Austin Reaves, the promising guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, recently shared his aspirations for his future with the team, emphasizing his desire to remain in LA for the long haul. In a candid interview, Reaves stated, “I think the sky’s the limit for us. We’re moving in the right direction. Obviously, adding Luka (Doncic) gives you a Hall of Fame player at such a young age that you can build around. And then obviously, still having Bron (LeBron James), with his basketball IQ, still running around at forty years old, is incredible.”
Reaves expressed his love for Los Angeles, stating, “I want to be in LA. I want to play my whole career in LA. I love it here. I love the fans, the weather, the golf. And obviously, the Lakers are the best organization in basketball.” His commitment to the franchise is evident, even amidst swirling trade rumors. “I don’t pay attention to it. I keep my head down and work, and I feel like that’s one of the reasons I’m where I’m at,” he added.
As the Lakers gear up for the 2026 offseason, Reaves’ contract situation is becoming a focal point. Currently, he is on a team-friendly deal that could significantly impact his free agency options. The maximum extension the Lakers can offer him is four years, worth $89.2 million. This includes a first-year salary of $19.9 million, which is 140% of the average player salary, the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Given the financial landscape, many analysts anticipate that Reaves will opt to bypass signing an extension and enter free agency in 2026. Should he decline the $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season, it would open up more lucrative contract opportunities with the Lakers or potentially other franchises.
Austin’s agent, Aaron Reilly, hinted at an exciting future for his client, stating, “Next year is going to be a show. People really have no idea what’s to come.” He also addressed the ongoing trade rumors that have linked Reaves to various players, asserting that the Lakers are not interested in trading him for anything less than a top-tier big man. The most frequently mentioned names in this context have been Nic Claxton from Brooklyn and Daniel Gafford from Dallas, but the Lakers are holding out for a significant return.
With the Lakers looking to build a championship-caliber team around stars like LeBron James and the newly acquired Luka Doncic, Reaves’ role could become even more pivotal. His ability to contribute on both ends of the court, combined with his strong work ethic and commitment to the franchise, makes him an invaluable asset as the team navigates the complexities of roster construction and salary cap management.
For Lakers fans, Reaves’ statements should come as a relief. His dedication to the organization and desire to grow within it aligns perfectly with the team’s vision for the future. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Reaves and how he navigates his contract situation, alongside the Lakers’ efforts to solidify their roster for another title run.
In summary, Austin Reaves is not just a player to watch; he is a cornerstone of the Lakers’ future. His commitment to the team, love for the city, and aspirations for growth make him a player that fans can rally behind as they look forward to the upcoming seasons. The combination of his talent, work ethic, and the support from the organization sets the stage for an exciting chapter in Lakers history.