What Happened to Los Angeles Lakers?
The Los Angeles Lakers have experienced a period of significant change and mixed results since their 2020 championship. After consecutive first-round playoff exits in 2024 and 2025, the team underwent a major roster overhaul with the trade of Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić, a coaching change to JJ Redick, and a shift in majority ownership to Mark Walter. As of March 2026, the team is contending in the Western Conference, with Luka Dončić emerging as a franchise cornerstone, while the future of LeBron James remains a key storyline.
Quick Answer
The Los Angeles Lakers have seen substantial transformations since 2023, including firing head coach Darvin Ham and hiring JJ Redick. A pivotal moment was the February 2025 trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Mavericks in exchange for superstar Luka Dončić, reshaping the team's core. In October 2025, Mark Walter acquired majority ownership, ending the Buss family's long tenure as controlling owners. As of March 2026, the Lakers hold a strong record in the Western Conference, with Dončić leading the team, while LeBron James' future beyond the current season is uncertain.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Anthony Davis Signs Max Extension
Anthony Davis agreed to a three-year, $186 million maximum contract extension, tying him to the Lakers through the 2027-28 season. This deal, at an average of $62 million per season, was the richest annual agreement in NBA history at the time.
Lakers Win Inaugural NBA Cup
The Los Angeles Lakers achieved a perfect 7-0 record in the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, culminating in a victory over the Indiana Pacers to win the first-ever NBA Cup.
Kobe Bryant Statue Unveiled
A statue honoring legendary Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena, fulfilling an announcement made in August 2023.
Darvin Ham Fired as Head Coach
Following a 47-35 regular season record and a first-round playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers fired head coach Darvin Ham and his entire coaching staff after two seasons.
JJ Redick Hired as Head Coach
After a prolonged search that included a detour to pursue UConn coach Dan Hurley, the Lakers officially hired former NBA player and broadcaster JJ Redick as their new head coach on a four-year deal.
LeBron and Bronny James Make History
In their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron James and his son Bronny James made NBA history by becoming the first father-son duo to play together in the league.
Michael Cooper's Jersey Retired
The Lakers retired jersey No. 21 in honor of franchise legend Michael Cooper during a game against the San Antonio Spurs, following his announcement as a finalist for the 2024 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Blockbuster Trade for Luka Dončić
In one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, the Lakers acquired superstar Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris in a three-team deal, sending Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and draft picks to the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz.
First Round Playoff Exit to Timberwolves
After finishing the regular season 50-32 and winning the Pacific Division, the Lakers were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in five games.
LeBron James Opts In for 23rd Season
LeBron James exercised his $52.6 million player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season, making him the first player in NBA history to enter a 23rd season.
Mark Walter Acquires Majority Ownership
Mark Walter completed the acquisition of majority ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers, ending the Buss family's 46-year tenure as controlling owners. Jeanie Buss retained a minority stake and remains the controlling owner for day-to-day operations.
Major Ticket Price Hike Announced
Under new majority owner Mark Walter, the Lakers announced significant season-ticket price increases for the 2026-27 season, with some seats seeing nearly a 46% jump, reflecting market demand and ownership changes.
Austin Reaves Expected to Sign Extension
Reports indicate that Austin Reaves is expected to sign a significant contract extension with the Lakers in the summer of 2026, solidifying his role as a key piece of the franchise's long-term plans alongside Luka Dončić.
LeBron James' Future Uncertain
As of this date, LeBron James' future beyond the 2025-26 season remains a major topic of discussion, with speculation about potential free agency or retirement at age 41.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Los Angeles Lakers, a storied NBA franchise, have navigated a turbulent yet transformative period from 2023 to early 2026, marked by coaching changes, a blockbuster trade, and a significant shift in ownership. Following their 2020 NBA championship, the team struggled with consistency and deep playoff runs, leading to a series of strategic adjustments aimed at maintaining championship contention around their veteran stars.
The 2023-2024 season saw the Lakers finish with a 47-35 record, securing the 8th seed in the Western Conference after winning the inaugural NBA Cup (In-Season Tournament). Despite a late-season surge, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets, 4-1, for the second consecutive year. This disappointing outcome led to the firing of head coach Darvin Ham on May 3, 2024, after two seasons. The search for a new coach concluded with the hiring of former NBA player and analyst JJ Redick on June 20, 2024, a move that signaled a new strategic direction for the team.
A major turning point occurred on February 2, 2025, when the Lakers executed a shocking three-team trade, acquiring superstar Luka Dončić, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while sending Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and draft picks to the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz. This trade fundamentally altered the team's roster and future outlook, pairing Dončić with LeBron James. The 2024-2025 season, with Redick at the helm and the new roster, saw the Lakers finish with a 50-32 record, winning their first Pacific Division title since 2020 and securing the 3rd seed in the Western Conference. However, their playoff aspirations were cut short once again, as they were upset by the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 in the first round.
Off the court, the franchise experienced a monumental change in ownership. In October 2025, Mark Walter, who had been a minority owner since 2021, completed the acquisition of majority ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers for an estimated $10 billion, marking the highest valuation ever for a US professional sports franchise. This transaction ended the Buss family's 46-year tenure as controlling owners, though Jeanie Buss remains the controlling owner with a significant minority stake and continues to oversee day-to-day operations. This ownership change has already led to significant financial decisions, including a planned major increase in season-ticket prices for the 2026-27 season.
As of March 17, 2026, the Lakers are in the midst of the 2025-2026 season, holding a record of 42-25 and ranking 3rd in the Western Conference and 1st in the Pacific Division. Luka Dončić has firmly established himself as a primary offensive force and a Western All-Star Fan Vote selection in 2026, with reports indicating the Lakers are building around him and Austin Reaves, who is expected to sign a major extension in summer 2026. LeBron James, who opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, becoming the first player to play 23 NBA seasons, was a Western All-Star Coaches Selection in 2026. However, his future beyond the current season remains a subject of intense speculation, with potential free agency or retirement on the horizon. The Lakers continue to pursue championship contention under new leadership and with a reconfigured roster.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Los Angeles Lakers made different choices?