​The post-LeBron James era has officially begun in Los Angeles as the Lakers press ahead with a bold restructuring of their roster around Luka Dončić. While some fans and analysts question the新 path, FS1’s Jason McIntyre is wholeheartedly backing the new-look Lakers. This offseason has seen several notable departures aside from James, including Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and Jaxson Hayes. Although McIntyre admitted to some disappointment over Hachimura and the others leaving, he remains optimistic about Los Angeles’ prospects for the 2026-27 season.
“I’m telling you, the Lakers are going to win 50 or more games, and the only two teams in the West that are clearly better right now are the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs,” McIntyre stated on The Herd on Wednesday. “I know the starting lineup is a little unsettled, and obviously not having Luka in the playoffs stung. You all remember—he’s a phenomenal player. He’s one of the five best in the league, without a doubt. And Austin Reaves is a superb creator.”
The Lakers have overhauled their roster significantly, most notably bringing in Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz through a blockbuster sign-and-trade to address their long-standing need at center. In addition, Los Angeles added Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Kevon Looney to bolster depth across multiple positions.
With front office discussions continuing, the team remains linked to unrestricted free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, who posted averages of 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 46.3% from the floor during the 2025-26 season. McIntyre believes these new pieces, plus the potential Kuminga signing and Dončić’s superstar-level impact, provide the core ingredients for a championship-caliber squad.
“Quentin Grimes—we’ll see. I like him, and I think Kuminga would start over him,” McIntyre noted. “Sandro—could he become the next Rui? I’m not sure. I’ll admit I’m not entirely familiar with the big guy yet; Sandro didn’t get much court time in Toronto. We’ll see. But remember this: Luka Dončić elevates everyone around him in a way that LeBron did in his prime.”
McIntyre added that Dončić’s influence can lift the Lakers’ ceiling, and he looked across the Western Conference to gauge competition. He asked whether teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves or a potential LaMelo Ball–Anthony Edwards backcourt pairing pose a credible threat. The question, he noted, is whether the Lakers can translate elevated regular-season expectations into sustained playoff momentum. The excitement around Dončić’s ability to uplift the franchise—paired with the Lakers’ updated supporting cast—signals a season that could deliver a mix of high-profile highlight plays and meaningful wins come playoff time.
LA also welcomed rookie wing Cameron Carr, selected at No. 24 in the 2026 NBA Draft and acquired in a draft-night trade with the New York Knicks. Carr has made a strong impression during Summer League play, and if the Kuminga pursuit concludes favorably, the Lakers’ offseason overhaul could translate into immediate on-court impact as early as next season. As the team charts its path forward, fans will be watching to see how the combination of Dončić’s playmaking, a reconfigured lineup, and new depth pieces translates into regular-season success and a deeper postseason push.