Apr 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka before a game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Lakers' Trade Plans Receive Major Update From ESPN Insider

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Sep 21, 2025 5:00 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers haven't been afraid to make bold moves under Rob Pelinka. No move was bolder than when the Lakers decided to trade for five-time All-NBA First Team guard Luka Doncic last year.

Adding Doncic to the roster gives them the new face of the franchise for the next decade. They are still trying to win one more title before 21-time All-NBA forward LeBron James retires, though.

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The Lakers might have to make a move or two in order to truly compete in the Western Conference. They have an ample amount of assets to do that.

Lakers' GM Rob Pelinka is ready to make moves if needed

Pelinka recently talked with Dave McMenamin of ESPN about what he is thinking for the roster heading into a critical 2025-26 season.

"If there are smart ways to pour into our championship aspirations for next year, we will execute on those," Pelinka said. "And we see having those two players on our team next year [as] an important moment, and we'll continue to try to do all we can to deliver this franchise its 18th championship."

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Pelinka understands which assets he has are the most valuable. He has to make sure that he uses those well, and they have plenty of them to choose from.

"L.A. will open training camp with 14 players on the roster, including Rui Hachimura ($18.3 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million) and Maxi Kleber ($11 million) on expiring contracts," McMenamin writes. "They can include one of their 2031 or 2032 first-round picks in a potential deal. And with Doncic signed long term, the Lakers are open to trading for a player on a contract that extends beyond 2026, sources told ESPN."

The Lakers will need to make the best decision in regards to which assets they want to use

The Lakers won't just make a trade for the sake of making one. They have to make a move that they believe will actually get them closer to a championship. Otherwise, they will stand pat.

Pelinka will be under a lot of pressure from fans to make a move, especially if the team is struggling around the trade deadline. This is one of the last chances they have to make a deep run.