Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka stated the team is preparing for a busy summer, focused on rebuilding the roster after a disappointing first-round playoff exit.

After a season full of highs and lows, the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round in 2025 by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The defeat was a painful blow to a franchise that has become synonymous with championships and playoff success. For a team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the roster, the early exit left fans questioning what went wrong and how the Lakers can retool for the future. In the aftermath of this disappointment, Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka made it clear that the franchise is already preparing for a busy summer as the team looks to rebuild its roster and improve its chances in the 2025-2026 season.

The Lakers’ early exit from the postseason exposed several flaws on the team, particularly in terms of depth, shooting, and consistency. While LeBron James and Anthony Davis remained two of the league’s most dominant players, the lack of support around them became evident. Now, as Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office begin to address these issues, there is a sense of urgency to make the necessary moves that could restore the team’s championship aspirations.

The 2025 Playoff Exit: A Wake-Up Call for the Lakers

The Lakers entered the 2025 NBA playoffs with high expectations, hoping to make another deep run. The team had made significant moves during the regular season, including bolstering their roster with acquisitions like D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley to provide more shooting and perimeter scoring. However, the playoffs revealed that the changes, while promising on paper, didn’t translate to postseason success.

The series against the Timberwolves was an eye-opener for the Lakers. Despite LeBron James putting up stellar numbers and Anthony Davis showcasing his usual defensive brilliance, the Lakers struggled to find a rhythm offensively. The team’s shooting woes, especially from beyond the arc, were glaring, and the supporting cast failed to step up in key moments. In many ways, the series felt like a missed opportunity, one in which the Lakers couldn’t overcome their offensive limitations despite having two of the best players in the NBA.

In addition to shooting struggles, the Lakers also had difficulty matching up with Minnesota’s versatile lineup. The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, presented matchup problems that the Lakers couldn’t solve. While Davis was a force defensively, the Timberwolves’ ability to space the floor and hit timely shots put pressure on the Lakers’ defense, leading to their early playoff exit.

The Lakers’ inability to find consistent secondary scoring beyond LeBron and Davis was another significant issue. Players like D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Malik Beasley all had their moments throughout the regular season but failed to produce at the level needed in the postseason. This lack of depth and scoring punch highlighted the need for roster improvements, and it became evident that the Lakers could not continue to rely solely on their superstars to carry the team in the postseason.

Rob Pelinka’s Focus for the Offseason: Rebuilding for the Future

In the wake of the Lakers’ disappointing playoff exit, Pelinka has turned his attention to the offseason, where he will look to address the team’s weaknesses and improve the roster. Pelinka’s focus will be on several key areas: adding shooting, improving depth, and ensuring that the Lakers have a more balanced and versatile roster.

“We are preparing for a busy summer,” Pelinka said in a statement following the Lakers’ exit. “We have some very important decisions to make. Our goal is to put the best possible team around LeBron and Anthony to give us the best chance to compete for a championship in the future. We know we have to improve in certain areas, and we are committed to making the necessary moves.”

One of the primary areas Pelinka will focus on is adding more shooting to the roster. The Lakers were one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the league during the 2025 season, and their struggles from beyond the arc were exposed in the playoffs. As teams have increasingly prioritized floor spacing and perimeter shooting in recent years, the Lakers’ inability to knock down shots from distance put them at a significant disadvantage, especially when facing high-powered offenses like Minnesota’s.

Key Areas of Focus: Shooting, Depth, and Playmaking

1. Shooting and Floor Spacing

The Lakers’ lack of shooting was the most glaring issue that became evident in the playoffs. While LeBron and Davis can dominate in the paint, the team struggled to space the floor effectively. Opposing defenses could afford to sag off other Lakers players and collapse the paint, making it difficult for LeBron and Davis to operate at full capacity. The Lakers need to surround their stars with more consistent shooters who can stretch the floor and create more room for the team’s superstars to work.

The team’s shooting struggles were especially apparent in the postseason. Malik Beasley and D’Angelo Russell, who were expected to be key contributors in this area, struggled to find their rhythm. As a result, the Lakers’ offensive sets often stalled, and they were unable to capitalize on the opportunities created by their defense. In response to this, Pelinka and the front office will likely prioritize adding more reliable shooters in the offseason.

