According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, rival teams are expecting to see the Lakers pursue Lopez when free agency opens. Even if Los Angeles does not sign him, there is a very good chance that he will sign somewhere other than with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he has played the last seven years.

12:15 p.m. ET: Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith is declining his $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season and will enter free agency, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Multiple contending teams are expected to pursue Finney-Smith beginning Monday night, and a Lakers return is possible.

LeBron James will wear purple and gold for at least one more season. ESPN's Shams Charania reported the 21-time All-Star is triggering his $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers.