The Lakers have Luka Dončić, but Jeanie Buss isn’t done yet. Her one directive to Rob Pelinka? Build the perfect roster around him. And as new trade details emerge, it turns out Pelinka has been making power moves from the moment Dončić was in play. Now, with the pressure on, what’s next for the Lakers’ future?

JJ Redick is proving every doubter wrong in his first season as the Lakers’ head coach. The rookie coach has shown he’s got the tactical mind to handle the job, and with Luka Dončić in the mix, their playoff chances are looking strong. Since bringing Dončić on board, the Lakers have posted a solid 9-5 record. They had serious momentum too—riding an eight-game win streak before LeBron James went down with a groin injury. But even as the team turns things around, Jeanie Buss remains unsatisfied because she believes they still have more work to do.

Speaking on Games With Names podcast, she emphasized the need to surround Dončić with the right pieces.

“You mean the trade? Yeah, I mean, you know, we—I think we need to get the right players around him,” Buss stated. “I think we have, it’s very interesting to watch him play with LeBron.”. Buss has made it clear—building the right team around Luka Dončić is the franchise’s top priority.

The Lakers have yet to see a large enough sample size of Dončić and LeBron together, but Buss is already in awe of Dončić’s talent. His vision and ability to read the game have left a lasting impression.

“We don’t have enough of a sample size yet, but wow, this kid can pass the ball,” Buss said. “Like, he sees the game like no one I’ve ever—It’s, it’s, you know, I, I really had no idea how great of a mind he has for basketball.”

With Buss’ clear directive, the pressure now falls on general manager Rob Pelinka to shape the roster accordingly. And as it turns out, Pelinka has been making franchise-altering decisions since the very moment Dončić became an option for the Lakers.

Buss revealed that the first discussions about trading for Dončić began under chaotic circumstances. On January 7, when the Lakers were in Dallas, wildfires raged in California, leaving many—including the players—distracted.

“Of course, the players were all watching their phones because they didn’t know what was happening,” Buss shared. “You know, especially JJ, you know, his wife had to evacuate, so it’s like they were completely distracted from the game.”

While emotions ran high, Pelinka saw an opportunity. “And at that point, that’s when Rob was at the game, Rob Pelinka our GM,” Buss revealed, alluding to the first talks between the Lakers and Mavericks‘ front office.

That initial meeting eventually led to the Lakers securing Dončić, a move that completely reshaped their future. While the front office focused on making a franchise-altering trade, head coach Redick confronted his own crisis.

Jeanie Buss was afraid JJ Redick would leave LA

While the Lakers were in Dallas, wildfires raged through Los Angeles, forcing JJ Redick and his family to evacuate their home. In the chaos, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss admitted she feared the disaster might push Redick away.

“I was worried that his wife was going to [say], ‘Okay, I’m out. I’m done. This was not meant to be,’” Buss shared on Games With Names podcast. “Instead, they realized they wanted to be a part of rebuilding the community. They’ve already taken their place in the Laker family.”

Losing his home didn’t break Redick—it fueled him. He made it clear he didn’t want sympathy, keeping his focus on coaching. The NBA community had his back, though. Stephen Curry stepped up in a big way and gifted Redick’s sons signed jerseys after they lost their entire collection in the fire.

Los Angeles wasn’t new to Redick and his wife, Chelsea. He spent four seasons with the Clippers, but this time, things felt different. Leading the Lakers isn’t just another job—it’s a whole new level of responsibility.

Since taking over, Redick has reshaped the Lakers into a scrappy, defense-first team, especially after the Dončić trade. Even without a true starting center, he demands toughness and effort every night. His first season has already thrown adversity his way, but if the Lakers’ growth is any sign, Redick isn’t just adjusting—he’s thriving.