LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers are sixth in the Western Conference with a 35–24 record after snapping a three-game skid. Before their win against Golden State in San Francisco, the founder of The BasketballIndex.com revealed the Lakers’ overachievers and worst performers relative to their contract value. Basketball Index measures value relative to contract through a WAR-based lens. It asks how much production each player generates compared to salary. The numbers reflect pace and project a full season. They factor in current impact and availability. Players can improve these figures by playing more minutes or increasing on-court impact.
New Data Shows Lakers’ Biggest Overachievers And One Alarming LeBron James Problem
Surplus Value Driving Lakers’ Success
At the top end, Austin Reaves stands out as the Lakers’ most valuable contract at +$8.9 million. He produces 25 points, five rebounds, and six assists on elite efficiency. That output far exceeds his $13.9 million salary. Before his left calf injury, he pushed toward All-Star consideration.
Austin Reaves will reject a $14.9 million player option to enter free agency and return to the Lakers on a max deal. If he gets a contract with an average annual value of $40 million, the only real fear with that offer is injury. But Reaves’ durability over the last two seasons, only nine games missed, strengthens the sustainability argument. Right behind him, Marcus Smart (+$7.3M) and Jaxson Hayes (+$7.2M) highlight strong front-office wins for the Lakers. Marcus Smart delivers impact at a non-taxpayer mid-level exception level despite shooting just 32.7% from behind the arc.
Value vs Contract pace for each Lakers rotation player, based on WAR pace & salary:
Highest Outperformance
+$8.9M: Reaves
+$7.3M: Smart
+$7.2M: Hayes
+$6.0M: Luka
+$3.0M: LaRavia
+$0.6M: Ayton
-$1.9M: Vando
-$7.3M: Kennard
-$17.7M: Rui
-$27.3M: LeBron
Worst Underperformance— Cranjis McBasketball (@Tim_NBA) February 28, 2026
Hayes has rebounded from playoff struggles and now contributes positive value. Luka Doncic (+$6.0M) reinforces his MVP-level presence on the Lakers as he still outperforms a near-$50 million salary despite recent defensive scrutiny. It highlights how high the ceiling of the Lakers could be if they build this roster to Luka Doncic’s strengths. Jake LaRavia (+$3.0M) and Deandre Ayton (+$0.6M) round out this Lakers group of overachievers. They provide modest surplus value relative to their deals.
Cost Inefficiencies and Role Misalignment
On the other end, context matters. Jarred Vanderbilt (-$1.9M) sits slightly negative despite minimal scoring. His rebounding, defense, and effort nearly offset offensive limitations. The Lakers coaching personnel under-leverage Jarred Vanderbilt in offensive actions. That limits his overall value. Vanderbilt can provide more value with more on-ball duties to mask his shooting flaws. Also, with movement shooters like Luke Kennard and LaRavia on the Lakers, setting flares and screens for Vanderbilt will open up the floor for the bench.
Luke Kennard (-$7.3M) presents a nuanced case. He shoots 48.8% from three but is graded closer to a $4 million player. His previous role in Atlanta limited his impact. Since joining the Lakers, Luke Kennard’s value has improved. His pace has increased by +$941K. He moves constantly, creates gravity, and finishes efficiently at the rim. Those traits improve spacing and offensive flow. He’s shooting 14-of-17 at the rim as a result.
At the bottom, Rui Hachimura (-$17.7M) and LeBron James (-$27.3M) show the largest gaps on the Lakers. Hachimura shoots 44% from three but struggles with poor role alignment. LeBron still averages 22 points, six rebounds, and seven assists at age 41. However, he no longer matches a $52.6 million salary. His impact aligns closer to a $25 million player. This reflects recalibration, not irrelevance. These numbers remain fluid as roles evolve.
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