Los Angeles Lakers

Life after LeBron begins: James signed with Philadelphia, Hachimura crossed the hallway to the Clippers, and Deandre Ayton was flipped to Washington for Jaden Hardy and two seconds. The pivot around Luka Doncic is complete — Walker Kessler (acquired via sign-and-trade, extended 4yr/$130M) anchors the rim, Austin Reaves is locked in at 4yr/$185M, and the supporting cast was rebuilt on the cheap: Kevon Looney, Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle, Sexton, Grimes and two-way standout Arthur Kaluma. The wing defense is now credible and the cap sheet avoided catastrophe, but shot creation behind Doncic and Reaves is thin. Contention rests almost entirely on Luka's engine.

Acquired Walker Kessler via sign-and-trade — team salary cannot exceed $209.0M at any point this season.

2026-27 figures verified against Spotrac and HoopsRumors reporting. View full cap sheet on the Salary Cap page.