The Los Angeles Lakers are set up to have significant cap space in the summer of 2026, with several players on expiring contracts this season. There’s been a lot of discussion about the Lakers avoiding adding money that goes past this year, or possibly next. Los Angeles is believed to be gearing up for a big summer of movement in either the 2026 or 2027 offseason.
However, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka said that the door isn’t closed to make additions this season.
“If there are smart ways to pour into our championship aspirations for next year, we will execute on those,” Pelinka said. “And we see having those two players (Luka Doncic and LeBron James) on our team next year [as] an important moment, and we’ll continue to try to do all we can to deliver this franchise its 18th championship.”
With Doncic having signed an extension, the Lakers are open to taking on long-term salary for the right player. Los Angeles has expiring salary (Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber and Gabe Vincent), as well as two future first-round picks to offer in trades.