Lakers News: After Signing LeBron James, Who Exactly Is On LA's Roster?

The Los Angeles Lakers have revamped their roster in the wake of their biggest free-agent signing since Shaquille O'Neal. And just like in 1996, the Lakers are still piecing together a roster that will play around their newest superstar.

After the blockbuster signing of O'Neal, there were a slew of roster moves, as Byron Scott, Rumeal Robinson, Jerome Kersey and George McCloud were among the veterans added to the mostly youthful roster that included rookies Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher.

Now, the Lakers are building around LeBron James, and the task to fill in all the parts remains just as intriguing and more difficult to keep up with. General manager Rob Pelinka made several signings and added three players through the draft, while more deals may be on the way in either the offseason or at the February trade deadline.

“We purposefully wanted this team to be built very differently than the past ones he’s played with,” Pelinka said of James, according to the Lakers' official website. “I really think the youth is going to be a mutually beneficial thing.”

But Pelinka may still have an interest in trading for an established star. Kawhi Leonard remains a key player on the trading block and the San Antonio Spurs wing reportedly wants to the play in Los Angeles. There has also been some chatter that the Lakers might open talks with the Portland Trail Blazers about guard Damian Lillard.

The Lakers currently have nine players that are under contract and should make the season-opener roster. Along with James, Brandon Ingram is a lock to start. But head coach Luke Walton may still have to decide how Lonzo Ball and new point guard Rajon Rondo fit into the rotation. Ball will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Tuesday.

Free agent signings Lance Stephenson and JaVale McGee are expected to see plenty of minutes. They are joined by returning starters Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Young center Ivica Zubac, who was used sparingly in the 2017-18 season, seems likely to return.

Veteran forward Luol Deng is still on the roster, as Pelinka has yet to unload his contract. Deng, who has not played a game since opening night of the 2017-18 season, is due $36.8 million over the next two years.

There are two holdover guards playing for the Lakers' Summer League team: Josh Hart and Alex Caruso. While Hart seems all-but certain to make the roster, it might be difficult for Caruso to return. Hart has looked sharp in four Summer League games, averaging 22.5 points.

The Lakers used their first-round pick on Moritz Wagner, a high-energy forward from Michigan. The 21-year-old is currently sidelined with a left ankle sprain and left knee sprain.

The Lakers also drafted Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk and Isaac Bonga in the second round. Both are competing in Summer League and will likely find themselves in the G League to start the season. Two returnees from last season, Andre Ingram and Gary Payton II, are not expected to make the roster.

There is a large group of longshots playing for the Lakers in Summer League. They include Jeff Ayres, Joel Berry II, Stephaun Branch, Jeffrey Carrol, Demarcus Holland, Nick King, Malik Newman, Malik Pope, Xavier Rathan-Mayes and Johnathan Williams.

Numerous players are gone from the 2017 season opener. Julius Randle, Brook Lopez, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., Andrew Bogut, Corey Brewer and Tyler Ennis have all moved on. Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye, Thomas Bryant, Derrick Williams, Nigel Hayes, Vander Blue and Travis Wear are also no longer with the team.