When [Luka Doncic signed his max extension with the Los Angeles Lakers](https://lakeshowlife.com/luka-doncic-summer-foreshadows-historic-place-lakers-lore) over the weekend, it quietly signaled the beginning of a new era for one of the league’s most historic franchises. The Lakers know exactly what the next two years need to look like: the goal now is to construct a championship-caliber roster around their new franchise star, and they have a surprisingly clean runway to do it.
Much of that has to do with the cap flexibility they are preserving for next summer. After LeBron James inevitably moves on, the Lakers will suddenly find themselves with an open canvas.
They will also be in position to capitalize on one of the league’s most underused cap tools: Austin Reaves' low cap hold. That figure will allow the Lakers to approach team building the same way the Philadelphia 76ers did with Tyrese Maxey, delaying Reaves’ new deal until the end of free agency in order to preserve space to chase a second star.
The Lakers will likely try to bring in another co-star in 2026
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It is not hard to imagine why this strategy is being mapped out so carefully. Luka Doncic is already a generational player with five first team All-NBA selections before turning 27.
He is ready to win a championship here and now, and the Lakers have no intention of squandering that timeline. LA does not want to sit on their hands and wait for the right role players to fall into their laps, they want to have the money and the timing lined up to take a swing at a co-star.
The hope in Los Angeles is that Luka will help lure another high-level name to join him next summer. Between the prestige of the Lakers brand and the visibility that comes with being in that market, the team knows that opportunity will present itself. With the right maneuvering and the right combination of veteran contracts coming off the books, it will not be long before the Lakers can start building a true title threat around their new cornerstone.
The vision is not complicated. Surround Doncic with spacing, defense, and one more elite scoring option. Use Reaves as a foundational piece in the backcourt and allow him to continue growing, and make sure the next two summers are used wisely, with 2026 being the clear target date for when this team should be back in contention. The Lakers have their new cornerstone, and now they just need to finish the job.