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Headlines about LeBron James could dominate much of the Los Angeles Lakers' offseason.
But it's worth noting that three other key players could depart from L.A. this summer if they so choose, and that could have a lot of long-lasting consequence.
Austin Reaves is the most notable one. He has a player option on his contract.
But two other player options are in play, too, with Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart.
The Athletic's John Hollinger predicts all three players will turn down their option and become a free agent.
Reaves' option is for less than $15 million. He'll double that, at least, in free agency. The only question will be whether it's with the Lakers or someone new.
"It is inconceivable that he will opt in, as he will more than double his salary this summer in free agency," Hollinger writes.
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Ayton worked out for the Lakers on a cheap contract, too, and would get just $8 million in 2026-27 if he took his option.
"Ayton signed a bargain deal with the Lakers that he massively outplayed (BORD$ value $19.3 million) and should be up for a reward in the free-agent market as a result," Hollinger writes. "He’ll be among the most gettable starting centers on the market."
Then there's Marcus Smart, who hoped this move would work out for him in this manner all along. His player option would pay him $5.4 million.
"Smart signed his deal with a player option with the idea that he could get a payday this summer if he played well," Hollinger writes. "He did. BORD$ now values him at $11.6 million, so he can confidently test the market."
The irony here is that these players could all still negotiate to return to the Lakers. It just wouldn't be with the parameters that they are under with their current contracts.
They could all choose to leave, though, and that's the most compelling adventure for what happens to these Lakers this offseason.
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