Lakers face looming dilemma involving future of LeBron James and Austin Reaves

The Los Angeles Lakers are entering yet another crucial offseason. After a second-round exit to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Lakers will look to retool in a big way, as they'll look to do all they can to build a formidable squad surrounding Luka Doncic. 

That's easier said than done at the moment, especially considering that the next two best players outside of Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves are set to be free agents. 

All signs point to the Lakers being the likely destination for the two as we slowly approach the 2026-27 season. However, NBA insider Sam Amick thinks the chances of the two stars both returning are dim. 

On a scale of 1-10, Amick thinks the Lakers' chances of bringing back James and Reaves are a 6. 

"1-10 for both," Amick said when asked about the chances of James and Reaves being on the Lakers next season. "Probably a 6, if we're talking about both. 

"The Austin one [contract], I think it's done.

"The Lakers, it's challenging," Amick continued. "Because they have got to get better. If they just re-sign LeBron, re-sign Austin, re-sign Rui, that's not getting better, that's maintaining. All of their guys are signaling like 'I will stay if you don't respect me with the number.' That's basically what the shared messaging is. That makes me think, when you talk about both guys [LeBron and Austin], I think if Austin gets paid in the kind of way that keeps him in town, then there's not enough money for LeBron to feel respected, and then I could see him going up the coast to the Warriors."

James has yet to indicate whether he will return for a record-setting 24th season in the NBA. As for Reaves, he is looking for a massive payday, and all signs point to him receiving it with the Lakers. 

Lakers navigating challenging salary cap situation

While the Lakers can sign both James and Reaves, keeping both long-term at their expected high price tags will heavily depend on how they manage the new luxury tax apron. 

Reaves carries a $20.9 million cap hold, which allows the Lakers to operate with roughly $50 million in projected cap space to sign other pieces. Then they could exceed the salary cap to re-sign the 28-year-old to a new, lucrative deal. 

As for the 41-year-old veteran forward, he holds a massive cap hold and has the option to negotiate a new deal. 

The Lakers can technically offer James a max deal, but their preference would likely be a more team-friendly deal.

Given James' age and the organization's need to improve the roster around Doncic, a smaller cap hit would provide greater flexibility to address key needs while still keeping the four-time MVP in Los Angeles. 

However, James has never taken a pay cut in his career, and after a stellar playoff performance, that will likely remain the case. 

More NBA news: 

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