Can the Lakers win the NBA with the team assembled by Pelinka?
Signings that have completely transformed the squad: are they contenders for the ring?
Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear that the new era of the franchise revolves around Luka Doncic. While the future of LeBron James remains uncertain, the front office has taken advantage of the market to strengthen a roster that aims to continue competing at the elite level in the Western Conference.
The re-signing of Austin Reaves for four seasons was the first major move of the summer, but not the only one. It was followed by the addition of center Walker Kessler through a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz and the acquisitions of Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Sandro Mamukelashvili, a series of operations aimed at surrounding the new project leader with complementary talent.
Kessler's arrival has undoubtedly been the most eye-catching move. To secure the young center, the Lakers traded two unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with exchange rights for picks in 2028 and 2030, before signing him to a four-year, $130 million contract.
The price tag has sparked debate, particularly due to the amount of future assets invested. However, the context of restricted free agency explains part of the cost. When a team aims to pry a young player away from their original franchise, they typically must offer significant compensation to prevent the owning team from matching the offer.
Beyond the financial outlay, Kessler's fit on the court is evident. Since joining the NBA, he has established himself as one of the league's top rim protectors. His ability to intimidate near the basket and alter shots directly addresses one of the Lakers' key needs in recent seasons.
Additionally, the center has shown tactical versatility. While excelling in drop-defense situations, he has also worked in systems with defensive switches and more aggressive coverages during his time in Utah. That experience could be very beneficial for a team led by JJ Redick, whose defense has often relied on automatic switches and various zone variations.
With Kessler anchoring the defense, the Lakers should be able to alleviate pressure on the rest of the roster and have more resources to protect the paint. This should translate into a more solid defense without sacrificing the tactical flexibility that characterized the team over the past season.
Offensively, the American also brings interesting advantages. His ability to set screens and roll to the basket fits perfectly with a playmaker like Doncic, one of the best passers in the league. Furthermore, he can contribute to ball movement from the top of the key, enhancing offensive fluidity.
The other additions also serve a specific purpose. Grimes, Sexton, and Mamukelashvili are known for their ability to capitalize on the spaces created by the stars. All three possess a reliable outside shot and can attack mismatched defenses without monopolizing the ball.
Grimes appears to be the strongest contender for a spot in the starting lineup. His combination of three-point shooting, secondary playmaking skills, and defensive performance make him a very interesting complement to a duo formed by Doncic and Reaves.
Sexton, on the other hand, could assume a role as a spark off the bench. His speed, aggressiveness attacking the basket, and scoring ability would help maintain a high offensive level when one of the starters rests. Meanwhile, Mamukelashvili brings a different dimension with his playmaking vision and ability to distribute the ball from inside positions.
However, the Lakers still have some uncertainties. The starting small forward position remains unclear. Jake LaRavia offers size and defensive versatility, while Jarred Vanderbilt represents a more physical option to strengthen the defense, although his presence alongside Kessler could complicate offensive spacing.
All of this leaves open the possibility that the franchise will remain active in the market over the coming weeks in search of a small forward to definitively complete the rotation.
On paper, the team's potential is evident. The partnership of Doncic and Reaves already showed excellent numbers when they shared the court without LeBron James, and the addition of a defensive specialist like Kessler should elevate both the floor and the competitive ceiling of the team.
Is Winning the NBA Possible?
If the key pieces can stay healthy, the Lakers have the arguments to surpass 50 victories and establish themselves among the top teams in the West. However, it still seems premature to place them on the same level as the conference's powerhouses like the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs.
The feeling is that the project has taken a significant step forward, but it still needs one final piece on the perimeter to become a genuine championship contender. The summer is not over yet, and the Lakers have room to further strengthen a roster that has already made clear what its new roadmap will be: building around Luka Doncic.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¿Pueden los Lakers ganar la NBA con el equipo montado por Pelinka?
