Key Takeaways
- Austin Reaves and LeBron James are both set to hit free agency this summer, but they are at opposite points in their careers—James could be playing his final season, while Reaves is entering his prime.
- NBA insider Jovan Buha reports the Lakers are prioritizing a long‑term deal for Reaves over re‑signing James for a possible last year.
- Buha expects Los Angeles to offer Reaves roughly $35 million per season (or more) on a multi‑year contract, which would limit the salary available for James.
- If the Lakers choose to pay Reaves around $40 million annually for five years, they would likely have to ask James to accept a significant pay cut to stay.
- Besides Reaves and James, Buha predicts the Lakers will re‑sign Jaxson Hayes, Rui Hachimura, and Marcus Smart, and still hopes to bring James back despite the complicated negotiations.
- The Lakers’ future is being built around Luka Dončić as the franchise cornerstone, with Reaves seen as a strong complementary piece for the long term.
The Los Angeles Lakers face a pivotal offseason as two of their most recognizable players—Austin Reaves and LeBron James—approach free agency. While both names will appear on the market, their circumstances differ dramatically. James, now in the twilight of a Hall‑of‑Fame career, could be suiting up for what might be his final NBA season in 2026‑27. Conversely, the 28‑year‑old Reaves is just reaching the peak of his abilities and is projected to command a lucrative, long‑term contract.
NBA insider Jovan Buha, speaking on his YouTube channel, laid out the Lakers’ internal calculus. He argued that the organization is leaning heavily toward securing Reaves for the future, even if it means James must accept a reduced salary to remain in Los Angeles. Buha’s reasoning hinges on contract value and roster construction: “If it comes down to whether you’d rather pay Austin $40 million per year for the next five years or LeBron $40 million for one year, they’re going to prioritize the long‑term contract,” he said. In his view, Austin Reaves is the higher priority for the franchise.
Buha’s projections place Reaves’ impending deal in the $35 million‑per‑year range, possibly exceeding that figure depending on market forces. A five‑year commitment at that level would consume roughly $175 million of the Lakers’ salary cap, leaving limited room for other high‑salary signings. Consequently, any offer to James would likely require him to take a substantial pay cut—a scenario Buha believes the Lakers are prepared to navigate if it means locking in Reaves long term.
Beyond the Reaves‑James dilemma, Buha outlined additional players he expects the Lakers to retain. He predicts that Los Angeles will re‑sign center Jaxson Hayes, forward Rui Hachimura, and veteran guard Marcus Smart. Each of those contributors fits the Lakers’ vision of a versatile, defensively minded roster that can support a star‑laden backcourt featuring Luka Dončić. Buha also expressed confidence that, despite the financial tightrope, the Lakers will ultimately find a way to bring James back, even if the negotiations prove complicated.
The article includes a pair of photos that capture the on‑court chemistry between Reaves and James. One image, taken February 26, 2026, at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, shows Reaves (No. 15) and James (No. 23) side by side against the Phoenix Suns. A second photo from April 11, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena depicts Luka Dončić celebrating with Hayes and Reaves after a scoring run versus the Houston Rockets. These visuals underscore the potential synergy the Lakers hope to cultivate: Dončić as the franchise cornerstone, Reaves as a reliable running mate, and James as a seasoned leader whose role may evolve.
In summary, the Lakers’ offseason strategy appears to be shifting toward building a core around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, with LeBron James’ return contingent on a willingness to accept a reduced contract. The franchise’s priority is clear—investing in a younger, long‑term asset like Reaves, even if it means re‑working the terms for a legendary veteran. Whether James ultimately stays or moves on will hinge on how the Lakers balance the immediate allure of his star power against the sustained value they see in securing Reaves for the next half‑decade. The upcoming negotiations will shape not only the roster for the 2026‑27 season but also the direction of the Lakers for years to come.