Lakers news: Mario Chalmers takes a shot at LeBron James, Austin Reaves’ upcoming free agency, Lakers workouts

The Los Angeles Lakers have 10 more games in the 2022-23 season to earn their spot in the NBA Playoffs. Los Angeles is battling in the clustered Western Conference and if they can just get a chance to extend the season then LA will be one of the most dangerous low-seeded teams in the league.

With less than a month remaining in the season, Lakers news is trickling in not just about the current status of the team but for the upcoming offseason as well.

While the players on the court are focusing on making the playoffs, the front office behind the scenes is working hard to ensure that this potential title window can extend into next season as well. Let’s get into our Lakers news roundup.

Lakers news roundup:

• Mario Chalmers — who played with LeBron James on the Miami Heat — recently took a shot at his former teammate. In an interview with Playmaker, Chalmers said that nobody fears playing LeBron: “Nobody fears Bron. Nobody’s like ‘[expletive] I gotta go play against Bron tonight.’ Nobody said that.”
• Austin Reaves had a career performance against the Orlando Magic on Sunday and talks about his upcoming contract have already started. Reaves’ market is expected to be around four years, $50 million, which is the most that the Lakers can offer him as a restricted free agent. Both sides reportedly are interested in a reunion.
• The Lakers worked out centers Tony Bradley and Tristan Thompson this week to potentially fill the open 15th roster spot. One option seems to be far better than the other.
• Lakers insider Jovan Buha said that he expects the team to retain restricted free agent Rui Hachimura this offseason. Buha said he expects the Lakers to offer Hachimura a deal around $10 million, which does leave the door open for another team to come in and pay him more.

NBA news roundup:

• Ja Morant’s eight-game suspension with the Memphis Grizzlies ended as the star point guard returned to the team on Monday night. He did not play against the Dallas Mavericks but is expected to rejoin the rotation soon.
• Domantas Sabonis and Joel Embiid were named the Players of the Week for Week 22. Sabonis averaged 22.8 points, 16.0 rebounds and 10.0 assists per game while Embiid averaged 35.0 points, 12.7 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game.
• Former Laker Josh Hart said that he is hoping to sign a long-term contract with the New York Knicks. Hart was traded to the Knicks at the deadline and reunited with college teammate Jalen Brunson.