Lakers Eyeing $100M Frontcourt Upgrade in Tari Eason

Houston Rockets forward emerges as key Lakers offseason target amid LeBron James' uncertain future

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly targeting Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason as a potential $100 million offseason addition to upgrade their frontcourt. With projected $51 million in cap space this summer, the Lakers are positioned to make significant roster moves, especially if LeBron James departs in free agency. Eason, a 24-year-old restricted free agent, has enjoyed a breakout season in Houston and could be a long-term fit alongside Luka Doncic and potentially Austin Reaves.

Why it matters

The Lakers are looking to reshape their roster this offseason, with LeBron James' future in Los Angeles uncertain. Targeting a young, versatile player like Tari Eason could be a key part of their plan to build a competitive team for the long-term, especially if James leaves. Eason's combination of perimeter shooting, defensive versatility, and athletic ability make him an attractive target for the Lakers as they aim to upgrade their frontcourt.

The details

The Lakers are projected to have around $51 million in cap space this offseason, even accounting for Austin Reaves' free agent hold. This financial flexibility could increase substantially if LeBron James departs in free agency. The Lakers have identified Rockets forward Tari Eason as a key target, with the 24-year-old emerging as one of the league's most efficient perimeter shooters this season. Eason is set to enter restricted free agency, and the Rockets previously offered him a deal in excess of $100 million, though they failed to reach an agreement on a rookie extension. The Lakers would likely need to make a significant financial commitment to pry Eason away from Houston.

  • The Lakers are projected to have around $51 million in cap space this offseason.
  • Tari Eason is set to enter restricted free agency this summer.

The players

Tari Eason

A 24-year-old forward for the Houston Rockets who has enjoyed a breakout season, averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals while shooting an outstanding 46% from three-point range.

LeBron James

The superstar forward for the Los Angeles Lakers whose future with the team is uncertain as he approaches free agency.

Austin Reaves

A young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who is expected to return to the team as a restricted free agent this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“The Lakers have also privately discussed restricted free agents Tari Eason and Peyton Watson, sources told ESPN, and could land the latter if Denver, which already has $215 million in salary committed to returning players for next season, doesn't match the offer sheet.”

— Dave McMenamin, ESPN Insider (ESPN)

What’s next

The Lakers will need to determine if they are willing to make a significant financial commitment to sign Tari Eason away from the Houston Rockets, who can match any offer sheet the Lakers present as a restricted free agent.

The takeaway

The Lakers' pursuit of Tari Eason highlights their desire to reshape their roster this offseason, particularly if LeBron James departs. Eason's combination of perimeter shooting, defensive versatility, and youth make him an attractive long-term fit alongside Luka Doncic and potentially Austin Reaves, but securing his services would likely require a substantial financial investment.