‘The Locker-Room Presence That Matters Most’ — Lakers Insider Reveals Luka Dončić’s Thoughts on LA’s Hectic Offseason

Luka Dončić has reportedly approved of the Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason makeover as the team continues building around him following the departure of his veteran co-star LeBron James.

LA’s front office has been aggressive in the early stages of NBA free agency, adding several new pieces around its franchise cornerstone.

Luka Dončić ‘Excited’ by Lakers’ Offseason Overhaul

The Lakers agreed to acquire center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade before signing wing Quentin Grimes, big man Sandro Mamukelashvili, and guard Collin Sexton to round out their new-look roster. LA also previously re-signed star guard Austin Reaves, keeping one of Dončić’s key teammates in place.

According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, those moves have already garnered Dončić’s endorsement. The Lakers insider added that Kessler’s arrival fulfilled one of the six-time All-Star’s main wishes dating back to when he was acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025.

“According to league sources, Luka Dončić was ‘excited’ about the Lakers’ signings, with the team addressing his biggest desires for the roster by keeping Austin Reaves and getting an elite rim-protecting center in Kessler,” Woike wrote.

“Those sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deals have not been completed, said the Lakers kept in regular communication with Dončić and his team despite a significant time gap, with the star guard spending his summer in Europe.”

The report comes as the Lakers continue to retool their roster following James’ exit after eight seasons. Kessler arrived on a four-year, $130 million contract after LA sent two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to the Jazz. Grimes signed for four years and $60 million, Mamukelashvili agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal, and Sexton joined the Lakers on a two-year, $19 million contract.

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Despite their aggressive spending, not everyone around the league believes the Lakers have handled the offseason perfectly. Woike reported that rival executives and agents have questioned whether they “overpaid” for Kessler and “left themselves without any ammunition to upgrade the roster down the road.”

Even after making four notable additions, LA is reportedly not finished. The insider added that Rob Pelinka and Co. remain focused on adding wing depth, with Jonathan Kuminga among their top targets.

“While the team isn’t done with its roster build — as we reported yesterday, the Lakers are looking at wings, with Jonathan Kuminga high on that list — its moves have received a thumbs up from the locker-room presence that matters most,” Woike continued.

LA could create roughly $7 million in additional cap space by waiving and stretching Jarred Vanderbilt’s contract, a move that would improve its chances of making an offer for Kuminga. The Lakers were also linked to the high-flying forward earlier this year, while Rui Hachimura remains an option as their roster continues to take shape.