2026-27 Team Developments: Trades / Free Agents / News / Rumors / Ideas

Luka can be a PF like Love but without that physical or athletic big next to him could be problems. I dont think he can fill in as a small ball center like Lebron. Even if they add Kuminga this will still be an issue.

 

Something Lakers need to work on IMO. "During the 2026 Western Conference playoff series between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder, the Spurs and their players focused heavily on adjusting to and matching OKC's rugged, physical style rather than backing down. Champagnie and Stephon Castle stressed that the Spurs had to "hit back" and elevate their own physical engagement to counter OKC's defensive pressure on Victor Wembanyam. It was an internal shift toward absorbing and returning that physical force rather than letting it dictate the outcome." After dropping 4 regular season games could a healthy Lakers adjust and play a more physical brand of basketball. IDK because what they did instead was " Lakers and the OKC Thunder, where Austin Reaves notably met with the officials following the loss.
The Lakers star was visibly upset throughout Thursday evening and was seen animated against crew chief John Goble at one point. Guard Austin Reaves confronted crew chief John Goble at center court, and head coach JJ Redick criticized OKC's physical defense. ..... I think the mental toughness is something they have to work on. They got more athletic and have a bigger big man. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lbtCFBFHLe8