The Los Angeles Lakers are 5-2 to start the season. When he’s been healthy, Luka Doncic has been the best player on the team, if not the world. However, the Lakers’ early success is thanks to Austin Reaves.
When LeBron James and Doncic sat, Reaves kept the Lakers afloat at 2-1. He has played excellent basketball both as a supporting player and as a sole star. So far, he is averaging 31. points and 9.3 assists per game.
Reaves is expected to decline his player option next summer and enter free agency. In theory, he could sign with any team in the league. Other franchises can offer a bigger, more attractive role, although after his hot start, the Lakers are expected to keep him.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 13: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena on January 13, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers to Prioritize Austin Reaves
As soon as the Lakers traded for Doncic last February, prioritizing building around him has been an instant priority. Both James and Reaves have played excellent basketball alongside Doncic, although it’s no secret that James is nearing the end of his career.
With LeBron off the books next summer (or at least returning at a massively reduced rate), the Lakers can focus on Reaves. Between Jalen Brunson and Kyrie Irving, Doncic has a track record of excelling with another high-level guard in the backcourt.
Between his loyalty to both Doncic and the Lakers, Reaves seems to be an ideal long-term fit.
“He looks great next to Luka, he looks great without Luka,” said NBA insider Marc Stein on the November 2nd episode of the All NBA Podcast. “You see the two of them, they’re getting along so well. There truly is already a friendship blossoming there. And so the Lakers, obviously, they would love to see this continue.”
As Reaves continues to break out, the money he can command next summer will only grow. Even with bargaining power for a higher salary, there is little concern that he will seriously entertain other offers.
Austin Reaves Is Loyal to the Los Angeles Lakers
Reaves was expected to be drafted in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, although he called off Detroit, instead opting to sign as an undrafted free agent with the Lakers.
Reaves quickly became a key part of the Lakers’ young core, eventually emerging as a star. Both franchise and player feel attached to one another, which should make his upcoming free agency a breeze.
“There is no sense at this point that Austin Reaves is looking anywhere else,” Stein added. “I think if we had Austin Reaves on this show and got candid answers from him about his future, I think he would say that he wants to be in Laker land.”
Reaves and Doncic share the same timeline and have found success with a variety of different frontcourt players. They’re an easy pair to build around, and keeping both in town should boost the Lakers for the long-term future.
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