The Lakers set in motion two signings in Free Agency

Los Angeles Lakers continue to be very active in the early stages of the 2026 Free Agency. The Los Angeles franchise is working on multiple fronts to reinforce a roster that aims to make a quality leap around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and all signs point to two additions that could be finalized in the coming days. Furthermore, the front office's primary goal to bolster the frontcourt remains Walker Kessler, although his contractual situation complicates the deal.

After several weeks of market analysis, the Lakers' roadmap seems increasingly clear. The team aims to add depth to the rotation with players capable of contributing from day one, without losing sight of the need to incorporate a center who can make a difference on both ends of the court.

According to the latest reports, the Lakers are hoping to reach agreements with free agents Sandro Mamukelashvili and Quentin Grimes, two players who would come to expand the team's options in different positions.

In the case of Mamukelashvili, the power forward has become one of the most sought-after names in the market among second-tier players. The big man is coming off a very solid season with the Toronto Raptors, where he played 80 games and averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 21.9 minutes per game.

His performance has piqued the interest of several franchises, so it's expected that his next contract will exceed $10 million per season. The player is represented by George Roussakis.

Meanwhile, Quentin Grimes is also poised to become a new Lakers player. The shooting guard joins after completing the season with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 29.4 minutes per game over 75 games.

Grimes played last season under a one-year qualifying offer after failing to secure a long-term deal when he was a restricted free agent. His representatives are Austin Brown and Steven Heumann.

Image

Walker Kessler remains the top target

Although potential signings of Mamukelashvili and Grimes would significantly strengthen the rotation, the Lakers' absolute priority remains in the frontcourt.

The standout name on the franchise's radar is Walker Kessler, one of the young centers with the most potential in the NBA and a profile that fits perfectly with the team's needs.

The Lakers believe they need an inside presence capable of protecting the rim, dominating the boards, and becoming a constant threat in pick-and-roll situations, a facet that could particularly enhance Luka Doncic's game.

However, the operation will not be simple.

A challenging negotiation with Utah

Kessler is currently a restricted free agent, so any attempt to acquire him involves negotiating a deal with the Utah Jazz through sign-and-trade or presenting an offer that Utah could then match.

Moreover, there are indications that Utah intends to retain the player this summer, significantly reducing the chances of an immediate departure.

The center is represented by Aaron Mintz, Houston Kessler, and Dave Spahn, and his situation will be closely monitored during the coming weeks of free agency.

The Lakers have several deals on the table

The strategy of the Los Angeles team shows that the front office's work is far from over. While the potential arrivals of Mamukelashvili and Grimes would strengthen two key positions on the roster, the primary goal remains to find a starting center who can raise the team's competitive level.

The front office believes that reinforcing the interior game is an essential step to compete at the highest level next season, so the pursuit of Walker Kessler will remain a priority as long as there is a possibility of reaching an agreement.

Situation Summary

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los Lakers encarrilan dos fichajes en la Agencia Libre