Lakers offseason latest rumors: Reaves, LeBron deals, Doncic wants team to get ‘A-list’ center

Behind the scenes, there have been sweeping changes to the Lakers this offseason: New assistant general managers, new scouts in place, dramatic changes to the business operations side and staffing. New owner Mark Walter is putting his stamp on the organization.

On the court next season… will things look that much different?

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The Lakers are focused on re-signing Austin Reaves, they appear likely to re-sign LeBron James, and reports have them working to keep Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard. What will change? Here are the latest offseason reports and rumors around the Lakers.

Reaves, LeBron contracts

This much is clear: Both the Lakers and Reaves want this marriage to continue.

“He started his journey here as a Laker and has made it very clear to us that he wants his journey to continue as a Laker, and we feel the same way,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said at his end-of-season press conference.

Money issues have also led to more than one divorce.

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Reaves, 28, will opt out of his $14.9 million deal with the Lakers for next season because this is his big shot at a generational wealth contract. However, in league circles, it’s a given that Reaves will re-sign with the Lakers. The real question is what number does he re-sign for? The Lakers can offer up to five years and $241 million, but in the tax-apron era, the Lakers want — and frankly need — to sign their No. 2 option for less than the max. Brooklyn is looming and can offer a max of four years, $178 million — and the rumor that they will is out there. That means the Lakers need to offer a little more, but should be able to lock up Reaves for something like five years, $200 to $210 million.

League sources continue to tell NBC Sports that it looks increasingly likely LeBron James will re-sign with the Lakers. Money matters here, but so does lifestyle. With the Lakers, LeBron is playing with his son, Bronny, in Los Angeles, and his family has established a life here.

As for the money, LeBron will be taking a steep pay cut from the $52 million max he earned last season, regardless of where he signs. However, if he leaves Los Angeles to…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lakers-offseason-latest-rumors-reaves-232749535.html

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Publish date : 2026-06-18 23:27:00

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