The Lakers have officially secured two new centers! The Heat are aggressively pursuing LeBron James, aiming to form a big four lineup.

Following the Lakers' front office decision to give Austin Reaves a max deal worth $185 million over four years just two days ago, their most critical task ahead is securing new contracts for both LeBron James and Rui Hachimura. The team is attempting to retain James at a discounted rate while simultaneously creating sufficient financial room to attract top talent, essentially trying to have their cake and eat it too.

Salary cap expert Bobby Marks indicated that if James signs a contract worth approximately $25 million annually, the Lakers would have up to $25 million in cap space to sign or trade for players. Subsequently, they could use league rules to exceed the salary cap and sign Reaves, who has already reached a verbal agreement. Additionally, the Lakers would still have a $9.4 million mid-level exception available.

In theory, the Lakers could create a maximum of $47 million in cap space, but that would require them to forgo signing James, Hachimura, and Kinnard.

Of course, the Lakers could also choose not to clear cap space and simply re-sign their existing free agents. This approach would provide more flexibility in trades while still allowing them to use a $15 million mid-level exception.

Former Lakers beat reporter Jovan Buha stated: "If the Lakers approach LeBron with an attitude of 'We’re going to go after restricted free agents or acquire someone via trade first, and then whatever’s left over we’ll give to you,' I can imagine that would be an insult to James. He might say, 'Fine, if you’re only offering me $15 million or something, I might as well go to the Heat, Warriors, or Spurs for that money.'"

"Objectively speaking, staying in Los Angeles means LeBron doesn’t have to move and can earn a higher salary, which makes far more sense than going anywhere else. But if negotiations break down,then obviously the Miami Heat would be one of the top suitors for LeBron."

Heat reporter Ethan J. Skolnick reported today thatthe Heat plan to pursue a reunion with James this summer, aiming to form a big four lineup and exploring the possibility of joining forces again.

CBS reporter Sam Quinn wrote today: "How much the Lakers can pay LeBron largely depends on what they spend on upgrading the center position. A player like Mitchell Robinson would obviously be cheaper than someone like Walker Kessler. At this point, it's still unclear what kind of contract the Lakers can offer LeBron for next season."

Currently, regarding the Lakers' center position, the previous player is expected to stay. According to NBC reporter Kurt Helin,Deandre Ayton is expected to exercise his $8.1 million player option for next season and remain with the Lakers.

Additionally, the Lakers are targeting two other centers and have narrowed their list. It's a two-way choice to see who fits better.

According to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel,the Lakers may offer Mitchell Robinson a long-term contract worth approximately $15.1 million per year, at the level of the mid-level exception.If Robinson is interested in moving to the Western Conference, this would be a reasonable price. Reports indicate that the Brooklyn Nets are also interested, though agents often use the Nets as a leverage tool in leaked rumors because of the Nets' ample cap space.

Furthermore,the Lakers are also interested in Dallas center Daniel Gafford,to reunite him with Luka Doncic. After the Mavericks selected Melvin Johnson in this week's draft, the probability of Gafford being traded has significantly increased.

Robinson might be the odd man out in New York, as Knicks owner James Dolan has indicated he does not want the team to cross the second luxury tax apron. This would require Robinson to take a significant pay cut to stay and avoid exceeding that apron, but such a scenario is unlikely.

Robinson earned nearly $13 million last season and proved his value in the playoffs; he is expected to seek a raise, and at least one team appears willing to meet his demands.

Mitchell Robinson is an interior player the Lakers could use, but his health concerns, particularly his persistent ankle issues, would give other teams pause. This is something the Lakers need to consider.