The Los Angeles Lakers have had quite the summer trying to keep everyone satisfied. At one point, speculation swirled that LeBron James might request a trade due to frustrations over the organization not aligning with his win-now mentality. James is firmly in championship mode, but he reportedly feels the Lakers are focused more on the future — particularly around Luka Dončić.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship," James’ agent Rich Paul told ESPN. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
Despite the long-term vision surrounding Dončić, the young star is actually aligned with James’ desire to win now. He’s made it clear to Lakers leadership that he’s not interested in a slow rebuild.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
The Lakers still need to explore the trade market for another key piece to become a true threat this upcoming season. Beyond that, they’ll soon have to deal with another important decision — Austin Reaves’ future with the team.
“Reaves will be a free agent. There is zero chance he is picking up his $14.9 million player option, even if he plans to stay with the Lakers. Reaves reportedly wants to be paid in the Tyler Herro range of $30 million a year (and Herro is a good comp in a lot of ways). If Reaves shows this season that he can be a high-level scorer next to Luka Dončić and can step up his game in the playoffs, the Lakers gladly will pay that much to keep him,” wrote NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin.
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Reaves and the Lakers have been connected since the beginning. After going undrafted, Los Angeles gave him an opportunity when no one else would. Seeing Reaves in another jersey just doesn’t feel right. Although he has already declined an extension, the Lakers remain hopeful he’ll accept the next offer they put on the table.