Lakers Have Their New Star In Luka Doncic, And Now Comes The Hard Part

The Lakers made their splash early, landing superstar guard Luka Doncic in a blockbuster midseason trade. But after a quick playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the franchise enters the offseason with more questions than cap space.

While Doncic is the unquestioned face of the franchise moving forward, everything else –from LeBron James’ future to frontcourt depth — remains fluid.

James holds a $51.4 million player option and, according to The Third Apron’s Yossi Gozlan, isn’t expected to take a discount on what could be the final contract of his Hall of Fame career.

Most league insiders believe LeBron will return, but as with anything involving one of the game’s biggest icons, nothing is certain.

The same can be said of Dorian Finney-Smith, who has a $15.4 million player option and is extension-eligible. Finney-Smith emerged as L.A.’s top perimeter defender and a key rotational piece, especially under coach JJ Redick. Whether Finney-Smith sticks around could hinge on roster construction and his own market value.

As it stands, the Lakers have limited flexibility. Only one tradable first-round pick is currently available. That could limit their ability to acquire a starting-caliber big man –something they reportedly hope to address. Gabe Vincent’s $11.5 million deal and Maxi Kleber’s $11 million salary, along with Shake Milton’s non-guaranteed contract, could be used to match salary in a trade. But without including a promising young piece like Dalton Knecht, the return is expected to be modest.

Austin Reaves, fresh off a strong season, is also eligible for an extension, though the Lakers’ options are limited by collective bargaining rules. Reaves is expected to remain a key part of the team’s core but may have to wait until a future offseason for a new deal.

As for Doncic, his next big moment could come August 2, when he becomes eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension. There’s little doubt the Lakers will put the offer on the table, and that Doncic will be the centerpiece of whatever comes next.

Meanwhile, forward Rui Hachimura is coming off a breakout season in which he rewarded Redick’s early faith as a starter. Hachimura’s efficient shooting and physical defense made him one of the few bright spots during an up-and-down year. But with just one year and $18.3 million left on his deal, Hachimura could surface in trade talks if the Lakers chase another high-level contributor.

In short, the Lakers have their star. But building around Doncic — and doing so with limited assets and the ticking clock of LeBron’s career — remains the real challenge.