The Lakers’ playoff run ended abruptly after a 110-115 loss to the Thunder in Game 4 of the conference semifinals, resulting in a sweep and an early exit from the season.
According to a report from The Athletic, Los Angeles is mapping out its offseason roster overhaul with a clear focus: building around Luka Doncic. Team and league sources indicate that maintaining the current core is not a viable option. LeBron James will become an unrestricted free agent, while Austin Reaves is expected to decline his player option. Both players have earned lucrative contracts with their performances, but retaining both could create salary cap issues that hinder the front office’s ability to assemble a more competitive supporting cast around Doncic.
Before Doncic signed his extension with the Lakers, the team made promises to him and his camp that went far beyond “just one good month” or a slow rebuild relying on continuity and internal growth. The plan was — and remains — much grander.
Those commitments include building a locker room filled with “his kind of players” and finding pieces that can replicate — or even surpass — the balanced roster that helped him reach the NBA Finals in 2024 with Dallas, just before the shocking trade that sent him to the Western Conference.
“The Lakers are racing against time now,” one league source said.
Per league sources, these construction targets remain unchanged. The team aims to upgrade at center, finding a true vertical threat who can replicate the skill sets of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II — but with a cleaner injury history. They also desperately seek a certified two-way wing: energetic and athletic on defense, with reliable shooting on offense. At the same time, the Lakers want to secure a secondary playmaker who can complement Doncic for the long haul.
Reaves — who will decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end — is the most logical candidate for that role. The top teams built around Doncic have all featured complementary guards (like Jalen Brunson and Kyrie Irving) who can handle primary playmaking duties for extended stretches while also playing off the ball alongside Doncic.
Of course, excluding Reaves and instead trading for a star would complicate negotiations immensely. The Lakers currently have only three first-round picks, one second-round pick, swap rights, and a handful of young players with high trade value around the league.
All of this hinges on the Lakers reaching a deal with Reaves. While team and league sources believe both sides will ultimately agree to a reasonable contract, Reaves could leave if another team offers a higher bid. Rival executives project that Reaves could command a salary of up to $40 million per year, given his performance, age, and — crucially — the lack of comparable prime-aged players in free agency. Currently, only the Bulls and Nets have enough cap space to absorb such a contract, as they also need backcourt help. Other interested teams, such as the Jazz and Hawks, would need to clear space first. League sources say “winning” will be a major factor in Reaves’ decision.
Over the past two seasons, Reaves has averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. Among players who have appeared in at least 100 games, only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, James Harden, Cade Cunningham, LaMelo Ball, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James have matched those averages. The Lakers’ front office now must weigh how to handle Reaves’ asking price against their grand
