{"id":159818,"date":"2026-03-05T06:37:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T06:37:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=159818"},"modified":"2026-03-05T06:37:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T06:37:02","slug":"update-the-los-angeles-lakers-might-already-be-planning-for-life-after-lebron-james-reports-suggest-the-team-is-targeting-a-sharpshooting-big-man-who-could-stretch-the-floor-and-fit-the-next-era-of","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=159818","title":{"rendered":"Update: The Los Angeles Lakers might already be planning for life after LeBron James. Reports suggest the team is targeting a sharpshooting big man who could stretch the floor and fit the next era of the franchise. If this move happens, it could quietly shape what the Lakers look like once the LeBron era finally ends. \ud83d\udc40\ud83c\udfc0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"flex flex-col text-sm pb-25\">\n<article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-turn-id=\"request-WEB:b74a6a5c-8c48-40eb-a36a-2d0830c9087e-1\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-4\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"ef3f745c-579e-4a0d-9133-2518559e6cd2\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"117\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"117\">Los Angeles Lakers Projected to Draft Chris Cenac Jr. With No. 21 Pick in 2026 NBA Draft as Post-LeBron Era Looms<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"117\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/2b2d44f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2558x1343+286+791\/resize\/1200x630!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F78%2F8e6907874ef29b40d96188914509%2Flakers-warriors-basketball-56757.jpg\" alt=\"LeBron James explains why Lakers can't make three-pointers - Los Angeles  Times\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"117\">The <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Los Angeles Lakers<\/span><\/span> could be preparing for a major transition in the franchise\u2019s future. According to projections for the <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">2026 NBA Draft<\/span><\/span>, the Lakers are expected to select <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Chris Cenac Jr.<\/span><\/span>, a promising big man from the <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Houston Cougars men&#8217;s basketball<\/span><\/span> program, with the <strong data-start=\"460\" data-end=\"483\">No. 21 overall pick<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"486\" data-end=\"743\">The potential selection could also symbolize the start of a new chapter for the Lakers organization, as the upcoming offseason may mark the team\u2019s <strong data-start=\"633\" data-end=\"698\">first without superstar <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">LeBron James<\/span><\/span><\/strong> after more than half a decade of leadership.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"745\" data-end=\"1071\">NBA draft analyst <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Jonathan Wasserman<\/span><\/span> of <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Bleacher Report<\/span><\/span> believes Cenac Jr. would be an ideal addition for head coach <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">JJ Redick<\/span><\/span>\u2019s system thanks to his shooting ability, size, and versatility \u2014 three qualities the Lakers could desperately need moving forward.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1073\" data-end=\"1076\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1078\" data-end=\"1130\">Why Chris Cenac Jr. Fits the Lakers\u2019 Future Plans<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1132\" data-end=\"1315\">Chris Cenac Jr. has steadily built momentum during the 2025\u201326 college basketball season. His development as a scorer and shooter has caught the attention of scouts across the league.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1317\" data-end=\"1412\">According to Wasserman, the young big man experienced a strong surge in form early in the year.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1414\" data-end=\"1544\">\u201cJanuary was a strong month for Chris Cenac, and the confident shotmaking has carried into February,\u201d the draft analyst explained.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1546\" data-end=\"1713\">While Cenac\u2019s statistics may fluctuate throughout the season due to the depth of Houston\u2019s roster and his role as a freshman, his <strong data-start=\"1676\" data-end=\"1712\">skill set continues to stand out<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1715\" data-end=\"1799\">Wasserman highlighted several key traits that make Cenac an intriguing NBA prospect:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1978\">\n<li data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1853\">\n<p data-start=\"1803\" data-end=\"1853\"><strong data-start=\"1803\" data-end=\"1853\">Three-point shooting range for a 6-foot-11 big<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1854\" data-end=\"1887\">\n<p data-start=\"1856\" data-end=\"1887\"><strong data-start=\"1856\" data-end=\"1887\">Strong rebounding instincts<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1888\" data-end=\"1931\">\n<p data-start=\"1890\" data-end=\"1931\"><strong data-start=\"1890\" data-end=\"1931\">Athleticism when finishing at the rim<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1932\" data-end=\"1978\">\n<p data-start=\"1934\" data-end=\"1978\"><strong data-start=\"1934\" data-end=\"1978\">Ability to stretch the floor offensively<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1980\" data-end=\"2148\">These attributes align well with the modern NBA style, where big men are increasingly expected to shoot from the perimeter and contribute in multiple areas of the game.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2150\" data-end=\"2310\">For the Lakers, adding a player with Cenac\u2019s versatility could help solve one of their biggest long-term roster issues \u2014 <strong data-start=\"2271\" data-end=\"2309\">floor spacing and frontcourt depth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2312\" data-end=\"2315\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2317\" data-end=\"2364\">Lakers Looking to Improve Shooting and Depth<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wgno.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/12\/69365597c69e16.03529005.jpeg?strip=1\" alt=\"LeBron James' vintage performance leaves Philly crowd in awe | WGNO\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2366\" data-end=\"2452\">The Lakers have struggled to find consistent value from recent first-round selections.