LeBron James, Austin Reaves top Lakers’ offseason wish list
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EL SEGUNDO, Calif., May 12, 2026 — Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said Tuesday the organization is prepared to welcome LeBron James back for a 24th NBA season and intends to keep guard Austin Reaves when both players hit unrestricted free agency this summer.
“The thing we want to do more than anything else is honor him back,” Pelinka told reporters during the club’s annual exit interviews, praising James for his commitment to the franchise since arriving in 2018. James, 41, said after Monday’s 115-110 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder that he will “recalibrate” with family before deciding whether to continue playing.
Pelinka stressed the Lakers will give the four-time MVP as much time as needed. “Does he want to play another year in the NBA? That’ll be decided through family time and his inner circle,” he said.
Reaves also a priority
Reaves, the longest-tenured Laker after James, averaged career highs of 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.1 steals this season. Pelinka called re-signing the 28-year-old guard “abundantly” important. “We want his odyssey to continue to unfold in the purple and gold,” he said.
First-year head coach JJ Redick, seated beside Pelinka, echoed the sentiment. “We want that core to be back together,” Redick said, referring to James, Reaves and All-NBA guard Luka Doncic. Pelinka likened the trio to having “three quarterbacks,” noting the luxury and challenges that come with multiple playmakers.
Roster, facility and front-office plans
Beyond James and Reaves, the Lakers must address free agents Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes. Redick listed a deeper bench and improved defense—Los Angeles ranked 20th in regular-season defensive rating—as top goals after a 53-win campaign that ended in a second-round sweep.
Pelinka said the franchise will leverage resources from its new ownership group, led by Los Angeles Dodgers chairman Mark Walter, to overhaul the UCLA Health Training Center. Upgrades include biomechanics, movement and recovery labs, along with a refurbished court.
In the front office, Pelinka plans to add two assistant general managers—one focused on scouting and player development, the other on salary-cap strategy, analytics and data. Interviews have begun, but no hires have been finalized.
Source: ESPN
