{"id":179577,"date":"2026-03-01T08:52:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T13:52:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=179577"},"modified":"2026-03-01T08:52:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-01T13:52:20","slug":"new-data-shows-lakers-biggest-overachievers-and-one-alarming-27-million-problem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/03\/01\/new-data-shows-lakers-biggest-overachievers-and-one-alarming-27-million-problem\/","title":{"rendered":"New Data Shows Lakers\u2019 Biggest Overachievers And One Alarming $27 Million Problem"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>LOS ANGELES \u2014 The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/lakers\/\" target=\"_self\">Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> are sixth in the Western Conference with a 35\u201324 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&#8217; 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.<\/p>\n<h2>New Data Shows Lakers\u2019 Biggest Overachievers And One Alarming LeBron James Problem<\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Surplus Value Driving Lakers\u2019 Success<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_170627\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-170627\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27428160_168402037_lowres-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Oct 26, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake Laravia (12) high fives guard Austin Reaves (15) after scoring against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" class=\"size-large wp-image-170627\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27428160_168402037_lowres-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27428160_168402037_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27428160_168402037_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27428160_168402037_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27428160_168402037_lowres-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27428160_168402037_lowres-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27428160_168402037_lowres-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-170627\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Oct 26, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake Laravia (12) high fives guard Austin Reaves (15) after scoring against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>At the top end, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/reaveau01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Austin Reaves<\/a> stands out as the Lakers\u2019 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.<\/p>\n<p>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&#8217; durability over the last two seasons, only nine games missed, strengthens the sustainability argument. Right behind him, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/smartma01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Marcus Smart<\/a> (+$7.3M) and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hayesja02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaxson Hayes<\/a> (+$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.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Value vs Contract pace for each Lakers rotation player, based on WAR pace &amp; salary:<\/p>\n<p>Highest Outperformance<br \/>+$8.9M: Reaves<br \/>+$7.3M: Smart<br \/>+$7.2M: Hayes<br \/>+$6.0M: Luka<br \/>+$3.0M: LaRavia<br \/>+$0.6M: Ayton<br \/>-$1.9M: Vando<br \/>-$7.3M: Kennard<br \/>-$17.7M: Rui<br \/>-$27.3M: LeBron<br \/>Worst Underperformance<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Cranjis McBasketball (@Tim_NBA) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Tim_NBA\/status\/2027829018494419311?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">February 28, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Hayes has rebounded from playoff struggles and now contributes positive value. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/doncilu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Luka Doncic<\/a> (+$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&#8217;s strengths. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/laravja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake LaRavia<\/a> (+$3.0M) and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/aytonde01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Deandre Ayton<\/a> (+$0.6M) round out this Lakers group of overachievers. They provide modest surplus value relative to their deals.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Cost Inefficiencies and Role Misalignment<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>On the other end, context matters. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vandeja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jarred Vanderbilt<\/a> (-$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 <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kennalu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Luke Kennard<\/a> and LaRavia on the Lakers, setting flares and screens for Vanderbilt will open up the floor for the bench.<\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;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&#8217;s shooting <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/stats\/player\/1628379\/shots-dash?LastNGames=9&amp;PerMode=Totals\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">14-of-17<\/a> at the rim as a result.<\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 640px;\" class=\"wp-video\"><video class=\"wp-video-shortcode\" id=\"video-179577-1\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" preload=\"metadata\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"video\/mp4\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/c8e73022-73e1-5fcc-d40c-d23789390bba_1280x720-1.mp4?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/c8e73022-73e1-5fcc-d40c-d23789390bba_1280x720-1.mp4\" target=\"_self\">https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/c8e73022-73e1-5fcc-d40c-d23789390bba_1280x720-1.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n<p>At the bottom, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hachiru01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rui Hachimura<\/a> (-$17.7M) and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jamesle01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LeBron James<\/a> (-$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.<\/p>\n<p><label>Credit:<\/label><span><\/span>\u00a9 Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>LOS ANGELES \u2014 The Los Angeles Lakers are sixth in the Western Conference with a 35\u201324 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&#8217; overachievers and worst performers relative to their contract value. Basketball Index measures value relative to contract [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5018,"featured_media":179582,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[62,1608,26,3],"tags":[4556,49497,38,1133,769,428,1749],"class_list":["post-179577","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba","category-basketball","category-lakers","category-news","tag-austin-reaves","tag-jake-laravia","tag-lebron-james","tag-luka-doncic","tag-luke-kennard","tag-marcus-smart","tag-rui-hachimura"],"modified_by":"Frederick Okocha","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/179577","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5018"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=179577"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/179577\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":179585,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/179577\/revisions\/179585"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/179582"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=179577"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=179577"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=179577"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}