Lakers Abandon 2026/2027 Plans After Luka Dončić Development

The front office reinforced the roster by re-signing Luka Dončić and giving him help. Deandre Ayton arrived as a presence down low. Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia brought needed defense. The Lakers strengthened their core but are still not viewed as elite.

“Make no mistakes, we’re in win championship now mode always,” Pelinka said back in August. Yet, he added, “In the new system that we’re in, having optionality is key to building teams.”

His words made it clear that flexibility mattered more than immediate contention. The summers of 2026 and 2027 were circled. Names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic loomed.

Luka Changes the Conversation

Everything shifted with Dončić’s performance at EuroBasket. Playing with teammates some described as below Division I level, he carried Slovenia to the quarterfinals.

“Luka’s play in EuroBasket made it clear to the entire basketball world that he’s on that incredibly short list of ‘best player on the planet’ candidates, if not at the top,” Pelinka said.

Dončić led the tournament in scoring with 34.7 points per game, the most since 1989. He also topped the event in steals at 2.7 per game. His defensive dominance turned heads. Former Laker Isaac Bonga may have won Defensive Player of the Year, but Luka emerged as a candidate himself.

With Dončić approaching two-way superstardom, the Lakers’ plans for contention don’t need to be so distant. Urgency has replaced patience.

Front Office Rethink

Pelinka admitted optionality wasn’t just about the future. “When I use that word, it’s not to say in the future. I think optionality is also in the now,” he said.

That shift explains why the Lakers are suddenly more aggressive. They still hold future assets, including expiring contracts for Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber. They can also trade one of their 2031 or 2032 first-round picks.

The message is clear: Dončić and LeBron James deserve a team ready to compete now. The Lakers 2026 and 2027 plans remain, but the front office is no longer waiting for tomorrow.