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What happens next for the purple and gold?

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Signed for Next Season: Alex Caruso, Quinn Cook (non-guaranteed), Danny Green, James, Kyle Kuzma and Talen Horton-Tucker

Player Options for Next Season: Avery Bradley, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Davis, JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo

So it is a decent possibility that all five players exercise their options and remain with the Lakers.

Free Agents Next Season: Jared Dudley, Dwight Howard, Markieff Morris, JR Smith and Dion Waiters

The most important FA’s are two of GM Rob Pelinka’s best signings, Howard and Morris. It is never easy to know what Dwight is thinking. Perhaps he’ll be willing to return for a low salary (after all, he’s made over $240 million throughout his career) for another shot at a ring on a team where he’s happy. Or perhaps not.

It is equally uncertain what Morris, who at age 31 has earned about $44 million, is thinking. He played a bigger role with the team as the postseason progressed, but just what will motivate him is unknown. He might want to make more than the Lakers can pay him, but he also might want to stay in a pleasant environment.

Another free agent not shown above because the Lakers released him is DeMarcus Cousins. He wants to play with LeBron and AD, and if he has physically recovered enough from a torn Achilles to contribute, there’s a good chance Boogie will sign with LA for a minimum contract.

It’s possible that the Lakers will need to replace one, two, or even more players that decide to sign elsewhere. They also may choose to try to upgrade the roster via a trade or two. But big changes are unlikely, and the Lakers roster next season will likely strongly resemble this year’s.