The Los Angeles Lakers are entering what could be the final year — or final years — of LeBron James’ tenure with the franchise. James is determined to compete at the highest level before stepping away from the game, which means making one more serious run at an NBA championship, no matter what it takes.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” 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.”
Obviously, the Lakers have Luka Dončić, but their success will also depend heavily on Austin Reaves. Reaves is in a contract year, and the Lakers have not been able to agree to an extension with him.
“Reaves and his representatives turned down a four-year, nearly $90 million contract extension offer from the Lakers in June, setting himself up to test unrestricted free agency next summer and sign a new deal worth well over $100 million,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote.
Reaves has made it very clear that he wants to remain in Los Angeles.
“It's a business at the end of the day. That doesn't mean that I don't wanna be in LA. I wanna be in LA for my whole career. And hopefully we can make that happen,” Reaves told ESPN LA.
On Friday, Reaves received his final contract update before the start of the NBA season.
“Reaves has one of the best value contracts in the NBA because of contract extension rules. Players can get only 140% of their current salary in an extension, which means Reaves is up for a deal worth roughly $89 million over four years, per ESPN's Bobby Marks,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst wrote.
Reaves is expected to be a huge part of the Lakers’ long-term success. If James decides to leave, he’s likely to be Dončić’s running mate.
A contract worth under $100 million would be an absolute steal for Los Angeles — but how much he ultimately earns will depend on how he performs throughout this season.