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2454\" data-end=\"2740\">In 2024, Los Angeles selected <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Dalton Knecht<\/span><\/span> with the <strong data-start=\"2531\" data-end=\"2552\">17th overall pick<\/strong>, and in 2023 they chose <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Jalen Hood\u2011Schifino<\/span><\/span> at the same position. Unfortunately, neither player has developed into a long-term difference-maker for the franchise so far.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2742\" data-end=\"2857\">The team did not own a first-round selection in the 2025 draft, making the upcoming 2026 draft even more important.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2859\" data-end=\"2962\">Meanwhile, the Lakers could lose several key rotation players in free agency this offseason, including:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2964\" data-end=\"3095\">\n<li data-start=\"2964\" data-end=\"3007\">\n<p data-start=\"2966\" data-end=\"3007\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Rui Hachimura<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3008\" data-end=\"3051\">\n<p data-start=\"3010\" data-end=\"3051\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Maxi Kleber<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3052\" data-end=\"3095\">\n<p data-start=\"3054\" data-end=\"3095\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Luke Kennard<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3097\" data-end=\"3193\">If those players depart, Los Angeles will need to rebuild its wing depth and perimeter shooting.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3195\" data-end=\"3287\">That is why analysts believe Cenac\u2019s archetype could translate well into the Lakers\u2019 lineup.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3289\" data-end=\"3439\">\u201cAssuming he continues to build on his shooting over the next few years, his archetype seems very translatable to a supporting role,\u201d Wasserman wrote.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3441\" data-end=\"3601\">A <strong data-start=\"3443\" data-end=\"3464\">6&#8217;11&#8221; stretch big<\/strong> who can rebound, run the floor, and knock down open shots could become a valuable complementary piece next to the Lakers\u2019 existing core.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3603\" data-end=\"3606\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3608\" data-end=\"3661\">Rumors Grow About LeBron James Leaving Los Angeles<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3663\" data-end=\"3778\">Adding further intrigue to the Lakers\u2019 offseason plans is the growing speculation surrounding LeBron James\u2019 future.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3780\" data-end=\"3979\">Many around the league believe the four-time NBA champion could leave Los Angeles to reunite with his original team, the <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Cleveland Cavaliers<\/span><\/span>, for what may be his final NBA season.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3981\" data-end=\"4193\">According to <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Tim MacMahon<\/span><\/span> of <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">ESPN<\/span><\/span>, league insiders are already discussing the possibility of a historic retirement tour if James returns to Cleveland.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4195\" data-end=\"4287\">\u201cI certainly don\u2019t know what he\u2019s going to do,\u201d MacMahon said when discussing James\u2019 future.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4289\" data-end=\"4503\">\u201cI know what the rampant speculation is around the league, and that is this summer there\u2019s going to be a reunion \u2014 potentially a retirement tour for the ages back home again with the Cleveland Cavaliers next year.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4505\" data-end=\"4743\">If that scenario becomes reality, James could join a Cavaliers roster that already features star players such as <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Donovan Mitchell<\/span><\/span>, <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">James Harden<\/span><\/span> and <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Evan Mobley<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4745\" data-end=\"4934\">Such a move would mark a full-circle moment for the NBA legend, who began his career in Cleveland before returning there in 2014 and leading the franchise to its first championship in 2016.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4936\" data-end=\"4939\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4941\" data-end=\"4994\">Donovan Mitchell Responds to LeBron Reunion Rumors<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4996\" data-end=\"5128\">While speculation continues, Donovan Mitchell has made it clear that his focus remains on winning with the current Cavaliers roster.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5130\" data-end=\"5265\">During an interview with <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">SiriusXM NBA Radio<\/span><\/span>, Mitchell addressed the possibility of playing alongside LeBron James.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5267\" data-end=\"5354\">\u201cAs a Bron fan, to be able to be a teammate would obviously be special,\u201d Mitchell said.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5356\" data-end=\"5429\">However, he also emphasized that the situation is outside of his control.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5431\" data-end=\"5652\">\u201cI control what we\u2019ve got here,\u201d Mitchell explained. \u201cThere\u2019s always going to be reports. It\u2019s natural, and it\u2019s going to be a thing. But at the end of the day, my main focus right now is trying to get this championship.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5654\" data-end=\"5724\">Mitchell also acknowledged the massive impact James has on the league.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5726\" data-end=\"5826\">\u201cWhatever happens, it happens. That\u2019s not up to me,\u201d he said. \u201cBut yeah, I mean, it\u2019s LeBron James.\u201d<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5828\" data-end=\"5831\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"5833\" data-end=\"5876\">Lakers Preparing for the Post-LeBron Era<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-120499476,width-1280,height-720,imgsize-61472,resizemode-6,overlay-toi_sw,pt-32,y_pad-40\/photo.jpg\" alt=\"NBA Offseason Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers could bag $97 million Brooklyn  Nets center to support LeBron James and Luka Doncic in Championship push |  NBA News - The Times of India\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5878\" data-end=\"6056\">If James ultimately leaves Los Angeles, the Lakers will officially enter the <strong data-start=\"5955\" data-end=\"5974\">post-LeBron era<\/strong>, something the organization has not experienced since he joined the team in 2018.