The Los Angeles Lakers have some interesting decisions ahead this offseason after a disappointing early exit from the playoffs. They lost in five games in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves, exposing some major weaknesses in their roster construction.
They need to make some large changes this offseason, including the addition of a center and some more defensive depth. Those will be the decisions that get the most attention in the offseason. But the Lakers and general manager Rob Pelinka have to make some choices regarding players on the roster and under contract for next season.
The Lakers have six players that are extension-eligible, each at their own amounts and on their own dates. Below, we break down all of the extension decisions that need to be made this offseason and whether or not a deal seems likely.
Lakers Players Eligible For Extensions
Luka Doncic
By far the biggest extension talks the Lakers are going to have this summer are with their new cornerstone in Doncic. L.A. acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in one of the most shocking trades in NBA history just before the trade deadline, resetting the franchise for years to come with one of the best players in the world at just 26 years old.
His commitment to the Lakers long-term has been oft-discussed, and on Aug. 2 he becomes extension-eligible.
It’s unclear if he would sign a full four-year, $228 million max deal, or if he’ll do a three-year version to hit free agency at 10 seasons. But all indications seem to be pointing towards a deal this summer, and the Lakers will be willing to offer him whatever contract he wants.
Austin Reaves
Reaves took the leap from high-level role player to a legitimate third star in 2024-25. He struggled in the playoffs, in part due to a foot injury, but no one can argue his ability and importance to the Lakers moving forward.
He can sign a four-year extension worth $89.2 million starting July 6, but is considered far less likely to do so than Doncic. Reaves can simply play one more year on the four-year, $54 million deal he signed with L.A. in 2023, then decline his player option and hit free agency next summer, when he would be eligible for a full maximum contract.
It remains to be seen if he would actually earn that figure, but his next contract is almost certainly going to be higher than $89.2 million over four years. Should he decline the extension, the Lakers can also weigh if trading him is the best overall option.
Rui Hachimura
Hachimura took a bit of a leap of his own this season, becoming a more consistent 3-point shooter and showing small improvements on the defensive end. He was vital to the Lakers’ game plan as one of the five players in their best and most-used lineup after the Doncic trade.
Hachimura has one year worth $18.3 million left on his contract before hitting unrestricted free agency, but the Lakers — starting July 6 — have the ability to extend him to a deal based on a slight raise of that figure.
At 27 years old, Hachimura may want to wait to hit free agency to potentially secure a larger deal, especially with cap space being more abundant next offseason. But if he wants long-term security now and likes playing for the Lakers, the extension may be an option, if the organization is also interest of course.
Maxi Kleber
The Lakers acquired Kleber alongside Doncic in February’s blockbuster trade, but he was injured and did not make his debut for the team until their last game of the season against the Timberwolves.
Kleber has one year and $11 million remaining on his contract, meaning he can sign an extension based on that. But given that he has played one game and may not serve a huge function on the Lakers moving forward, an extension being offered is highly unlikely.
The Lakers may seek to use Kleber’s contract as a trade piece, or give him some time next season to see how he fits within the roster after the offseason.
Gabe Vincent
After missing most of 2023-24 with an injury and struggling to start the 2024-25 season, Vincent came around and showed the type of impact he can have in the latter part of the year. He has one-year, $11.5 million remaining on his contract.
He is also highly unlikely to get an extension offer, and could also be used as salary in a trade. But his 3-and-D play style quickly became impactful for the Lakers in 2024-25, and keeping him on an expiring deal appears to be the likeliest move.
Dorian Finney-Smith
Finney-Smith was a hugely impactful player for the Lakers after they acquired him from the Brooklyn Nets. And while he is technically extension-eligible until June 30, most of his offseason comes down to his player option worth $15.4 million. He is likeliest to opt out and sign a new contract with the team, but can technically opt in and extend beforehand if that is the route he wants to go.
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