This summer, the Lakers were expected to make roster changes, but few expected the overhaul that followed.
Austin Reaves was the only free agent the Lakers re-signed, instead opting to completely remake the roster around Luka Dončić. The team used nearly every asset available, trading draft picks for center Walker Kessler and using cap space to make a host of long-term signings.
The result is a roster that hardly resembles last season’s. With LeBron James among this summer’s departures, it’s an entirely new era for the Lakers.
As a reminder, teams can carry up to 20 players, not counting two-ways, in the preseason, but only 15 once the regular season starts. Presently, the Lakers have 16 guaranteed contracts with at least one move, either in the form of a trade or waiving a player, required before the start of the season.
Let’s take a look, then, at the Lakers’ roster breakdown
Guaranteed contracts
Luka Dončić
Austin Reaves
Walker Kessler
Quentin Grimes
Sandro Mamukelashvili
Jarred Vanderbilt
Collin Sexton
Jaden Hardy
Jake LaRavia
Dalton Knecht
Cameron Carr
Kevon Looney
Matisse Thybulle
Ziaire Williams
Bronny James
Adou Thiero
Two-way contracts
Arthur Kaluma
Chris Mañon
AK Okereke
Exhibit-10 contracts
Anton Watson
Robbie Avila
Williams Kyle III
Robert McCray
Chase Ross
Meechie Johnson
As things stand, it’s not entirely clear which players are under Exhibit-10 deals right now. The team has handed them out throughout the offseason, dating back to the start of Summer League, as a way to help build out their G League team. We know Anton Watson was waived in one of their most recent transactions and, at the same time, Chase Ross and Meechie Johnson are both under deals…for now.
During training camp, the Lakers can have up to 20 players under contract.
Clearly, the Lakers will have to make a move before the season begins. Do you think it’ll be a trade or waiving a player? Let us know what you’d do down below!