The Los Angeles Lakers entered the offseason expecting difficult decisions, but Austin Reaves’ looming contract situation may be creating an even bigger question: how much room is left for LeBron James?
Speaking on Run It Back on Thursday, NBA insider Sam Amick suggested that Reaves’ pursuit of a maximum contract could have ripple effects that extend all the way to James’ future. Amick said he believes the Lakers’ chances of bringing back both players are “a 6” on a scale of 1-to-10 and raised the possibility of James leaving for the Golden State Warriors if negotiations become complicated.
“If Austin gets paid … then there’s not enough money for LeBron to feel respected, and then I could see him going up the coast to the Warriors,” Amick said.
The comment highlights one of the most delicate balancing acts facing the Lakers. Reaves, 28, is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 51 games while shooting 49.0% from the field and 36.0% from three-point range. His offensive importance increased significantly after Luka Doncic’s arrival, with the pair becoming the primary creators in Los Angeles’ half-court attack.
According to Brad Turner of Spectrum SportsNet, Reaves is eligible for a five-year contract worth as much as $241 million if he remains with the Lakers. Turner also reported that Reaves wants a maximum deal and that his representatives are expected to pursue the strongest financial package available. Rival teams, including the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls, could potentially offer a four-year contract worth approximately $178 million.
Despite that market pressure, league expectations remain that the Lakers will make every effort to retain Reaves. Marc Stein recently reported that Los Angeles is widely expected to keep the guard, even if it requires a creative cap-management strategy. Reaves holds a $14.9 million player option for next season but is expected to decline it and enter unrestricted free agency.
The Lakers could preserve flexibility by delaying Reaves’ official signing while operating with his cap hold and Bird rights. Such a move could reportedly create nearly $50 million in cap space before the team finalizes a new agreement with him.
That flexibility may prove critical as negotiations continue with James.
The 41-year-old remains an unrestricted free agent after completing a two-year, $101 million contract. Although James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds across 60 games during the 2025-26 season, his future has become one of the league’s biggest offseason storylines.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, James and the Lakers have already begun discussing a new contract. Windhorst has repeatedly stated that he expects the partnership to continue, noting that both sides appear motivated to find a deal that provides James with significant compensation while preserving roster-building flexibility.
However, Windhorst also reported that James’ camp wants clarity if the Lakers offer less than a maximum contract. Any reduction in salary would likely need to be tied directly to moves that improve the roster around James, Doncic and Reaves.
That is where Golden State enters the conversation.
Reports have indicated that the Warriors are prepared to offer James their full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, worth roughly $15 million, if he reaches free agency without an agreement in Los Angeles. Golden State would need additional financial maneuvering to create that pathway, but league observers continue to monitor the possibility.
