Lakers Free Agency Recap: New Additions and LeBron James’ Departure After 8 Seasons in Los Angeles
The Lakers are headed for a new chapter as the franchise lands Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler and will also be parting ways with superstar LeBron James, who looks to play his 24th season in a new uniform.
Farewell to King James
The LeBron James era in Los Angeles has come to an end. After 8 seasons with the franchise, the King will look for a new home. During his Laker tenure, he was an 8x All-Star, 2020 Assist Champion, NBA Champion, Finals MVP, finished 10th in All-Time Lakers points scored, 7x All-NBA, and 5th in All-Time Laker assists. Lakers minority owner Jeanie Buss confirmed in 2023 that the franchise would retire James’ jersey in the rafters once he is inducted into the Hall of Fame.
While James’ time in L.A. had its bumps, he gave the fans there a lot to cheer for. There were many bumps in the road due to roster construction and injuries all around, but he gave it all, no matter the circumstance. But he came to L.A. with the intent to bring home the Larry O’Brien Trophy, to raise a banner, and add to the Laker legacy, and he accomplished that mission.
The Lakers will now look forward, fully invested in the Luka Doncic era, pairing him with Austin Reaves for the foreseeable future.
The Newest L.A. Big Man, Walker Kessler
The Lakers have long coveted Jazz center Walker Kessler, dating back to 2024. The Lakers thought Utah’s asking price was too steep at the time. They finally secure him as the franchise’s star big man of the future. Luka Doncic pushed hard for Kessler, per Dan Woike. One of Doncic’s main requests for the Lakers this offseason was landing an “A-List center”, and Kessler certainly provides A-List production.
The Lakers gave up two first-round picks, as well as two pick swaps, to complete the sign-and-trade for Kessler. They signed him to a four-year $130 million deal with a player option in the fourth year. He is fairly mobile for a 7’2 big. He is an elite shot-blocker and a great rebounder, two things the Lakers have not had at the center position since Anthony Davis.
The New Lakers Core
The Lakers had roughly $52 million in cap space to spend. The front office ultimately decided to let go of their free agents Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, LeBron James, Jaxson Hayes, and Maxi Kleber. Instead, they turned their focus to Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Sandro Mamukelashvili as their main free-agent targets.
Now, the Lakers aren’t done. In a report by Dave McMenamin, rival teams believe Rui Hachimura has not been signed yet because the Lakers are exploring different avenues to clear salary to re-sign him potentially. Marc Stein also reported that the Lakers have interest in Atlanta forward Johnathan Kuminga.
Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht seem like the likely culprits, either salary-dumped in a trade or waived, in the Lakers’ pursuit of wing depth. The roster, as currently constructed, is very guard-heavy, with a need for defensive wings. The Lakers opened up around $2 million in cap space this morning, July 3rd, with a trade that sent DeAndre Ayton to the Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks.
Additions of Servicable Players
Mamukelashvili
Individually, the new Lakers are very serviceable players. Mamukelashvili at 6’9 averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 52% from the field, and 38.9% from three.
While not a massive defensive presence, Mamu serves as a solid small-ball big man who provides energy and three-point shooting.
Quentin Grimes
Former teammate of Luka Doncic, Quentin Grimes comes in as a 6’4 guard averaging 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 45% from the field with Philadelphia. He is quick and athletic and can attack the rim despite his size, and is an adequate defender.
Collin Sexton
Collin Sexton, primed to be the Lakers’ sixth man off the bench, is a very intriguing addition. Last season, he averaged 15.4 points, 3.3 assists, 48.5% from the field, and 40.3% from three. Very efficient shooting percentages and a reliable scorer.
Sexton is quick, can handle the ball very well, and serves as another guard to take the scoring load off Doncic and Reaves. He plays with a ton of passion and has a knack for providing great rim pressure.
One chapter closes, and another begins for the Lakers. The team is still on the lookout for a wing and a backup big man to round out the roster’s needs.
Doncic is reportedly very happy with the new signings, as the return of Kessler and Reaves was also one of his two main asks.
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