Phoenix Suns and LA Lakers: Why Roster Flexibility Is Key
The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers are currently in a roster-building holding pattern and are unable to compete with the Western Conference’s top teams, the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder. According to reports, both Pacific Division franchises lack the depth and defensive presence required to challenge the current elite of the West.
The Oklahoma City Thunder recently swept both teams. While the Lakers reached that series after defeating the Houston Rockets in the first round, they suffered three losses of 18 points or more and allowed at least 125 points in two of those games.
Why the Lakers and Suns struggle to compete
Los Angeles relies on top-end talent including Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, but struggles with defensive consistency. Deandre Ayton’s first year in Los Angeles was marked by inconsistent play and energy concerns, leading to reports that the team seeks an upgrade at center.
ESPN Insider Brian Windhorst reports that the Lakers have “phantom cap space” due to the cap holds of LeBron James and Rui Hachimura. This financial situation may prevent the team from drastically improving the center position this summer.
The Phoenix Suns face a different set of constraints, specifically a lack of draft assets and premium young players. Management continues to build around Devin Booker, who previously led the team to the 2021 Finals.
Reports indicate the Suns previously attempted to build a contender by adding Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal within a five-month window. This strategy of adding superstars while gutting other assets has not returned the team to the top of the West.
How the Thunder and Spurs built dominant rosters
The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder have avoided relying on a single superstar. While they possess the reigning NBA MVP and the Unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, their success stems from balanced contributions.
During the Thunder’s championship run, Alex Caruso provided significant support with multiple 20-point games off the bench. The Spurs saw similar depth, with Stephon Castle scoring 32 points in a second-round closeout game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Julian Champagnie also contributed to the Spurs’ Finals run by hitting six three-pointers in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. This approach contrasts with the 2018 Cleveland Cavaliers, who relied heavily on LeBron James.
What happens next for the Pacific Division rivals
Both teams may need to exercise patience to avoid long-term roster damage. The New York Knicks provide a recent precedent, winning a title nearly four years after signing Jalen Brunson through a methodical approach.
The Knicks built a versatile roster by acquiring OG Anunoby in 2023, followed by Karl Anthony-Towns and Landry Shamet in 2024. Anunoby averaged 20 points during that playoff run, while Shamet shot 48% from three.
The Lakers could see LeBron James return for a 24th season, and Dillon Brooks may receive an extension following a career year. However, the team may be forced to stand pat or sign short-term deals if they cannot resolve their cap space issues.
The Suns might prioritize flexibility by resigning Jordan Goodwin and Collin Gillespie to short-term contracts. Similarly, the Lakers’ future may depend on whether Austin Reaves resigns without demanding a maximum contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t the Lakers easily upgrade their center position?
According to Brian Windhorst, the team has “phantom cap space” caused by the cap holds of Rui Hachimura and LeBron James.
How did the New York Knicks build their championship team?
The Knicks used a patient approach, signing Jalen Brunson and later adding OG Anunoby in 2023, as well as Karl Anthony-Towns and Landry Shamet in 2024.
What happened when the Suns tried to add multiple superstars?
The Suns added Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal within five months, but this method of gutting assets for superstars did not make them a viable threat to the Spurs or Thunder.
Do you think patience or aggressive trading is the better path for the Suns and Lakers this summer?