Although this can seemingly be said every summer, this is a pivotal offseason for Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
James has the most important decision to make. Does he want to remain in Los Angeles to finish his career, or could he return to Cleveland for a potential storybook ending with the Cavaliers or maybe join the Golden State Warriors to team up with another aging all-timer in Stephen Curry?
Luka Dončić Lets the Lakers Know What Kind of Player He Wants Them to Target
There’s also the question of re-signing guard Austin Reaves, who had an outstanding season and will certainly be looking to cash in with a massive deal, provided he does what most expect and declines his $14.9 million player option.
Then, of course, there’s Dončić. The Lakers are committing to building around Dončić, but how?
Dončić is obviously going to have a lot of say now that he is the face of the franchise, and, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, citing a source, Dončić has already revealed just what he wants the Lakers to target this offseason.
Per the source, “Luka’s first and foremost desire is an A-list center.”
There are many big men currently in the Western Conference, specifically San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokić, who has taken home three MVP awards.
“The reasoning goes beyond the obvious need to compete in the Western Conference with stars such as the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama and the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić, two players who finished above Dončić in the MVP vote this season,” McMenamin said.
Dončić believes an athletic center who opens up the floor would be a great addition and really help him.
“A rim-running, lob-catching big man opens so much for Doncic’s already potent offensive game, and someone who can defend at the position too is necessary to contend with the best teams in either conference,” McMenamin said.
That, of course, brings about a whole new set of questions: Will the Lakers move on from big men Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes? Ayton has a player option worth $8.1 million, while Hayes is a free agent. Ayton must make his decision by June 29.
Plus, acquiring a center is much easier said than done: The market for big men could be tough, and the Lakers aren’t exactly flush with assets.
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Shooters are always welcome, and the Lakers may look to bring back a few of their own players.
Aside from James, Reaves, and Hayes, the Lakers are waiting for a decision from Marcus Smart, who has until June 29 to exercise his $5.4 million team option. Luke Kennard, who was dealt to the Lakers at the trade deadline, is a free agent.
Rui Hachimura is also set to become a free agent, as “several league sources told ESPN they believe Hachimura could be the odd man out and that he might need to explore the market to find a desired deal.”
Although Dončić has a specific move he’d like to see made, he loved sharing the court with Reaves and James.
“We had a great team, we had great chemistry, and obviously playing with AR and Bron, it’s an unbelievable experience,” Dončić said. “They are two great players, and it was really fun to share the court with them.”
Once again, the Lakers will be one of the teams to watch during the offseason, and the first move on their end, perhaps involving James, could set the entire offseason in motion.
