Last Step: The Key Move the Lakers Must Make to Finish Their 2025 NBA Offseason
The Los Angeles Lakers have been active this summer, working to reshape a roster that can contend in the Western Conference. With several moves already in the books, the team has addressed depth, shooting, and defensive versatility, but one crucial step still remains. As the 2025 NBA offseason enters its final stages, the Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, must decide how to take the last step that could elevate them from a playoff team to a legitimate title contender.
Building the Foundation
The Lakers approached the 2025 offseason with clear priorities after a season that ended in disappointment. Despite the brilliance of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Los Angeles struggled with consistency and health, particularly against faster, deeper teams in the West. The front office knew that simply running it back was not an option.
Pelinka and his team first focused on retaining core contributors and adding reliable role players. The Lakers re-signed key rotational pieces who fit alongside their superstars, ensuring continuity and familiarity in the locker room. They also targeted younger, more athletic players through free agency and minor trades, aiming to improve their transition play and defensive switching ability.
Additionally, Los Angeles emphasized floor spacing. With James and Davis commanding defensive attention in the paint, surrounding them with shooters has always been critical to the Lakers’ success. By signing or trading for players capable of hitting corner threes and stretching defenses, they’ve improved their offensive ceiling.
Assessing the Current Roster
On paper, the Lakers have checked several offseason boxes. Their roster now includes a mix of veterans and developing players, capable of adapting to Darvin Ham’s evolving system. They have scoring from the wings, improved depth at guard, and an array of defensive options in the frontcourt.
However, questions remain about whether this roster is enough to compete with the Western Conference elite. The Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder all project as threats next season, and the Golden State Warriors are retooling as well. While the Lakers can hold their own in most matchups, one glaring hole could still hold them back.
The Missing Piece
The final move the Lakers need involves shoring up the point guard position—or acquiring another two-way wing who can ease the burden on LeBron James. Throughout the 2024-25 season, Los Angeles struggled to generate efficient half-court offense when James rested. Though Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell are capable ball-handlers, neither has consistently proven to be the type of lead playmaker who can control a playoff series against elite defenses.
The Lakers have explored trade options for a dynamic floor general who can run the offense, hit open shots, and defend well enough to stay on the court in crunch time. Even a secondary star or high-end role player could make the difference, similar to how the 2020 championship roster benefited from Rajon Rondo’s veteran playmaking and playoff IQ.
If a guard isn’t attainable, the Lakers could pivot to acquiring another athletic forward who can defend multiple positions and contribute without needing heavy offensive touches. A player in the mold of Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, or Herb Jones—though costly—would significantly raise their defensive ceiling.
Balancing Patience and Urgency
Timing is a critical factor in this final step. The Lakers have the assets to make a notable move, but Pelinka has repeatedly emphasized patience in trade negotiations. He understands that giving up too many future picks or promising young players could backfire if the team still falls short of contention.
Yet, the Western Conference waits for no one. James, entering his 22nd NBA season, continues to defy age, but the Lakers’ championship window hinges on maximizing the remainder of his career. Anthony Davis remains in his prime, and the team must capitalize on his two-way dominance by surrounding him with the right complementary pieces.
With training camp and preseason around the corner, the Lakers face a delicate balance: securing the final piece of the puzzle without mortgaging their future flexibility.
Potential Paths to the Final Move
Trade for a Proven Lead Guard
Players like Dejounte Murray or Malcolm Brogdon could become attainable depending on how their current teams approach the season. Either would give Los Angeles additional ball-handling and playmaking depth.
Add a Defensive Wing
If no high-level guard is available, targeting a versatile forward capable of guarding top Western Conference scorers may be the better path.
Leverage Buyout Market or Midseason Trades
The Lakers may also choose to start the season with the current roster and seek upgrades at the trade deadline or buyout market, a strategy that paid off in 2023.
