Lakers’ offseason begins, with all eyes on LeBron

Los Angeles has nine players tied to expiring or option deals, including LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, as thoroughly detailed by ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

The front office has preached “optionality” for a while. This summer is where that gets tested.

They can create significant cap space. Up to roughly $47 million if they move on from most of their own free agents. Even more if Reaves isn’t retained.

That path comes with risk. Many of their best options are already in-house.

Reaves sits at the center of it. He’s expected to decline his player option and hit free agency after a breakout year. The Lakers can use cap space first, then go over the top to re-sign him.

LeBron remains the biggest question. He’s 41 and hasn’t tipped his hand.

“When I know, you guys will know,” he said during the season.

There’s also roster balance. The blueprint next to Doncic is clear. Shooting. Rim protection. Athletic wings. Luke Kennard checks one box. The rest won’t be easy in a thin market.

The Lakers could run it back on short-term deals and stay flexible. Or swing bigger now using cap room and limited draft assets.

Either way, the direction is clear. Build for Luka. Decide how long the present still matters.

And, of course, wait on the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.