Inside the Lakers’ new era: ownership shift, LeBron’s uncertain future, Doncic plan

“The most important thing for him (Jerry Buss) was keeping the Lakers at the top of the NBA—and that requires very specific resources.”

With those words, Jeanie Buss acknowledged the franchise’s seismic shift: the Lakers have officially moved into the hands of Mark Walter, a figure brought in to extend the Buss family’s legendary legacy. The goal is simple—return the Lakers to the top of the league after winning just two championships in the last 16 seasons.

Inside the organization, the change is being embraced as a fresh start. “I expect a lot of success in the years ahead,” Buss said. And the timing is no coincidence: after a transitional year following Luka Dončić’s arrival, the Lakers are preparing to take an aggressive, offense‑minded approach to roster building.

LeBron James’ future remains a massive question mark—his exit feels closer than ever—but the franchise’s priority is clear: surround Luka with the right pieces to chase another title.

The quiet start of a revolution

The overhaul has already begun—quietly. On February 5, the Lakers beat the 76ers in what looked like a forgettable regular‑season game. But afterward, no one was happier than Rui Hachimura, who scored 11 of his 14 points in the second half and walked out of Crypto.com Arena visibly relieved.

The NBA trade deadline had just passed.

The Lakers made only one move: sending Gabe Vincent to Atlanta for Luke Kennard. It ended weeks—if not months—of speculation about the team’s direction under J.J. Redick.

Hachimura, whose $18.3 million expiring contract made him a prime trade candidate, admitted the rumors had weighed on him.

“We’re the Lakers—there are always rumors. Most of the time it’s garbage,” he said.

In any other season, Rob Pelinka likely would have moved him. But this isn’t a normal season. The Lakers are heading into one of the most pivotal summers in franchise history.

The Doncic–LeBron–Reaves puzzle

The trio of Doncic, LeBron, and Austin Reaves inspires as much doubt as hope. LeBron is 41, still playing at an absurd level for his age, but his salary outweighs his championship impact. Reaves is a terrific offensive player, but his defensive limitations—especially next to Luka—make him a potential trade piece.

Reaves already turned down a four‑year, $89 million extension last summer, betting on a chance at a five‑year, $241 million max in the upcoming offseason.

The Lakers have 28 regular‑season games left, plus whatever the playoffs bring. And while expectations aren’t sky‑high, any team with Luka and LeBron can’t be dismissed.

But in October, LeBron would begin his 24th NBA season. His future ranges from staying in L.A. (increasingly unlikely), to a third homecoming, to retirement. No one knows.

What is clear: the franchise has completely shifted course since the infamous Nico Harrison trade on February 2, 2024. Luka is now the face of the Lakers, and he needs a roster capable of winning at the highest level.

This summer will determine whether that happens.

A defining offseason

The Lakers’ restrained trade deadline wasn’t passivity—it was preparation.

They enter the offseason with three first‑round picks (2026, 2029, 2031), the ammunition needed for a blockbuster move. Pelinka even admitted they turned down major offers to preserve flexibility for the summer.

One anonymous NBA executive told ESPN: “The first thing the Lakers need to do is move on from LeBron.”

The logic: Luka thrives next to a ball‑handling guard. With Kyrie Irving, he was three wins from a championship. To add a star of that caliber, LeBron’s contract would likely need to come off the books.

Still, LeBron has earned untouchable status. Pelinka made it clear: “If LeBron wants to return for Year 24, he’ll be welcomed here.”

But his decision carries a $51 million swing in cap flexibility.

Could LeBron take a pay cut? Technically yes—he shaved $2.7 million off his last deal to help the team—but a meaningful reduction that truly changes roster construction is unlikely.

If the Lakers keep LeBron or move on, the blueprint around Luka remains the same: elite shooters who defend—the P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. types who powered Dallas 18 months ago.

Free agents who fit that mold include Andrew Wiggins, Tobias Harris, and Tari Eason. But those moves alone won’t deliver a championship.

The real target: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Everything ultimately points to one name—Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Not just for the Lakers, but for the entire NBA.

Milwaukee nearly pulled the trigger at the deadline but chose to wait. The relationship between Giannis and the Bucks appears to be nearing its end, but the timing remains a mystery.

If the Bucks finally decide to rebuild, the Lakers will be one of the best‑positioned teams to make an offer.

Why?

Because they have what Milwaukee would want: future first‑round picks, not win‑now players.

That’s why the Heat and Warriors jumped ahead of the Knicks in the last Giannis sweepstakes—teams with future assets always win these races.

Giannis wants another ring. Luka needs his first. And the Bucks are using time to drive up the bidding war. Luka hasn’t pressured the Lakers yet, but at 26 and in his prime, he can’t afford wasted seasons. He needs his co‑star.

Pelinka and Walter know it.

The Dodgers blueprint

Walter won’t take over Lakers operations until after the coming offseason. For now, the Buss family and Pelinka remain in charge.

But Walter’s track record with the Los Angeles Dodgers looms large. Before winning back‑to‑back titles, the Dodgers made a historic move in December 2023: signing Shohei Ohtani to an 11‑year, $700 million deal, the largest contract in MLB history.

The Lakers don’t need a $700 million check. They need a franchise‑altering acquisition. Giannis would be exactly that.

The Greek saga will end eventually. Many teams want to be “the chosen one,” but only one will land him.

The Lakers have a real shot. Next summer will reveal whether another superstar is headed to Los Angeles.

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