The Los Angeles Lakers did not take long to move their pieces after confirming the departure of LeBron James. Just one day after the announcement, the Los Angeles franchise reinforced its roster with the additions of Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes, with the aim of building a competitive team around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

The organization took advantage of the salary margin left by James' departure to strengthen different areas of the squad, combining additions in free agency and an important movement in the transfer market.

Walker Kessler strengthens the inside game

The Lakers' most notable move was the arrival of center Walker Kessler, acquired in a trade with the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN.

As part of the operation, the Los Angeles franchise handed over its 2031 and 2033 first-round draft picks, in addition to exchanging those corresponding to 2028 and 2030.

Before the transfer was completed, Kessler, 24, agreed to a four-year, $130 million contract. Although a muscle injury limited his participation to only five games last season, he left averages of 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, figures that support the Angelenos' commitment to reinforce the paint.

In addition, the center will compete for minutes with Deandre Ayton, who recently renewed his relationship with the Lakers for one season.

Mamukelashvili, Sexton and Grimes provide depth

In addition to the trade for Walker Kessler, the Lakers strengthened their rotation with three additions during free agency.

Sandro Mamukelashvili, considered one of the most versatile big men available on the market, arrived from the Toronto Raptors on a four-year, $52 million contract after averaging 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds off the bench.

Point guard Collin Sexton signed for two seasons and $19 million dollars after his time with the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls, after registering 15.4 points per game in the previous season.

For his part, Quentin Grimes, one of the most productive pieces of the Philadelphia 76ers' second unit, agreed to a four-year, $60 million contract after contributing 13.4 points per game.

Doncic and Reaves will lead the new stage

The departure of LeBron James marks the beginning of a new cycle for the Lakers, who will now place their aspirations on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

The Slovenian point guard will seek to regain prominence after missing the last postseason due to injury, while Reaves will continue as one of the most important players in the project after his outstanding performance in the playoffs.

With the new additions, the franchise intends to surround its two figures with a more balanced squad and greater depth to compete in the Western Conference.

The Lakers are betting on a more complete squad

After being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, the Lakers opted for a major restructuring of their roster.

The arrival of Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes responds to the need to strengthen both the interior game and the perimeter rotation, in addition to providing youth and versatility to a team that is beginning a new stage.

With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as references, the Lakers will seek to remain among the protagonists of the NBA and compete again for the championship in one of the most demanding conferences in the league.