The ultimate wild card: LeBron James
Does LeBron James staying in California? That will be one of the defining moments that shapes this offseason for the Lakers.
Of the competitors expected to be in the race for his services, Los Angeles should still give James the best chance at a fifth championship. That is worth noting considering that LeBron keeps bring up winning as a motivating factor on his decision.
James' legacy is secure. No one who wants to be taken seriously should consider him any worse than the second-best player of all time. Even so, there is some obvious appeal in a storybook ending with the Cleveland Cavaliers to add to his career story. That should have Lakers fans on edge just a bit.
Maybe a surprising third option emerges as a real suitor for James too.
It still feels like there is a high probability that LeBron dons purple and gold next season. Even with that being the case, ruling out the alternative this early would be foolish.
Could be tied to his dad: Bronny James
Bronny James has been a strong enough developmental story for the Lakers to make a decision on his future with the team that does not include his connection to LeBron. However, if the older James does decide to move on, Los Angeles might just do right by him and send Bronny to wherever his next destination is.
The younger James is on the doorstep of coming into his own as a rotation player. The Lakers have incentive to keep him.
However, the optics of this organization being one that takes of its players has been perfectly cultivated. If LeBron leaves, allowing him to take Bronny with sends a signal of the Lakers still being that type of franchise.
The price has to be right: Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard
There is sense to the Lakers keeping Rui Hachimura in Los Angeles. His ability to stretch the floor at an elite level next to Doncic is a valuable component to have around during the competitive window with Luka.
The Lakers just need the amount on his next contract to be friendly enough for them to maintain financial flexibility to do work elsewhere in free agency. If Hachimura and Los Angeles can find a dollar value that works for both sides, it is easy to envision this partnership continuing.
Luke Kennard is in a similar boat. The boost which the Lakers got from defenses having to respect Kennard's shooting ability was clear and incredibly helpful. However, the Lakers need guys who can play both ways around a star duo of Doncic and Reaves. The sharpshooting vet does not help there.
If the Lakers can find two-way help that exceeds what Kennard can bring on one end of the court, that is the more sensible contract to hand out. His return should not be ruled out, but it is far from a guarantee.
Depends on what trade is out there: Jake LaRavia
Jake LaRavia was a regular rotation player for the Lakers up until the second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. LaRavia lost his spot on the court to Thiero. It would not ultimately be surprising to see his position on the roster be up next.
As mentioned at a much earlier point, there are only a small handful of players whose deals are guaranteed for 2026-27 at this stage. LaRavia is one of those guys.
Instead of that fact giving him security, his $6 million owed should actually make him a trade candidate for any business the Lakers are doing. Los Angeles may not be actively pursuing an opportunity to push him out the door like Vanderbilt or Knecht. However, if the opportunity arises for an upgrade, no one should be surprised to see Los Angeles take it.
Add us as a preferred source on Google