3 things the Lakers need to do to get farther next year

Lakers offseason priorities: 1. Have some continuity on the roster 

The most important thing for the Lakers this offseason is to make sure they have continuity on this roster. This is a team that made the Western Conference Finals. Yes, they got swept by the Nuggets but still, this team isn’t far from winning a title. An offseason where they are able to keep key players on their team may do them a lot of good.

The Lakers should look to keep Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, both of whom are restricted free agents. Reaves was a very efficient ball-handler and creator for the Lakers. Hachimura was an amazing shooter for the Lakers in the postseason. He showcased his offense potential and was a great secondary creator for the Lakers.

The Lakers can offer a max extension of $50 million dollars over four years but they can also match any offer from an opposing team. And it wouldn’t be surprising to see other teams throw a lot of money at Reaves and Hachimura, if for no other reason than to stress the Lakers. According to Jake Fischer, Rui Hachimura played well enough that $15 million per year is probably the floor on his next deal, with Reaves in a similar range.

Still, the Lakers need to get both guys back, whatever it takes.

Check out The Step Back for more news, analysis, opinion and unique basketball coverage. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our daily email newsletter, The Whiteboard.