Reeves asks for a big contract, it is unknown whether James will stay in the team next year

The new season has not arrived, and the Lakers will face troubles next year. According to several Lakers reporters, team guard Reeves is likely to refuse to execute the $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season after the end of this season, seeking a new contract with an annual salary of between $30 and $35 million. If Reeves chooses to jump out of the contract, he will become a full free agent and attract the attention of multiple teams, with the Spurs being one of the interested teams.

Reeves' request for renewal did not suddenly appear. This year's offseason, the Lakers provided a four-year, $89.2 million early renewal offer, but Reeves refused. His team has a higher evaluation of its own value and believes that the market value should be close to the maximum salary level. In the summer of 2026, Reeves is the highest eligible to sign a five-year, $246.7 million super maximum salary contract with the Lakers, or reach a four-year, $182.9 million contract with other teams. Last season's performance averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game in the regular season, and his performance average dropped to 41%, with only 32% of three-pointers reflecting his upper limit.

James' stay and leave is another key issue for the Lakers. The Lakers management did not actively offer contract renewal during the offseason, partly because of concerns that age may lead to a decline in form. The team is focusing on the free market in the 2027 offseason (by that time stars such as Jokic, Antetokounmpo, Curry may enter the market). If James chooses to stay in the team, he may need to accept a salary cut (such as the $20-$30 million level) so that the Lakers have room to introduce other players; if he leaves, the Lakers will directly release more than $60 million in salary space to rebuild the lineup around Doncic. The prospects for the renewal of Reeves and James depend on their performance in the new season and how far the Lakers lineup can go. Reeves' goal in maintaining efficient performance in the regular season in the new season is to improve efficiency in the playoffs, especially to get rid of the label of "defensive loopholes". Can James maintain his top-level combat power at an advanced age, otherwise the Lakers may be more inclined to bet on the future. The compatibility issue between Reeves and Doncic has been discussed many times. Doncic needs a defensive backcourt partner to make up for the defensive shortcomings, and Reeves' athletic ability and defensive shortcomings are exactly the shortcomings. Reeves will also be part of Lakers General Manager Pelinka's next plan. If an early renewal cannot be reached, Mingxia may lose him in vain. Some voices suggest that the Lakers consider trading Reeves, especially when the value is at a high point. On the other hand, James' stay and leave will affect the team's short-term championship plan and long-term reconstruction direction. The offseason is about to end, but Pelinka's work is far from over. The Lakers are expected to start the new season with this new lineup, and watch while playing. The trading deadline is expected to be a node, and the plan for next year's offseason will be finalized after that. The Lakers' possible future strategies include James' salary cut and staying with the team, using the remaining space to sign a pro-star player; or using the free space to pursue the stars after James leaves.

Doncic's arrival enhances the team's commercial value and immediate combat power, reducing its absolute dependence on James' influence. As for what Pelinka will do in the end, let's wait and see.