The Lakers have made a few key roster moves this offseason, but this one signing in particular has been their best move.

Ice Cube has seen what Walter has done with his beloved Dodgers and he hopes the same formula can be applied to the Lakers.

Rising to third all-time on the scoring list, Kobe Bryant was drafted by the Lakers out of Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania in 1997. He quickly became a star, dueling with Michael Jordan in his first All-Star Game in 1998 and teaming with Shaquille O’Neal to bring Los Angeles a three-peat (2000, 2001, 2002).

A Kentucky graduate assistant is making the move to the next level to join the Los Angeles Lakers organization. Austin Pope, while not related to Coach Mark Pop

Luka Doncic, eligible for a significant contract extension in 2025, is solidifying his role as the Lakers' cornerstone. The team is expected to offer a four-year extension worth between $222 and $229 million.

The Los Angeles Lakers have recently explored trade possibilities to strengthen their rotation with KCP and Donte DiVincenzo.

The Lakers are essentially done with their roster this offseason, but they have undrafted summer league guys who could fight for a spot.

That means not only the additions of Smart and Ayton, but also, finally, getting healthy seasons from Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes, plus improvement from the likes of Bronny James and, of course, more familiarity with Luka Doncic.