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6058\" data-end=\"6152\">Fortunately, the franchise could have significant financial flexibility to reshape the roster.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6154\" data-end=\"6396\">According to <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Dave McMenamin<\/span><\/span> of ESPN, the Lakers are projected to have <strong data-start=\"6249\" data-end=\"6294\">more than $50 million in salary-cap space<\/strong> this offseason \u2014 even after potentially re-signing key guard <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Austin Reaves<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6398\" data-end=\"6533\">With that financial freedom, the team could target several impactful players in free agency to strengthen its wing rotation, including:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"6535\" data-end=\"6798\">\n<li data-start=\"6535\" data-end=\"6578\">\n<p data-start=\"6537\" data-end=\"6578\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Andrew Wiggins<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6579\" data-end=\"6622\">\n<p data-start=\"6581\" data-end=\"6622\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Tari Eason<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6623\" data-end=\"6666\">\n<p data-start=\"6625\" data-end=\"6666\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Tobias Harris<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6667\" data-end=\"6710\">\n<p data-start=\"6669\" data-end=\"6710\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Quentin Grimes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6711\" data-end=\"6754\">\n<p data-start=\"6713\" data-end=\"6754\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Dean Wade<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6755\" data-end=\"6798\">\n<p data-start=\"6757\" data-end=\"6798\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Peyton Watson<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"6800\" data-end=\"6933\">Adding talent through both <strong data-start=\"6827\" data-end=\"6860\">free agency and the NBA Draft<\/strong> could help the Lakers remain competitive during their transition period.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6935\" data-end=\"6938\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"6940\" data-end=\"6991\">Importance of the 2026 NBA Draft for Los Angeles<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6993\" data-end=\"7105\">For the Lakers, the 2026 NBA Draft may prove to be one of the most important drafts in recent franchise history.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7107\" data-end=\"7218\">If LeBron James departs, the team will need to rely more heavily on <strong data-start=\"7175\" data-end=\"7217\">young talent and long-term development<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7220\" data-end=\"7274\">Selecting a player like Chris Cenac Jr. could provide:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"7276\" data-end=\"7464\">\n<li data-start=\"7276\" data-end=\"7322\">\n<p data-start=\"7278\" data-end=\"7322\">A modern stretch big with long-term upside<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7323\" data-end=\"7365\">\n<p data-start=\"7325\" data-end=\"7365\">Improved floor spacing for the offense<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7366\" data-end=\"7421\">\n<p data-start=\"7368\" data-end=\"7421\">Rebounding and defensive activity in the frontcourt<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7422\" data-end=\"7464\">\n<p data-start=\"7424\" data-end=\"7464\">A young cornerstone piece for the future<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"7466\" data-end=\"7613\">While rookies rarely transform a team overnight, hitting on a first-round draft pick could significantly accelerate the Lakers\u2019 rebuilding process.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"7615\" data-end=\"7618\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"7620\" data-end=\"7665\">A New Chapter May Be Coming for the Lakers<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"7667\" data-end=\"7758\">The upcoming offseason could bring dramatic changes to the Los Angeles Lakers organization.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7760\" data-end=\"7952\">With rumors surrounding LeBron James\u2019 possible departure, major salary-cap flexibility, and a key first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the franchise is approaching a critical turning point.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7954\" data-end=\"8089\">If the Lakers select Chris Cenac Jr., they may be taking their <strong data-start=\"8017\" data-end=\"8088\">first step toward building the next generation of Lakers basketball<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8091\" data-end=\"8319\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">And as the team prepares for life after one of the greatest players in NBA history, the success of that transition could depend heavily on smart drafting, strong player development, and strategic roster moves in the years ahead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Los Angeles Lakers Projected to Draft Chris Cenac Jr. With No. 21 Pick in 2026 NBA Draft as Post-LeBron Era Looms The Los Angeles Lakers could be&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":159819,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-159818","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Update: The Los Angeles Lakers might already be planning for life after LeBron James. Reports suggest the team is targeting a sharpshooting big man who could stretch the floor and fit the next era of the franchise. If this move happens, it could quietly shape what the Lakers look like once the LeBron era finally ends. \ud83d\udc40\ud83c\udfc0 - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=159818\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Update: The Los Angeles Lakers might already be planning for life after LeBron James. Reports suggest the team is targeting a sharpshooting big man who could stretch the floor and fit the next era of the franchise. 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Reports suggest the team is targeting a sharpshooting big man who could stretch the floor and fit the next era of the franchise. 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