Los Angeles Lakers’ biggest changes for 2025-26 NBA season, including signing Deandre Ayton

Biggest additions to the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster

As mentioned earlier, the JJ Redick-coached team lacked an elite big man last season. So, the most notable addition to the roster is undoubtedly Deandre Ayton.

Ayton joined the Purple and Gold after getting bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers. On top of Ayton’s addition, the Lakers also similarly signed Marcus Smart.

With key defensive adjustments, the Lakers look all set to win championship No. 18 next season. But before that, here are all the major additions to the team’s roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.

Of course, how can anyone forget Doncic showing long-term commitment to the Purple and Gold. He did so by agreeing to a massive three-year, $165 million contract extension.

Doncic’s partnership with Ayton on the hardwood will likely result in some major athletic plays during the course of the season.

Biggest departures from the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster

With the LA Lakers’ 2025-26 lineup looking solid, there are a few familiar names who won’t be a part of the team next season.

That includes fan-favorite Dorian Finney-Smith. DFS departed the Lakers to get a massive payday from the Houston Rockets.

Initially, the move was criticized, but the Laker Nation quickly became happy with the above-mentioned additions to the roster.

Keeping that in mind, here is every major departure from the Lakers ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.

The Lakers’ roster seems set, at least for now. If the team needs to make any changes, they have more than $40 million in expiring deals that will serve as bargaining chips around the NBA Trade Deadline.