Luka Dončić weighs in on new-look Lakers roster amid heavy criticism

The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t let LeBron James’ exit keep them from adding players to their roster, as they’ve re-signed star guard Austin Reaves to a four-year, $185 million deal and agreed to a blockbuster trade with the Utah Jazz that’ll bring 7-foot-2 center Walker Kessler to LA.

But many feel like this isn’t enough to atone for James’ absence, as the Lakers have received a lot of criticism in recent days by those who believe they need to build a better roster around star guard Luka Dončić.

Despite any external criticism Los Angeles has received, Dončić approves the moves the Lakers have made up to this point, as he was quoted saying he was “excited” about the Lakers’ signings in a July 2 article from Dan Woike of The Athletic.

It’s not surprising to hear Dončić share this sentiment. For one, he’s a low-maintenance star who probably wouldn’t voice his displeasure in public, even if he felt like the Lakers hadn’t built enough around him yet.

Plus, bringing Reaves back and adding Kessler are objectively solid moves that put the Lakers in a solid position to start the offseason, which Dončić is right to feel excited about.

Now the question becomes whether these moves are enough to make the Lakers a true championship contender, or whether they’re an acquisition or two away from cementing themselves as Western Conference contenders in their first season after the James era.

If the Lakers do manage to secure one more star, Dončić’s opinion will be even more earned, and LA fans will feel more at ease without James being on their roster as the 2026-27 season approaches.

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