The Lakers are heading into their first offseason under new ownership, and with Mark Walter running the show, “all bets are off” as to what the franchise’s plans will be for F LeBron James, according to Bill Plaschke of the L.A. TIMES. James is a free agent this summer. Even if he does not retire, the Lakers should “not offer him” a contract. James “probably wants to stay with the Lakers because his home is here, he’s been raising his family here, and his billion-dollar businesses are based here.” Team President of Basketball Operations & GM Rob Pelinka “seemed to make it clear” the Lakers want him back last offseason. If Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss were still in charge, James “would probably already have a gazillion-dollar contract and part ownership.” The Lakers should do “what has made the Dodgers great” and “listen to the mantra of co-owner Stan Kasten when he constantly talks about ‘sustained success.’” Saying goodbye to James is “not a move for next year, but for the next five years.” After they give G Austin Reaves the max $241M contract, having James off the books will “give them much more flexibility and maneuverability to creatively craft for the future and achieve that ‘sustained success.’” If the Lakers “really want to build around” G Luka Doncic, they cannot “do it at a job site still dominated by” James, the NBA’s “most venerable cornerstone” (L.A. TIMES, 5/11).
A KING’S GAMBIT: After the Lakers’ season-ending Game 4 loss on Monday night, James said, “With my future, I don’t know, honestly.” He added, “I don’t know what the future holds for me. ... As it stands right now, tonight, I got a lot of time. ... When the time comes, then obviously you guys will know what I’ve decided to do.” In L.A., Broderick Turner cites sources as saying that Reaves is “expected to opt out” of his deal that will pay him $14.8M and become a free agent. The Lakers can “pay Reaves a maximum deal” of $241M over five years, with a starting salary of about $41.5M next season. Turner notes the Lakers “value Reaves” and are “expected to meet his demands.” Reaves “could sign with another team that has salary-cap space,” but that deal would “be for four years and about” $178M (L.A. TIMES, 5/12).
