Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka
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Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka in April 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to face significant roster turnover this offseason, potentially headlined by the departure of LeBron James.
Several key contracts are approaching expiration, most notably James. If he leaves, the Lakers could open up roughly $51 million in cap space, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
That projection also factors in Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million cap hold as he prepares to enter unrestricted free agency.
With the possibility of league-leading financial flexibility, Marks’ ESPN colleague Kevin Pelton has pointed to the center position as one of the Lakers’ most pressing needs heading into the summer.
Lakers Exploring Center Upgrades and Draft Options
Pelton identified Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams III as potential unrestricted free agent targets for the Lakers this offseason.
The discussion arrives as pressure grows around former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton, with questions increasing about his role in the rotation and his long-term future with the franchise.
The Lakers are also expected to have three tradable first-round picks available this summer in 2026, 2031 and 2033.
Those assets could play a major role in what has been described as an “all-out pursuit” of Giannis Antetokounmpo. At the same time, they also provide the option to add young, cost-controlled talent through the draft while maintaining long-term flexibility.
In his latest mock draft, ESPN analyst Jeremy Woo projected the Lakers to select Arizona center Motiejus Krivas with the 21st pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Krivas, a 7-foot-2 center, is averaging 10.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.8 blocks through 31 games this season while shooting 58.8% from the field.
“Krivas took a big step forward this season and has gradually set himself apart within a large group of bigs projected in the 20-40 range,” Woo wrote. “He’s on the short list of most impactful defenders in college basketball, using his sheer size (7-2) to deter opponents around the rim, win rebounds (8.2 RPG) and dictate play on the interior.”
“He has good feet and hands, finishes effectively around the rim, has made 79.7% of his free throws and looks like a future NBA rotation player. Krivas doesn’t have flashy upside, but he is a good bet to return value later in the draft.”
Motiejus Krivas Emerging as Intriguing Frontcourt Option
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony previously highlighted Krivas as an under-the-radar prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft, but the Lithuanian ultimately chose to return to Arizona for his junior season.
“He has outstanding hands, long arms, a high skill level, and impressive instincts on both ends of the floor,” Givony wrote.
The 21-year-old’s defensive instincts, physical presence and imposing size would likely appeal to a Lakers team that has struggled to establish consistent interior toughness throughout the season.
His skill set could also make him an intriguing long-term fit alongside Luka Doncic, offering rim protection, rebounding and a reliable interior presence.
At times this season, the Lakers have lacked clearly defined role players capable of defending, controlling the glass and complementing their star talent.
From that perspective, Krivas profiles as a logical addition.
The recent hiring of former Virginia head coach Tony Bennett as an NBA Draft advisor also suggests the Lakers are placing greater emphasis on improving its approach to talent evaluation.
Bennett, a three-time National Coach of the Year, brings significant experience to a front office that has faced criticism in recent years following first-round selections such as Jalen Hood-Schifino and Dalton Knecht falling short of expectations.
Whether the Lakers ultimately package their picks in a blockbuster trade or use them to select emerging prospects like Krivas, the franchise appears to have multiple pathways to reshape the roster this offseason.