The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a hopeful 2025-26 campaign with ex-Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić at the helm, but the franchise has already zeroed in on securing their long-term future.

Free agency has mostly dried up, but there are still players worth an eyeball or two. De'Anthony Melton is a dynamic defender when healthy. Gary Payton II is an on-ball pest with championship experience. Amir Coffey isn't a lockdown defender, but he offers versatility and usually knows where to be.

NBA free agency is underway, and after a week, some notable names remain unsigned. That includes Jonathan Kuminga and Josh Giddey, who are both restricted free agents this summer.

Adding fuel to the fire, ESPN published a story about a secret meeting held between the Lakers front office and star Luka Doncic without the presence of James. In other news, president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka opened up about the reasoning behind the signing of Jake LaRavia, who is joining the Lakers on a two-year deal.

Doc Rivers Reveals Update on Giannis Antetokounmpo Amid Trade Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The NBA free agency period has been quiet to say the least. Aside from a trade involving Kevin Durant, sending the 15-time All-Star to the Houston Rockets, the NBA offseason hasn't given fans much but rumors.

The Boston Celtics are listening to trade offers for recent acquisition Anfernee Simons, who was part of the Jrue Holiday trade to the Portland Trail Blazers last month in a cost-cutting move. Simons averaged 19.3 points and 4.8 assists last season and is on an expiring deal worth $27.7 million.

Despite the rampant rumors that he could be traded this offseason, Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo seems to expect that he will be staying put.

The Los Angeles Lakers could move on from a four-time NBA champion via a blockbuster trade to the New York Knicks.