The next big decision for LA Lakers after LeBron James’ $52.6m opt in concerns teammate’s $90m deal rejection

With both their stars taking more than half of the cap space available, the Lakers are heading toward being a team in the second apron.

While having Doncic and James is great news as both showed glimpses of what they can do together, playing without a supporting cast will not help them go deep into the playoffs.

They also have one big decision to make and that is signing a center for the team.

LA Lakers now need a center after James opt in

The Lakers were one of the best teams to watch in the second half of the season, but in the playoffs they showed their biggest weakness.

It was the center position as Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len were both not reliable options.

After the loss against Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs, JJ Redick spoke about Hayes and the need for improvement there.

Following that, General Manager Rob Pelinka stated that the team would be in the market to buy a center in the offseason and have since been linked to a few names.

However, what has made it difficult is the team’s lack of assets to bring in a good center.

The team will have to negotiate deals around their 2031 first-round pick and the players, who are on expiring deals.

Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber are all players that could be on their way out if a deal has to be struck for a center.

LA Lakers have an Austin Reaves decision

To add to the concerns of the Lakers, their star player Austin Reaves declined a five-year $90 million deal last week, which makes things interesting as an extension next year could help him earn a five-year $246 million deal.

He had a breakout season with the Lakers as he averaged 20.2 PPG and led the Lakers brilliantly when both Doncic and James were not on the floor.

But paying him that kind of money will put the team in a tough spot.

Having three players on a max deal will make things complicated for the team to sign other players on the roster.

Which is why the Lakers might send Reaves as part of a deal to acquire another player, particularly a center.

Veteran player Dorian Finney-Smith has also opted out of his $15.4 million deal, but could work together on a deal with the team.

Ideally a player of Finney-Smith’s abilities would be a great fit and the Lakers would love to have him on the roster.

However, if the priority is a center, they could use his contract to facilitate a better deal for a talented big.

The team rescinded the Mark Williams trade a few months back and although he went to the Phoenix Suns, the Lakers still look for an option to fill the center position.

Walker Kessler, Nicolas Claxton and Al Horford are options the Lakers have been linked with. Any of the three will massively improve the roster.