Lakers Set to Lose Beloved Star After LeBron Retires in Surprise Report

Nov 27, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA;  Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks over in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

The Lakers have major decisions to make regarding their organization future once LeBron James eventually calls it quits to retire.

Based on a new report from an insider, it sounds like Los Angeles is bracing for another player to leave the team once LeBron does.

26-year-old shooting guard Austin Reaves can opt out of his four-year contract following next year. He’s become a budding star and would have a healthy market should he decide to test the waters.

According to insider Jovan Buha, that’s become more likely than not to happen.

Lakers Reportedly Bracing for Austin Reaves to Leave When LeBron James Does

“I would say it’s close to 50-50,” Buha said in his podcast, Buha’s Block, when discussing the chance of Reaves leaving. “I would lean probably 55 percent (he does) not (stay) because he can opt out after next season and I think he’s going to have a competitive market.”

His current contract is one of the league’s most team-friendly deals. He only carries cap hits of around $13 million, a steal for the Lakers. Thus, it makes sense that Reaves could want to earn a significantly larger payday after opting out.

On the season, Reaves is averaging 17.1 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game on 44.8% shooting from the field and 37.1% from beyond the arc. He’s established himself as a big-game player who has increased his scoring average every year of his career.

Landing him as an undrafted free agent was incredible work by the team. Now, it’ll be on them to ensure they don’t let Reaves walk for nothing.

“(Reaves’ future is) depending on…the Lakers potentially going in a different direction or having some difficult decisions to make if LeBron retires,” Buha continues. “If LeBron retires all of a sudden, you have to decide what you want to do with AD, how you’re going to find that star to play with him.”

That could mean a total rebuild and not committing major money to a guy who probably won’t be your first or second-best player. Nonetheless, Reaves deserves to stay in Los Angeles if he wants to continue his career there.

This is an ideal role player. If the Lakers aren’t careful, they could lose two stars in one short offseason.

Related Posts

BREAKING: No blockbuster, no desperation. The Lakers’ most realistic trade package for Keon Ellis has been revealed, signaling a measured approach instead of an all-in gamble. Now the question is whether it’s enough.

Kings Open to Moving Keon Ellis as Lakers Seek Versatility for Playoff Push Sacramento Kings management understands that they are unlikely to receive a premium draft haul…

Breaking!! The Lakers are predicted to move an $18M misfit and a former first-round pick in a bold trade proposal. In return, Los Angeles would land a highly coveted $5M asset from the Kings, signaling a clear shift from sunk cost to fit and flexibility. The imbalance in salary only makes the potential move more intriguing.

Lakers Target Keon Ellis as Trade Deadline Nears, Eyeing Win-Now Move for LeBron James The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves firmly in the thick of the Western…

Labor Day (2013) –🚨 OMBSHELL STRANGER IN DISTRESS — depressed single mom Adele and her son Henry pick up a wounded, fearsome man, only to uncover his dark story as police hunt him down. What begins as a simple act of kindness spirals into suspense, danger, and impossible choices..ll 👇👇👇

Labor Day, released in 2013, is a poignant drama film directed by Jason Reitman and based on the novel of the same name by Joyce Maynard. The story unfolds over the course of a Labor Day weekend, centering around a reclusive single mother, Adele, and her son, Henry.

BAY AREA BREAKDOWN: Warriors crush the Bulls in a statement win that exposes a shocking trend hiding beneath the box score, raising brutal questions about who’s rising and who’s falling apart. One thing’s crystal clear—this shift could reshape the entire season..ll

A shorthanded Warriors squad dominated the Bulls on the road, revealing a surprising trend that could shape their season.

How to Watch Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves — Live from San Francisco on December 13, 2025..ll

Fans won’t want to miss the showdown at Chase Center as the Golden State Warriors host the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 13, 2025. With both teams battling…

Warriors vs. Timberwolves in San Francisco — Form, Head-to-Head & Key Storylines Ahead of Dec. 13, 2025..ll

Warriors vs. Timberwolves in San Francisco — Form, Head-to-Head & Key Storylines Ahead of Dec. 13, 2025 On December 13, 2025, Chase Center will heat up as…