The Lakers have a retention question behind their offseason chase.
Dave McMenamin reported for ESPN that Los Angeles is interested in keeping Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard. Both also want to return. Rui Hachimura is less certain, with McMenamin describing him as "the biggest unknown."
Several league sources told ESPN they believe Hachimura could be the odd man out and may need to explore the market to find the deal he wants. That is still market framing, not a final roster decision.
The fit question is easy to see. Smart gives the Lakers defense in the backcourt. Kennard gives them shooting. Hachimura gives them size and scoring, but his next contract could be harder to fit if Los Angeles is also trying to answer its biggest need.
That need is at center. The Reddit summary of McMenamin's piece noted that Luka Doncic's "first and foremost desire is an A-list center." The Lakers have done due diligence on restricted free agents Walker Kessler, Jalen Duren, Peyton Watson and Tari Eason.
Doncic is fully healthy and in regular contact with the Lakers. A source close to him told ESPN that Doncic wants to be on a championship team right away, adding that the franchise has been pointing to the "summer of '26" since the trade.
Austin Reaves' decision will not come down only to money, according to ESPN. LeBron James is expected around the league to return, and the report says he "rocks with Luka."
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