Lakers Give LeBron James Space While Hoping for His Return
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Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said the organization wants LeBron James back next season but will not pressure the 41-year-old star to make a quick decision about his future.
“We want to honor him,” Pelinka told reporters, according to ESPN. “That starts with allowing him to figure out what he wants to do.”
James said after the team’s second-round playoff exit that he would “recalibrate” with his family before deciding on his next move. Pelinka confirmed the franchise is prepared to wait. “Of course any team would want LeBron on the roster,” he added.
Focus on Austin Reaves
The Lakers are also prioritizing guard Austin Reaves, who is expected to decline his player option and enter free agency. Pelinka said team officials have already informed Reaves’s representatives of their desire to keep him, and the 24-year-old has indicated he wants to stay in Los Angeles. “Austin’s made it clear he wants to be here. We want to work something out,” Pelinka noted.
Late-Season Blueprint
Pelinka pointed to the club’s 16-2 run from late February through March as evidence of how the roster should be shaped going forward. He said the stretch offers a “strong data point” for adding more shooting, defense and clearly defined roles—pieces he suggested would complement Luka Doncic.
While the front office maps out the offseason, the Lakers’ most significant decision still rests with James, who has yet to reveal whether he will return for a 22nd NBA season.
Source: Hoops Wire
