Lakers Could Be Forced to Explore Trade Options for Austin Reaves as Contract Pressure Mounts
The Los Angeles Lakers may soon find themselves facing one of the most difficult roster decisions of the post-LeBron James era. As the franchise balances championship aspirations with long-term financial flexibility, Austin Reaves’ future in Los Angeles has become a growing point of uncertainty.
Once an undrafted role player, Reaves has developed into a legitimate star and potential All-Star, elevating both his on-court value and his leverage in contract negotiations. With a looming player option, rising market demand, and salary cap constraints, the Lakers could be forced to at least explore trade scenarios involving Austin Reaves, even if such a move remains unpopular internally and among fans.
Austin Reaves Is Having a Breakout, Star-Level Season
Before suffering a recent injury, Austin Reaves was in the middle of the best season of his NBA career. Through the first portion of the campaign, Reaves averaged:
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26.6 points per game (career-high)
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5.2 rebounds
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6.3 assists
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High efficiency as a primary ball-handler and scorer
Those numbers place him firmly among the league’s elite perimeter players and have sparked legitimate All-Star consideration. His offensive growth, combined with improved playmaking and leadership, has made him indispensable to the Lakers’ offensive identity.
Reaves’ momentum was temporarily halted when he suffered a Grade 2 left gastrocnemius (calf) strain during the Lakers’ Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets. While the injury sidelined him in the short term, league executives do not expect it to significantly impact his long-term value or upcoming contract outlook.
The Contract Situation Creating a Lakers Dilemma
The real issue for the Lakers is not Reaves’ production—it’s his contract.
Reaves is currently in the third year of a four-year, $53.8 million deal. The final season (2026–27) includes a player option worth just $14.8 million, a figure that dramatically undervalues his current level of play.
Given his trajectory, the expectation around the league is clear:
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Reaves will decline his player option
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He will enter unrestricted free agency
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He will seek a deal commensurate with his star status
League insiders believe Reaves could command $35+ million annually on the open market, placing him in the same financial tier as top-tier guards and wings.
NBA Insider: Reaves Is One of the Most Discussed Names in the League
NBA insider Brett Siegel recently explained just how prominent Reaves has become in league-wide conversations.
“Reaves is a very interesting scenario that keeps getting brought up when we talk to rival teams,” Siegel said on Clutch Scoops. “It’s hard to imagine the Lakers trading him, but he will most likely opt out and enter free agency as one of the better guys on the market.”
According to Siegel, multiple teams are already preparing to pursue Reaves aggressively, with max contract offers expected if he reaches free agency.
That puts the Lakers in a difficult position:
Are they willing to give Austin Reaves a full max extension?
The Luka Dončić Factor and Reaves’ Long-Term Role
One of the most intriguing elements of this situation is how Reaves fits into the Lakers’ long-term hierarchy—particularly alongside Luka Dončić, who has emerged as the franchise’s primary cornerstone.
Siegel raised a key question:
“Does Reaves want to be the number two to Luka Dončić long term? Or does he want to pull a Jalen Brunson and leave to be the star somewhere else?”
That comparison is significant. Jalen Brunson famously left the Dallas Mavericks to join the New York Knicks, where he became a franchise centerpiece and dramatically increased his profile.
If Reaves believes his ceiling is higher as a No. 1 option elsewhere, the Lakers may struggle to retain him—regardless of their willingness to pay.
Why the Lakers May Have to Consider Trading Austin Reaves
While there is no indication the Lakers are actively shopping Reaves, insiders suggest the team would be negligent not to conduct due diligence on his trade value.
Siegel explained it clearly:
“If the Lakers are hesitant about offering him a max deal, and they’re concerned he could look at other offers in the offseason, you have to explore what you could potentially get in return.”
From a front-office perspective, the worst-case scenario is obvious:
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Reaves declines his option
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Lakers refuse to match a max offer
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Reaves leaves in free agency
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Lakers receive nothing in return
For a franchise already navigating limited draft assets and cap restrictions, losing Reaves for nothing would be a devastating outcome.
Reaves Has Expressed Loyalty—but Business Is Business
To his credit, Austin Reaves has repeatedly stated that his priority is winning in Los Angeles.
“I try not to think about it, honestly,” Reaves said. “Turning down the extension doesn’t mean I’m chasing a number that doesn’t make sense. I want to be here. I want to win.”
Those comments will resonate with Lakers fans, but history shows that loyalty often collides with financial reality in the NBA. Even players with strong ties to franchises must consider long-term security, role, and legacy.
Reaves’ Importance to the Lakers’ On-Court Identity
On the court, Reaves has become irreplaceable.
He serves as:
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A secondary playmaker next to Dončić
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A reliable late-game scorer
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A stabilizing presence when LeBron James rests
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One of the few Lakers capable of creating his own shot consistently
His versatility allows the Lakers to maintain offensive balance, spacing, and tempo—qualities that would be extremely difficult to replicate if he were lost.
Does the Injury Change Anything?
While injuries always introduce risk, Reaves’ calf strain is not considered a long-term concern. League executives widely believe his market value remains intact.
However, the injury could subtly influence negotiations by:
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Giving the Lakers leverage to delay extension talks
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Encouraging caution regarding long-term guarantees
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Prompting the front office to explore contingency plans
None of these factors are expected to eliminate interest from rival teams.
The Bigger Picture: Lakers at a Crossroads
Ultimately, the Austin Reaves situation reflects a broader challenge facing the Lakers:
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Balancing superstar contracts
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Managing luxury tax penalties
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Building around Luka Dončić while maximizing the remaining LeBron window
Whether the Lakers choose to commit fully with a max extension, risk free agency, or explore a blockbuster trade, the decision will shape the franchise’s competitive trajectory for years.
One thing is clear:
Austin Reaves is no longer a complementary piece—he is a franchise-level asset.
And how the Lakers handle his future may define the next era of Los Angeles basketball.
