The Lakers have an interesting decision on Austin Reaves this off-season, and multiple suitors are willing to pay him. Will the Lakers?
Austin Reaves and LeBron James are viewed as the Los Angeles Lakers’ biggest question marks heading into a critical offseason.
While questions continue surrounding James’ future and possible retirement, and an offseason focused on pieces around Luka Dončić, the Lakers could also soon face a difficult financial decision involving Reaves.
The 27-year-old guard is expected to become one of the most sought-after players in free agency next summer.
According to a recent report from The Athletic’s Dan Woike and Sam Amick, four NBA teams are already being linked to Reaves ahead of his potential free agency. The report specifically named the Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz, and Atlanta Hawks as teams with interest in the five-year guard.
“At present, the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets, who both have needs at the guard position, are the only teams with the sort of salary-cap space available to meet that sort of financial mark,” the report stated.
Two of the more interesting teams that Reaves could go to are the Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks. If the Jazz are willing to pull the trigger, that means they're finally willing to finish their tanking.
“Other teams that are known to have some interest in Reaves — like Utah and Atlanta, per league sources — would need to make roster moves to find the necessary space. League sources say winning will be a significant factor in Reaves’ thinking.”
What He Could Earn
Reaves is expected to decline his player option that would pay him $14 million before the 2026-27 season, putting him in a position to enter unrestricted free agency in what is projected to be a weaker free-agent class.
The deadline for players to decline or accept their player options is June 29.
Because of that, rival executives reportedly believe Reaves could command close to $40 million annually on the open market.
Austin Reaves (15) shoots a game-winning shot over Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) in the second half at Target Center.All-Star Start Derailed
Reaves had an amazing start to the season, averaging 32 points in the first month of the season and 26.9 points in Nov. In that span, Reaves had a game-winning floater in Minnesota (the shot in the photo above) and a 51-point game, the highest outing of his career.
Then the injuries started to pile up, with a calf strain and Grade 2 oblique strain toward the end of the season — derailing what was headed toward what would have been his first All-Star nod.
Because of his injuries, Reaves played in 51 games this season — the lowest amount of his career — where he posted 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists.
Throughout the season, we slowly saw the bromance that blossomed between Reaves and Doncic, and, with no surprise, the report also noted that Dončić strongly wants Reaves to remain with the Lakers long term.
Reaves and Dončić were at one point the highest-scoring duo in the NBA, joining elite Hall of Fame company, until the injuries stopped the backcourt momentum.
League sources stated that Dončić views Reaves as an ideal backcourt fit and would prefer he not be included in potential trade discussions for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Even with that support internally, the Lakers may still face increasing pressure from rival teams prepared to aggressively pursue Reaves if he officially reaches free agency.
For now, their focus this offseason will have to be on Reaves and what James ultimately decides for the next step in his career.
