When analysts discuss the way forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, the title 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 group to Luka’s.
If the franchise desires an actual shot at a title, it must be Luka’s group as quickly as potential. That being mentioned, the way forward for the Lakers doesn’t relaxation solely on the shoulders of Doncic.
Austin Reaves has been constructing a fame throughout the league as an actual risk at each ends of the courtroom and somebody who ought to be taken critically. The undrafted star has spent 4 seasons beneath LeBron’s studying tree and can possible show to be a powerful second to Luka.
Each the Lakers and Reaves are conscious of this reality and know the way massive a component 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 presently on a four-year contract value virtually $54 million, which he signed in 2023. There’s a participant possibility in 2026-27. Reaves is more likely to decline that possibility in favor of getting a giant 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 anticipated to search for a contract value $30 million a 12 months. That is an inexpensive value for a powerful second selection who can match into virtually any group construction.
There is not any doubt that Austin will earn his preserve. In slightly 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 necessary to remember that Reaves remains to be younger and hasn’t hit his prime, but. How he progesses within the subsequent couple of seasons can be telling as to how the remainder of his profession will look. For now, it is arduous to argue the steadiness he has delivered to the group, 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 resolution is coming quickly
When the 2025-26 season wraps up, Reaves will be capable of train his possibility and probably discover greener pastures. If the Lakers are severe about preserving him, which they need to be, which means the dialog a few new contract has to begin as quickly as potential.
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 successful the inaugural NBA Cup have been the only vibrant spots.
In any other case, it has been loads 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 powerful group round him. That begins with Austin Reaves and the negotiating benefit of Hen Rights.
Hen Rights apply to somebody who has performed for 3 consecutive seasons for a similar group with out leaving through free company. This permits a group to re-sign their very own free brokers to longer contracts with larger annual wage will increase and wage cap exemptions.
Until issues are dire, there isn’t any monetary motive to not give Reaves the cash he desires to maintain him.
