Bronny James
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Bronny James scored three points on Tuesday night.
The Los Angeles Lakers are positioning themselves to be one of the most aggressive teams in the league this offseason, with the front office expected to pursue meaningful upgrades across multiple areas of the roster.
Much of that outlook hinges on LeBron James’ future. The 41-year-old is set to enter unrestricted free agency, and his departure would dramatically reshape the Lakers’ financial outlook.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Los Angeles is projected to hold roughly $51 million in cap space this summer even after factoring in Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million free agent hold, giving the franchise a rare level of flexibility to pursue elite talent.
While the Lakers have been linked to restricted free agents such as Peyton Watson and Tari Eason, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin has indicated that the organization is also prepared to think much bigger.
Rather than simply filling gaps, Los Angeles could pursue a marquee star capable of redefining the franchise’s next era.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has consistently emerged as the centerpiece of that long-term vision.
Lakers Identify Giannis Antetokounmpo as Top Offseason Priority
McMenamin has previously reported that Antetokounmpo is viewed internally as the “big prize” this offseason, adding that Los Angeles “would be one of the teams on a very short list if the Bucks star asks for a trade out of Milwaukee.”
That scenario would instantly position the Lakers among the most aggressive suitors for the two-time MVP.
The Athletic’s Sam Amick echoed that outlook, reporting that the Lakers are “planning an all-out pursuit” of Antetokounmpo should he become available.
On Monday, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus outlined several potential roster pathways that could allow Los Angeles to enter the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes.
“However, the Lakers may look to deal their first-round pick, Dalton Knecht, Bronny James (to whatever team his father joins), and possibly Jarred Vanderbilt to maximize flexibility—or even land a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks via trade,” Pincus wrote.
While Reaves is widely expected to remain part of the Lakers’ long-term plans, James’ future remains far less certain amid ongoing retirement speculation and reported tensions behind the scenes.
If he ultimately departs, a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers has frequently been mentioned as a realistic outcome, with McMenamin previously claiming that Cleveland would welcome a reunion.
CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn has also outlined a scenario in which Los Angeles could acquire Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen in a sign-and-trade deal as part of a broader reshaping of the roster.
Lakers Gaining Trade Leverage With Cap Space and Draft Flexibility
Los Angeles’ ability to pursue a transformational addition is expected to strengthen further in the coming months.
After entering the trade deadline with limited tradable assets, the Lakers are projected to control three tradable first-round picks by draft night in 2026, 2031, and 2033, significantly expanding their options.
That added draft capital would give general manager Rob Pelinka greater leverage in negotiations, particularly in discussions involving superstar-level talent.
Reaves could also become a central figure in any blockbuster scenario. He is eligible for a five-year, $241 million extension this summer and, in theory, could be included in a trade as a salary-matching piece. Any such move would require his approval, however.
Several other roster decisions will shape the Lakers’ flexibility. Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Luke Kennard, and Jaxson Hayes are all set to enter unrestricted free agency alongside James, creating further uncertainty around the roster.
Lakers’ Cap Space Could Be Maximized Further
Deandre Ayton holds an $8.1 million player option, Marcus Smart has a $5.3 million player option, and Kobe Bufkin carries a $4.2 million team option.
Each decision will directly impact how much financial flexibility Los Angeles ultimately controls.
“If the Lakers let everyone go, including Austin Reaves, Bronny James, all free agents, and both Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart opt out of their final years, L.A. could reach $80 million in cap room,” Pincus added. “Along with the RMLE, the franchise would have the most spending power in the league.”
Pincus also noted that Ayton’s decision will likely depend on his external market, while one potential cap-maximizing strategy could involve encouraging Smart to opt out before re-signing him using the mid-level exception.
Regardless of whether Antetokounmpo ultimately becomes available, the Lakers appear poised for a pivotal offseason.
If James departs, the franchise will have both the financial flexibility and trade assets to aggressively reshape the roster. If he stays, Los Angeles would remain competitive while preserving flexibility for a major move in the near future.