The Los Angeles Lakers are building their 2026-27 NBA season entirely around superstar Luka Doncic, with GM Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick outlining their vision at a press conference. This follows a significant offseason where the team moved on from LeBron James to fully commit to the 27-year-old Doncic, aiming to construct a playoff-ready roster.
Rob Pelinka made the team's priority crystal clear. He called Luka Doncic "the world's greatest offensive player" and stated that acquiring him required "special things" to build a proper supporting cast. The Lakers didn't just tweak the edges. They executed a dramatic roster overhaul focused on finding players who fit Doncic's unique style.
They prioritized a defensive rim-runner, landing Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with Utah. They added defensive wing Quentin Grimes and floor-spacing big man Sandro Mamukelashvili. To make room, the Lakers moved on from key contributors like Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and Deandre Ayton. Every decision was made with Doncic's game in mind.
Pelinka and Redick are not done. The GM compared the season to "The Odyssey," suggesting more adjustments are likely as the year unfolds. The immediate goal, however, is fixed. The Lakers expect to make the playoffs and contend. Pelinka pointed to Western Conference rivals like the Thunder and Spurs, teams that endured long rebuilds.
"We just don't have the luxury of that here," Pelinka said. "The expectations are, every year, win, get in the playoffs, make a run." The team's recent results against Houston, a 3-3 split in a tight series, highlight the competitive level they face.
With LeBron James gone, this is unmistakably Doncic's team. The Slovenian guard has already taken charge in the offseason. He organized a team-bonding trip to his home country of Slovenia for all his new teammates. The early reports indicate the experience was a positive one.
Doncic himself is highly motivated for the challenge. After facing criticism in recent years, he is focused on writing his own "championship chapters" with the Lakers. His leadership off the court, combined with the roster built to maximize his talents on it, sets the stage for a fascinating campaign. Training camp opens next week, putting this new-look Lakers project to its first test.
