The Lakers definitely need to make some changes heading into the 2026-27 season, and Luka Doncic has pointed out where they need to be.
Doncic will be at the forefront of the roster-building process because he is their star player and their future.
Recently, he talked about the type of players he wants around the Lakers during a Jordan Brand European tour.
“I think it’s mainly shooters and a big man who can run pick-and-rolls and jump so I can pass the ball to him. If I have shooters, they can’t double-team me, which helps me a lot,” he said, via Drafteados.
Luka has had great success with these types of players in the past. A big man who can defend the rim, rebound and be an lob threat in the pick-and-roll.
For example, Dallas’ Derrick Lively II and Daniel Gafford were lethal for Luka.
Jackson Hayes is also dangerous paired with the Lakers star.
Deandre Ayton not so much…
Former Lakers wing Danny Green seemed to agree with Luka.
He spoke on the broadcast about the abilities of the players the Purple and Gold should be keeping an eye on this season.
“Defensive guys, right? Defense and shooters,” Green said on ESPN Radio Los Angeles. “It’s not really a secret or a science. If you want to have a great winning team, you need some superstars, you need a quality big man who can rebound, and some 3-and-D players around him. If you can get those at a good price, you have a good chance of being successful and winning some championships.”
The two players already on the roster are both free agents and are considered priorities for the Lakers to re-sign in the offseason, according to The Athletic’s Dan Voick.
“We believe Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes are players that the Lakers will prioritize bringing back as they try to find the best lineup around Doncic,” he said. “Every piece of the puzzle the Lakers feel they need to add to their cap space takes up a piece of James’s.”
READ MORE: Austin Reeves set to hit free agency, Lakers face competition
