We’re nearing LeBron James’ potential return to the court, as originally scheduled for mid-November, and now everyone is evaluating how he fits into the mix. The Lakers are currently dealing with a shortage of players due to injuries, making James’ return seem more feasible. Meanwhile, Gabe Vincent might also be back around the same time. During the absence of these veterans, Luka Doncic has been putting up 40+ point games and taking breaks. However, it was Austin Reaves who was shouldering the team’s responsibilities.

The idea of Reaves being cut during the offseason to make room for Doncic now feels like a distant fantasy. Reaves is on the brink of a breakout season and is emerging as the best second option when Luka is resting. A former Laker believes this development could pose a challenge for LeBron.

While everyone was speculating what the sciatica could mean for LeBron’s future, Markieff Morris was virtually flashing a marquee banner declaring James is not retiring till 46. He didn’t say how, though.

James could retire at the top of his career or when he has finally declined in the roster hierarchy. Because now Markieff is looking at Austin Reaves’ impressive growth and said on The Morris Code Show, “At this point, you’re not the second option either.” 

His twin, Marcus still wants to believe that Bron is the second option to Doncic. But Markieff was not having it. “No, he’s not the second. 26 and 11, 40, so you’re going to take the ball out of his hands?…That’s the future, right there. When he play next to him averaging 27, so who’s the second option now?”

He just read out the stat line Reaves had against Miami on Sunday: 26 points and 11 rebounds. This season, he’s averaging 31.1 points and has had career-highs when Luka Doncic was not on the floor.

LakeShow is even loving Doncic, Reaves, and Jake LaRavia’s combination lately. AR is bringing unprecedented confidence to fans when the superstars are out of the lineup. Markieff is implying that could spell trouble for Bron.

The Lakers hold the cards over Austin Reaves and LeBron James

Although Austin Reaves is currently the key player, the situation depends on the Lakers’ organization, which has been unpredictable since February 2, 2025. Reaves’ playing time may decrease once LeBron James returns. However, if James takes a more reserved role, Reaves could gain an advantage, potentially leading to a salary increase.

Analysts predict that Reaves could earn an average salary of $30 million if he continues on his current trajectory and remains with the Lakers. If LeBron leaves or retires, the Lakers will have cap space to not only raise his salary but also offer potential bonuses for achieving milestones, such as All-Star selections or other NBA awards.

It might not be in the $240 million ballpark they say Austin Reaves is worth, but it is a definite improvement.

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Unlike Markieff and Marcus, analysts don’t see AR getting the opportunities he deserves to have an All-Star season once LeBron James returns to health.

The only way that’s possible is if Bron was not the first or second option. NBA insider, Jovan Buha said earlier this season, “So, if you have Luka and LeBron as starters, the Lakers probably have to be a top two or three seed to get a third all-star. That’s certainly within the realm of possibility. And right now, that’s how things currently are and are trending. But like if they slip a little bit to fourth or to fifth or to sixth, at least around the time of like the voting, it’s almost, you know, it’s highly unlikely.” 

That contrasts with Markieff Morris, who was LeBron’s teammate from 2020 to 2021. Being inside the organization gives him a different viewpoint, and he said, “He probably should be the third option… because now you chose to as an organisation to go a certain way.” It’s easier to lean into Markieff’s opinion that it’s the Lakers organization that could alter LeBron James and Austin Reaves’ dynamic.

His twin simply couldn’t absorb the fact. But Markieff said the Lakers have already been going in that direction since last year. Their decision might be getting the validation, as Luka and Austin are showing really great chemistry on the court this season. Whether the analysts or former Lakers players are right will become obvious when LeBron James returns.