The mission is clear for the Lakers this summer: Build a team that fits Luka Dončić not just for next season, but ideally two or three seasons beyond that. It won't be an easy task, because while the Lakers will have plenty of potential cap space to play with, they'll also have a ton of roster spots that need filling and not a ton of appealing free agents to spend money on. There are always trades, but while (at least around the Draft) they'll have some picks to offer, they won't have many players to include in trades. It's a tricky siuation for Rob Pelinka to navigate. And oh by the way, there's the LeBron James question as well. Reporting from Dave McMenamin of ESPN on Tuesday indicated the Lakers would welcome him back next season. It was exactly the sort of anodyne, non-committal language you'd expect from a front office looking to avoid headlines. (They don't do LeBron any favors, either.) But in an interview with CNBC, Jeanie Buss seemed to indicate (perhaps accidentally) that the Lakers aren't expecting him to return. So would it even make sense? Is there a scenario in which it actually benefits both sides to have LeBron back next year? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers send mixed signals on LeBron. SEGMENT 2: What do they actually think? SEGMENT 3: Would it even make sense to have him back? Could it work? Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuelUse your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)