Choice between two? Lakers insider: Reaves' contract priority surpasses James' — this is an undeniable fact

On June 1, Beijing time, Lakers reporter Buha indicated that the franchise would give priority to retaining Austin Reaves rather than LeBron James when deciding whom to re-sign.

"If forced to choose between a five-year, $40 million annual contract for Reaves and a one-year, $40 million deal for James, Los Angeles would opt for the multi-year commitment. For the current Lakers, Reaves' renewal priority is higher than James' — that is an undisputed reality."

James will become a free agent this summer. The four-time NBA champion has spent several seasons with the Lakers, and many assume he will finish his career in Los Angeles. However, that outcome is far from certain. James can pick his next team. Yet it remains unclear which franchises will genuinely enter the bidding war. At nearly 42 years old, if he refuses a veteran minimum contract, his viable options will shrink significantly. Windhorst previously noted on a show that the Lakers must take the initiative to present a concrete proposal to James.

"From what I understand, James' camp wants the Lakers to be straightforward: 'LeBron, here is our plan for you and this is the contract offer we are making.' If the offer is below the max, they should explain why: 'We will use the remaining cap space to sign these players, and you will fit a specific role within this lineup.'"

It is not surprising that James wants the Lakers to provide a detailed roadmap before he makes a decision. Overall, Los Angeles remains the most likely destination for him. But if it comes down to a choice between him and Reaves, the Lakers are expected to prefer keeping Reaves.

In the 2025-26 season, Reaves played 51 regular-season games, averaging 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists; in 6 playoff games, he averaged 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. James appeared in 60 regular-season games, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists; in 10 playoff games, he averaged 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists.