The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a season filled with opportunity and players at very different stages of their careers. LeBron James is nearing the end. Luka Dončić is entering his prime. Austin Reaves is playing for a new contract. And Deandre Ayton is out to prove himself. Still, the main goal remains the same: winning basketball games.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
Throughout the season, all eyes will be on James. But if they aren’t, they'll be on Austin Reaves. Reaves is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, but he’s made it clear where he wants to be.
“It's a business at the end of the day. That doesn't mean that I don't wanna be in LA. I wanna be in LA for my whole career. And hopefully we can make that happen,” Reaves told ESPN LA.
Since breaking out at the end of his rookie year, Reaves has become a fan favorite—and a key part of the Lakers’ core. If the front office wants to keep him, it’s going to cost them—likely around $100 million.
“Reaves and his representatives turned down a four-year, nearly $90 million contract extension offer from the Lakers in June, setting himself up to test unrestricted free agency next summer and sign a new deal worth well over $100 million,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote.
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General manager Rob Pelinka is expected to do everything possible to keep Reaves in L.A., and if Reaves truly wants to stay, it shouldn’t be a difficult deal to get done.
If LeBron retires or leaves this summer, keeping Reaves becomes even more critical. Pairing him with Dončić for the long term is a clear priority. And based on his comments, it’s fair to expect that Reaves will be back in purple and gold beyond this season.