LeBron James, Lakers, Timberwolves
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Lakers forward LeBron James looks back during a time out during the second half against the Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
The Los Angeles Lakers are heading towards what could be a pivotal offseason, one that may bring one of the most significant roster shakeups in recent franchise history.
With several key contracts approaching expiration, most notably LeBron James, the Lakers could open up roughly $51 million in cap space if the superstar departs, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
That projection also factors in Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million cap hold as he prepares to enter unrestricted free agency.
Lakers Building Momentum Despite LeBron James Absence
The Lakers are currently riding a three-game winning streak with James sidelined due to injury.
Los Angeles has gone 13-8 this season in games without James, while the pairing of Luka Doncic and Reaves has produced an impressive 10-2 record when the 41-year-old has been absent.
Those results have sparked increased debate around the team’s direction, with some observers suggesting the Lakers have developed a strong rhythm without the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in the lineup.
Many analysts and fans have begun urging the franchise to prepare for a post-James era this summer.
FanSided’s Christopher Kline believes the Lakers could better balance the roster if the veteran superstar departs.
“The disconnect between James and the Lakers front office has grown exponentially since last season, however, and it’s clear L.A. is ready to build around Dončić as its new centerpiece, which means bumping James and his ego down the priority list,” Kline wrote.
“The Lakers can balance their roster by letting James walk and replacing him, ideally, with a collective of 3-and-D wings who can play with physicality and capitalize on Dončić’s frequent setups. Not only will James’ departure free up significant money, but it leaves more oxygen in the offense for Reaves.”
Kline also noted that while the Lakers could attempt to bring James back on a more team-friendly deal, but that outcome appears unlikely from the veteran’s perspective.
If James were to depart, a third stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers has been widely speculated, with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin previously reporting that Cleveland would be open to such a possibility.
Los Angeles Evaluating Wing Options for Potential Roster Reset
Kline has also encouraged the Lakers to explore several wing options as possible replacements for James, including Kelly Oubre Jr. and Tari Eason.
Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson has frequently been linked to Los Angeles as well, while Eason has emerged as another name drawing interest from the organization.
NBA insider Jake Fischer previously identified both players as potential targets, and McMenamin has echoed that sentiment, reporting that the two remain firmly on the radar as general manager Rob Pelinka assesses offseason possibilities.
“An unrestricted free agent who has been discussed internally, sources told ESPN, is Andrew Wiggins, but he has a player option with Miami he could exercise. Tobias Harris, Quentin Grimes and Dean Wade are other players who fit that profile,” McMenamin wrote.
“The Lakers have also privately discussed restricted free agents Tari Eason and Peyton Watson, sources told ESPN.”
After operating with limited tradable assets at the deadline, the Lakers are expected to regain significant flexibility this summer.
Three first-round picks in 2026, 2031 and 2033 are projected to become available for potential deals.
That additional draft capital could significantly strengthen the team’s leverage in trade negotiations.
While a potential “all-out” pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to headline the offseason agenda, the Lakers are also likely to explore a variety of roster upgrades should that blockbuster opportunity fail to materialize.
With cap space, valuable draft assets and several strategic paths available, Los Angeles appears poised to examine multiple avenues as it looks to shape the next phase of the franchise, potentially without James leading the way.