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Tari Eason during a game against the Phoenix Suns in February 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers are positioned to make significant roster upgrades this offseason, particularly if LeBron James chooses to depart in free agency.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Los Angeles is projected to have roughly $51 million in cap space this summer, even when accounting for Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million free agent hold.
While Reaves is widely expected to return, the Lakers’ financial flexibility could increase substantially depending on James’ decision.
Should James leave, the Lakers would have the freedom to aggressively reshape the roster and pursue multiple high-impact additions, with several emerging targets already drawing attention from the front office.
Lakers Targeting Tari Eason as Key Offseason Addition
While Denver Nuggets rising star Peyton Watson has been frequently linked to Los Angeles, Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason has also emerged as a prominent name on the Lakers’ radar.
NBA insider Jake Fischer previously identified both players as key targets, and ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reinforced that interest on Tuesday, reporting that Eason remains firmly under consideration as general manager Rob Pelinka evaluates offseason options.
“An unrestricted free agent who has been discussed internally, sources told ESPN, is Andrew Wiggins, but he has a player option with Miami he could exercise. Tobias Harris, Quentin Grimes and Dean Wade are other players who fit that profile,” McMenamin wrote.
“The Lakers have also privately discussed restricted free agents Tari Eason and Peyton Watson, sources told ESPN, and could land the latter if Denver, which already has $215 million in salary committed to returning players for next season, doesn’t match the offer sheet.”
Eason has enjoyed a breakout season in Houston. Through 31 games, he is averaging a career-high 12.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 45.1% from the field and an outstanding 46% from three-point range on 4.8 attempts per contest.
The 6-foot-8 forward has developed into one of the league’s most efficient perimeter shooters, ranking among the NBA’s top performers from beyond the arc this season.
By comparison, the Lakers’ recent addition Luke Kennard currently leads the league at 49.4%.
Lakers Could Test Rockets’ Resolve With Competitive Offer
Eason is in the final year of his four-year, $16.2 million rookie contract and is earning $5.6 million this season. He is set to enter restricted free agency this summer, placing Houston in a position where they can match any offer sheet.
At just 24-years-old, Eason fits the profile of the young, versatile players Pelinka is believed to be prioritizing.
His defensive versatility, athleticism, and rapidly improving offensive game make him an attractive long-term fit, particularly alongside Luka Doncic and, potentially, Reaves.
However, securing his services would likely require a significant financial commitment.
Back in October, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Rockets and Eason had failed to reach agreement on a rookie extension, with Brian Windhorst adding that Houston had offered Eason a deal “in excess of $100 million.”
Whether the Lakers would be willing to make a similar investment remains uncertain, but their projected cap space would allow them to present a competitive offer sheet and potentially force Houston into a difficult decision.
Regardless of the exact path they choose, the Lakers appear well-positioned for a pivotal offseason.
With cap space, draft assets becoming available, and multiple targets already identified, Los Angeles is preparing to make meaningful upgrades to strengthen its long-term foundation.
Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
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