While the Lakers could justify getting swept by the Thunder as them losing because they didn’t have Luka Dončić available, that would be a foolish take.

Sure, Luka would’ve helped, and perhaps the Lakers would have won a game or two with him, but the gap is still considerable between them and OKC.

When push came to shove against the Thunder, the Lakers’ depth chart shrank and they didn’t have enough players who could perform at a high level consistently.

Now that the offseason has arrived, they can focus on addressing their roster’s weaknesses.

Based on an article by Dan Woike of The Athletic published Tuesday morning, it is clear that the Lakers will be looking for bigs and wing players this summer.

Those priorities remain, according to league sources. There is a desire for better center play, true lob threats who mimic the skills of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II (with cleaner injury histories). There is a desire for true two-way defensive players, wings with athleticism and energy on the defensive end and a sweet shooting stroke on the offensive side of the ball. And there’s a desire to lock in a long-term secondary playmaker next to Dončić.

While Deandre Ayton was a solid starter for LA, he was unable to consistently elevate his game. He averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, but was unsatisfied with his role at times in the season. Also, he was often benched late in games as Jaxson Hayes was outplaying him. This happened regularly, including in Game 4 against OKC.

While Hayes was able to step up he also isn’t a consistent center the Lakers can rely on. So, upgrading that position to someone who can always be a great option at the five would be ideal.

The wing depth is even more dire for the Lakers than the center one is. Jarred Vanderbilt is a very limited offensive player, and Jake LaRavia was abysmal in the playoffs. After playing all 82 regular-season games, he didn’t play in the final two playoff contests, as his production plummeted to essentially nothing.

No one understands these weaknesses more than the Lakers’ front office. During Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka’s exit interview, he outlined how the franchise must improve this offseason.

“The archetype of the roster we want is going to be retrofitted around Luka and the things he needs,” Pelinka said. “Clearly, he’s that leader and player for the future that we want to build the right way around.”

What Luka needs is a great pick-and-roll big that can also provide vertical spacing and wings that can knock down option shots when Dončić gets doubled.

Right now, center play is inconsistent, and the wings they need are not on the roster. The weaknesses are clear, the Lakers understand them and this is the time of year to address them.

Hopefully, they can get it done.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.