When Luka Doncic was negotiating his extension with the Los Angeles Lakers last summer, he wanted to know what the team's plans were. The Lakers made some promises to Doncic that their plan was to build a balanced roster that looks a lot like the 2024 NBA Finals runner-up Dallas Mavericks. That roster was built with players who maximize Doncic's skillset.

That means Los Angeles is on the hunt for a lob-catching big man, who can also provide rim protection. The team was 3&D threats around Doncic too. And they know they need a secondary playmaker to pair with their superstar for the long-term.

That last piece already seems to be in place in Austin Reaves. The Lakers expect Reaves to decline his player option for the 2026-27 season to sign a long-term deal. Doncic has reportedly made it clear to the Lakers that his preference is to continue to play alongside Reaves. The two have developed good on-court chemistry, in addition to a close friendship off the floor.

Finding the kind of pick-and-roll partner for Doncic up front, as well as 3&D players, will take more work. But the Lakers could have north of $50 million in cap space to work with this offseason to fill out the roster around Doncic and a presumably re-signed Reaves.