What Is New With the Los Angeles Lakers?

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the hottest teams in the United States and one of the most popular sports teams in the world. The team’s star power stems from the high-profile players and owners, such as LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and the late Kobe Bryant, along with Jeanie Buss and her father, the late Jerry Buss. So, what’s new with the Lakers? Read on to find out.

What’s New With the Los Angeles Lakers?

The Minnesota Timberwolves handed the Los Angeles Lakers a first-round exit during this year’s NBA Playoffs. The Lakers’ offseason began earlier than usual, but lately, Los Angeles has been making moves for what could be a better regular season and postseason next year.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Lakers’ two moves on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday. Charania, 31, wrote, “The Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Shake Milton, sources tell ESPN. Milton’s $3 million contract for next season would have become fully guaranteed today. Lakers are clearing space for signing of Marcus Smart.”

Charania followed up with, “The Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Jordan Goodwin, sources tell ESPN. Goodwin emerged as a key rotation piece for JJ Redick late last season, playing 29 games and four playoff contests. Goodwin and Shake Milton were released to clear space for arrival of Marcus Smart.”

What’s Next For the Lakers?

The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t stop there. Charania reported on Monday that the Lakers planned to sign Christian Koloko and Chris Manon to two-way contracts. Koloko, 25, played 37 games for the Los Angeles and South Bay Lakers last season, while Manon, 23, went undrafted out of Vanderbilt.

Two-way contracts may be an afterthought, depending on one’s passion for professional basketball or lack thereof, but the Lakers’ signings of Koloko and Manon shine a light on the team’s strategy to build a more competitive team for next season.

The Lakers’ signings of Koloko and Manon might mean that the Lakers won’t give Eric Dixon an opportunity with the organization. Dixon, 24, was expected to play for the Lakers’ Summer League team, but was sidelined due to a foot injury.

Final Thoughts

The Los Angeles Lakers’ future appears to be bright. The Lakers’ roster showcases a mix of seasoned veterans and promising prospects. Luka Doncic’s contract extension window opens on August 2, but Doncic, 26, seemingly shut down the rumors in the Lakers’ new short film. In the film, Doncic is asked what he wants to be known for as a Laker, to which he responded, “The guy that brought championships to the city, for sure.”

Doncic’s response may not be a pipe dream after all. Although a championship next year isn’t guaranteed, it’s too early to tell. As of June 2025, Los Angeles is ranked seventh in winning a championship, as significant improvements are expected due to recent roster changes, such as Deandre Ayton’s deal after reportedly agreeing to a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers.