Jakarta Aktual – 22 June 2026 | The Los Angeles Lakers are under immense pressure to build a contending team around their star player, Luka Doncic. With Doncic still locked in for two more seasons, the Lakers must deliver on their promise of a championship vision. The Lakers’ summer is quickly becoming one of the most consequential offseasons in recent memory, with key players like LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, and Maxi Kleber set to become unrestricted free agents.
The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported that the Lakers are ‘on the clock’ when it comes to building a contender around Luka Doncic, who is in the prime of his career. Doncic was traded away from a roster built to his specifications to compete for NBA titles, and the Lakers must prove they can do the same. If the Lakers fail to deliver, there is a real concern that Doncic might have a ‘wandering eye’ and potentially force his way out in the future.
Doncic is eligible for a supermax extension worth over $417 million before the 2028 season, but the Lakers must make significant moves to improve their roster. The Lakers have been linked to several players, including Robert Williams III and Mitchell Robinson, as they seek to add a complementary big man to play alongside Doncic. The team’s inability to surround Doncic with a suitable roster could have long-term consequences, and the pressure is on the front office to make the right decisions.
The Lakers’ pursuit of Lu Dort, a pivotal part of the Oklahoma City Thunder, is also an interesting development. Dort has a team option on the final year of his contract worth $17.7 million, and the Lakers may try to acquire him via trade. However, the Thunder would need to pick up his team option and decide to dump him to get below the second apron, and the Lakers would need to have the cap space to absorb him outright.
As the Lakers navigate this crucial offseason, they must prioritize building a team that can compete for championships. Luka Doncic’s future with the team hangs in the balance, and the front office must make the right moves to keep their star player happy. With Doncic’s contract extension looming, the Lakers have a narrow window to prove themselves as a contending team. If they fail, they risk losing Doncic and potentially entering a long-term rebuild.
The Lakers’ situation is precarious, and the next few months will be crucial in determining the team’s future. With Luka Doncic at the helm, the Lakers have the potential to be a dominant force in the NBA. However, they must surround him with the right talent and make the necessary moves to build a championship contender. The clock is ticking, and the Lakers must act quickly to secure their place as a top team in the league.
