The Los Angeles Lakers have had quite the offseason as they look to build a roster around Luka Dončić and LeBron James. While both superstars are central to their plans, the Lakers appear to be leaning more toward building around Dončić, given his long-term commitment to the franchise — and the fact that he, too, wants to win immediately.
“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.
As the season progresses, Austin Reaves will be a player to watch closely, as he's likely entering the final year of his contract. There’s little doubt that Reaves is poised for a massive payday next summer.
“Reaves will be a free agent. There is zero chance he is picking up his $14.9 million player option, even if he plans to stay with the Lakers. Reaves reportedly wants to be paid in the Tyler Herro range of $30 million a year (and Herro is a good comp in a lot of ways). If Reaves shows this season that he can be a high-level scorer next to Luka Dončić and can step up his game in the playoffs, the Lakers gladly will pay that much to keep him,” wrote NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin.
Still, the Lakers could explore a trade if they’re not fully committed to paying Reaves that kind of money next offseason.
“Reaves is in for a massive pay-day as he enters the third season of a four-year deal with a player-option for the 2026–27 season. He is set to earn a deal with a yearly average in the ballpark of $30 million, but another step in production could help his case for a larger deal,” SI’s Ethen Hutton wrote. “Targeting Murray gives the Lakers a three-point sniper on the wing, ultimately saving money without giving Reaves an extension. Murray also has a team option at the end of the season, giving L.A. a short-term commitment should the offense falter.”
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All in all, this seems like a calculated move for all parties involved. While trading Reaves would sting for the Lakers, losing him for nothing would hurt even more. At the very least, they’d gain some offensive production and much-needed draft capital in return.