Los Angeles Lakers prepare roster cuts and championship ring giveaway

The Los Angeles Lakers are navigating several roster and promotional developments ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. The franchise has announced a giveaway of 2020 championship replica rings for its January 24 home game against the Washington Wizards.

On the roster front, the team is working to reduce its current 16-player roster to the league-mandated limit. Training camp is expected to serve as the primary timeline for determining the final roster cut and identifying the starting power forward. While Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes, and Walker Kessler are anticipated to start, the power forward position remains undecided.

The team’s offseason efforts faced setbacks, including missing out on free agent Jonathan Kuminga, who chose to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves. General Manager Rob Pelinka has faced scrutiny regarding the team's ability to replace departing talent following the loss of LeBron James.