Three directions the Lakers could take this offseason

With recent reports that Austin Reaves is expected to seek a max contract in free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a crossroads heading into next season. The organization's final decision regarding Reaves and LeBron James could not only have a significant impact on its championship outlook but also on Luka Doncic's long-term future in Los Angeles.  

Here are three different ways the Lakers could proceed:

Bringing back Austin Reaves and LeBron James

The Lakers showed flashes of potential in March, going 15-2 before Doncic and Reaves went down with injuries just before the playoffs. That stretch may be enough to convince the front office to give this core another chance.

However, doing so will be costly. It has been reported that James has no desire to take a veteran's minimum contract, and a potential max deal for Reaves could further complicate matters. Paying both players the amount they are seeking would significantly limit the Lakers' flexibility in free agency, forcing them to get creative to surround their star trio with quality role players. 

This approach runs a high risk. The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs have both built young, talented rosters and appear well-positioned to contend in the Western Conference for the foreseeable future. Given the limited sample size the Los Angeles trio had together on the court this season, the front office will need to be fully bought into the idea that they can stay healthy and replicate the success they showed in March. 

Moving on from LeBron James

James is one of the greatest players in NBA history, and allowing a player of his caliber to walk would not be an easy decision. However, the Lakers should consider how they will move forward with Doncic as their franchise centerpiece. With James out of the picture, the Lakers would feature two stars who aren't known for their defensive prowess. 

Despite losing  James, the move creates more financial flexibility for the Lakers to pursue role players such as Lu Dort, Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones or Peyton Watson to help fill in the gaps. 

Under the right circumstances, the Lakers could get a player in return for James rather than lose him for nothing. If James were to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, a potential sign-and-trade could bring Jarrett Allen to Los Angeles and help address the team's need for rim protection.

Moving on from Austin Reaves and LeBron James

While this scenario remains unlikely unless Reaves decides that he wants to leave the Lakers or they are unwilling to meet his asking price, it would offer the organization the most financial freedom. Starting from scratch would allow the Lakers to design a roster specifically tailored to Doncic. 

An argument can be made that the emergence of the Spurs and the Thunder may warrant the Lakers performing a roster overhaul to match up better against them. That approach comes with its own risks, as developing chemistry and establishing a new identity could take time.

A player of Doncic’s caliber is expected to consistently contend for a title. If the organization doesn’t meet expectations and capitalize on Doncic’s prime years, it may create some tension regarding his long-term future with the franchise.