During the offseason, the Lakers went all in on de-LeBronification.

One year, a $3.3 million contract, and the Lakers signed Matisse Thybulle.

This means:

1. Kuminga is likely not coming, as he's asking for too much.

2. The Lakers now have 16 guaranteed contracts, exceeding the league's 15-man roster limit, so they must cut or trade one of the guaranteed contract players to adjust the roster.

Could it be Bronny? Let's wait and see.

This summer, the Lakers were almost the most active team in the market. Apart from Kessler, I haven't really discussed much in detail.

Besides the "sideline" of focusing on the World Cup, a major reason is that the core of Pelinka's summer work almost all revolves around these four words: de-LeBronification.

From the owner to the management, they are all convinced that Luka Doncic is the only long-term cornerstone, so they did not compromise even a half step for LeBron throughout the process.

Can LeBron not see that?

So, regardless of whether you make an offer, I'm leaving.

Then, Pelinka began a mass purge of the so-called LeBron-affiliated players.

Smart, Kennard, Hachimura, Ayton, and others all left the team. Don't forget that the starting lineup that beat the Rockets in the series all left the team.

Are these players not talented? No, they are not.

Take Hachimura, for example. He is a very valuable player, extremely reliable in mid-to-long range shooting during the playoffs.

Isn't this style of not needing the ball suitable for partnering with Luka and Reaves as ball-handlers?

Let's put it this way: those of you who have jobs and life experience will understand that this is not just about basketball.

The so-called de-LeBronification is not just about letting LeBron go, but also stripping away all players, tactical habits, and locker room atmosphere that are deeply tied to him.

The "remnants" of the old era cannot be kept. No matter how impressive their on-court performance is, they will eventually become strategic sacrifices.

You might ask: What about Bronny?

Don't worry.

Since it's centered around Luka, they need to find players suitable for him.

4 years, $60 million for Grimes, a 3-and-D defensive wing with stable spot-up three-point shooting.

His perimeter accuracy might not be as good as Kennard's, but his defense is better.

4 years, $52 million to sign European player Mamukelashvili. He will likely replace Hachimura as the starter.

But he plays completely differently from Hachimura. He has a soft left hand, high efficiency in cutting to the basket for easy finishes, and can post up against smaller defenders with simple back-to-basket moves, but he won't extensively use back-to-the-basket isolation plays.

In summary, the other three starters (likely the two mentioned above plus big center Kessler) must be off-ball role players alongside Luka and Reaves.

Then, the bench lineup.

Thybulle can do some of Smart's work, but this guy's attendance is a problem.

2 years, $19 million to sign Sexton.

A slashing scorer who thrives in chaos, can handle the ball, but defense is average. Playing 15 minutes leading the second unit is acceptable.

Jaden Hardy, former teammate of Zeng Fanbo, produced by the Ignite program, must be...

This guy also doesn't pass the ball, and plays in chaos.

Ziaire Williams, an athletic 3-and-D wing, can play the 3 or 4, a versatile forward.

Laravia, occasionally has highlights, but lacks consistency.

Kevon Looney, an old acquaintance.

A hardworking blue-collar player, a pick-and-roll tool. His downside is that he has basically no athleticism, and his shooting is negligible.

If he can fill 15 minutes, that's considered a success.

Vanderbilt, a veteran from the LeBron era who stayed with the team, a pure defensive specialist. A major factor in him staying is that he played the role of Luka's bodyguard well last season.

As for whether he can get playing time... let fate decide!

Knecht, a shooter.

This is basically the Lakers' core and rotation for next season. As for those not mentioned, they are mostly South Bay Lakers players.

Will this team be better than the one that beat the Rockets? Not necessarily. The team's biggest lack is athleticism.

With these players... they really could use Kuminga.

But the Lakers need to make Luka happy, that's for sure.