When analysts talk about the future of the Los Angeles Lakers, the name that tends to dominate the conversation is Luka Doncic. Ever since last season’s blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks, fans and insiders alike have been waiting for the Lakers to transition from LeBron’s team to Luka’s.
If the franchise wants a real shot at a title, it needs to be Luka’s team as soon as possible. That being said, the future of the Lakers does not rest solely on the shoulders of Doncic.
Austin Reaves has been building a reputation across the league as a real threat at both ends of the court and someone who should be taken seriously. The undrafted star has spent four seasons under LeBron’s learning tree and will likely prove to be a strong second to Luka.
Both the Lakers and Reaves are aware of this fact and know how big a part he will play in the franchise’s search for their next championship. That also means Reaves knows his value, both to the Lakers and to other teams in the league. When the time comes to 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 currently on a four-year contract worth almost $54 million, which he signed in 2023. There is a player option in 2026-27. Reaves is likely to decline that option in favor of getting a big money contract from the Lakers or potentially exploring the waters of free agency.
And those waters will treat him very well if he makes that choice. The now 27-year-old is expected to look for a contract worth $30 million a year. That’s a reasonable price for a strong second choice who can fit into almost any team structure.
There’s no doubt that Austin will earn his keep. In just under 35 minutes per game last season, he averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. That’s on top of strong shooting from inside and outside the arc.
It’s also important to keep in mind that Reaves is still young and hasn’t hit his prime, yet. How he progesses in the next couple of seasons will be telling as to how the rest of his career will look. For now, it’s hard to argue the stability he has brought to the team, not to mention how well he has played alongside LeBron James. As the Luka era begins in earnest, the same will likely be true.
The Lakers’ Austin Reaves decision is coming soon
When the 2025-26 season wraps up, Reaves will be able to exercise his option and potentially explore greener pastures. If the Lakers are serious about keeping him, which they should be, that means the conversation about a new contract has to start as soon as possible.
Leaving it until the last minute will open the door for any franchise looking for a young, versatile guard. The reality is that the LeBron era for the Lakers has been difficult. The bubble championship and winning the inaugural NBA Cup have been the sole bright spots.
Otherwise, it’s been a lot of early post-season exits, if they make the playoffs at all. For the Luka era to play out better, he needs a strong team around him. That starts with Austin Reaves and the negotiating advantage of Bird Rights.
Bird Rights apply to someone who has played for three consecutive seasons for the same team without leaving via free agency. This allows a team to re-sign their own free agents to longer contracts with higher annual salary increases and salary cap exemptions.
Unless things are dire, there is no financial reason not to give Reaves the money he wants to keep him.