The Lakers will be looking at several free-agent options who can provide shooting and floor spacing. Veteran sharpshooters who can come in and immediately contribute will be at the top of their wish list. Whether through the draft, free agency, or trade, the Lakers need to find players who can consistently hit three-pointers and add to the team’s offensive versatility.

2. Depth and Bench Production

Another major issue that became apparent during the playoffs was the Lakers’ lack of depth. While LeBron and Davis are two of the league’s best players, they cannot carry the team alone, and the Lakers’ bench often failed to provide enough support. Austin Reaves, who had shown promise during the regular season, struggled to make an impact in the postseason. The Lakers’ reliance on their stars in high-pressure situations left them vulnerable when the bench couldn’t deliver.

Pelinka is aware of the need to improve the team’s depth and provide more consistent contributions from the second unit. While some role players showed flashes of brilliance, none were able to step up when it mattered most. Moving forward, the Lakers need to add players who can provide scoring, energy, and defense off the bench. With LeBron and Davis playing heavy minutes, it’s crucial that the Lakers have a reliable bench that can keep the team competitive when the starters rest.

Adding experienced veterans and promising young players will be key to strengthening the bench. Pelinka will likely look for versatile players who can contribute in multiple areas and provide solid minutes without dropping off significantly in performance. The Lakers need a deeper roster to avoid relying too heavily on their stars during the long grind of the regular season and the playoffs.

3. Playmaking and Ball Movement

While LeBron James is undoubtedly one of the best playmakers in NBA history, the Lakers need more playmaking from other players to reduce the burden on him. During the 2025 playoffs, the Lakers struggled to create offense when LeBron wasn’t on the floor. This lack of secondary playmaking led to stagnant offensive possessions and limited the team’s ability to generate easy looks. With LeBron aging and potentially playing fewer minutes in the future, it’s crucial that the Lakers have another ball handler who can create offense and facilitate for teammates.

Pelinka acknowledged the importance of finding another playmaker to help run the offense. “We need to take some of the load off LeBron,” Pelinka said. “Having another player who can run the offense and make plays will allow us to be more dynamic and give LeBron more rest during the season.”

Whether through a trade or free agency, adding another secondary ball handler will be a priority for the Lakers. This player would be someone who can facilitate the offense, get others involved, and help relieve pressure on LeBron. A point guard or combo guard with a high basketball IQ and the ability to create for teammates would be ideal for the Lakers moving forward.

The Trade Market and Free Agency: Potential Moves for the Lakers

The Lakers have some flexibility this offseason in terms of salary cap space and trade assets, which gives them the opportunity to make impactful moves. While they will likely target players in free agency, Pelinka has shown in the past that he is not afraid to make bold moves via trade if the right deal is available. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the center of the franchise, the Lakers will always be an attractive destination for top-tier talent.

The Lakers are in a position to use their cap space to pursue free agents who can immediately step into significant roles. Additionally, Pelinka could look to trade for a star or role player who would fill a specific need. Whether through signing key free agents or pulling off a blockbuster trade, the Lakers will be looking for moves that can propel them back into championship contention.

LeBron James’ Future: A Crucial Factor in the Lakers’ Plans

As one of the best players in NBA history, LeBron James’ future will play a pivotal role in the Lakers’ offseason plans. At 40 years old, LeBron is still an elite player, but the Lakers must prepare for the eventuality of his retirement. Pelinka’s task is to surround LeBron with a roster that maximizes his remaining years at the top of the league, while also positioning the team for the future after his career ends.

LeBron’s leadership and ability to elevate his teammates remain critical to the Lakers’ success. The front office must balance building around LeBron in the short term while preparing for life after him.

 The Road Ahead for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have a challenging road ahead as they look to rebuild their roster after a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs. With a focus on shooting, depth, and playmaking, Pelinka and the front office are preparing for a busy summer that could reshape the team’s future. As they continue to build around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers will need to make smart, strategic moves that address their weaknesses and set them up for long-term success. The 2025-2026 season could be one of the most critical in the team’s history, and how they handle the upcoming offseason will go a long way in determining whether they can return to championship contention.