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The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a critical offseason with the NBA Draft approaching and free agency set to begin in July. As the organization prepares to build around Luka Doncic , questions have emerged about whether the franchise star is actively recruiting fellow free agents LeBron James and Austin Reaves to return.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Doncic has remained in contact with both players since the season ended. However, those conversations reportedly have not involved recruiting efforts.
The Lakers' core remains one of the biggest storylines of the offseason, particularly with James and Reaves both facing important contract decisions.
Before the offseason began, Doncic publicly expressed support for keeping the group together.
"We had a great team, we had great chemistry, and obviously playing with AR and Bron, it's an unbelievable experience," Doncic said during his exit interview. "They are two great players, and it was really fun to share the court with them."
McMenamin reported that a source close to Doncic said the six-time All-Star has continued communicating with James and Reaves but has not pressured either player regarding their futures.
Instead, many of those conversations have centered around a shared hobby.
"A source close to Doncic told ESPN that Doncic has kept in touch with James and Reaves since the season ended but hasn't pitched either player on returning to L.A.," McMenamin reported.
"Most of their conversations, the source said, revolve around golf, as Doncic took up the sport in February and has bonded with his fellow links-obsessed teammates over it."
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While Doncic may not be actively recruiting teammates, he reportedly has high expectations for the Lakers' front office as it navigates the summer.
McMenamin reported that Los Angeles has kept Doncic informed regarding its plans ahead of the draft and free agency. The expectation is that the Lakers will quickly assemble a roster capable of competing for a championship .
"Luka wants to be a championship team yesterday," a source close to Doncic told ESPN.
"Ever since the trade, they've always told us: 'summer of '26. We'll show you in the summer of '26.' So, we are so excited that the summer of '26 is here."
The Lakers' urgency is understandable after their season ended in the Western Conference semifinals. Despite flashes of promise from the Doncic-James-Reaves trio, the team ultimately fell short against the Oklahoma City Thunder .
There appears to be little concern about James' willingness to continue playing alongside Doncic if he returns for a 24th NBA season.
"LeBron rocks with Luka," a source close to James told ESPN.
As draft week and free agency approach, the Lakers' offseason strategy will be closely scrutinized. While Doncic may not be personally recruiting James and Reaves, the franchise centerpiece is clearly expecting meaningful moves that position Los Angeles to contend immediately.
Whether that includes retaining both stars remains one of the biggest questions facing the organization this summer.
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