1 Reason Walker Kessler and every other newcomer will thrive on the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers made significant roster changes during the offseason to retool around Luka Doncic. The franchise parted ways with veteran LeBron James alongside Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, Luke Kennard, Jaxson Hayes, Maxi Kleber, and Nick Smith Jr. to establish salary cap flexibility.

To build around Doncic, the Lakers acquired Walker Kessler via a sign-and-trade deal and signed Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili to four-year contracts. Los Angeles enters training camp featuring nine new players with guaranteed deals, including former Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy.