The Los Angeles Lakers have undergone a significant roster overhaul this offseason, positioning themselves as potential dark horse contenders in the 2025-26 NBA season. While much of the focus has been on their high-profile acquisitions, such as Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia, one move has flown under the radar: the departure of Cameron Reddish, a former 2019 10th overall pick who spent the last two seasons with the team.
Over his two-year stint with the Lakers, Reddish appeared in 81 games, averaging 4.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 19.4 minutes per game. While he never lived up to the star potential many projected when he was drafted, Reddish carved out a niche as a hustle player, contributing energy and defensive effort off the bench. Despite his role, the Lakers’ front office decided to move in a different direction, parting ways with the 26-year-old wing.
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Reddish’s journey in the NBA has been a winding one. After being selected by the Atlanta Hawks in 2019, he bounced around the league, playing for the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers before landing with the Lakers. In 258 career NBA games, he averaged 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds, showing flashes of potential but struggling with consistency. Now, according to a September 10, 2025, report from Eurohoops, Reddish is nearing a deal to join Siauliai, a professional basketball team overseas, marking a new chapter in his career.
The Lakers’ decision to move on from Reddish comes as part of a broader strategy to retool their roster around superstar Luka Doncic. The team has made several key additions, signaling their intent to climb back into title contention after finishing third in the Western Conference last season. The acquisitions of Deandre Ayton, a dominant force at center, Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, and Jake LaRavia, an underrated forward with versatility, have injected new life into the squad. Additionally, the return of Jaxson Hayes adds depth to the frontcourt.
These moves reflect the Lakers’ ambition to build a more balanced and defensively stout team. Ayton provides a significant upgrade at the starting center position, offering rim protection and rebounding that the team lacked. Smart’s tenacious defense and leadership will bolster the backcourt, while LaRavia’s ability to stretch the floor and contribute on both ends adds another dimension. With these new pieces, the Lakers have little room for Reddish’s situational role, making his departure a logical, if quiet, move.
The Lakers’ offseason success isn’t just about their new additions. Luka Doncic, the team’s cornerstone, appears primed for a monster 2025-26 season. Fresh off a strong showing at EuroBasket, where he showcased a leaner physique and elite playmaking, Doncic looks ready to contend for the MVP award. His ability to dominate games and elevate his teammates could be the key to pushing the Lakers past their Western Conference rivals.
Despite their improvements, the Lakers remain in the third tier of Western Conference contenders, behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, who stand alone at the top, and the Denver Nuggets, with the Houston Rockets potentially joining them in the second tier. However, a motivated Doncic, paired with the new-look roster, could make the Lakers a top-four seed—or better. Doncic’s ability to single-handedly swing playoff series gives the team a fighting chance against any opponent.
While Cam Reddish brought hustle and occasional defensive sparks, his contributions were not irreplaceable. The Lakers’ new additions offer greater upside and fit more seamlessly into the team’s championship aspirations. Ayton’s presence in the paint, Smart’s defensive tenacity, and LaRavia’s versatility address key weaknesses from last season’s roster. Reddish’s limited offensive output and inconsistent shooting (41.1% field goal percentage with the Lakers) made him expendable in a revamped rotation.
Moreover, the Lakers’ depth chart is now stacked with players who can fill similar roles more effectively. With Doncic leading the way and a supporting cast that’s both deeper and more talented, the team is well-positioned to compete in a loaded Western Conference.
The Lakers’ quiet decision to part ways with Cam Reddish is a small but telling sign of their confidence in the new roster. While Reddish’s departure marks the end of his NBA journey for now, it also underscores the Lakers’ focus on building a team capable of challenging for a title. If Doncic continues his EuroBasket form and the new additions gel, the Lakers could emerge as a legitimate threat in the playoffs.
In a weakened Eastern Conference, the path to the NBA Finals could be easier than expected if the Lakers can navigate the West. While they may not be favorites to dethrone the Thunder or Nuggets, their revamped roster and Doncic’s brilliance make them a team to watch. For Lakers fans, the departure of Cam Reddish is a footnote in an offseason filled with reasons for optimism.