LOS ANGELES – Once again, the Lakers walked off the floor conveying pride in their resilience and frustration with their shortcomings.
The Lakers labored and fought through a 115-110 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series in what became an awfully familiar plot. The Lakers labored through a first-half shooting slump. They fought through a second-half spark.
With Luka Dončic sidelined during the entire postseason with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, the Lakers still provided a respectable effort with their 41-year-old star (LeBron James), their potential All-Star (Austin Reaves) and various role players. With the NBA’s defending champions lacking any major weakness, however, the Thunder still swept their playoff opponent for the second consecutive time.
That left the Lakers entering the offseason nursing two conflicting feelings. They aren’t mutually exclusive, though. Regardless of Dončic’s availability, the Lakers showcased a playoff-caliber roster filled with star power and depth. With and without Dončic, however, the Lakers revealed they lack enough to contend for an NBA title.
So where do the Lakers go from here? The Lakers have a busy offseason with an extensive and complicated to-do list.
Will LeBron James extend his NBA career with the Lakers?
At least the Lakers have clarity that Dončic represents their franchise pillar. The Lakers also expect Dončic to recover fully from his hamstring injury ahead of off-season workouts and training camp. The Lakers hardly have such clarity on James, who will become a free agent July 1 after completing the final year of a $52.6 million deal.
It initially appeared both sides prepared for a respectable exit. The Lakers prioritized building around the 27-year-old Dončic ever since surprisingly acquiring him from the Dallas Mavericks before last season’s trade deadline. The Lakers and James did not agree to an extension last summer. And in an unprecedented 23rd NBA season, James nursed questions about his durability.
An entire season later, the Lakers and James could extend their partnership. James faced more athletic restrictions and longer recovery sessions than he did in his prime. But despite missing the 14 games with sciatica, James still played at an All-Star caliber level. Most importantly, James stayed adaptable with his role. He excelled off-the-ball to accommodate Dončic’s dominant presence and Reaves’ growth. Yet, James retained his value as a scorer, passer and locker room leader. Without Dončic, James elevated his play while still empowering his teammates with quality shot attempts and ball movement.
How will money talk? The Lakers won’t pay James a max contract to ensure financial flexibility, but they recognize he can still impact winning. James remains a box office draw, but his market value seems uncertain. Meanwhile, James feels more settled here with his family and with his son, Bronny, also wearing a purple and gold uniform. But James has never shied away from changing teams, especially if the move helps him with another NBA championship.
Therefore, can both sides find a fair compromise? Here’s a safe bet that both sides will have a respectful and candid discussion. But a renewed partnership depends on how well the Lakers upgrade their roster and how much they can save for James.
Expect Reaves to be part of the Lakers’ future, but at what cost?
The Lakers want to stay sensible financially with James beyond uncertainty with Father Time’s touch. The Lakers also want to save money for Reaves, who is expected to decline his $14.9 million player option to become an unrestricted free agency.
The Lakers have not wavered on the 27-year-old Reaves after seeing him evolve the last four seasons from an undrafted guard into an All-Star caliber player. They may stay deliberate on their investment, though.
Reaves has excelled as a scorer and ball handler. Reaves meshes well with Dončic both with their playing styles and their personalities. Reaves competed in the Lakers’ last six playoff games after staying sidelined for almost a month with a Grade 2 strained left oblique. Nonetheless, Reaves appeared limited in the playoffs for a third consecutive year. Reaves has improved defensively both with his effort and execution, but he has not become a premier wing stopper. And Reaves has given mixed signals on whether he can consistently handle a No. 2 role.
Because of those fluid variables, the Lakers may not offer Reaves a max contract. It wouldn’t be surprising, though, if they secure Reaves to a multi-year deal that pays him in the $30 million per season range. As much as the Lakers may want to maximize their roster flexibility, it seems more practical for the Lakers to retain Reaves. That way, the Lakers can foster his ongoing growth and package him in a future deal if needed.
Can Lakers secure Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Another reason for the Lakers to stay prudent: they want to become a realistic player in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. With ESPN reporting that the Bucks will entertain offers leading into the NBA Draft, Antetokounmpo will draw plenty of suitors. But can the Lakers become a viable option with their draft capital and potential financial flexibility?
They have three first-round picks (2026, 2031, 2033) and three pick swaps (2028, 2030, 2034). With James, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, Luke Kennard and Maxi Kleber slated to become unrestricted free agents, the Lakers could have around $50 million in cap space assuming that Deandre Ayton ($8.1 million) and Marcus Smart ($5.4 million) exercise their player option. The Lakers could dangle Reaves as part of a sign-and-trade, too.
The Lakers also face some potential obstacles. Reaves may not agree to such an arrangement. As enticing as Antetokounmpo is, the Lakers could become vulnerable if they allow all of their pending free agents to leave without any reinforcements in place. Still, the Lakers have maintained they are ready to make win-now moves for the right player.
What will the Lakers do elsewhere?
The Lakers granted JJ Redick an extension after only one season as head coach because of his competitive intensity, adaptability and credibility as a former NBA player. Redick further impressed the Lakers front office in his second season for his improved preparation and rotations. Implicitly, though, the Lakers are also mindful that Redick elevated flawed rosters.
As much as Redick earned more appreciation for his coaching chops, it also revealed the Lakers don’t have enough depth around Dončic. They may still want to retain James, Reaves and other rotation players at the right price. But the Lakers don’t plan to simply keep the same core roster.
Ayton offered moments as a dominant two-way big on a team-friendly contract amid his hopes to rescuciate his career. He also frustrated the Lakers with his fluid effort and decision-making in the regular season and the playoffs. The Lakers also lack a definitive wing that can shoot and defend consistently. The Lakers improved their outside shooting by acquiring Kennard before the trade deadline. They like Hachimura’s two-way potential. And they valued Smart’s defensive toughness and leadership. The Lakers still need to address those areas, though.
In the moment, however, the Lakers still struggled to process the finality of a season that revealed an uncomfortable truth. The Lakers’ resilience, team work and adaptability couldn’t overcome injuries and roster shortcomings.
