​The Sporting News reported that the Los Angeles Lakers have officially severed ties with Luka Doncic’s ideal 7-foot lob threat, marking a notable shift in the Lakers’ roster strategy. The move coincided with the franchise’s decision to make Walker Kessler, a former Utah Jazz center known for high upside, the centerpiece of a sign-and-trade deal that brought him to Los Angeles. This sequence of events underscored a broader reorganization as the Lakers aims to streamline their backline and optimize Doncic’s playmaking opportunities with a new supporting cast.
In the same timeline, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto highlighted that the Lakers’ 7-foot lob threat connected with Doncic from February 2025 through July 2026 has officially departed the franchise. The Lakers reportedly renounced free-agent rights to a loaded group of players, including LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Dion Waiters, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber, Nick Smith Jr., Jared Dudley, Avery Bradley, Jaxson Hayes, Markieff Morris, and Wayne Ellington. Among those named, Jaxson Hayes stood out as a frequent partner in the pick-and-roll with Doncic, particularly during a productive stretch last March when Hayes averaged 9.8 points and 5.9 rebounds while converting 79.7% of his field-goal attempts, benefiting from a series of Doncic-assisted lobs.
Yet, the 2024-25 season proved challenging for Hayes. He tailed off down the stretch and played a limited role in the Lakers’ first-round playoff exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves. While Hayes posted respectable averages of 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game on 75.6% shooting, his limited versatility made a compelling case for a return to the roster unlikely. As a result, Hayes is expected to pursue a new path with the Jazz, a rebuilding team that could offer him a broader stage to grow in 2026-27 and beyond.
Beyond Hayes, several other veterans and role players were affected by the Lakers’ broader approach to roster optimization. The franchise’s decision to part ways with former contributors reflects a strategic pivot aimed at strengthening Doncic’s surrounding cast while embracing younger, more versatile talent. The Lakers’ front office appears to be prioritizing players who can provide spacing, shooting, and dynamic athleticism around Doncic’s gifted playmaking, in hopes of maximizing the Slovenian star’s strengths and securing more consistent championship contention.
This reshaping of the roster has captured attention across the NBA landscape. Analysts have noted that the Lakers’ move to clear cap space and renounce certain free-agent rights could open doors for new signings and trades that align with Doncic’s long-term window. In the broader market, teams are watching how the Lakers balance star power with depth, ensuring that Doncic’s pairing with a new cohort of lob threats and floor spacers yields the offensive efficiency and defensive stability needed to compete with the league’s elite.
Additionally, Cavaliers, Knicks, and other contenders have been cited in conversations about how this shift could influence trade dynamics and free-agent markets as the summer progresses. The Lakers are navigating a delicate balance between keeping flexibility and maintaining enough talent around Doncic to sustain a title-contending trajectory. As the draft and free agency proceed, the basketball world will be watching closely to see how the Lakers leverage these changes to optimize Doncic’s impact and reestablish their status among the NBA’s premier franchises. The unfolding developments are expected to shape the Lakers’ strategic approach for the 2026-27 season and beyond, as they scout for players who can complement Doncic’s unique skill set and elevate the team’s overall ceiling.