If there’s a team quietly upgrading its roster in the midst of a cold stretch, it’s the LA Lakers. Yes, LeBron James doesn’t seem too pleased with the current situation, but the team is gradually building. After securing Luka Doncic’s extension, they added players like Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, and now they’ve signed forward Anton Watson and guard Nate Williams. And it doesn’t look like they plan on stopping anytime soon.
The Los Angeles Lakers are headed into training camp with Anton Watson and Nate Williams, who bring unique skill sets to the team. Watson is a lengthy, versatile forward who played in the G-League’s Maine Celtics team, averaging 12 points and 5.4 rebounds in 21 games. During Watson’s college career at Gonzaga, he was an All-WCC First Team selection, averaging 14.5 points and 7.1 rebounds.
Williams, meanwhile, is an athletic, shot-creating guard, previously logging 47 NBA appearances between Portland and Houston, along with a strong showing in the G-League, posting an average of 16.8 points, playing 49 games over three seasons. On paper, these seem like inexpensive, low-risk depth pieces. However, if rumors are to be believed, these signings could be a part of a larger strategy.
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The Lakers are reportedly expected to revisit trade talks for Utah center Walker Kessler this season, after failing to land him last year. The 24-year-old averaged a double-double and about 2.4 blocks last season, and has established himself as one of the best rim protectors in the league since his rookie season. Utah has hesitated to give him an extension, and with him being a restricted free agent in the summer of 2026, Utah’s asking price remains steep.
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Some insiders have suggested that the Lakers are in a spot where bringing in Kessler would mean goodbye to guard Austin Reaves. The Jazz are reportedly eyeing Reeves along with multiple first-round picks. This is where their roster moves become essential. Reaves is set to start at shooting guard next to Luka Doncic under sophomore head coach JJ Redick, but the front office knows that trading him would create a massive hole in the rotation.
By signing Williams and Watson, the Lakers are effectively assuring themselves in case Austin Reaves is moved as part of a trade package. But for now, the Lakers will enter camp with LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, and Reaves as the projected starters. But the front office is clear: flexibility comes first, even at the cost of a beloved fan favorite.
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JJ Redick Extension Signals Stability Amid Roster Maneuvers
Despite failure chasing certain trade targets, the Lakers extended JJ Redick, keeping him on the team through 2029-30. The $45M deal makes sure that there is stability in the franchise from the top level, emphasizing retention of key pieces. This complements their recent depth signings, and shows that LA is looking to balance roster flexibility with a system that can adapt to trades and develop players without disrupting their core players.
Redick has already demonstrated his ability to manage a roster in transition. The Lakers finished top three in the West post the mid-season blockbuster Doncic-Anthony Davis trade, despite major readjustments for the entire team. Redick’s approach seems to fall in line with the front office’s plan to contend with veterans while also developing their young players, ensuring new additions can be integrated smoothly.
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The extension also makes sure that Redick has time to build a culture that LA has missed since the Phil Jackson days, something that can last the loss of pieces like Austin Reaves if the team were to deal him for Walker Kessler. This continuity, not just in system but in in mindset and on-court play, can bring back the championship-winning toughness that LA has lacked in recent years.
The deal also positions the Lakers for both the short and long term. Redick and Doncic are each locked in on extensions, which means that Rob Pelinka can approach trades and free agency confidently, giving the Lakers time to properly pursue targets and assess potential additions for the team, showing how much the team values growth as they enter a new era.