The Los Angeles Lakers face uncertainty in free agency after Austin Reaves took over as one of the franchise’s two stars from LeBron James. Things changed with the Luka Doncic trade. Number 77 became their alpha, and everything revolves around his timeline. The Lakers have had two stars for decades. LeBron was one of them for his first seven years in LA, but Reaves has knocked him out of that coveted spot.
The Lakers face an offseason of uncertainty. Reaves and James will be unrestricted free agents. It is AR that is in line for max contract negotiations. The purple and gold will pay handsomely to keep Reaves. Every dollar matters in the second apron era, but stars have leverage. It will be fascinating to see the final numbers and how those details impact LeBron.
James wants to stay with the Lakers, but he must take a significant pay cut to do so. For the first time in his career, LeBron doesn’t have the leverage. Los Angeles can offer more than any other team. His return is still the most likely scenario, but things have changed.
Austin Reaves has bumped LeBron James for being a Lakers star
Lakers duos are synonymous with the franchise’s success. From Jerry West and Wilt to Magic and Kareem to Kobe and Shaq to LeBron and AD, they’ve always won with two stars leading their charge. Los Angeles takes care of their stars and is always looking to build around them.
Reaves taking LeBron’s place shifts the dynamic. King James is working on a new contract with the Lakers. They can’t pay him $50-plus million at 41 years old. James was elite in the playoffs, but the franchise doesn’t have room. LA must upgrade their roster around Luka, which will force LeBron to take a pay cut or leave.
Reaves will likely get over $200 million from the Lakers this summer. He is expected to earn $40-plus million for years to come. He has a close relationship with Luka, and Doncic wants AR back in Los Angeles. That alone will have the Lakers firmly in the bidding war and the favorites to win.
Reaves and James will both draw interest from other teams. They want to be in Los Angeles, so the Lakers can’t botch these negotiations. Getting both players back in the purple and gold, while upgrading on the margins, is the ideal scenario. Making it happen is easier said than done.
LeBron was comfortable being the number three option in March as the Lakers got red hot. They looked like a serious title contender and could again in the 2026-27 season. If James wants another ring, he should stick with Luka and the Lakers.
There will be pain. James would be forced to take millions of dollars less than he’s accustom to if he wants to return behind Doncic and Reaves. LBJ would be forced to play a lesser role, which is ideal at his age.
Austin Reaves has stolen the Los Angeles Lakers’ second star perks from LeBron James. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer has become a role player. Doncic and Reaves are the alpha’s. The Lakers want to build a championship roster around those two.
LeBron only factors in if he’s willing to sacrifice for the team. Everyone will soon find out if the GOAT does it. That is the price of playing with two prime stars.
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