The Los Angeles Lakers have begun reshaping their roster round Luka Doncic, and president Rob Pelinka has began assembly with a number of free brokers because the franchise searches for measurement, taking pictures and backcourt assist.
Based on Shams Charania on Tuesday, June 30, Pelinka has held a number of conferences with free brokers, together with restricted free brokers Walker Kessler and Jalen Duren. The Lakers are anticipated to prioritize frontcourt upgrades after their 2025-26 season ended with a 4-0 second-round sweep in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
Los Angeles completed the common season 53-29, gained the Pacific Division and constructed its offense round Doncic, who averaged 33.5 factors, 8.3 assists and seven.7 rebounds. With Austin Reaves returning on a four-year, $185 million contract and LeBron James leaving the franchise in free company, the Lakers are actually centered on developing a roster that maximizes Doncic’s strengths.
Kessler has emerged as one of many workforce’s reported targets. The 24-year-old middle declined a contract extension supply from the Utah Jazz that was reportedly price almost $140 million over 5 years and entered restricted free company.
The previous first-round decide has developed into one of many NBA’s best rim protectors. Over 4 seasons, Kessler has averaged 9.5 factors, 9.3 rebounds and a pair of.4 blocks per recreation whereas taking pictures 68.1% from the sphere.
His 2024-25 season was a breakout 12 months, as he began all 58 video games he performed and averaged 12.2 factors, 11.1 rebounds and a pair of.4 blocks. Earlier than a torn left shoulder labrum ended his 2025-26 season after 5 video games, Kessler was averaging profession highs of 14.4 factors, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 blocks whereas taking pictures 70.3%.
The Lakers have additionally made Jalen Duren a precedence. Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that Los Angeles met with the Detroit Pistons middle and views him as a maximum-salary stage participant. The Lakers are scheduled to fulfill with him once more.
Duren, 22, is coming off an All-NBA Third Group season after averaging 19.5 factors and 10.0 rebounds whereas taking pictures 65% from the sphere. He helped Detroit end 60-22, the very best document within the Japanese Convention, and earned his first All-Star choice.
The Pistons nonetheless maintain Duren’s restricted free-agent rights and have indicated they need to retain him. Detroit can match any supply sheet, however Duren’s market has expanded after his breakout season, with Sacramento additionally exploring a sign-and-trade path.
The Lakers’ curiosity in facilities displays a transparent roster want. Whereas Doncic gives elite perimeter creation, Los Angeles has been looking for extra inside protection, rebounding and vertical ending.
Los Angeles additionally has roughly $52 million in cap area and is evaluating extra frontcourt choices, together with unrestricted free brokers.
