The Lakers are heading toward the new season with significant changes taking place throughout the organization.
LeBron James’ departure has shifted the basketball operation firmly toward Luka Doncic, while another ownership change is underway only months after the previous one.
Meanwhile, disagreement within the Buss family over its remaining 17.8% interest has added another layer of uncertainty.
Bob Iger and Josh Kushner are waiting for NBA approval to complete their $12.5 billion purchase from Mark Walter. Once that happens, attention will turn to how they intend to operate the franchise.
Walter had already invested in areas such as analytics and front-office personnel, but Iger and Kushner may have their own ideas for reshaping the organization.
Another issue involves Jeanie Buss. She was previously expected to stay in charge as governor through 2030, an arrangement the incoming owners were prepared to respect.
That plan is now less certain because Jeanie is opposing her siblings’ effort to sell the family’s remaining Lakers shares. The disagreement could ultimately require a legal resolution.
On the roster side, Los Angeles may not be finished making changes. Jonathan Kuminga remains one of the notable players whose future has yet to be settled.
The Lakers pursued him earlier in the offseason, but his representatives turned down a proposal averaging about $10 million per season. A renewed attempt could still be possible.
The larger question is whether the Lakers have enough talent around Doncic to make a deep postseason run.
Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler will carry major expectations, but the roster still appears to lack some of the depth possessed by Oklahoma City and San Antonio.
For Los Angeles to close that gap, additional shooting and defensive upgrades may be necessary.
Even with Doncic capable of producing an MVP-level season, the Lakers still have work to do before entering the West’s top tier.
Lakers’ four biggest questions while off-court drama continues to unfold https://t.co/bjQ0PIjoI2 pic.twitter.com/VEQdhRDqxO
— New York Post (@nypost) August 22, 2026
