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League: NBASport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Lakers focus on re-signing Austin Reaves over LeBron James this summer

4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 6:42 AM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

Lakers focus on re-signing Austin Reaves over LeBron James this summer
Summary

The Los Angeles Lakers are prioritizing re-signing Austin Reaves over LeBron James as both enter free agency. Insider Jovan Buha reported that Reaves is seen as a long-term asset alongside Luka Dončić, despite James' impactful performance during the 2026 playoffs. The team's focus on Reaves has sparked a strong reaction within the NBA community, with some viewing it as a slight against James. As the Lakers look to improve their roster following a playoff sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder, whether they can retain both stars remains uncertain.

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Yahoo Sports
Status Watch
  • •LeBron James and Austin Reaves are set to hit free agency.
  • •LA prioritizes Reaves' long-term future alongside Luka Dončić.
  • •James' performance in playoffs raised expectations for a contract offer.
  • •Reaves is projected to command a significant long-term deal.
  • •The Lakers aim to upgrade their roster after the playoff exit.
Latest Updates
  • 6:42 AMYahoo Sports — New report shows how much Lakers will favor Austin Reaves over LeBron James in NBA free agency
  • 4:31 AMYahoo Sports — Lakers’ free agency situation is not good for LeBron James
  • 1:27 AMYahoo Sports — Lakers Prioritizing Re-Signing Austin Reaves Over LeBron James, Says Insider
  • 3:39 AMYahoo Sports — ’Generational Level of Losing Your Mind’ — NBA World Reacts to Lakers ’Prioritizing’ Re-Signing Austin Reaves Over LeBron James
What they're saying
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Multiple players from the Los Angeles Lakers are hitting free agency this summer. Austin Reaves and LeBron James are two of those players but the pair are entering free agency at different stages of their careers. For James, the 2026-27 season could be the final run of his Hall of Fame career. But for Reaves, […] The post Lakers Prioritizing Re-Signing Austin Reaves Over LeBron James, Says Insider appeared first on LA Sports Report.

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The Los Angeles Lakers are facing an offseason of uncertainty, with two members of their Big 3, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, set to hit free agency. While James proved to be the injury-plagued squad’s driving force during the 2026 playoffs, LA insider Jovan Buha reported that the franchise is “prioritizing” Reaves’ long-term future alongside Luka Dončić, with the revelation stirring up the NBA world.

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NBA insider Jovan Buha recently claimed that the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to prioritize Austin Reaves over LeBron James when the two stars negotiate new contracts in free agency. During his latest podcast episode, Buha said that the Lakers…

Related Teams & Leagues
Los Angeles LakersOklahoma City ThunderHouston RocketsPhoenix SunsBoston CelticsNew York KnicksNBABasketball

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