If Denver’s 4-0 sweep over the Lakers tells us anything, it’s that the Purple and Gold are still a long way off from capturing another championship. At 38 years old, LeBron James cannot carry a team like he used to, and Anthony Davis’ health continues to be a major question mark as he goes up in age.
This summer, GM Rob Pelinka will have his hands full in deciding which direction he should go, but the latest reports are showing that he does have a preference. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers prefer to hold onto their prized role players, specifically Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves.
“Retaining restricted free agents Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura continues to be regarded as the Lakers’ preferred offseason course,” wrote Stein.
Report: Retaining Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura is still Lakers’ offseason preference https://t.co/6QUOzCZb2n
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) May 28, 2023
The Lakers started the season with Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley in the backcourt before a series of mid-season trades flipped those players into Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley, and D’Angelo Russell, among others. But out of all the players, it was Reaves and Rui who made the biggest leaps by proving themselves in the playoffs.
It makes sense that the Lakers would want to keep those guys moving forward, but it keeping them would limit their options for attracting star power.
Will The Lakers Make A Push For Kyrie Irving?
It’s no secret that the Lakers have been eying Kyrie Irving, and he’s a star who could make a real difference for this Lakers team. Unfortunately, Irving will be seeking the best contract possible as a free agent, which means they are likely to get out-bid by the Mavericks or some other more desperate team.
Interestingly, that may end up being a good development for the Lakers. Even without Irving, they can compete if they continue building up the roster and keep their key contributors.
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