3 articles · Updated · Silver Screen and Roll · Aug 27
Summary
Jonathan Kuminga’s decision to sign with Minnesota has pushed the Lakers back toward the trade market, with no further signing expected and roster trimming still likely.
Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy are viewed as the most movable pieces—and possible cut candidates—with the Lakers seen as more likely to chase a backup center than a starting-caliber forward.
JJ Redick’s bigger challenge now is defense: the roster should keep a high offensive floor with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, but must reach at least league-average on the other end to contend.
Multiple-year deals for the core were described as a deliberate bid for continuity and buy-in after last season’s contract-year instability, while Redick’s staff remains largely unchanged.
Front-office changes still cloud the longer-term picture, with scouting and analytics upgrades partly on hold during the ownership transition from Mark Walter to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner.