Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka and Head Coach JJ Redick addressed the team's offseason plans following their playoff exit, stating the organization intends to retain LeBron James and Austin Reaves while constructing the roster to complement guard Luka Doncic.
The team's season ended with a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
Offseason Roster Strategy
Pelinka stated that the Lakers will build the roster around Luka Doncic. He described the approach as collaborative, involving ongoing communication with Doncic, but clarified that he is not ceding control to the player.
"The archetype of the roster that we want is going to be retrofitted around Luka and the things he needs," Pelinka said.
Doncic is under contract for three more seasons beginning next year, following a three-year, $165 million extension signed last summer.
LeBron James Status
LeBron James, 41, holds a player option or is eligible for free agency and has not announced his decision regarding next season. Following the team's final loss, James stated he was uncertain about his basketball future.
Pelinka said the Lakers "would love to have LeBron James" and will allow him time to make a decision.
"We want to honor him back...allowing him to spend the time he needs to decide what his next steps are," Pelinka stated.
During the regular season, James adjusted his role following an injury absence. After missing three games due to foot, elbow, and hip injuries, he returned to the lineup and recorded 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists on March 27 against the Chicago Bulls. In that game, James took 13 shots while guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves combined for 51 attempts. Coach Redick stated that James, historically a high-usage player, is willing to make sacrifices for team success and understands the importance of Doncic and Reaves having possession.
James also recorded a triple-double on March 6 against the Miami Heat, with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. That game was his 1,611th career regular-season appearance, tying Robert Parish for the NBA record. James became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double. He averaged 20.4 points over a five-game stretch with 64.6% shooting from the field.
Austin Reaves Contract Situation
Austin Reaves is expected to opt out of his $14.8 million contract and become a free agent. The Lakers can offer him a maximum contract of five years, $241 million.
Pelinka said retaining Reaves is a priority and that Reaves has expressed a desire to remain with the organization.
"He started his journey here as a Laker and has made it very clear to us that he wants his journey to continue as a Laker," Pelinka said.
Injury and Performance Context
Luka Doncic suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain on April 2 against Oklahoma City. He missed the final five regular-season games and the entire playoffs. Austin Reaves suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain on the same date, missing the first-round playoff series before returning for the Western Conference semifinals.
The Lakers finished the regular season as the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. They defeated the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs before being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
Notes on Player Roles and Team Dynamics
The Lakers achieved a 10-2 record when Doncic and Reaves played in James' absence. Coach Redick attributed this to injuries and limited shared court time, and noted that James recognizes the importance of Doncic operating as the team's primary facilitator.
Redick also commended James for his screening efforts, which James indicated were necessary due to the absence of center Jaxson Hayes and forward Maxi Kleber. James highlighted the team's need to build habits, chemistry, and a defined playing style in preparation for the postseason.