Projecting Landing Spots for Lakers' Top Free Agents

The Los Angeles Lakers could look outside the organization for a major addition during the 2024 NBA offseason.

For free agency, though, their focus will shift inward and revolve around talent retention.

Barring a mass exodus of their own free agents, the Lakers won't have much money to spend on external targets, which probably ups their desire to keep their in-house hoopers-for-hire. Will that desire be enough to bring their best free agents back? Let's break out the crystal ball and find out.

LeBron James (Player Option)

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 9: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 9, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

LeBron James holds a $51.4 million player option for next season, per Spotrac. That sounds like a wholly ridiculous amount for someone who will turn 40 years old during the campaign.

And yet, James may leave that money on the table and seek out a new deal anyway. Why? Well, for one thing, as ridiculous as that pay rate sounds, it's even more ridiculous that this aging version of him is still worth that kind of coin. He's having an All-NBA-caliber season (25.5 points, 8.2 assists and 7.2 rebounds) and can still be the best player inside the lines on any given night.

Beyond that, though, a new contract could offer more security than he currently has—and not necessarily in terms of more years.

"Even if he just signs back for one year, the only functional way for LeBron to get a no-trade clause is to sign a new contract," ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective (20:30 mark). "If he extends the contract he's in or picks up that option, extends onto it, he can't get a no-trade clause. And I think for a number of different reasons, LeBron would like, ask for and probably be granted a no-trade clause."

There are different ways in which his free agency could play out, though they all likely involve running it back with the Purple and Gold. The contract particulars of a new deal may not be set in stone, but it sure feels like James' employer is.

Prediction: James declines option and re-signs with the Lakers.

D'Angelo Russell (Player Option)

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 6: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 6, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Timing can be everything for an NBA free agent, and it appears to be on D'Angelo Russell's side.

While there's always a chance he'll pick up his $18.7 million player option, per Spotrac, he has perhaps played well enough to reasonably believe he can beat that number on the open market. Teams in need of an offensive jolt will all take note of what he's done so far: pairing his 18.2 points per game with an efficient 45.7/41.7/82.6 shooting slash while tripling his 2.1 turnovers with 6.3 assists.

And even those numbers may not full capture the kind of year he's having. He has only gotten better as the campaign has gone on. Since the start of January, he's been a nightly contributor of 20.8 points per game and a lights-out 43 percent perimeter shooter.

At this rate, it feels more likely than not he'll opt out of this deal and go searching for a big payday in free agency. The Lakers, who could be focused on higher-profile guards, may not be able to offer as many touches or as much money as he could find elsewhere.

Prediction: Russell declines option and signs with the Orlando Magic.

Taurean Prince (Unrestricted)

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 6: Taurean Prince #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 6, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Last summer, the Lakers made a one-year, $4.5 million investment in Taurean Prince. It has proved to be money very well spent.

The veteran swingman has been an ironman, making 76 appearances and 49 starts. His no-maintenance game doesn't jump off the page, but his 39.3 percent three-point shooting and moderately versatile defense have both been helpful parts of the game plan.

Was he over his skis as a starter? Perhaps, but he can handle a decent chunk of minutes off the bench and fits with almost anyone as a three-and-D swingman.

He has been, frankly, probably too good for the Lakers to keep. He'll have a shot at collecting more money than L.A. can offer.

Prediction: Prince signs with the Indiana Pacers.