Lonzo Ball makes a big claim regarding Austin Reaves.
Austin Reaves is due for a big raise in this offseason as he will likely decline his player option, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Reaves' player option is worth $14 million, and he would command significantly more on the open market.
Reaves is projected to get at least $40 million per season from the Lakers or another interested team, with the Lakers being able to offer him the max extension of five-years, $240 million, which is $48 million per season.
At $48 million per season, Reaves would be one of the 30 highest paid players in the league, making more than the likes of Victor Wembanyama, Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Jalen Brunson.
Is Reaves Worth It?
If you ask Lonzo Ball, the answer is no.
Speaking on the Ball In The Fam Pod, Lonzo said that he wouldn't make the offer to Reaves.
"If he's on my team, he's my fourth. I got 150 (million) for him, and he's taking that," said Lonzo.
He went on to say that he would keep Reaves if LeBron James ends up walking, but not for $250 million. He said that you're not going to beat the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, or Minnesota Timberwolves with Reaves.
Questioning what value Reaves has on the trade market, Lonzo said he would trade Reaves straight up for Denver Nuggets wing Peyton Watson.
"If I have Luka, I'm cool on offense. Defense, I can put Peyton there," said Lonzo.
Is Lonzo Correct?
There is no denying the contributions Reaves brings as an offensive talent, especially next to Luka Doncic. The two worked well together ever since Luka arrived in the stunning trade from Dallas in 2025.
Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists this past season while shooting 49% from the field and 36% from three.
The concerns with Reaves are on the defensive end, where he didn't hold up well through the majority of the regular season, and the playoffs in general.
As much as Reaves struggled on the defensive end in the regular season, the playoffs were even worse as he was constantly hunted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in their second round series.
The more concerning part is his offense dropping in the postseason. Reaves averaged 20 points on 40% shooting and 25% from three this year, though he was coming off an injury. Last season though, he entered the playoffs healthy and still saw his scoring drop from 20.2 points on 46/37/87 shooting splits to 16.2 points on 41/31/85 splits.
If Reaves is going to be one of the highest paid players in the league, he has to get it done when it matters.
