up to five key players could be wearing different uniforms by the time training camp opens.
1. Austin Reaves
Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) gestures against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Contract Status: $13,937,574 (2025-26), $14,898,786 Player Option (2026-27)
2024-25 Season Stats: 20.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Austin Reaves had the best season of his career in the regular season, posting 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game on 37.7% from three. Reaves was not the same player in the postseason against the Timberwolves, posting 16.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game on 31.9% from deep.
Reaves is clearly a budding All-Star if he continues on this path, but the Lakers need forwards and centers who can defend the rim hellaciously more than score. Luka and LeBron are capable of carrying an offense on their own, but they need help on defense.
If the Lakers find a better third option who is a bonafide All-Star or if they can bring back a dominant frontcourt player, they will likely have to sacrifice Reaves. The undrafted guard has been a revelation for the Lakers, but as we have seen this season, nobody deserves to be untouchable.
2. Rui Hachimura
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Contract Status: $18,259,259 (2025-26)
2024-25 Season Stats: 13.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Rui Hachimura has become a valuable rotational player for the Lakers, averaging 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game this season while posting in the playoffs. However, his $18,259,259 salary makes him one of the team’s most movable pieces in a potential trade for a third star.
Thinking of stars such as Zach LaVine or even Domantas Sabonis, Hachimura could be included in a blockbuster deal to secure one of these All-Star-caliber players. For the Lakers, trading Hachimura will have to be a sacrifice they have to take to go all-in for the 2025-26 NBA season.
While his scoring and versatility are assets, the franchise needs a more dominant frontcourt player to complement Luka and LeBron. Considering he is on a big contract with a salary that can be used in deals, Rui is ultimately very tradable.
3. Dorian Finney-Smith
Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) shoots against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Contract Status: $15,378,480 Player Option (2025-26)
2024-25 Season Stats: 8.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Dorian Finney-Smith has been one of the few reliable defenders for the Lakers since being acquired, but his $15,378,480 player option for the 2025-26 season looms large. Finney-Smith averaged 8.7 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 41.1% from three, making him a coveted 3-and-D player in the league.
DFS could decline his player option and test free agency, where teams desperate for perimeter defense will pay a premium. For the Lakers, losing Finney-Smith in free agency would be a blow, but it might be necessary for them to clear cap space for some bigger moves.
4. Jarred Vanderbilt
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) reacts after being called for a foul during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Contract Status: $11,571,429 (2025-26), $12,428,571 (2026-27), $13,285,714 Player Option (2027-28)
2024-25 Season Stats: 4.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Jarred Vanderbilt was supposed to be a consistent defensive presence for the Lakers, but his role in the rotation has diminished, and he has yet to recover his pre-injury form. Averaging 4.1 points and 5.1 rebounds this season, Vanderbilt hasn’t made himself untouchable by any means.
Not to mention, his skill set is redundant with Dorian Finney-Smith now on the roster, making him a prime trade candidate if DFS stays. Even if there are other roster moves, Vanderbilt’s salary will be used to match deals to bring in better-quality role players.
The Lakers could look to package Vanderbilt in a deal for a center or forward to address their offensive shortcomings. While his energy and rebounding are valuable, the team may view him as expendable in their pursuit of higher-end talent.
5. Gabe Vincent
Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (7) against the Phoenix Suns during an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Contract Status: $11,500,000 (2025-26)
2024-25 Season Stats: 6.4 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Gabe Vincent signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Lakers in 2023, but his performance hasn’t lived up to expectations. Averaging just 6.4 points and 1.4 assists while shooting 35.3% from deep, Vincent has struggled to make a significant impact. With his $11.5 million salary, he could be included in a trade as a salary filler for a bigger deal.
The Lakers likely envisioned Vincent as a capable sixth man off the bench after his strong performances with the Miami Heat, but his inconsistent play has made him dispensable.
No doubt, the Lakers will look to move on from their underperforming point guard this summer.
