The Lakers may not know what LeBron James plans to do. They seem to have a pretty good idea about Austin Reaves.
Per Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Lakers are expected to re-sign Reaves this offseason after the veteran guard declines his player option and enters unrestricted free agency.
That would hardly qualify as a surprise.
Reaves has become one of the franchise’s most important players, averaging 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists this past season while continuing to strengthen his role alongside Luka Doncic and James.
As for James, the situation remains far less certain.
It appears as if the Lakers are giving the four-time MVP space to determine his next move. James, 41, is headed for unrestricted free agency for the first time since 2018 and has yet to publicly indicate whether he plans to return for another season.
Retirement remains a possibility. So does a return to Los Angeles.
Of course, that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from linking James to teams such as the Cavaliers and Warriors.
Regardless, the Lakers appear content to wait. That’s probably the only realistic approach when it comes to a player who has spent more than two decades doing things on his own timeline.
Meanwhile, the Reaves situation seems much simpler.
The Lakers want him back and all signs point to him staying put.
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