Luka Doncic Reveals Lakers Consulted Him on Roster Moves After LeBron James' Exit in NBA Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers are going to look quite different during the 2026-27 season with LeBron James no longer on the roster and a number of new faces arriving.

And it seems as if Luka Dončić had significant sway in some of the roster decisions.

He was asked during an interview with Sports Illustrated (three-minute mark) how much the front office consulted him about, and he said, "probably everything" with a smile on his face.

"I think we have a great team," Dončić said. "… I think we're very deep, which is very important, especially going through the playoffs."

James' departure was the highest-profile one, but it was far from the only one. The Lakers no longer have Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard or Jaxson Hayes, while they added Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Kevon Looney, Matisse Thybulle and Cameron Carr.

Perhaps most importantly, they brought back Austin Reaves as the presumed No. 2 option in the offense alongside Dončić.

There is no question, though, the show is going to run through Dončić.

He is one of the best players in the NBA and will likely have the ball in his hands even more with James no longer on the floor. His ability to hit from the outside should also create plenty of open looks for his teammates, as opposing defenses will have to extend beyond the arc.

When he drives, he is constantly looking for lob passes. He found success doing so with the Dallas Mavericks and will look to connect with Kessler in particular when he gets around the rim.

It is not surprising the Lakers would consult the player who is going to be running their offense when attempting to maximize the roster around him, and now it will be up to Dončić to live up to expectations in a daunting Western Conference.