When analysts discuss the way forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, the identify that tends to dominate the dialog is Luka Doncic. Ever since final season’s blockbuster commerce with the Dallas Mavericks, followers and insiders alike have been ready for the Lakers to transition from LeBron’s staff to Luka’s.
If the franchise desires an actual shot at a title, it must be Luka’s staff as quickly as doable. That being stated, the way forward for the Lakers doesn’t relaxation solely on the shoulders of Doncic.
Austin Reaves has been constructing a status throughout the league as an actual risk at each ends of the court docket and somebody who needs to be taken severely. The undrafted star has spent 4 seasons underneath LeBron’s studying tree and can possible show to be a robust second to Luka.
Each the Lakers and Reaves are conscious of this reality and understand how large an element he’ll play within the franchise’s seek for their subsequent championship. That additionally means Reaves is aware of his worth, each to the Lakers and to different groups within the league. When the time involves get his bag, Austin is unlikely to be shy about it, and the Lakers will play ball.
Austin Reaves is a rising star for the Los Angeles Lakers
Reaves is at present on a four-year contract value virtually $54 million, which he signed in 2023. There’s a participant possibility in 2026-27. Reaves is prone to decline that possibility in favor of getting an enormous cash contract from the Lakers or probably exploring the waters of free company.
And people waters will deal with him very effectively if he makes that selection. The now 27-year-old is predicted to search for a contract value $30 million a yr. That is an inexpensive worth for a robust second selection who can match into virtually any staff construction.
There is not any doubt that Austin will earn his maintain. In just below 35 minutes per recreation final season, he averaged 20.2 factors, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. That is on prime of sturdy capturing from inside and outdoors the arc.
It is also vital to remember the fact that Reaves remains to be younger and hasn’t hit his prime, but. How he progesses within the subsequent couple of seasons shall be telling as to how the remainder of his profession will look. For now, it is exhausting to argue the steadiness he has dropped at the staff, to not point out how effectively he has performed alongside LeBron James. Because the Luka period begins in earnest, the identical will possible be true.
The Lakers’ Austin Reaves determination is coming quickly
When the 2025-26 season wraps up, Reaves will be capable to train his possibility and probably discover greener pastures. If the Lakers are critical about conserving him, which they need to be, which means the dialog a couple of new contract has to start out as quickly as doable.
Leaving it till the final minute will open the door for any franchise searching for a younger, versatile guard. The truth is that the LeBron period for the Lakers has been tough. The bubble championship and profitable the inaugural NBA Cup have been the only real vibrant spots.
In any other case, it has been quite a lot of early post-season exits, in the event that they make the playoffs in any respect. For the Luka period to play out higher, he wants a robust staff round him. That begins with Austin Reaves and the negotiating benefit of Fowl Rights.
Fowl Rights apply to somebody who has performed for 3 consecutive seasons for a similar staff with out leaving by way of free company. This enables a staff to re-sign their very own free brokers to longer contracts with increased annual wage will increase and wage cap exemptions.
Except issues are dire, there is no such thing as a monetary motive to not give Reaves the cash he desires to maintain him.
