The Los Angeles Lakers made a big move in free agency this week, but it didn’t involve LeBron James. Following another standout season as one of the team’s best offensive players, the Lakers handed Austin Reaves a huge contract to keep him in L.A. for the next four seasons. That was one shoe that had to drop for the Lakers this offseason.
Next, in an ideal world, would be James. Soon to be an impending free agent, the 41-year-old still hasn’t fully made up his mind on whether he wants to continue playing or not – and no one knows if that would be with the Lakers or somewhere else. The Lakers have said they want him back, but it seems like the team is moving on with their offseason plan while they wait.
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Los Angeles Lakers put LeBron James’ contract on backburner, look for big man in the meantime
On Friday, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Lakers’ priority right now isn’t getting James under contract. Instead, they’re focused on acquiring a frontcourt player to mesh with Reaves and Luka Doncic. According to Fischer, James’ contract is “taking a back seat for now”.
The Lakers currently have center Deandre Ayton on the roster, with one year left on his contract if he opts in for the upcoming 206-27 season before the June 29 deadline.
If the team looks at external options, Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler make a lot of sense. Both would likely have to be sign-and-trade moves, since they are restricted free agents.