But it looks like that stance has changed. NBA insider Marc Stein wrote on his Substack that the Lakers are in "win-now" mode and have softened their reluctance to add any long-term salary, and Dan Woike of The Athletic expanded on that changed mentality in a recent article.

NBA insider Rachel Nichols stated 'nobody should be surprised' if the Los Angeles Lakers win the NBA Championship in the 2025-26 season on the Open Floor podcas

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James reflects on historic debut with father LeBron James, sharing the unforgettable experience.

Kristian Winfield of New York Daily News urged the New York Knicks to capitalize on a weak Eastern Conference and trade for James. More news: Lakers' Blockbuster 3-Team Trade Idea Lands $109 Million All-Star, More

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert reflected on his stellar performance in the final game of the team's first-round series victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2025 playoffs.

The Lakers still value their lone tradeable first-round pick, either in 2031 or 2032, as a piece earmarked for a much bigger move in the future. However, they have a mixture of expiring contracts and a former first-round pick in Dalton Knecht that could be packaged together if another team were looking to shed salary.

Training camp for the 2025-26 NBA season is approaching, and while the Los Angeles Lakers may not have a legitimate championship-caliber roster, they do appear to have one that can do some real damage.

The Los Angeles Lakers were able to win five championships thanks to the coaching that Phil Jackson was able to provide. He oversaw the return to prominence of the Lakers after a few really bad years.