EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka made it clear Tuesday that the team’s top priority this offseason is building around Luka Dončić, even as the franchise remains open to bringing back LeBron James.
“The archetype of the roster that we want is going to be retrofitted around Luka and the things he needs,” Pelinka said during the team’s exit interviews. “Clearly, he’s that leader and that player for the future that we want to build the right way around.”
This comes a day after the Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. Pelinka’s remarks underscore a shift in strategy: while the organization respects James’ legacy and wants to honor his timeline—allowing him family time to decide on a 24th NBA season—the offseason blueprint revolves around Dončić.
“In terms of LeBron, we probably haven’t seen a player that has honored the game to the extent that he’s honored the game … And the thing we want to do more than anything else is honor him back,” Pelinka said. “Of course, any team, including ours, would love to have LeBron James on their roster.”
Beyond James, the Lakers face key decisions on Austin Reaves, who is expected to decline his $14.9 million player option and enter free agency. Pelinka confirmed the Lakers want to keep the 27-year-old guard, who has expressed a desire to remain in Los Angeles.
“He started his journey here as a Laker and has made it very clear to us that he wants his journey to continue as a Laker. And we feel the same way,” Pelinka said. “We want his odyssey to continue to unfold in the purple and gold.”
Pelinka expressed confidence that the Lakers can re-sign both Reaves and James—if James chooses to play on—while also addressing roster needs around Dončić. The team is targeting two-way, athletic wings, lob threats, and improved shooting to complement the All-Star guard.
“There’s 15 roster spots. You mentioned three players. That leaves you with 12 others to build around … We have enough tools in our tool chest to build out a team, for sure,” Pelinka said.
The Lakers also plan to hire two assistant general managers—one focused on scouting and development, another on strategy and analytics—and will renovate the practice facility using space created by the relocation of the South Bay Lakers to the Coachella Valley.
“It’s a full rebuild and retool, and it’s adding to the great things that are already here, which have led to success, but elevating it and bringing it to the next level,” Pelinka concluded.