League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Injuries

Lakers prioritize Austin Reaves over LeBron James this offseason

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 1, 2026, 5:06 PM

Last updated Jun 1, 2026

Lakers prioritize Austin Reaves over LeBron James this offseason

Summary

The Los Angeles Lakers have set their offseason focus on retaining guard Austin Reaves rather than superstar LeBron James. NBA reporter Jovan Buha highlights that Reaves is more critical to the team's future due to his age and potential market value. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka acknowledged James's contributions, expressing a desire to keep him, but confirmed that Reaves is the priority. This decision aligns with previous reports indicating Reaves's growing significance as a younger core player in L.A.

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Status Watch

•Lakers prioritize retaining Austin Reaves over LeBron James.
•Reaves is younger and has more potential than James.
•Rob Pelinka emphasizes appreciation for James's contributions.
•Reaves is expected to attract significant contract offers.
•The Lakers aim for a balance between current talent and future growth.

Latest Updates

5:06 PMYahoo Sports — Keeping LeBron James isn't Los Angeles Lakers top offseason priority

What they're saying

"
It's going to be an interesting offseason in L.A.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Lakers New Orleans Pelicans Cleveland Cavaliers Dallas Mavericks NBA Basketball

Sources

External links

Yahoo SportsJun 1, 2026, 5:06 PM
Keeping LeBron James isn't Los Angeles Lakers top offseason priority
It's going to be an interesting offseason in L.A.

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