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Lakers’ key roster moves for the 2025-26 NBA Season, including Deandre Ayton signing

Originally posted on HITC | By Guadalupe Carniel | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 10:08 AM ET

The Lakers are looking to avoid repeating the same mistakes heading into the 2025-26 NBA season.

Despite having LeBron James and Luka Doncic in the lineup, Los Angeles still didn’t make it past the first round of the 2025 playoffs.

One of the main issues was a lack of size, something that became even clearer as Minnesota took control of their series. The Lakers had no answer in response.

Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has since made a few important changes to address those gaps, giving Los Angeles a better shot at chasing another title.

Los Angeles Lakers welcome key new additions

Deandre Ayton stands out as the most significant change to the lineup. The JJ Redick-coached squad was lacking a standout big man, and his arrival addresses that need.

Ayton joined the Lakers following his buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers. In addition to Ayton, the Lakers also brought in Marcus Smart, who arrived under similar circumstances.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

These changes reflect a clear intent: a push for an 18th title. Before looking ahead, here’s a look at all the major additions to this year’s squad.

And let’s not overlook Doncic’s show of faith in the franchise. He committed to a three-year, $165 million contract extension that keeps him in Los Angeles through 2029.

The pairing of Doncic and Ayton promises plenty of highlights as they settle into their new roles together over the season ahead.

Key departures from the Lakers’ squad

While the Los Angeles Lakers look stronger on paper, they’ll be missing a few familiar faces in 2025-26.

Dorian Finney-Smith was one of those. The fan favourite left for a lucrative deal with the Houston Rockets, and that move wasn’t well received at first.

Since then, though, Lakers fans have warmed up to the new additions. And here’s a look at every major departure heading into next season.

The Lakers appear content with their current group. But if things need shaking up later on, they’ve got over $40 million in expiring contracts available before the trade deadline hits.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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