Lakers’ top priorities heading into the offseason
LOS ANGELES — The Lakers have officially entered the NBA offseason, and the next three to four months will be a determining factor in their success in the 2023–24 NBA season.
So that leads to the question: What are their top priorities heading into the off-season?
The status of LeBron James
The Lakers' highest priority heading into the offseason is LeBron James’ 2023–24 campaign status. After his comments after Game 4’s playoff-ending loss, LeBron was cryptic about where he stands regarding his basketball future.
“I got a lot to think about. Just personally, with me moving forward with the game of basketball, I got a lot to think about,” said LeBron.
Moments after NBA insider Chris Haynes confirmed that LeBron was unsure if he’ll be with the team when the 2023–24 season starts in the fall and that his retirement is under consideration this offseason.
“LeBron has given as much to the game of basketball as anyone that has ever played, and when you do that, you earn a right to decide whether you are going to give more,” said Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka.
For now, we wait to see what LeBron will ultimately decide.
Extend Austin Reaves at all costs!
Austin Reaves’ improvement from his rookie to his sophomore season was one of the biggest improvement jumps in the NBA. And the Lakers are prepared to give him any big money he attracts this offseason.
In 64 games this season, Reaves averaged 13.0 points per game, 3.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 39.8% from three and 52.9% overall.
Reaves played with high effort and determination in the Lakers’ offense in his first appearance in the playoffs, averaging 16.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds.
Reaves holds restricted free-agent status with early-bird rights, allowing the Lakers to match any offer from another team. To retain him, they can extend a contract that equals either 175% of his salary from the previous season or 105% of the average player’s salary for the prior season.
Reaves’ market value has increased since the start of the offseason, and it’s reported that the Lakers are prepared to match any offer, even one that’s rumored to be worth up to $100 million.
Reaves has made it relatively clear that he wants to stay in a Lakers uniform in his exit interview.
“I wanna be here. This feels like home to me,” said Reaves.
AT. ALL. COSTS.
Rui Hachimura
Rui Hachimura expressed that playing for the Lakers has been an incredible experience, describing it as “one of the best times of my life.” As another restricted free agent, the Lakers have a strong desire to keep him if the money is right.
Hachimura joined the team in January after being acquired from the Washington Wizards. The 25-year-old wing made a significant jump in his career, contributing off the bench during their playoff push and playing a vital role in their climb to the Western Conference Finals.
Hachimura averaged 11.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists while shooting 31.9% from three and 48.6% overall from the field in 63 games this season. He played 33 games with the Lakers and 30 games with the Wizards.
In the playoffs, Hachimura had a dynamic impact for the Lakers off the bench, averaging 12.2 points on 48.7% from three and 55.7% overall from the field.
As a restricted free agent, similar to Reaves, Hachimura’s situation allows the Lakers to match any offer made by other teams. Rumors suggest that his market value falls from $15 to $20 million annually. Anything below that $20 million annually would be the best chance for the Lakers to retain him.
D’Angelo Russell
D’Angelo Russell's market value has caused a huge question mark to his worth this offseason based on his Western Conference Finals performance, averaging 6.3 points and 13.3% from three in the series.
The Lakers have bird rights on Russell, meaning they can pay him without worrying about the salary cap. His market value has been rumored to range from $20 million to $30 million annually.
His value is the highest among any free-agent point guards on the market, outside of Kyrie Irving, who has been rumored to have a deal ready with the Dallas Mavericks when free agency starts, and Fred VanVleet.
VanVleet has recently been connected to the Lakers in a possible sign-and-trade, with Russell going to Toronto and VanVleet to L.A., but bringing Russell back could be the best alternative this off-season.
Outside of the inconsistent Nuggets series, Russell gave the Lakers an overall starter-quality effort in the playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors.
Against the Grizzlies, Russell averaged 16.7 points on 37.2% shooting from three and 43.5% overall. In the Warriors series, he averaged 14.7 points on 31% from deep and 45.6% from the floor.
Russell can still bring tremendous value to the Lakers roster, with his ability to get hot from three instantly and his playmaking. In 17 games for the Lakers, Russell averaged 17.4 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds this season while shooting 41.4% from three and 48.4% overall.
Bringing back Russell to a contract at $25 million annually or lower can be helpful, giving them the option to potentially trade him if his inconsistencies continue from the Nuggets series with a now-tradable contract.
