How the Lakers Are Building a Contender — And the One Key Piece Still Missing

How the Lakers Are Building a Contender — And the One Key Piece Still Missing…see more…

 

In the wake of another disappointing postseason exit, the Los Angeles Lakers have wasted no time reshaping their roster with hopes of reentering title contention. With LeBron James still defying Father Time at age 40 and Anthony Davis anchoring both ends of the floor, the Lakers’ front office, now under the continued leadership of Rob Pelinka, is betting on bold but calculated moves to reclaim championship glory.

 

This offseason has already seen the Lakers add intriguing pieces — but one crucial gap remains unaddressed, a void that may determine whether this team can truly contend or falls short again.

 

 

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Aggressive Offseason Moves

 

The Lakers’ intentions were clear from the start of the summer: surround LeBron and AD with reliable depth, better shooting, and defensive flexibility. Their trade for Deandre Ayton in a three-team deal surprised many around the league. Ayton, while inconsistent during his time in Phoenix and Portland, brings rebounding, rim protection, and an offensive presence in the paint that the Lakers lacked behind Davis.

 

The Lakers also acquired Jake LaRavia, a young wing with size and a promising shooting stroke, in the same transaction. While LaRavia is not yet a difference-maker, the Lakers believe in his development and fit within the system.

 

Los Angeles re-signed Max Christie and brought back Taurean Prince on a veteran minimum deal, while parting ways with Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell. These moves signal a shift toward a more defensive-minded, athletic, and versatile lineup.

 

 

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Emphasizing Fit and Chemistry

 

The recent additions reflect a front office finally prioritizing fit over flash. In the past, the Lakers have made splashy signings that often disrupted lineup cohesion — think Russell Westbrook. This time, Pelinka and new head coach JJ Redick are focused on role clarity, chemistry, and building a team with balanced contributions.

 

JJ Redick, in his first season as an NBA head coach, has emphasized ball movement, spacing, and modern shot selection. With assistant coaches known for player development and analytics, there’s a clear shift in strategic direction compared to Darvin Ham’s regime.

 

Redick’s arrival also appeals to veterans and rising stars alike, as his reputation as a student of the game and communicator has begun to win over the locker room. His connection with LeBron, established through years of podcast appearances and mutual respect, will be crucial in guiding this team forward.

 

 

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The Remaining Hole: A Starting-Caliber Point Guard

 

For all the Lakers have done this offseason, one glaring question remains: Who is the floor general?

 

Following D’Angelo Russell’s departure, the Lakers currently lack a traditional point guard with the ability to control pace, initiate halfcourt sets, and alleviate pressure from LeBron’s aging legs. While Austin Reaves can handle the ball in spurts, and Gabe Vincent (coming off injury) offers toughness and defense, neither are full-time playmakers or consistent scoring threats in the clutch.

 

Bronny James is promising, and the media attention surrounding his arrival is palpable, but expecting a rookie to run the show is unrealistic. The Lakers need a proven starting-caliber point guard who can shoot, defend, and stabilize the offense — especially when LeBron is off the court.

 

Names like Tyus Jones, Malcolm Brogdon, and even a reunion with Dennis Schröder have been floated. Some rumors also suggest that the Lakers are monitoring the Damian Lillard situation in Milwaukee, where internal friction may lead to a shake-up. However, such a trade would require cap gymnastics and sacrificing young assets.

 

 

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Cap Constraints and Patience

 

Salary cap limitations are hampering the Lakers’ ability to act quickly. With Ayton’s contract and Davis’s extension on the books, the Lakers are operating with little flexibility. A trade — possibly involving draft picks, Reaves, or LaRavia — might be the only realistic path to securing the guard they need.

 

But patience may pay off. The front office appears willing to wait until the trade deadline if necessary, hoping that a disgruntled star or undervalued veteran becomes available in the early months of the season.

 

In the meantime, Redick will have to experiment with lineups that allow for multiple ball handlers and playmaking by committee. The team is reportedly high on Vincent’s progress and believes his defensive intensity can help mitigate the lack of a pure point guard — at least for now.

 

 

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The LeBron Window Is Closing

 

While the Lakers are assembling a solid foundation, time is not on their side. LeBron James may still perform at an All-NBA level, but he’s entering his 23rd season and has battled injuries the past two years. Every move from here on out must account for the narrowing window to win with him as a centerpiece.

 

Davis, too, has had his share of durability issues. The Lakers are counting on his continued health, as he is expected to carry more of the offensive burden under Redick’s system.

 

The Lakers’ best hope of contending is to strike the right balance between urgency and long-term planning. They’ve done well to solidify their core, modernize their approach, and foster internal development. But unless they fill the playmaking void, especially in crunch time, it could all fall apart come playoff season.

 

 

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Final Word

 

The Lakers are inching closer to being a serious threat in the Western Conference. Ayton’s arrival and Redick’s coaching bring renewed energy. The supporting cast looks deeper and better suited to LeBron and Davis’ skill sets.

 

But until they find their missing piece — a steady, smart point guard who can close games and ease the burden on their stars — they remain incomplete.

 

The blu

eprint is taking shape. Now, it’s on the front office to finish the job.