Hoops Rumors provides an overview of the 2025 offseason for all 30 NBA teams, summarizing free agent signings, trades, draft picks, departures, and more. Today, we will examine the offseason activities of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Free Agent Signings
- Deandre Ayton: A two-year deal worth $16,208,000, featuring a second-year player option, signed using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
- Jake LaRavia: Two years for $12,000,000, also signed with the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
- Marcus Smart: Two years, $10,524,700 with a second-year option, signed using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
- Jaxson Hayes: One-year deal of $3,449,323, re-signed using Non-Bird rights.
- RJ Davis: One year at minimum salary, non-guaranteed (Exhibit 10).
- Eric Dixon: Minimum salary, non-guaranteed (Exhibit 10).
- Arthur Kaluma: One year at minimum salary, non-guaranteed (Exhibit 10).
- Kylor Kelley: Minimum salary, non-guaranteed (Exhibit 10).
- Augustas Marciulionis: One year at minimum salary, non-guaranteed (Exhibit 10).
Trades and Draft Picks
- Acquired rights to Rocco Zikarsky (45th pick) from the Bulls, trading the rights to Lachlan Olbrich (55th pick) and $2.5 million.
- Acquired rights to Adou Thiero (36th pick) from the Nets in a seven-team trade, trading Zikarsky and $3.25 million to the Timberwolves.
Recent Moves and Departures
- Signed Luka Doncic to a three-year max extension expected to be worth around $160 million.
- Waived Jordan Goodwin, Shake Milton, and Trey Jemison.
Salary Cap Status
- Currently over the cap at $154.6 million, above the luxury tax threshold of $187.9 million.
- Payload approximately $194.8 million, hard-capped at $195.9 million.
- Three traded player exceptions available, the largest valued at $1,891,857.
Offseason Overview
The Lakers’ offseason gained traction when agent Rich Paul revealed on June 29 that LeBron James would exercise his player option for the upcoming season. This decision was noteworthy due to its uniqueness: it marks James’s first expiring contract year in his career. Paul expressed that James desires a competitive team while acknowledging the challenge of balancing current success with future plans.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the Lakers need to address James’s situation as his tenure in Los Angeles continues. With 14 players already under standard contracts, they lack immediate capacity for another addition unless trades or buyouts take place. Despite these constraints, the Lakers’ primary objective remains focused on enhancing their roster around the star players, especially following Doncic’s contract extension.
