After a promising 2024–25 regular season that ended in an unfortunate first-round playoff exit, the Los Angeles Lakers are back to rebuilding to boost their chances of making a championship run next season. The Lakers finished third in the Western Conference regular season with a 50-32 record, the best they have done in five years, but they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 in the first-round series.
Despite a roster led by superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić, inconsistency and injuries hit their title hopes this season. The front office faces a crucial offseason to fine-tune the roster and revitalize its championship hopes. Expectations remain sky-high in Los Angeles, as the Lakers expect nothing less than title contention next season, so the pressure is now on to make bold but calculated moves. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps the Lakers must take to compete for the 2025-26 NBA title.
Improve the Supporting Cast
One of the apparent issues throughout the 2024–25 campaign was the bench’s inability to be consistently productive. Outside of brief flashes from players like Gabe Vincent and Jaxson Hayes, the second unit lacked consistency on both ends of the floor.
The Lakers have long needed a reliable 3-point shooter and a solid center. Desmond Bane is among the names floating around for a potential trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Bane is an elite three-point shooter with a career 3-point shooting percentage of 39.2%, and he is terrific defensively too. The latest Lakers news also suggests that Daniel Gafford and Nic Claxton are possible targets for the team.
Keep Stars Healthy
Keeping the stars healthy has been a real issue for the Lakers in recent years, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis constantly getting injured or not being 100% healthy while playing. James is going into his 23rd NBA season, so intelligent load management will be crucial to avoid injuries. The Lakers must improve their squad depth to give the stars more opportunities to rest, as they mainly depended on six players throughout the 2024-25 playoffs, which wasn’t ideal. The front office must explore backup bigs and versatile wings that can play heavy minutes when needed.
According to top betting sites by BetZillion, the Lakers’ odds of winning the NBA title next season are currently priced at +2000, suggesting sportsbooks still believe in the core, but only if the right pieces are added around them. BetZillion, a user-focused platform known for its comprehensive odds comparisons and player-centric insights, reflects shifting confidence based on offseason dynamics, making it a trusted source for fans and bettors.
Define a Clear Coaching Identity
JJ Reddick, the Los Angeles Lakers’ coach, joined the team in the 2024 offseason on a four-year contract. He has had a fine first season, but there’s certainly room for improvement. Despite stretches of success during the regular season, the team couldn’t have been more vulnerable in the playoffs with questionable rotations. The Lakers are hiring a new head strength and conditioning coach this offseason, which is needed for the team to improve for the next season. Reddick’s first year with the team was a success, as he led the team to finish inside the top three in the Western Conference regular season for the first time in years. However, his inexperience was evident in the playoffs, which should be improved next season.
Develop Young Talent
The Lakers have some young players who have significant potential for development. Austin Reaves was a reliable playmaker and shot creator for the team throughout the regular season, averaging 20 points and 5.8 assists per game. Rui Hachimura proved he can be a high-efficiency contributor when featured correctly, as he shot 48% from the three-point range in the playoffs, the highest among the team. He averaged 14.8 points in the Timberwolves series. If the Lakers want sustainable success, they should give the young players more prominent roles. If they can balance playing the veteran players with youth development, that could be their key to the championship.
Strategic Offseason Moves
The Lakers have $40 million in expiring contracts from Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber, as well as a first-round draft pick in 2031 or 2032, so those are the assets that the team can use for their trades in the offseason. Trading for Daniel Gafford could work wonders for the team, as he proved that he plays well with Luka Dončić in their NBA Finals run with the Mavs in 2024, and he is an excellent defender and finisher around the rim. The Charlotte Hornets center, Mark Williams, could be another interesting option for the Lakers. He is a sound rebounder and rim protector and can be a great pick-and-roll partner with Dončić.
The Lakers’ championship odds suggest that they still have a championship window, as they have two of the best players in the league: Luka Dončić and LeBron James. The team should improve more next season if they add a reliable center and promising three-point shooters as expected, and they have a realistic chance at making a title run if they stay healthy.
