Austin Reaves’ path from undrafted prospect to one of the Lakers’ most valuable players has been anything but ordinary. Once dismissed as “unathletic,” he earned a two‑way deal in 2021 and seized his chance when injuries to LeBron James and Luka Doncic opened the door for him to handle a larger role.
Even with Luka Doncic back in the lineup and the Lakers regaining rhythm, Reaves’ play has kept him in the spotlight. His emergence has triggered speculation about his future and whether Los Angeles can afford to retain him as his value climbs.
NBA insider Marc Stein addressed the situation on the All‑NBA podcast, saying there is “no sense at this point that Austin Reaves is looking anywhere else.” The 26‑year‑old guard, Stein suggested, remains committed to Los Angeles, though his trajectory raises questions about roster balance and financial planning.
Marc Stein noted that while the Lakers added DeAndre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart, those were complementary moves rather than transformative ones. “You need more around Luka Doncic for the Lakers to be a true contender going forward,” he explained, pointing to the challenge of building a championship roster while managing Reaves’ rising value.
Austin Reaves’ current deal is one of the league’s best bargains at $13.9 million this season with a $14.9 million player option for next year. Acting early could allow the Lakers to secure him on a five‑year, $108 million extension. Waiting, however, risks his market value soaring well beyond $180 million, potentially reaching north of $200 million.
The question, Stein emphasized, is whether Austin Reaves becomes a long‑term partner for Luka Doncic or eventually looks elsewhere. “He looks great next to Luka, he looks great without Luka,” Stein said, highlighting the chemistry already forming between the two. He added that if Reaves were asked directly, he would likely express a desire to remain in Los Angeles, cooling speculation of any immediate move.
Reaves’ production has only strengthened his case. Over his last five games, he has averaged 33.2 points, 9.0 assists, and 5.4 rebounds, including a 50‑point performance against the Sacramento Kings on October 26.
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