The Los Angeles Lakers are targeting athletic wings and frontcourt depth to surround star guard Luka Doncic as they prepare to utilize the 25th overall selection in Tuesday night's 2026 NBA draft in Brooklyn.
With former collegiate coach Tony Bennett joining the front office as a draft advisor in February under President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka, the team aims to maximize their position following last year's ownership transition to Mark Walter, according to reports from the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Times.
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Pelinka previously emphasized the need for roster development and depth following a postseason elimination by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
"Depth is really important, athleticism and youth," stated Pelinka during his exit interview in May.
The Lakers executive further explained the mandate from leadership to build sustainable talent within the organization.
"We have a lot of components of that on our roster, but we need to add to it.
…" Pelinka added.
The front office continues to seek value across multiple roster-building avenues as the franchise navigates contract discussions with current players like LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
"We have to continue to find young talent and develop them in terms of the resources that (Lakers governor) Jeanie (Buss) and Mark (Walter) are providing for us.
That’s an area that they really want us to grow," Pelinka noted.
In a separate media briefing reported by the Los Angeles Times, Pelinka echoed similar sentiments regarding roster adjustments following their playoff exit.
