Lakers will postpone LeBron James free agency pursuit until major roster concern is addressed
· Yahoo Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers have no choice but to make LeBron James wait while they figure out the biggest flaw on their roster during free agency.
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NBA free agency opens on July 3, and the Lakers are rushing to put the pieces together for a championship-caliber team around Luka Doncic.
The team could have over $50 million in cap space, with Austin Reaves’ contract extension being signed into Bird rights after the Lakers spend that money. But that might leave LeBron out in the cold.
Lakers eyeing a solution at center before re-signing LeBron James
The Lakers are expected to use their cap space to address a long-term solution at starting center before negotiating with LeBron, according to Jake Fischer.
“It really does seem that big men and chasing a pick and roll partner, a lob threat, another anchor at the end of the Lakers’ starting lineup opposite Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves is the Lakers’ top priority. Not signing LeBron,” added Fischer.
The center search has to be a Luka Doncic-led priority. Recent reports have claimed that the Doncic camp has put pressure on the Lakers’ front office regarding fulfilling this requirement to convince Doncic they’re ready to build around him.
Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty ImagesThe franchise has been linked to elite options like Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler, but they might use their space to acquire multiple rotational players across center and the wing positions before prioritizing James’ renewal.
This gives the Lakers the best chance to succeed, and LeBron, if he chooses to return. But this time might change LeBron’s priorities in the face of outside interest.
Lakers might lose LeBron James if they take too long
Former LeBron teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat are expected to show interest in LeBron as the final piece of their contending teams, while the Golden State Warriors are also in the running.
James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists last season and will suit up for a record 24th season in 2026-27.
The Lakers will likely offer LeBron whatever they can under the second apron after filling out their core roster needs, which likely will be more than the $15 million mid-level exception interested contenders could offer, at best.
If the Lakers overspend or fail to reinforce their roster, options like the Cavs or the Heat might become more appealing.
A decision on James’ future likely won’t be announced in the first three days of free agency, but his eventual announcement will keep Lakers fans on the hook.
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