Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka
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Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka during a press conference in June 2024
The Los Angeles Lakers continued their strong stretch without LeBron James on Tuesday night, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Los Angeles secured a 120-106 victory with James sidelined for his third straight game.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves each scored 31 points, with Doncic recording the 89th triple-double of his career.
The Lakers have now gone 13-8 this season without James in the lineup, while the Doncic and Reaves pairing holds an impressive 10-2 record in games the 41-year-old has missed.
Those numbers have intensified scrutiny around James in recent weeks, with some suggesting the team has found a strong rhythm without the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Lakers Facing Pivotal Offseason With LeBron James’ Future Uncertain
The discussion arrives as the Lakers could face significant roster changes this offseason, with James set to enter unrestricted free agency.
Several key contracts are approaching expiration, most notably James. His departure could create roughly $51 million in cap space for Los Angeles, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
That estimate also includes Reaves’ $20.9 million cap hold as he prepares to enter unrestricted free agency.
If James were to depart, the Lakers have already been linked to several wing options as potential replacements.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin has highlighted restricted free agents Peyton Watson and Tari Eason as possible targets, along with long-time Lakers target Andrew Wiggins.
FanSided’s Christopher Kline believes the Lakers should strongly pursue Eason as part of a plan to maximize Doncic’s prime years in Los Angeles.
“The Lakers shouldn’t pinch pennies with Dončić in his prime, and Eason would do a lot of good for this L.A. team,” Kline wrote. “Los Angeles needs to buttress Dončić with high-level defenders who can do enough on offense to stay on the floor in May and June.”
“Eason is on the shortlist of today’s great wing defenders. He would immediately elevate the Lakers’ floor. Eason immediately becomes the third-most important member of these (hypothetical) new-look Lakers.”
Through 42 games this season, Eason is averaging 10.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 43.4% from the field and a career-high 39.8% from three-point range.
Tari Eason’s Profile Could Fit LA’s Long-Term Direction
Eason is currently in the final year of his four-year, $16.2 million rookie contract and is earning $5.6 million this season.
The 24-year-old will enter restricted free agency this summer, giving the Houston Rockets the ability to match any offer sheet he receives.
His age, defensive versatility and improving offensive production align with the type of young, two-way contributors the Lakers are believed to be targeting moving forward.
Eason’s ability to guard multiple positions, create defensive pressure and contribute offensively would make him a natural fit alongside Doncic and, potentially, Reaves if he re-signs.
However, acquiring the Rockets forward would likely require a major financial commitment.
Back in October, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Houston and Eason were unable to reach an agreement on a rookie extension, with Brian Windhorst later adding that the Rockets had offered the forward a deal “in excess of $100 million.”
Whether the Lakers would be willing to make a similar investment remains unclear, but their projected cap space could allow them to present a competitive offer sheet and force Houston into a difficult decision.
With cap flexibility, future draft assets and even a potential pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo looming, the Lakers appear poised to explore multiple avenues as they look to strengthen their roster for the years ahead.