Lakers Will Cut Roster Ahead of Season
The Los Angeles Lakers must release one player to meet the NBA's 15-man limit before the regular season begins.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Basketball
Live Poll
Will the Lakers' training camp choices successfully address their current roster and lineup needs?
With 16 players currently on their roster, the Los Angeles Lakers will be forced to release one player following training camp. The team also expects to name its fifth starting member, specifically at power forward, during camp.
Why it matters
The NBA mandates a maximum of 15 players for the regular season, requiring the team to prune its current surplus. Training camp performances will prove critical in determining both the final roster composition and the vacant starting position.
The Los Angeles Lakers carry 16 players on their current roster, exceeding the NBA's maximum limit of 15 players permitted for the regular season. This surplus necessitates a cut following the completion of the team's upcoming training camp.
The players
Luka Doncic
He is a professional basketball player and a projected starter for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Austin Reaves
He is an established guard and a projected starter for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Quentin Grimes
He is a professional basketball player and a projected starter for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Walker Kessler
He is a professional basketball player and a projected starter for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The details
Coaching staff will utilize the training camp period to evaluate player fit and performance to finalize the roster. Competition remains open for the starting power forward role alongside projected starters Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes, and Walker Kessler.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: Lakers media day takes place.
September 29, 2026: Lakers training camp officially begins.
Season Trajectory
The Lakers' roster decisions will dictate the competitive balance of their starting lineup heading into the new season. These final cuts are a standard procedural step for all NBA franchises as they align their personnel with the league-mandated 15-player active roster limit.
The upcoming training camp will clarify the final rotation, which impacts fantasy basketball projections for players competing for the last roster spot and the power forward position. Readers should monitor these final assignments as they determine the depth chart for the season opener.
The takeaway
Roster management is a fundamental aspect of NBA team building that forces difficult personnel choices before opening night. Fans can expect performance during training camp to be the primary indicator for which players secure their spots on the team.
Further reading
Find more analysis on the team's depth and rotation plans in the Basketball section.
Live Poll
Will the Lakers' training camp choices successfully address their current roster and lineup needs?
