All articles tagged with #lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have hired Rohan Ramadas as the first of two assistant general managers, placing him on the strategy/analytics side under president Rob Pelinka as the front office expands. Ramadas comes from the New Orleans Pelicans with a background in analytics and operations (and aerospace engineering), and the team plans a second assistant GM to handle player/draft evaluation.
Los Angeles Lakers reportedly hired Rohan Ramadas, formerly the Pelicans’ VP of strategy and operations, as an assistant general manager focused on strategy, analytics and the salary cap, bringing AI-driven modeling to the front office; a second assistant GM focused on scouting is also expected to be added.
Kendrick Perkins accused LeBron James of leaking rumors about his future to generate national media attention, arguing the superstar already has a plan and was simply baiting coverage while watching the playoffs at home. The critique followed Windhorst’s report about the Lakers’ recruitment talk and James’s own suggestion he may wait until August to decide his next move.
LeBron James says he will wait into late June/July to decide whether to return to the NBA after free agency, weighing his family's views and a Lakers plan to retool around Luka Dončić; the Lakers want him back, but a roster rethink could influence his choice among offers from teams like the Warriors, Cavaliers and Knicks as he pursues another title.
Oklahoma City leaned on its depth to sweep the Lakers, with Ajay Mitchell starring as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wavered but the Thunder still prevailed. San Antonio rode a young, improving core to a six-game upset of Minnesota and reach the West finals. In the East, the Knicks continued their historic pace by routing Philadelphia, while Cleveland eliminated Detroit in seven to set up a Knicks–Cavaliers conference final. Rounding out the round, Dillon Brooks stole playoff headlines as the league’s top villain, Joel Embiid’s injury-era redemption arc drew commentary, and Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert’s fan-first generosity stood out as a notable storyline.
After LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most total wins in NBA history, the Lakers highlighted coach JJ Redick with a game ball while seemingly overlooking LeBron, prompting ESPN reports that he felt unappreciated. The piece argues this moment exposed a growing rift as the franchise shifts toward a Luka Dončić–era dynamic and urges a blunt, honest conversation to salvage a relationship that could otherwise head toward a messy public breakup.
Despite major injuries to LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves at various points, the Lakers finished 53-29 (their best since 2010-11), swept the first round, and were eliminated by the Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. The season earns an overall A-: Doncic led the league in scoring, LeBron adapted through multiple roles, Reaves posted a career year, and players like Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, and Jaxson Hayes provided key contributions, with head coach JJ Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka earning praise for navigating a challenging campaign.
LeBron James is an unrestricted free agent after the Lakers’ playoff exit, weighing retirement against a return to L.A. at a reduced price or a move to another contender (Cavaliers, Knicks, or Warriors). Pay scale and roster fit — including surrounding a star like Luka Dončić — will shape his options, with retirement on the table but a return still viewed as likely by many, though surprises could occur.
The Lakers reportedly plan to be aggressive on the trade market this offseason to optimize a roster around Luka Doncic, acknowledging that free agency alone won’t solve all their issues; with cap space and multiple first‑round picks, they aim to add a starting center and a two‑way wing, using trades to complement any free‑agent acquisitions.
LA is planning a star-powered offseason to upgrade around Luka Doncic, targeting an elite lob-threat at center, more two-way wings, and a secondary playmaker, while trying to keep Austin Reaves, a stance that complicates any Giannis-type move. LeBron James’ future remains a question, but the club could open roughly $50 million in cap space if he departs; otherwise they’ll leverage the No. 25 pick and future first-rounders to pursue upgrades. Reaves’ next contract is speculated around $40 million annually, and Doncic has indicated he’d like to continue playing with him. Doncic’s hamstring injury is not expected to derail his offseason routine as he sits out Slovenia’s summer team. The Lakers also relocated their G League affiliate to Coachella Valley to boost revenue for staff and operations.
After the Lakers’ season-ending loss to Oklahoma City, LeBron James said he has no idea whether that game was his final NBA appearance and will recalibrate with his family over the coming months before deciding if he returns for a 24th season, retires, or weighs other options.
After the Lakers were swept by the Thunder, LeBron James said his future is undecided and he’ll take time with family before deciding on unrestricted free agency; he posted 24 points and a game-high 12 rebounds in the finale, as he adapted to a less familiar role, while Austin Reaves weighs his own next move with a $14.9 million player option.
After the Lakers were swept by the Thunder, LeBron James said he doesn’t know what the future holds, including retirement, and plans to discuss next steps with family. At 41 and in his 23rd season, he posted strong numbers but remains unsigned for 2026/27 as L.A. pivots around Luka Doncic, with speculation about other teams in play. Bronny James added that his father appears capable of continuing, while LeBron emphasized the importance of loving the process as he weighs his options.
LeBron James’s future remains in question after the Los Angeles Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round. At 41, James says retirement isn’t imminent and he’ll recalibrate with his family, but he’s still playing at a high level and free agency is on the horizon, leaving open whether he returns to the Lakers or finishes his career in Cleveland.
At the trade deadline the Lakers pursued Giannis Antetokounmpo but offered only a minimal package—one first-round pick and expiring salaries, possibly including Austin Reaves—far from competitive. The Bucks were reportedly open for business and multiple teams pursued Giannis, with summer negotiations likely to determine any deal. With three future first-rounders and cap space, L.A. could revisit a move via a sign-and-trade, but the Bucks are expected to demand a young blue-chip talent or multiple picks, making a blockbuster trade unlikely and fueling questions about whether pursuing Giannis was worth it after a rough regular season.