How Lakers' Roster Strategy is Shifting After Luka Dončić Extension

The Lakers inked Luka Dončić to a three-year contract extension this offseason. It was a big moment. The trade for Dončić changed the landscape of the NBA in a fundamental manner but it was no guarantee the Slovenian superstar would agree to re-up with Los Angeles this summer instead of waiting for next summer to maximize his potential salary. The fact that he agreed to sign the extension this summer instead sets him up for an even larger extension down the road, but it also showed the franchise they can plan to have him around for a few more years at least.

It has resulted in a shift of strategy from the Lakers in terms of roster-building. Which makes sense given it eliminates any uncertainty. On Thursday, The Athletic's Lakers beat writer Dan Woike shed some light into what the shift looks like, exactly.

"According to team and league sources, the Lakers’ stance on roster improvements heading into this season has shifted because of the start of this new chapter together," Woike wrote. "While the Lakers had resisted scenarios in which the team would take on contracts that lasted beyond the 2025–26 season earlier this summer, Dončić’s multi-year commitment has nudged LA’s priorities in more aggressive directions."

What this report really signifies is that the Lakers might actively be part of the big trade business in the near future. The Dončić trade was obviously a massive blockbuster but from all the reporting done around the shocking transaction Los Angeles was not actively seeking to reshape its roster when the Mavericks came calling with Dončić to offer. The team had resisted unloading all their assets for short-term gains prior to that because LeBron James is on the way out—something James has noticed, as evidenced by the statement he put out after opting into the final year of his deal in Los Angeles a few months ago.

Now, though, with Dončić in the fold the Lakers are players again. They have a young superstar who is shaping up to be a perennial MVP candidate for the next decade. By signing him for the next three years they can comfortably know any trade they make will not go to waste because he leaves in free agency. Los Angeles is in complete control of the situation and may finally be willing to burn top assets to get Dončić the help he'll need to win a title wearing purple and gold.

How the Lakers choose to go about doing that will play a big role in shaping the NBA over the coming seasons.