Other than improving at the center position and plugging their guard and wing depth, the Los Angeles Lakers have to make sure LeBron James returns to the team for his 23rd NBA season. While he was non-committal following their playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves when it came to his immediate future, many expect him to be back this fall.
He has a player option for the 2025-26 campaign, which he can turn down to become a free agent this summer in order to sign a new, slightly longer contract.