Luka Doncic has one feeling for Lakers future after LeBron James exit

LeBron James’s eight-year run with the Lakers is officially over. He let the team know this week that he’s signing somewhere else for the 2026-27 season. The Lakers handled the exit gracefully. 

Read more Is Folarin Balogun playing against Belgium? Latest updates on USMNT star’s red card suspension and appeal

Jeanie Buss put out a nice statement thanking him for everything, especially the 2020 bubble ring. The 41-year-old also posted a heartfelt goodbye on social media, wrapping up a big chapter for the franchise.

Losing LeBron frees up about $52 million in cap space and officially hands the keys to Luka Doncic. The front office didn’t waste any time either. They immediately pulled off a sign-and-trade with the Jazz for Walker Kessler on a four-year deal, and then added Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton all within about 35 minutes. 

Kessler is exactly the rim-protecting, lob-catching big man they’ve wanted since trading for Doncic back in February 2025. Plus, Grimes and Mamukelashvili finally give them the wing defense and bench depth they completely ran out of last year.

Read more Senegal Pushes State-Led Betting Strategy With Launch of New LPbet Platform

That leaves Doncic and Austin Reaves as the last men standing from the Lakers’ recent Big Three, with Doncic now the oldest and unquestioned centerpiece of the operation at 27. ESPN reported that Doncic pressured the front office this offseason to trade for a top-tier starting center, which is why the team pursued Kessler.

With the roster reset complete, Doncic’s read on where things stand is straightforward. A source familiar with his thinking told ESPN he was «excited» about the new additions and «looking forward to getting to work with this group.» The mood around the team is optimistic, showing that the front office successfully kept their star player happy despite losing James.

The Lakers still have issues to address. They have two empty roster spots, their only backup center is a rookie named Cameron Carr, and the bench is very young. Still, the plan is set: this is officially Doncic’s team.

Read more North Carolina Governor Approves New Taxes on Sports Betting and Prediction Markets

More NBA news:

• Mavs looks like the clear winner of the Santi Aldama trade after Memphis settles for unproven big man
• Mavericks rookie Sergio De Larrea reveales the childhood idol who made him a Dallas fan
• Mavericks miss out on proven floor-spacer after Clippers swoop in during free agency
• A mystery ‘good’ team admitted it lowballed Boston on Jaylen Brown
• Spurs’ dream free-agent target rejects San Antonio for one major reason