Lakers Aim to Retain Key Free Agents

ESPN reports Lakers have interest in re-signing four of their top players set to hit free agency.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:52am

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The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a pivotal offseason with several key players set to become free agents, including LeBron James. However, according to ESPN, the Lakers are prioritizing re-signing four of their current core players - Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes, Luke Kennard, and Rui Hachimura - rather than pursuing a big-name free agent like Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Why it matters

Retaining these players would allow the Lakers to maintain continuity and build around LeBron James, rather than blowing up the roster. Reaves and Hayes have emerged as important role players, while Kennard and Hachimura provide valuable scoring and shooting off the bench.

The details

The Lakers are projected to have around $50 million in salary cap space this offseason. While they could use that to chase a superstar like Antetokounmpo, the team is reportedly more focused on keeping their current supporting cast together. Reaves will decline his $14.9 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent, but the Lakers hope to re-sign him to a new deal. Kennard, acquired at the trade deadline, has been a solid shooter since joining the team. Hayes has played well in relief of starting center Deandre Ayton, while Hachimura provides scoring punch off the bench.

  • The Lakers' season will end in the coming weeks, at which point their key free agents will hit the open market.

The players

LeBron James

The Lakers' superstar forward and future Hall of Famer, who will also be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Austin Reaves

A Lakers guard who has emerged as a key role player and is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

Jaxson Hayes

A Lakers center who has played well in a reserve role this season.

Luke Kennard

A Lakers guard acquired at the trade deadline, providing valuable scoring and shooting off the bench.

Rui Hachimura

A Lakers forward who has been a solid contributor since being traded to the team mid-season.

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What they’re saying

“The Lakers aren't expected to take that $50 million and give it to another star instead of James. They have interest in re-signing [Austin] Reaves, Jaxson Hayes and Luke Kennard, team sources told ESPN, not to mention Hachimura, if the price is right.”

— Dave McMenamin and Tim Bontemps, ESPN reporters

What’s next

The Lakers will need to negotiate new contracts with their key free agents in the coming months, with the goal of retaining their core supporting cast around LeBron James.

The takeaway

By prioritizing re-signing their own free agents over pursuing a marquee outside addition, the Lakers are signaling a desire to maintain continuity and build around their existing roster, centered around LeBron James. This approach could pay dividends if they can keep their key role players in the fold.