The Los Angeles Lakers are focusing on keeping LeBron James and Austin Reaves as key pieces while building their roster around Luka Dončić for the next NBA season. LeBron James, who turned 41 this season and was named an All-Star, is deciding whether to play his 24th NBA season or retire. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said they want to "honor" James and give him the time he needs to decide his future after completing his eighth season with the team [1].
Pelinka added, "He started his journey here as a Laker and has made it very clear to us that he wants his journey to continue as a Laker. And we feel the same way" [1]. The Lakers plan to be patient while James contemplates the next step, emphasizing that decisions will come after family time and discussions with his inner circle [1].
Austin Reaves, the Lakers’ second-longest tenured player, will become a free agent this summer. The team wants to re-sign him after his career-high 2025-26 season averages of 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game [1]. Lakers coach JJ Redick said, "Of course, we want that core to be back together" referring to Reaves, LeBron, and Dončić [2].
Luka Dončić, 27, remains the centerpiece for the Lakers’ future plans despite suffering a Grade 2 left hamstring injury that caused him to miss some playoff games [2]. The team lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a second-round playoff sweep after falling 115-110 in Game 4 on May 11 [1]. Reaves also missed the first four playoff games due to a Grade 2 left oblique strain [2].
Beyond re-signing key players, the Lakers intend to pursue roster upgrades through trades, free agency, draft picks, and player development. Pelinka said, "The archetype of the roster that we want is going to be retrofitted around Luka and the things he needs. Clearly, he's that leader and that player for the future that we want to build the right way around" [2]. He added, "We have enough tools in our tool chest to build out a team, for sure" [2].
The Lakers’ next moves will depend largely on LeBron James’ decision, expected soon, as the team looks to return stronger after this season’s playoff exit.
