The Los Angeles Lakers are planning a comprehensive front office restructuring modeled after the World Series-winning Los Angeles Dodgers while positioning themselves to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2026 offseason. League sources indicate significant hires across multiple positions are expected this summer as the franchise reshapes its organizational structure.
One rival executive described the potential impact of the Lakers’ planned front office as formidable when fully assembled.
“It’s going to be scary,” the executive said.
The Lakers prioritized maintaining cap flexibility at Thursday’s trade deadline. The franchise traded Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for Luke Kennard, the only move that preserved their summer 2026 financial positioning.
Los Angeles will have three first-round picks available on draft night to construct an offer for Antetokounmpo. Rival scouts and executives doubt that package will be sufficient, though the Lakers plan to pursue the two-time MVP regardless.
Team sources emphasized the franchise won’t limit itself to a single strategy. The Lakers possess more cap space than any other competitive team, enabling aggressive pursuit of players who fit roster needs.
The Lakers could also target restricted free agents like Peyton Watson of the Denver Nuggets and Tari Eason of the Houston Rockets. The Lakers may attempt to circumvent offer sheet complications by using draft capital in sign-and-trade scenarios.
Head coach JJ Redick acknowledged roster uncertainty affected the team during a mid-season slump. Following a second blowout loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Jan. 22, Redick pointed to contract situations as a destabilizing factor.
“It just goes back to the human element of everything,” Redick said. “And guys are worried about their futures. And that’s what happens when you have a team full of free agents and player options.”
Only five of 14 full-time roster players had guaranteed contracts for next season at that point. LeBron James is an unrestricted free agent. Austin Reaves has a player option he will likely decline.
The Lakers shopped Dalton Knecht aggressively at the deadline but found no takers, according to league sources. The team is evaluating buyout candidates including wing Haywood Highsmith and guard Cam Thomas.
Rob Pelinka, majority owner Mark Walter, governor Jeanie Buss and consultant Andrew Friedman aligned on preserving cap flexibility in every decision leading to the deadline.