It's been fun for Phoenix Suns fans to point at one of their rivals and laugh about their free agency disaster, given that it's the Lakers. What's better than making fun of Los Angeles? The Lakers lost Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency to the Rockets, and their future with LeBron James is up in the air, considering he put pressure on the front office after exercising his player option for 2025-26.
Rob Pelinka isn't some mastermind. Luka Doncic fell into LA's lap, thanks to Nico Harrison's mismanagement. The Lakers' start to free agency has proven that chances are, LA won't make the championship run that LeBron wants before retiring. They did sign Jake LaRavia shortly after losing DFS, which wasn't a bad move, but it isn't what Los Angeles fans envisioned, nor what the team needs to contend in a strong conference.
One of the Lakers' biggest needs entering the offseason was to acquire a center, a request Luka made after he landed in LA. So far, several big men have gone off the board, including Clint Capela and Brook Lopez, but the Lakers haven't gotten their center yet. LA is in the mix for Al Horford, and it says a lot that the Lakers are relying on signing a 39-year-old.
Lakers' start to free agency is comical for Suns fans
Phoenix has its own issues to worry about, such as how to get rid of Bradley Beal and how to contend for a title in a conference that has grown significantly stronger over the past few days. The Suns aren't under nearly as much pressure as the Lakers are, as LA could lose one of the greatest players of all time. Believe it or not, but time will catch up with LeBron, regardless of how invincible he seems. Year 23 could be his last in the NBA.
The Lakers haven't done LeBron any favors so far this offseason. Los Angeles is focused on its financial flexibility, which wouldn't be a concern for a team that is ready to make a push to win a title. It's way too early for the Suns to write off the Lakers (Luka still exists), but the front office's mismanagement has put Los Angeles in an undesirable position for the 2025-26 season. Maybe the Lakers will be able to flip that script, but hopefully, they won't.