Did the Lakers Improve With Flurry of Free Agency Moves After LeBron James’s Departure?
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- The Lakers made significant roster moves focused on building around Luka Dončić, highlighted by acquiring center Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade deal involving multiple future first-round picks and swaps.
- Kessler, a 7'2" elite rim protector and rebounder coming off shoulder surgery, is viewed as a perfect complement to Dončić and Austin Reaves, offering strong defense and pick-and-roll skills.
- The team also signed forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili to a four-year, $52 million deal, adding versatile offense and floor spacing, though his defensive limitations are noted.
- Guards Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton were added to bolster scoring and depth; Grimes brings two-way versatility and shooting, while Sexton offers downhill scoring and floor spacing as a backup point guard.
- Overall, these moves address key Lakers weaknesses, improve the roster immediately, and position the team as a stronger Western Conference competitor moving forward.
