{"id":164340,"date":"2026-03-15T06:37:45","date_gmt":"2026-03-15T06:37:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=164340"},"modified":"2026-03-15T06:37:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T06:37:45","slug":"%f0%9f%94%a5-a-shocking-shift-in-priorities-the-los-angeles-lakers-are-reportedly-focusing-on-securing-austin-reaves-in-free-agency-potentially-ahead-of-legend-lebron-james","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=164340","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udd25 A shocking shift in priorities. The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly focusing on securing Austin Reaves in free agency\u2014potentially ahead of legend LeBron James."},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Lakers<\/p>\n

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The Los Angeles Lakers<\/span><\/span><\/strong> are heading into one of the most important offseasons in recent franchise history, with major decisions looming around LeBron James<\/span><\/span><\/strong> and rising star Austin Reaves<\/span><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Austin Reaves Could Land a $241 Million Contract<\/h3>\n

According to Dave McMenamin<\/span><\/span><\/strong> of ESPN<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, Reaves is expected to decline his $14.9 million player option<\/strong> and enter unrestricted free agency this summer. If he does, the Lakers will be able to offer him the biggest deal possible\u2014a five-year contract worth up to $241 million<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Because of NBA extension rules, the Lakers currently cannot offer Reaves a deal that matches his full market value before June 30. The likely scenario is that he declines his option, becomes a free agent, and then signs a new max contract with Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

Other teams could attempt to lure him away with a four-year deal worth up to $179 million<\/strong>, but the Lakers have the advantage of offering an additional year and significantly more total money.<\/p>\n

Reaves reportedly already turned down a previous $89 million extension<\/strong>, signaling he intends to pursue a full market-value deal.<\/p>\n

Reaves\u2019 Breakout Season Changed Everything<\/h3>\n

Reaves has elevated his game dramatically this season. Through 40 games, the guard has averaged:<\/p>\n

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    23.9 points<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    4.8 rebounds<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    5.3 assists<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    50% shooting from the field<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Earlier in the year, he even averaged over 30 points per game<\/strong> during a stretch when the Lakers were dealing with injuries.<\/p>\n

    What began as one of the best undrafted signings in recent NBA history has now turned into a potential franchise cornerstone. Since entering the league in 2021, Reaves has evolved from a role player into a legitimate star.<\/p>\n

    Luka Don\u010di\u0107 Already Locked In<\/h3>\n

    \"Lakers<\/p>\n

    The Lakers\u2019 long-term plan appears centered around Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, who has already signed a contract extension with the team.<\/p>\n

    Los Angeles envisions Don\u010di\u0107 and Reaves forming a dynamic offensive backcourt for years to come. The duo\u2019s chemistry has been evident on the court, particularly when they are running the offense together.<\/p>\n

    In fact, advanced lineup data shows that the pairing has been extremely effective.<\/p>\n

    The LeBron James Question<\/h3>\n

    While Reaves appears likely to stay, the future of LeBron James<\/strong> remains uncertain.<\/p>\n

    The 41-year-old superstar will also hit free agency this summer, and rumors have circulated about a possible return to the Cleveland Cavaliers<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, the franchise where he began his legendary career.<\/p>\n

    Interestingly, recent lineup statistics have fueled debate about whether the Lakers are actually more efficient without James on the floor.<\/p>\n

    When Don\u010di\u0107 and Reaves play together without LeBron<\/strong>, the Lakers have posted:<\/p>\n

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      9\u20132 record<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      +16.9 net rating<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      125.7 offensive rating<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      108.8 defensive rating<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      By comparison, when Don\u010di\u0107, Reaves, and James share the court<\/strong>, the team has produced:<\/p>\n

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        +1.5 net rating<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        115.3 offensive rating<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        113.9 defensive rating<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Those numbers have sparked conversations about whether the team might eventually transition to a younger core built around Don\u010di\u0107 and Reaves.<\/p>\n

        Defensive Concerns Still Exist<\/h3>\n

        Despite the impressive offensive production, the Don\u010di\u0107\u2013Reaves backcourt has raised defensive questions. Both players are known more for their scoring and playmaking than lockdown defense.<\/p>\n

        Because of this, the Lakers are expected to target defensive upgrades during the offseason\u2014particularly wings and rim-protecting big men.<\/p>\n

        Some trade rumors have even linked Los Angeles to potential targets like Jaren Jackson Jr.<\/span><\/span><\/strong> of the Memphis Grizzlies<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, a former Defensive Player of the Year who could help anchor the defense.<\/p>\n

        The Lakers\u2019 Future Direction<\/h3>\n

        No matter what happens with LeBron, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Austin Reaves has become a foundational piece of the Lakers\u2019 future<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        From an undrafted rookie to a potential $241 million max player<\/strong>, his rise has been one of the most remarkable stories in the NBA.<\/p>\n

        If the Lakers finalize that contract this summer, they will officially enter a new era\u2014one built around Luka Don\u010di\u0107 and Austin Reaves<\/strong>, with the rest of the roster constructed to support their explosive offensive partnership.<\/p>\n

        And depending on what happens with LeBron James in free agency, the upcoming offseason could reshape the entire future of the Los Angeles Lakers<\/strong>. \ud83c\udfc0\ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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