The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to strengthen their roster around star guard Luka Doncic before the 2026-27 NBA season starts. After missing out on forward Jonathan Kuminga, the Lakers are linked to Doncic’s former teammate as a potential offseason acquisition.
Dwight Powell, a 35-year-old big man, is reportedly the team’s last offseason acquisition. Powell and Doncic shared the Dallas Mavericks for six and a half seasons. The two have developed great on-court chemistry and a close bond off the court.
Powell remains unsigned as an unrestricted free agent. The Mavericks have moved away from bringing him back this offseason, opening a way for the Lakers to acquire him.
Dec 7, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) drives against Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Lakers insider Khobi Price suggested the team should pursue Luka Doncic’s former teammate.
“The most significant option for the Lakers could be Dwight Powell, the 6-10, 35-year-old big man who was teammates with Doncic for 6 ½ seasons in Dallas,” Price wrote. “Notably, Powell has played the most games as a teammate alongside Doncic (389) among the 98 players Doncic has played alongside in his eight-year NBA career.
“The most significant option for the Lakers could be Dwight Powell, the 6-10, 35-year-old big man who was teammates with Doncic for 6 ½ seasons in Dallas,” Price wrote. “Notably, Powell has played the most games as a teammate alongside Doncic (389) among the 98 players Doncic has played alongside in his eight-year NBA career.
Other than Powell, Price also suggested players like Drew Eubanks, Bismack Biyombo and Mason Plumlee for the Lakers. However, Powell’s experience playing next to Doncic makes the most sense.
After LeBron James left the Lakers, it automatically became Luka Doncic’s team. Ahead of the new season, he’s considered the captain of the ship, and there are hopes he will lead the franchise to significant success. Former NBA player Trevor Ariza was asked about his thoughts on the team’s championship capabilities.
“Do I think this team that assembled right now is a championship team? ou can never really tell this early,” Ariza said. “But on paper, I don’t believe so, but I’ve been wrong about teams before, and I’m not really paying that close attention to what they’re doing. So, when you have a player like Luka, you always have an opportunity to get into the playoffs. It’s just, are you gonna be able to be a top team in defense and offense, and give yourself a chance to win a championship?”
“Do I think this team that assembled right now is a championship team? ou can never really tell this early,” Ariza said. “But on paper, I don’t believe so, but I’ve been wrong about teams before, and I’m not really paying that close attention to what they’re doing. So, when you have a player like Luka, you always have an opportunity to get into the playoffs. It’s just, are you gonna be able to be a top team in defense and offense, and give yourself a chance to win a championship?”
That will determine whether or not a Doncic-led team can win a championship, according to Ariza. Before he was part of the Lakers, though, the Slovenian star was able to lead the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately for the NBA star, they fell short against the Boston Celtics.
Doncic already proved that he can lead a team to the Finals, but can he do it again and finish the job?
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