The Los Angeles Lakers want to take another step towards contention this summer by bringing in some new faces, but there are also some players they'd like to retain.
We know that Austin Reaves is expected to sign a new deal with LA. LeBron James is also widely expected to return, although that's less of a sure bet.
Beyond AR and Bron, the two Lakers free agents that reportedly appeal to general manager Rob Pelinka on a reunion basis are Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard.
Lakers want to bring back Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard for 2026-27
ESPN's Dave McMenamin wrote in recent days that, "The Lakers are interested in retaining Marcus Smart and sharpshooter Luke Kennard, sources told ESPN."
Smart has a $5.4 million player option that he doesn't have to decide about until June 29. McMenamin's sources indicate that Smart wants a new contract (and will likely opt out). This makes sense, given Smart's very solid season. The former Boston Celtics guard very much rejuvenated his career in 2025-26 with the Lakers. If LA is willing to give him the figure he's looking for, there's no reason to believe Smart would want to leave the Lakers.
Kennard is an unrestricted free agent. He made $11 million last season, and his market value shouldn't rise too far beyond that figure, although you never know if someone might be willing to overpay Kennard after watching him catch fire during the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs against the Houston Rockets.
According to McMenamin, Kennard wants to remain with the Lakers and make his home in Los Angeles, where he previously played for the Clippers over two-plus seasons.
Who do the Lakers want to get rid of this offseason?
While we're on the topic of Lakers coming and Lakers going ... Jarred Vanderbilt (two years, $25.7 million) and Deandre Ayton ($8.1 million player option) are two guys the Lakers will likely be interested in trading this offseason, using future picks attached to them to gauge interest from other teams.
Who is a Lakers player on the fence?
Rui Hachimura (unrestricted free agent) might be a goner due to the Lakers prioritizing Smart and Kennard. There should be plenty of suitors interested in the 28-year-old Hachimura, who shot the heck out of the ball from 3 in the postseason for a short-handed Lakers group.
Interestingly, McMenamin didn't mention free-agent center Jaxson Hayes as a player the Lakers are prioritizing. I think Hayes would be a good player to retain (provided he's cheap), as he established himself as a nice lob threat alongside Doncic this past season.
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