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<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">LeBron James is keenly aware of what's being said around him. Need evidence?</p>
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<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">“It’s easier to sell stories and attract attention by claiming, ‘LeBron, the team is better off without him,’” James told reporters after the Lakers' victory against the Miami Heat earlier this month. “Many will tune in to that narrative. I understand that...but they’re completely mistaken.”</p>
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<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">James's remarks cleverly omitted blogs, so let's objectively evaluate his claim.</p>
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<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">The idea that the Lakers might be better off without LeBron has circulated this season, mainly because of some worrying statistics. For example, as noted by Sam Amick from The Athletic, lineups including LeBron, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves had a net rating of minus-4.9 across 238 minutes through February 27 this year.</p>
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<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">Since that point, that same trio has achieved a remarkable net rating of plus-21.1 in 287 minutes.</p>
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<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">Thus, it's evident that the Lakers are not better off without LeBron this season. However, the scenario could be different next season.</p>
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<h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>The Importance of Reaves’ Cap Hold</strong></h2>
<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">Following last year's trade deadline, we discussed why Austin Reaves is critical to the Lakers' future beyond LeBron. In summary, he will enter a unique free-agent situation that could significantly benefit the team.</p>
<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">Reaves is expected to reject his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season, likely signing a max or near-max deal this offseason. However, unlike a typical rookie-scale contract, his contract will impact the Lakers' financial situation differently.</p>
<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">This season, Reaves earns $13.9 million, more than the NBA average. Until he re-signs or joins another team, his cap hold will be 150% of this season's salary, totaling around $20.9 million.</p>
<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">With a projected salary cap of $165 million for the 2026-27 season, a max deal for someone with Reaves’ experience would start at $41.25 million. However, he will count for over $20 million less against the Lakers’ cap at the start of free agency.</p>
<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">The Lakers are expected to utilize their roughly $50 million in cap space—including Reaves’ cap hold—before officially re-signing him since they possess full Bird rights. This allows them to retain him at a max deal, even if they exceed the salary cap.</p>
<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">Similar to what the Philadelphia 76ers did with Tyrese Maxey in the 2024 offseason, Reaves' economical cap hold presents a crucial opportunity for the Lakers. Once he agrees to a new contract, it will become a fixed part of their budget.</p>
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<h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>How Much Would LeBron Reduce His Salary?</strong></h2>
<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">According to Spotrac’s Keith Smith, the Lakers, Bulls, and Nets are the only teams projected to have over $40 million in cap space this offseason, with the Hawks and Pistons possibly operating as over-the-cap teams.</p>
<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">Unless a sign-and-trade occurs, LeBron doesn't have a clear option for receiving a max contract this offseason. The Lakers could provide that, but it may not be the best move.</p>
<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">If Reaves signs a substantial deal, he and Luka will consume over 50% of the Lakers' cap space moving forward. Although the Lakers can still adapt around these two players, this offseason represents their optimal chance to bring in another star or secure medium-range contracts to enhance the roster.</p>
<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">While the free-agent class is thinning due to extensions, several capable starters will still be available. The Lakers could pursue a restricted free agent or seek value among unrestricted options, which could entice players to join alongside Luka and Reaves.</p>
<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">If LeBron is willing to accept the $9.4 million mid-level exception, it won't affect the Lakers' financial strategy. They could use their cap space first, then bring LeBron on board without strain. However, any higher demands would limit their overall cap space.</p>
<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">Should the Lakers succeed in the playoffs this season, they may decide to retain him for a farewell season, potentially sacrificing their long-term plans. Nonetheless, they have been indicating their focus on the Dončić era going forward, making it less likely for them to invest heavily in James again, even considering his talent.</p>
<p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph">Therefore, Lakers fans should cherish these upcoming months with LeBron, as they could be his final ones in a Lakers uniform.</p>
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<p><em><strong>Statistical data is sourced from NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass, and Basketball Reference. Salary information comes from Spotrac and salary cap data from RealGM.</strong></em></p>
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