LeBron’s Contract Looms Large Over Lakers’ Off-Season Plans
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LOS ANGELES — The Lakers enter the summer awaiting LeBron James’ decision on his next contract, a choice that will shape the franchise’s transition from the James era to the Luka Doncic era, according to The Athletic. Front-office executives are weighing how much the 41-year-old star expects to earn and how that figure will affect other roster moves.
Reporter Dan Woike writes that Los Angeles could use James’ Bird rights before free agency opens on June 30 to secure a deal reflecting his market value while still creating room for additional signings. James proved to be an effective third option behind Doncic and Austin Reaves this season and took over as the team’s leader in the playoffs when Doncic was sidelined by injury. The Lakers also face free-agency decisions on Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart, all considered among the top names in this year’s class.
Hayes Joins Doncic on Slovenian National Team
Center Jaxson Hayes has received Slovenian citizenship and a passport, clearing the way for him to play alongside Doncic for Slovenia, journalist Marc Stein reported. The naturalization process began in October and gives Doncic a familiar lob-target for upcoming international competition.
Warriors Hold Pre-Draft Workout
Golden State evaluated six prospects Monday: Nick Martinelli (Northwestern), Jaylin Sellers (Providence), Devin Askew (Villanova), Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan), Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston) and Chaze Harris (South Alabama). The Warriors control picks No. 11 and 54 in the 2026 draft.
Johnson, ranked No. 14 on ESPN’s big board, told NBC Sports Bay Area he believes his physical, versatile defense and connective playmaking align with the Warriors’ style. Cenac drew interest as a long-term project, and NBC Sports noted the club could explore trading back into the first round if he remains available.
Kings Schedule Wednesday Workout
Sacramento will host Milos Uzan (Houston), Tre Donaldson (Miami), Corey Camper (Nevada), Aaron Nkrumah (Tennessee State), Micah Handlogten (Florida) and Graham Ike (Gonzaga) on Wednesday, the Sacramento Bee reported. Uzan is the highest-ranked among the group, sitting No. 58 on ESPN’s board.
Source: Hoops Rumors
