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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena on April 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers are going to have several free agents they have to deal with at the end of the season. They only used one expiring contract in a trade at the deadline, and that was the contract of Gabe Vincent. In return, they got Luke Kennard.

Austin Reaves is also a free agent and a key member of the starting five. He is someone that LA would like to bring back and be one of the players they build the future with. Reaves only played 51 games this year, which could help Los Angeles in negotiations.

LeBron James is also a free agent this summer. Rumors have been swirling about his future over the last few months. Despite his age, he is seen as the top free agent on the market.

Lakers’ LeBron James Seen as Top Free Agent This Summer

According to Bleacher Report, James is the top free agent available this season. They speculate that James could decide to play for a team next year that has multiple superstars in order to try to win one final championship before he decides to retire.

“Perhaps James will look to join a star-laden team such as the Golden State Warriors with Steph Curry or the New York Knicks with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.”

James is 41 years old and has played more seasons than any other NBA player in history. Despite that, he still showed that he can be somewhat effective this season. He finished the year averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. All of those are significant drops from a year ago.

It seems unlikely that the Lakers will decide to bring James back for the amount of money that he made this past season. James made $52.6 million this year. No matter where he plays next season, it’s highly unlikely he will make that much money.

Los Angeles Has to Figure Out a new Plan Next Season

There is a high likelihood that James moves on next year. The Lakers will try to retain Reaves, although it’s unclear if they will be able to. Luka Doncic signed a contract extension in the offseason, so he is the future of the franchise. He is the best player on the roster.

This postseason, James will have to turn back the clock in order to help Los Angeles advance in the playoffs. Both Doncic and Reaves are expected to miss at least half of the first round series they will play against the Rockets. That leaves James as the number one option.

If James is able to succeed in helping them advance, he could command even more attention in free agency. He is at the end of his career, and he could still decide to retire. Yet, it doesn’t look like he will be short of suitors once his run in the postseason is over.