My summer grades:

• Ayton A+ - really needed a center with no AD

• Marcus Smart A- really needed a stud defender in the back court. Plus he plays like a warrior and can shoot 3s

• Jake B- former first round pick is a replacement to DFS who wanted one last pay day. Jake brings size, shooting, youth, athletic ability. Should be a solid rotation player with a ceiling to be better. Could be a A grade if he thrives

• Hayes F- this is the move I didn’t like, felt we could have really solidified the center spot with better backup. Hayes plays like a space cadet and questionable mental makeup. Hard to trust him to play minutes in the playoffs.

• Draft A- We only have the 58 pick and landed a late first round talent with tools. Let’s see if he can develop. We were active and signed a few interesting Undrafted free agents. Interested to see how the 2 way and exhibit 10 players develop, there’s a little potential. It’s up to the coaching to see if they can do anything. I give it an A because we did what we could with no first

yea two way guys can be waived in preseason.

The guy I think they will get for the last two way spot is Arthur Kaluma.

He's currently on a exhibit 10 contract and will be at training camp.

Might be good to have more wings that can shoot.

I like Kaluma too. He’s has the tools, let’s see if he can handle the NBA. If it was up to me

I would give the 3 two spots to the rookies: Dixon, Kaluma , Manon… let’s see if they can develop over the next year or two. I want to see Koloko have a strong camp. He’s been in the league for a few years and hasn’t done much. We don’t need a center as much now…

Luka will be signing the extension in 2 days

Thiero in the gym

Who says no to this trade

Austin Reaves, Vandy, Gabe Vincent

For Dearon Fox…. Salaries match

still a legendary post

a couple hours later, We got Luka

yea it is

First Lebron on this team and then we traded for Luka

We are truly blessed

Lakers President of Basketball Operations and GM Rob Pelinka:

“Today is a monumental moment for our franchise.

Luka Dončić’s future is with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Luka is one of the game’s most transcendent players, and his on-court dominance and passion is without compare.

From the moment Luka became a Laker, there was an immediate connection and admiration between Luka and our fanbase.

You can feel it in your spirit when you attend a Lakers game.

Luka is an absolute killer on the court, and blends that with a unique generosity and care for the community.

Above all else, Luka will lead our franchise to pursue future championships, a goal that will forever define the Lakers.”

Luka: “I’m really grateful to the Lakers organization, my teammates and the fans for welcoming me and my family with so much support and kindness since day one.

This is an amazing organization, and I truly believe in what we’re building together.

I’m going to keep working as hard as I can to bring another championship to Los Angeles and to make Laker Nation proud. This is just the beginning.

I’m excited for what’s ahead and to keep building something special with this team."

"Doncic might have made a multiyear commitment to the Lakers, but he expects to be in contention every year.

Doncic displayed his urgency through his offseason fitness regimen and taking a role in recruiting both Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to L.A."

espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45861453/luka-doncic-los-angels-lakers-extension-answering-biggest-questions

"I don't want to wait," Doncic told the table, a source familiar with the conversation told ESPN. "

I had a taste of the Finals. I am getting back there. So let's do whatever we can now."

Pelinka and Redick used the dinner to examine future cap space, the picks they owned, the picks they didn't own and to discuss how to tackle their future together.

Doncic was encouraged to share the archetypal players he felt the roster could use -- a pick-and-pop guy, a defensive stopper, a rim protector -- so the Lakers could identify realistic players to fit that mold.

"While the team's aversion to offering free agent forward Dorian Finney-Smith a deal that extended beyond 2027 -- leading him to sign with the Houston Rockets -- left some around the league with the impression that L.A. was preserving cap space to go after a big name in free agency that summer, a source familiar with the Lakers' thinking insists that their strategy is motivated by flexibility, not pining for another potential star."

Rob Pelinka starts off the presser by saying the organization chose Luka Doncic to build around six months ago, and today, he chose the Lakers.

"Truly an exciting day," Pelinka called it.

Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber and JJ Redick are all here for Luka’s presser.

Luka Doncic started his press conference with a statement in Spanish, thanking the Lakers organization for welcoming him with open arms.

"Honestly, I can't wait to get started."

Luka said he made up his mind to re-sign with the Lakers “pretty quick” after the trade

Luka: “We have trust in each other, so I decided pretty quick.”

Luka Doncic on the Lakers roster:

"Honestly, I think we have a great team. We have what we need to win a championship."

Luka Doncic on the Lakers’ championship chances next season: “We’re going to go for it”

Luka said he is happy to have Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart on the team, believing they will help the team reach their goals.

Luka Doncic: "Being a Laker is an honor. I wanted to be here."

Luka Doncic feels his new body transformation will make him a little faster and better on the defensive end, as well as more durable to play as many games as possible.

Luka jokes Marcus Smart will “teach him some things” defensively this season