This summer, the Lakers were expected to make roster changes, but few expected the overhaul that followed.
Austin Reaves was the only free agent the Lakers re-signed, instead opting to completely remake the roster around Luka Dončić. The team used nearly every asset available, trading draft picks for center Walker Kessler and using cap space to make a host of long-term signings.
The result is a roster that hardly resembles last season’s. With LeBron James among this summer’s departures, it’s an entirely
new era for the Lakers.
As a reminder, teams can carry up to 20 players, not counting two-ways, in the preseason, but only 15 once the regular season starts. Presently, the Lakers have 16 guaranteed contracts with at least one move, either in the form of a trade or waiving a player, required before the start of the season.
Let’s take a look, then, at the Lakers’ roster breakdown
Guaranteed contracts
- Luka Dončić
- Austin Reaves
- Walker Kessler
- Quentin Grimes
- Sandro Mamukelashvili
- Jarred Vanderbilt
- Collin Sexton
- Jaden Hardy
- Jake LaRavia
- Dalton Knecht
- Cameron Carr
- Kevon Looney
- Matisse Thybulle
- Ziaire Williams
- Bronny James
- Adou Thiero
Two-way contracts
- Arthur Kaluma
- Chris Mañon
- AK Okereke
Exhibit-10 contracts
- Anton Watson
- Robbie Avila
- Williams Kyle III
- Robert McCray
- Chase Ross
- Meechie Johnson
As things stand, it’s not entirely clear which players are under Exhibit-10 deals right now. The team has handed them out throughout the offseason, dating back to the start of Summer League, as a way to help build out their G League team. We know Anton Watson was waived in one of their most recent transactions and, at the same time, Chase Ross and Meechie Johnson are both under deals…for now.
During training camp, the Lakers can have up to 20 players under contract.
Clearly, the Lakers will have to make a move before the season begins. Do you think it’ll be a trade or waiving a player? Let us know what you’d do down below!
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
