Rob Pelinka, the Los Angeles Lakers’ president of basketball operations, vowed to build a championship-contending roster around Luka Dončić heading into the offseason.
Following LeBron James’ decision not to return to LA, Pelinka can now solely focus on his task of revamping Dončić’s supporting cast.
Among the holes needed to fill were backcourt depth, frontline reinforcement, and much-needed shooting. NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported on Tuesday that the Lakers could sign the potential names to address those issues.
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The Lakers wanted to retain unrestricted free agents Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard, backup guards who played well, particularly in the playoffs.
Smart is reportedly in talks with the Houston Rockets for a three-year, $21 million deal, while Kennard just signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Phoenix Suns.
LA’s wings and frontcourt are also quite thin due to James’ departure and Rui Hachimura receiving serious interest from other teams, underlining the urgency for Pelinka to look for reinforcements.
Stein and Fischer shared their intel on Tuesday on who the Lakers could sign to bolster the lineup.
“The growing anticipation leaguewide is that the Lakers ultimately secure commitments on new contracts from Toronto free agent Sandro Mamukelashvili and Philadelphia free agent Quentin Grimes while still pursuing their top summer target: Utah restricted free agent Walker Kessler,” the NBA insiders wrote on “The Stein Line.
The growing anticipation leaguewide is that the Lakers ultimately secure commitments on new contracts from Toronto free agent Sandro Mamukelashvili and Philadelphia free agent Quentin Grimes while still pursuing their top summer target: Utah restricted free agent Walker Kessler. https://t.co/pYMRcSyvrn
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 1, 2026
Mamukelashvili, who averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists for the Toronto Raptors this past season, is a prized free agent.
The 6-foot-9 can jostle with bigs in the paint but also has the touch to punish defenses from deep. Mamukelashvili shot 38.9% from deep, making him an ideal fit alongside Dončić.
The former San Antonio Spurs big man can also toggle between the center and power forward spots. He can man the paint for the Lakers or play the 4 alongside Deandre Ayton or Walker Kessler, who is reportedly LA’s primary offseason target.
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Grimes struggled from 3-point distance during his 2025-26 campaign with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, he is a 36.6% career shooter from behind 22 feet, so there’s hope he can regain his efficiency.
The 6-foot-5 combo guard is also a versatile scorer and playmaker who averaged 13.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, and 3.3 apg this past season. With Kennard out and Smart likely going to Houston, Grimes will be a desperately needed backcourt piece.
If the report holds true, Mamukelashvili and Grimes could be part of the Lakers as they begin their post-James era and usher in Dončić as the unquestioned franchise superstar.