Austin Reaves opens up on Lakers future, explosive start to 2025-26 season

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Austin Reaves opens up on Lakers future, explosive start to 2025-26 season image

When the Los Angeles Lakers signed Austin Reaves as an undrafted free agent, I don't think they could've expected what he would turn into for the franchise.

The former Oklahoma standout has always been a good player, but in 2025-26, he's taken the league by storm. Through eight games this season, Reaves is averaging 30.3 points per game, shooting 48% from the floor, to go along with nine assists.

Reaves' explosion has made him the second banana in Los Angeles, especially in the wake of LeBron James' injury. But is he pricing himself off the Lakers with his shocking jump?

Austin Reaves breaks down Lakers future, declining an extension

Back in June, the Lakers were able to offer Reaves the maximum four-year $89 million extension he was eligible for. Of course, it was declined.

Now, the 27-year-old is eligible to sign a five-year, $241 million deal with Los Angeles, which he will most certainly get if he maintains his current level of play.

"I try not to think about it. Honestly. I've said it a million times. I want to be in L.A. I love it," Reaves told ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

"Even though the other extension was turned down, that doesn't mean that I'm trying to go get a [expletive] gigantic number that don't make sense. I want to be here, I want to win. I want to do everything that can help this organization be better. So I don't try to think about those things."

It remains to be seen if Reaves is pricing himself out of Los Angeles, but at least for the 2025-26 NBA season, the trio of Luka Doncic, Reaves, and James will hope to compete for a championship.

Then, general manager Rob Pelinka will have some tough decisions to make.

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