As the contract option deadline approached, the NBA offseason continued to heat up with roster moves and strategic decisions. According to Live Cricket BPL sources, the Los Angeles Lakers have extended qualifying offers to Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves, officially making both players restricted free agents. In truth, retaining both Hachimura and Reaves has never been a secret — it’s a clear top priority for Lakers GM Rob Pelinka this summer. The players have also expressed interest in staying, but rival teams like the Spurs and Rockets are expected to drive up their market value.

Reaves, an undrafted gem discovered by the Lakers, has now completed his second season and is eligible for a new deal. The Lakers hold the right to match any offer sheet, but Live Cricket BPL points out that this will test the front office’s ability to adapt in a competitive market. In addition to the qualifying offers, the Lakers plan to fully guarantee Jarred Vanderbilt’s contract for the upcoming season. Originally, only a small portion of his salary was guaranteed, but salary cap expert Bobby Marks confirmed that his deal is now fully secured — a no-brainer given Vanderbilt’s value when healthy.

These decisions will consume a significant portion of the Lakers’ cap space, making any further roster upgrades more difficult. Should Malik Beasley, Mo Bamba, and D’Angelo Russell all depart, the team could open up more financial flexibility. Still, Live Cricket BPL notes that parting ways with Beasley and Bamba feels like a loss of potential, while Russell may still carry trade value. Pelinka is unlikely to let them go for nothing, but finding suitable trade partners remains a challenge.

Notably, LeBron James has refrained from pushing for any specific signings or trade targets. However, he’s made it clear he wants the Lakers to act with urgency — focusing on championship contention now rather than building for the future. Regardless of what unfolds during the offseason, LeBron is expected to play out the remainder of his contract and maintain his health for the upcoming campaign.

When the world turns its back on you, you’ve still got yourself. With Reaves, Hachimura, and Vanderbilt forming a strong supporting cast around LeBron and Anthony Davis, Live Cricket BPL believes the Lakers are setting the stage for another serious run at the title.