The Los Angeles Lakers made a stunning move this 2026 NBA offseason by acquiring four players via trade and free-agent signings in a matter of 45 minutes.
As Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Walker Kessler don the purple and gold, the question is whether this help is enough to surround Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic in their pursuit of an NBA championship.
Walker Kessler — A Defensive Big Man
Shams Charania first reported the news earlier today as the Lakers traded away unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, then announced that Walker Kessler is signing a four-year extension worth $130 million.
The 7-foot-2 center has been a defensive force in the paint for the Utah Jazz over the last four years. In his young NBA career, Kessler has averaged 2.4 blocks to go along with 9.5 points and 9.3 rebounds.
His presence underneath can definitely give the Lakers more help in the shaded lane, considering their other backup big, Jaxson Hayes, has signed with the Jazz, and their starting center Deandre Ayton has been mildly inconsistent on both ends of the floor.
The 24-year-old’s offense is also improving, but he has been sidelined due to injuries. Last season, he played only five games after undergoing surgery to repair a labral tear in his left shoulder. If he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be an All-Star in the years to come.
Sandro Mamukelashvili — Underrated Forward/Center
Following the Kessler signing, Charania and ESPN then reported the acquisition of big man Sandro Mamukelashvili. The former Raptor signed a four-year, $52 million deal to play for the Lakers.
The 6-foot-9 forward/center has been in the league since the 2021-22 season and has already played for three teams: the Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs, and Toronto Raptors. Mamu had the best year of his career last season.
With a career-best 11.2 points, he complemented it with 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.8 steals through 80 games with Toronto—the most regular-season games he has played in his five-year NBA career.
Though a little undersized for his position, the 27-year-old’s real strength is running the floor, using his speed and agility to make quick plays or finish easy layups. As a mobile big man, Mamu’s versatility will no doubt contribute to the Lakers and be maximized by Doncic and Reaves.
Quentin Grimes — An Instant Offense Guard
Aside from losing LeBron James this offseason, the Lakers also lost guards Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard in free agency. Thus, General Manager Rob Pelinka recruited Quentin Grimes, giving him a four-year, $60 million contract.
Well known for his time with the New York Knicks in his first three years, Grimes established himself as a guard who can generate quick offense and read defensive schemes. After stints with the Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, and Philadelphia 76ers, the 26-year-old had the sixth-man role with Philly last season.
Averaging 13.4 points, 3.3 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 29.4 minutes through 75 games, the 6-foot-4 guard projects as a solid bench piece for head coach JJ Redick.
Collin Sexton — The ‘Young Bull’ Beefing Up the Backcourt
The last reported signing for the Lakers as of writing is Collin Sexton, who agreed to a two-year, $19 million deal.
The eighth overall pick in the 2018 draft has played for four different teams, transitioning from a solid starter to a reliable bench contributor. He had a strong four years with the Cavaliers as their starting guard before being traded to Utah.
Last season, he suited up for the Charlotte Hornets before being traded midseason to the Chicago Bulls. In 26 games with Chicago, he averaged 17.5 points, 3.3 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals.
Sexton will undoubtedly be the “Marcus Smart” replacement, as he is a defensive guard. Much like Grimes, he should be a key role player for the Lakers.
Are These Enough to Win a Title?
The short answer is no—not yet. But it’s getting there.
This will be the first season where the Lakers go all in with their brand-new duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, marking a new era after the departure of LeBron James.
