​The Los Angeles Lakers did not simply overhaul their roster this offseason after parting ways with LeBron James. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, their approach centered on building around Luka Dončić. While appeared on NBA Today, McMenamin conveyed that Dončić is excited by the Lakers’ offseason moves and believes the organization has assembled a supporting cast capable of helping him contend for a championship. “I checked in with someone close to Luka who told me in a word he’s excited about the moves that they made,” McMenamin said. “Now he recognizes that there’s a lot of work ahead of them, but he feels this will provide the necessary wind behind his sails to march toward a title.”
For the first full offseason since designating Dončić as the face of the franchise, Los Angeles has emphasized fit over star power, surrounding the six-time All-NBA guard with players who complement his game on both ends of the floor. McMenamin stopped short of claiming that Dončić personally selected every addition. Yet he made clear that the Lakers’ roster construction mirrors the type of team the Slovenian superstar desires. “His fingerprints are all over this roster,” McMenamin said. “And I’m not saying that Luka told Rob Pelinka every one of these names, but certainly there’s an endorsement.”
A prime example is Walker Kessler. Throughout the offseason, the Lakers prioritized upgrading the center position before pulling off a blockbuster trade for the 7-foot-2 defensive anchor. “Walker Kessler, get me an A-list center,” McMenamin said. “Here’s your A-list center. One of the best rim protectors and a guy who can roll toward the rim, play offense with Luka.” Kessler’s elite rim protection, rebounding and vertical spacing are expected to give Dončić the sort of pick-and-roll partner he enjoyed during his years with the Dallas Mavericks.
McMenamin also highlighted Quentin Grimes, another former Mavericks teammate, as a fit that naturally complements Dončić’s style. The Lakers also retained Austin Reaves, whom McMenamin said Dončić wanted to continue playing alongside. “He wanted to play with Austin Reaves,” McMenamin said. “He’s back.”
McMenamin added that Sandro Mamukelashvili emerged as another compelling fit after the Lakers identified his offensive versatility during evaluations in Toronto, providing Los Angeles with another skilled frontcourt option capable of pairing well with Dončić. The signing of three-time NBA champion Kevon Looney was also underscored. Looney had several opportunities in free agency but ultimately viewed Los Angeles as an ideal basketball fit. “I spoke to someone close to him today who said that he saw it as a clear opportunity,” McMenamin said. “He saw a parallel between some of the half-court sets they’re going to run.”